Book 2: It's HERE.

Order it now.

And don't kill me when you finish it: all I can say is, Christian Frank is working hard on Book 3. :)

Trespasses Against Us: Pre-order Book Two!

It's here. At last.

I am pleased to announce the second installment in a book series that's very close to my heart, John Paul 2 High Book Two: Trespasses Against Us. The saga of seven students in a Catholic start-up school and their tempestuous relationship to the massive secular school next door continues and intensifies. As Series Creator (and as you know, I prefer the title Series Queen) I have to say I think this is even better that Book One, Catholic Reluctantly. More suspense. More action. More craziness. More Catholic truth.

Celia Costain finds it tough being thought of as the perfect principal's daughter at John Paul 2 High. Being Catholic has never been easy, but now Celia’s friends are all dating and say she’s uptight. Celia can deal with that, but how can she relax with someone stalking her friend Allie?
And no one will tell her what’s really going on!

So click here to pre-order the book! It won't arrive in time for Easter, alas, but you could always ask your parents to order it for you and put a note in your Easter basket saying it's coming!

Trespasses Against Us - Coming April 2009!!

Yes, Book Two of John Paul 2 High is almost here: Trespasses Against Us was just sent to the publisher for proofing last night! We're still working on the cover photo, or I'd post it here for us. I really hope fans enjoy this book: Christian Frank has pulled it off again, and I think this book is even better than the first one! It chronicles George Peterson's "descent into darkness" as he starts seeking revenge against his enemy, Tyler Getz. Meanwhile, Celia Costain is trying to deal with the effects of dating as the school splits up into couples -- and she's not allowed to date. So more tension, more craziness, and more Catholic truth -- coming soon at John Paul 2 High!

Stay tuned for the cover and Chapter One -- coming soon!

Very Sad News

I write with great sadness to tell you of the death of my friend Amy Welborn's husband, Michael Dubruiel. Yesterday at an Alabaman gym, Michael collapsed and could not be revived by paramedics.

I first knew Amy when she was a single mother writing columns and reviews for Our Sunday Visitor. She took an interest in my writing for teens and my novels, which her daughters enjoyed, and she was generous in recommending my books to others through her popular blogs back when every little bit of publicity I could get made a difference. I was thrilled when she married fellow Catholic writer Michael Dubruiel.

Between the two of them, they have authored over twenty books, separately and together, including Amy's popular book De-Coding Mary Magdalene and Michael's bestselling The How-To Book of the Mass. Their latest jointly-written book is John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross.
I can only imagine how the family has been devastated by the loss of this good husband and father, not to mention their breadwinner. I don't yet know of an address where donations could be sent, but I am sure that any would be appreciated: I will post if I can find one. In the meantime, I know that buying Michael's books would help them all through this difficult time period.

Michael Dubruiel was a man who put his whole life as much as possible for the service of Christ and His Church. May his soul rest in peace.

No Delays for Book Two~!

BTW to answer some concerns, a message was accidentally sent out from Sophia Press to the effect that Book 2 will not be out for another six months. I am pleased to say that we plan to have the book out a lot sooner than that! But as for a firm date, I don't have that yet. Let's just say we will be working as hard as we can to get it into your hands around Eastertime. Pray for us!

Book Two

For all of you who've asked me: when's the next John Paul 2 High Book coming out?

Right now Book Two is written and it's at the publishers. I don't know yet when they will be bringing it out: but I know this much: if they hear from you readers, they'll probably speed up the process!

So please direct any and all inquiries about the release date for Book Two to: orders@sophiainstitute.com or call 1-800-888-9344.

Here's hoping for Book Two early in the New Year! Merry Christmas!

Review on Catholic Pondering!

Wow! Check out this great review of Book One on "Just another Pondering Catholic..."

My favorite aspect of this book was the fact that, despite having “Catholic” in its title, this book would be great for ANY teen or young adult. There’s no “secret Catholic stuff” included - you don’t have to be a Catholic or even understand anything about the Catholic Church to enjoy this book. One of the main characters isn’t a practicing Catholic and isn’t very familiar with things Catholic, and when the kids at her new school mention things - such as the Divine Mercy Chaplet - she doesn’t understand. And though she does sometimes feel like an idiot, we readers get a natural explanation (and a reminder of just how hard it is to be a teen, and to feel like you don’t fit in) that’s not ponderous or overly cerebral. Read more...

If you're an adult thinking about buying Catholic Reluctantly for your teen, you should read this one.