A Catholic Girl Reads

Keeping the Castle

Grace Donahue — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:09:16 GMT

PATRICE KINDL

Age Range: 11/12 and up

Reading Level: High School

A fun and light hearted romance similar to Pride and Prejudice and I Capture the Castle!

Seventeen-year-old Althea is the sole support of her entire family, and she must marry well. But there are few wealthy suitors--or suitors of any kind--in their small Yorkshire town of Lesser Hoo. Then, the young and attractive (and very rich) Lord Boring arrives, and Althea sets her plans in motion. There's only one problem; his friend and business manager Mr. Fredericks keeps getting in the way. And, as it turns out, Fredericks has his own set of plans . . .

Summary from Goodreads

Keeping the Castle was a fun and delightful read that made me laugh and lifted my spirits! The book is a mix of Pride and Prejudice (one of the best books of all time) and I Capture the Castle. The main character, Althea, is intelligent and witty but not cheesy, and her relationships with the other characters in the story are enjoyable. From the book's very first page, I was laughing and didn't stop until it ended.

The romance was not what I expected, and the reasons for love were funny and added to the general humor of the story. Everything was clean, pretty light-hearted, and well-written. Usually, books that are just for fun or short are not very good, but Keeping the Castle is an exception! The plot and setting were all thought out and exciting. The novel was maybe a little predictable, but I enjoyed it all the same.

I think middle schoolers and high schoolers will enjoy this story, and if you love Pride and Prejudice as much as I do, you definitely need to read this! Keeping the Castle is a book I will be reading again!

Things to Mention: Small mention of a charecter who died in a knife fight before book.

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If you have read Keeping the Castle, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here!

Charting the Course

Grace Donahue — Sun, 20 Aug 2023 23:00:20 GMT

LESLEA WAHL

Age Range: 13 and up

Reading Level: High School

A ten-day Caribbean cruise might sound like a fabulous way to spend the holidays, but Liz would rather be anywhere than stranded on a ship with her estranged father for his high school reunion.

While an anonymous note, an onboard mystery, and a cute boy help turn the tide on the unwanted trip, Liz and her father drift even further apart. However, when Liz’s reckless actions create a tsunami of unintended consequences, she recognizes that she’s drowning in pent-up hurt and anger. As her carefully created façade begins to ebb away, she turns to her faith and sets off to chart a new course for her life.

Summary from Goodreads

I have always enjoyed Leslea Wahl's books, but it has been a while since I read one of her novels. For some reason, I forgot how great they are until I read Charting the Course and was reminded of how well-written and entertaining these novels are. Her books are not cheesy or bad, and I always want to read more. And I never wanted to go on a cruise, but after reading this book, it is now on my bucket list!

Chatting the Course differs from all the other books I've read by this author. The main character is not Catholic and is from a divorced family. She goes on a cruise with her dad for Christmas break and does not want to be there, so she makes it known to the people around her. I feel a connection to Liz and can understand her struggle. I love watching her grow as a person and in her faith throughout the book and all the people who help her along the way (including a cute Catholic guy)!

Something I was not expecting was a mystery and many secrets involving stolen items on board the ship. The reader is kept in the dark until later in the book, so you can never know what will happen next.

Charting the Course is the second book in the Finding Faith Series, but you do not need to read the first to read the second. I have not read Into the Spotlight, and I was able to follow along perfectly. Overall I loved Charting the Course, and it is the perfect book for anyone having a hard time, holding on to anger and pain, and in need of forgiving yourself and/or others.

Special thanks to Leslea Wahl for sending me a complimentary copy of Charting the Course for my unbiased review!

Things to Mention: Liz is sarcastic and negative in the beginning. There is some stealing. Liz mentions how her dad used to date someone close in age to her. A woman publicly humiliates some people and says one person cheated on her. There is one almost kiss. There are a few other minor things.

Click here to buy!

More books by Leslea Wahl:

The Blindside Series:

Catholic Teen Books Anthologies Series:

Stand Alone Novels:

Where You Lead

If you have read Charting the Course, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

A Walk to Remember

Grace Donahue — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 12:32:56 GMT

NICHOLAS SPARKS

Age Range: 13 and up

Reading Level: High School

There was a time when the world was sweeter....when the women in Beaufort, North Carolina, wore dresses, and the men donned hats....

Every April, when the wind smells of both the sea and lilacs, Landon Carter remembers 1958, his last year at Beaufort High. Landon had dated a girl or two, and even once sworn that he'd been in love. Certainly the last person he thought he'd fall for was Jamie, the shy, almost ethereal daughter of the town's Baptist minister....Jamie, who was destined to show him the depths of the human heart-and the joy and pain of living. The inspiration for this novel came from Nicholas Sparks's sister: her life and her courage. From the internationally bestselling author Nicholas Sparks, comes his most moving story yet....

Summary from Amazon

A Walk to Remember is such a beautiful but sad book. I have seen the movie multiple times, but this is my first time reading the book, and it was so heartwarming. Nicholas Sparks has a very different writing style than most authors and does not tend to focus on the details or dialogue but just tells the story with not a lot of fluff. The story was also pretty quick and easy to read. I did not expect it, but I liked the writing style. There’s a reason Nicholas Sparks is one of the best romance writers of today’s times.

I also did not expect Landon to be as nice as he was. Of course, movies and books always differ, but I felt like Landon‘s character was very different. The story was told from his perspective so that the reader could see all of his thoughts, and he was actually a really good and sweet guy who was also kind of dorky. This novel was also pretty clean and wholesome, which I was happy about.

The story of Landon and Jamie is one of the most beautiful and emotional. I’m sure everybody knows how the story ends, but if you don’t, I won’t spoil it but let me say it’s so good and sad at the same time. I recommend this book, even if you have already watched the movie.

Things to Mention: Mentions of a boy having shots of bourbon and beer. A punch bowl is spiked at a school dance and many people get drunk. One girl gets sick from the alcohol and passes out. Mentions that Landon's grandfather died while sleeping with his mistress. Landon says he had a few girlfriends and french kissed one of them once. A few kisses with no details. Landon and his friends used to say the word fornicators around the minister to make him mad. A remark about second base. A few bad words: sh**, d***, hell, and crap.

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If you have read A Walk to Remember, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

100 Days of Sunlight

Grace Donahue — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 21:58:08 GMT

ABBIE EMMONS

Age Range: 13 and up

Reading Level: High School

After 16-year-old Tessa gets into a car crash and loses her vision, she doesn't know how to move on or live. The doctors said her sight would return in 100 days, but what if it never does? Tessa's grandparents, wanting to help her blog about poetry like she used to before the accident, hire a boy to write down Tessa's poetry for her. Tessa can't see how nice of a person Weston is, but she also can't see that he has nothing below the knee.

Weston has lived his life trying to be as optimistic as possible, believing that there was nothing he could not do, but after being with Tessa, he realizes that there is one thing he can never do—be with Tessa after her sight returns. Can Tessa and Weston help each other to overcome their fears?

Only a few books make me want to change and be a better person after I read them, and 100 Days of Sunlight is one of them. The novel is told through three perspectives: Tessa's, Weston's, and then Weston's three years before when he had his accident. I did not realize it the first time I read it, but the book's main theme is to be positive and not act like a victim. After Weston was in a skateboarding accident, he lost his legs below the knee, and he saw two options in front of him: give into despair and be miserable or take the high road and work hard to achieve anything. I loved his positive attitude and determination not to give up, even when everyone around him told him he couldn't do it.

Tessa is downright miserable after losing sight, so when Weston shows up to help her with her blog, he is her saving grace, but she doesn't realize it at first. He helps her see that there is more to life than sight. Tessa was pretty annoying for the book's first half, but she was alright after that. Throughout the story, Weston fears that Tessa would not like him if she knew about his legs which is understandable, but the author may have taken it too far.

100 Days of Sunlight is less clean than some of the other books I reviewed, but I really liked the positive message throughout, so I added it. You can decide if you would like to read it or not. The writing is pretty good and engaging and not corny or cheesy. Overall I liked 100 Days of Sunlight, its message, and the sweet romance in it.

Things to Mention: Has some bad words including: hell, sh**, pansya**, pissed off, fricking, and a mention that someone said f-bomb but not the actual word. A few mentions of God's name in vain. Two kisses with little to no detail. When in a bookstore, a man grabs onto blind Tessa but Weston saves her before anything can happen. There is some fun fighting between Weston and his best friend. Tessa was born out of wedlock and says that her father "didn’t believe in condoms".

Click here to buy!

If you have read 100 Days of Sunlight, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

Christy

Grace Donahue — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 16:34:53 GMT

CATHERINE MARSHALL

Age Range: 16 and up

Reading Level: High School and Adult

The train taking nineteen-year-old teacher Christy Huddleston from her home in Asheville, North Carolina, might as well be transporting her to another world. The Smoky Mountain community of Cutter Gap feels suspended in time, trapped by poverty, superstitions, and century-old traditions.

But as Christy struggles to find acceptance in her new home, some see her — and her one-room school — as a threat to their way of life. Her faith is challenged and her heart is torn between two strong men with conflicting views about how to care for the families of the Cove.

Yearning to make a difference, will Christy’s determination and devotion be enough?

Summary from Goodreads

Christy has been on my list to read for maybe two years, and I finally got around to reading it, and I am so glad that I did. I would not have been ready to read a novel like Christy before, so it came at the perfect time. The book is sort of based on the author's mother and her life teaching children. This was published in the 1960s, but it reads more like a contemporary novel with a mix of good old-fashioned writing.

The story is beautiful, captivating, and one of the best I have ever read. The people of Cutter Gap were interesting and opinionated but, at the same time, clueless about life. Still, they showed Christy and the other missionaries a new way of living. The story has more difficult themes, including death, hardship, and abuse so I would recommend it for older teens and adults, but Christy is a must-read! There was also some romance, but it started at the middle to end of the book.

When I was reading Christy, I felt like I was in another time and world, and it was beautiful. The only thing I did not love about the book was the ending. I liked how the end played out, but it left some room for imagination, and I like when a story ends with lots of details and is completed. Besides that, I loved the whole thing; the book is more on the longer side, but totally worth it!

Things to Mention: A few mentions that a “little girl was beaten over and over by her mother’s lover, …brutally raped” and then later died. A women says how a bad man came into her Quaker community and tricked, seduced, and raped her when she was a girl. A doctor says he is amazed that a woman doesn't know the facts of physical intimacy. A mother accidentally kills her baby. There are people who made alcohol illegally. People get drunk and smoke. A few kisses with no detail. Some violence. A women says she was “an accident conceived in man’s lust.”

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If you have read Christy, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

Top 9 Books and Book Series of 2022 for Teens

Grace Donahue — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:29:48 GMT

Wow, 2023 has gone by so fast that I have not had the time to post on my favorite books and book series of 2022. Last year was a long stressful year, so I did not have that much time to do extra reading on top of school, but I did manage to read a few amazing books!

With a wide variety of genres, there is a perfect book for everyone on my list of best books read in 2023. There are historical must-reads, a fantasy fairytale, contemporary Catholic stories, exciting dystopian adventures, and more! The books are ordered from my favorite to least favorite.

I hope you all enjoy my favorite books and book series of 2022!

1: Emma

JANE AUSTEN

Age Range: 13 and up

Reading Level: High School and Adult

2: The Scarlet Pimpernel

BARONESS ORCZY

Age Range: 12 and up

Reading Level: Middle School and High School

In the midst of the French Revolution, one brave elusive man known only as the scarlet pimpernel rescues those who are sentenced to the guillotine. Only a select few men closest to him know the identity of the scarlet pimpernel, but after being blackmailed, one woman is determined to find his identity.

3: The Goose Girl

SHANNON HALE

Age Range: 12/13 and up

Reading Level: Middle School and High School

Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree, always knew she was different from those around her and, because of that, was somehow failing as a princess. Years later, when her aunt was gone instead of becoming queen, was sent to a kingdom far away to marry a prince she had never met.

4: Rose in Bloom

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

Age Range: 10 and up

Reading Level: High School

5: Ashes: Visible & Invisible

LESLEA WAHL, CYNTHIA T. TONEY, MARIE C. KEISER, CAROLYN ASTFALK, etc.

Age Range: 12 and up

Reading Level: Middle School and High School

Ashes: Visible and Invisible was another great addition to the Catholic Teen Books Anthologies Series! I am always so excited to see what these incredible authors put together. These ten lenten short stories are a must read before and during lent.

6: The Silence Between Us

ALISON GERVAIS

Age Range: 13 and up

Reading Level: High School

7: Fawkes

NADINE BRANDES

Age Range: 13/14 and up

Reading Level: High School

Thomas Fawkes, the sixteen-year-old son of the famous war hero Guy Fawkes, has only ever wanted one thing, his color mask. Without his mask, Thomas can never hope of being cured of the stone plague, where stone grows over your entire body until you are completely covered.

8: The Awakening of Miss Prim

NATALIA SANMARTÍN FENOLLERA

Age Range: 12 and up

Reading Level: Adult

In this #1 international bestseller, a young woman leaves everything behind to work as a librarian in a remote French village, where she finds her outlook on life and love challenged in every way.

Buy Now

Review to come soon!

9: Emily of New Moon

L.M. MONTGOMERY

Age Range: 11 and up

Reading Level: High School

Emily Byrd Starr had everything that any 10-year-old girl could want, a loving father, the great outdoors, and an imagination that could take her anywhere. When she thought nothing could get better, her beloved father died, leaving Emily very lonely and an orphan.

Favorite Book Series of 2022: The Hunger Games

SUZANNE COLLINS

Age Range: 15/16 and up

Reading Level: High School

The hunger games series is one of the most popular series world wide, and after reading it I understood why. The writing is captivating, the characters are interesting and life like, and the plot is one of the best ever made. Although the books are about teenagers being forced to kill other teenagers, I would say the book is still clean and one everyone should read.

I have read this book series about four times and it just gets better every time I read it!

Buy Now

Review to come soon!

If you have read these book, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! What was the best book or books you read this year? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list to read! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here!

I Am Margaret

Grace Donahue — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 15:37:07 GMT

CORINNA TURNER

Age Range: 16 and up

Reading Level: High School and Adult

In Margo’s world, the ‘imperfect’ are recycled. Literally.

Margaret Verrall dreams of marrying the boy she loves and spending her life with him. But she’s part of the underground network of Believers – and that carries the death penalty. But before she can be unmasked as a Believer, she fails her Sorting and is reassigned as spare parts. Bane swears to rescue her before she can be dismantled, but a chance to take on the system ups the stakes beyond mere survival. Now she has to break out of the Facility—or face the worst punishment of all: Conscious Dismantlement.

Summary from Amazon

I always thought the Hunger Games would be my favorite dystopian book, but that all changed after I read I Am Margaret! Corinna Turner is a fantastic writer, and it shows in her work. I Am Margaret was exceptionally well written with a great storyline combining the Catholic, dystopian, and romance genres into one excellent novel!

Margaret is an 18-year-old who fails her sorting because she can’t do math and is sent to be dismantled. There she meets new friends and plans her escape with Bane! I loved the main characters, all in their own way. There is also a little love triangle thing going, which for some reason, I also liked. Unlike most novels, the entire story drew me in and was funny enough at times that I laughed out loud, so I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

Their society is interesting and almost feels like what our world would be like to an extreme. I have always been a fan of dystopian worlds like this, but Margo’s world felt so real. I Am Margaret is the first really good dystopian Catholic book I read, adding another element to the story. It gives what they are doing meaning, unlike other novels.

The first time I read I Am Margaret, I was 15, and I thought it was disturbing how Corinna Turner described dismantling and some other elements, so I do not recommend you read this book if you are 15 or younger. I just reread this novel now, and I am 17 and thought it was clean enough and age-appropriate enough to read. Although some parts of this book were a bit graphic, it had an amazing Catholic theme throughout the whole. Margaret is on fire with her faith, which shows in her strength and faith in God throughout her trials and her constant prayers. She is a beautiful example of what we should do daily (though we might not have trials as great as hers).

I Am Margaret is honestly one of my favorite books, one that I would repeatedly read (I have already read it twice and couldn’t stop until I finished)!

Also I love the book cover!!

Things to Mention: Mention that everyone has a contraceptive in their body, so they can’t have kids. Some kisses with little to no detail. There is a brief mention of how some boys tried to drown another boy twice and hang him once. Margaret and Jon have to pretend to be together sexually so no one suspects they are Catholic. Nothing actually happens, and they just sleep in the same bed with a blanket between them. A guard tries to rape a main character, but the character escapes before he can do any harm to her (this part has little details). Characters get hit, slapped, and kicked. A brief description of some people begging for their lives before they are killed. A few people are killed. The girls at the facility are forced to watch a dismantlement. This is described. A main character is tortured a bit because of their Catholic belief and then is partly dismantled before help comes. Margaret implies that she wants to be married by a priest so she can get in bed with Bane. Implication of couples being together. Some other violence. Mention of how girls try to show off their legs to get guys. Jon and Margaret pretend so make out so they can talk in private.

Click here to buy!

I Am Margaret Series:

I Am Margaret

More books by Corinna Turner:

Catholic Teen Books Anthologies Series:

If you have read I Am Margaret, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

The Silence Between Us

Grace Donahue — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:21:31 GMT

ALISON GERVAIS

Age Range: 13 and up

Reading Level: High School

Deaf teen Maya moves across the country and must attend a hearing school for the first time. As if that wasn’t hard enough, she also has to adjust to the hearing culture, which she finds frustrating—and also surprising when some classmates, including Beau Watson, take time to learn ASL. As Maya looks past graduation and focuses on her future dreams, nothing, not even an unexpected romance, will derail her pursuits. But when people in her life—deaf and hearing alike—ask her to question parts of her deaf identity, Maya stands proudly, never giving in to the idea that her deafness is a disadvantage.

Summary from Goodreads

I was hesitant to read The Silence Between Us because it is more of a mainstream book, which is usually never clean, but surprisingly this one was. There’s almost nothing to mention which made me happy. Besides being clean, the story and writing style was fun, enjoyable, and made me more aware of the deaf community. Reading about how Maya communicated using ASL was fascinating and made me want to learn it too.

As for the characters, I thought Maya was sometimes annoying and too judgy of people, although I understand why she was like that. I can’t even imagine how hard it would be not to be able to hear, and I think overall, she handles everything pretty well, but still, I didn’t love her character. I enjoyed the other characters and thought they perfectly fit this story. (And I loved a certain romance)!

Overall, I liked The Silence Between Us and thought it was a good book, but it was not one of my favorites.

Things to Mention: A few kisses with little to no details.

Click here to buy!

If you have read The Silence Between Us, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

Ashes: Visible & Invisible

Grace Donahue — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 14:18:34 GMT

LESLEA WAHL, CYNTHIA T. TONEY, MARIE C. KEISER, CAROLYN ASTFALK, AMANDA LAUER, ELLEN GABLE, CORINNA TURNER, ANTONY B. KOLENC, T.M. GAOUETTE, THERESA LINDEN

Age Range: 12 and up

Reading Level: Middle School and High School

Lenten short stories by ten Catholic Teen Books authors.

Finishing the Journey: When Liz's faith journey hits a roadblock, will an unexpected detour and chance encounter set her back on track?

Follow Me: A teen’s future was all set—before his tragic loss. But his best friend’s secret past just might save it.

Take Up Your Cross: Justin's religion is outlawed. When an unbeliever asks him about the meaning of life, what can he say?

A Big Ask: Could God be asking Paul to sacrifice a piece of himself for Lent—literally?

Lent Royal & Ancient: A modern American teen discovers what faith, life and love are like in seventeenth-century Scotland.

No Greater Love: Teenager Lexie Dugan struggles to understand the sacrifice of Lent when she’s asked to help take care of her siblings while her pregnant mother is on bed rest.

A Very Jurassic Lent: When a risky Ash Wednesday mission to sterilize T. rex eggs goes wrong, fasting is the least of Joshua, Darryl, and Harry's worries.

Lucy and the Forsaken Path: A medieval girl stranded on a forsaken path confronts threats from without and turmoil from within.

Bread Alone: Struggling with loss, hunger, and temptation, Ethan finds himself walking in the steps of Jesus.

Prepare the Way: Asher’s desire to prepare for the Messiah intensifies after he’s robbed by bandits, but would fighting alongside the Zealots be the best way?

Summary from Goodreads

I didn't know what to expect from these Lenten stories, but I was delighted by what I read. Each story was about a teen in very different stages in life, periods, and even worlds, but they all had one thing in common, the Catholic faith. It was interesting how I was relating to so many of these characters, and it made me think a lot about myself and my own Lenten journeys.

One of the things I loved about Ashes: Visible and Invisible is the different lessons and experiences each character had during their Lenten journey. Each story talked about a different part of lent, and I loved it! Like I did, any teen reading this will see that there is more to Lent than just fasting and sacrifices, even though that is a part of it; there is also a lot of love and mercy, and it was beautiful to see!

Some of my favorite short stories in this book are Follow Me, Take Up Your Cross, and A Very Jurassic Lent. Follow Me was a wonderfully written short story about a guy who wanted to become a priest, but then after the death of a family member, he is not so sure anymore. This story is part of a series by Cynthia T. Toney that I want to read now. I loved how self-sacrifice was shown lovingly and how a different angle of lent was shown. Take Up Your Cross had the best message for me: "God doesn't ask us to do anything He didn't already do Himself." This was the first thing I read by Marie C. Keiser, and I am excited to read more. A Very Jurassic Lent is about, not surprisingly, dinosaurs. I didn't expect to like this short story as much as I did, but first, Corinna Turner is a fantastic writer, and second, there was a great love of the Eucharist throughout the whole that made me want to go to adoration. Besides the great messages all 10 of these stories sent, they were also very enjoyable and absorbing.

Ashes: Visible and Invisible was another great addition to the Catholic Teen Books Anthologies Series! I am always so excited to see what these incredible authors put together. I recommend this book to all teens (especially now, with Lent starting this month)!

(As a side note, I love the cover)!

Special thanks to T. M. Gaouette for sending me a complimentary copy of Ashes: Visible and Invisible for my unbiased review!

Things to Mention: There’s a car accident. One damn. In one of the stories it is insinuated that Catholics are being hunted down and taken. There is a slight description of changing a baby’s diaper and being able to tell the baby’s gender. Some people are chased by dinosaurs. A kiss with no details.

Click here to buy!

Catholic Teen Books Anthologies Series:

More Books By Leslea Wahl:

Stand Alone Novels:

Where You Lead

Blindside Series:

Finding Faith Series:

More Books by Amanda Lauer:

Heaven Intended Series:

A World Such as Heaven Intended

More Books by Corinna Turner

I Am Margaret Series:

I Am Margaret

More books by Antony B. Kolenc:

The Hardwood Mysteries:

More books by T. M. Gaouette:

Faith & Kung Fu Series:

Stand Alone Novels:

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch

For Eden's Sake

More books by Theresa Linden:

Liberty Trilogy:

If you have read Ashes: Visible and Invisible, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

A Catholic Girl Reads Gift Set: St. Valentine's Edition 2023

Grace Donahue — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 00:59:29 GMT

Hey everybody! I had so much success and a lot of fun putting together my Christmas Gift Set that I decided to do another: A Catholic Girl Reads Book Set: St. Valentine's Day!

The theme of this set will be Valentine's and will include one surprise book and girly accessory items for purchase for my readers, friends, or family.

I put together a gift set that I would love to receive in the mail, and it would be the perfect gift for yourself, a friend, a daughter, a girlfriend, a granddaughter, or anyone else who would enjoy a Valentine's or Galantine's package this year! (Perfect for high schoolers).

For my gift set, I picked out one of my favorite books to send in this gift set as a surprise and it is a wonderful clean christian romance story to make you feel all good inside! This book is written by an incredible contemporary author and is the first book in a series.

This novel was recommended to me by my cousins and I couldn't believe I never read it before. I received this novel when I was 14 and have read it many times since then! It would be appropriate and enjoyed by anyone 13 years or older, but I would personally it for high schoolers.

Some Book Set Info to Know:

Genres: romance, young adult, historical, Christian, fairytale
Goodies: romance novel, high end nail polish, yummy chocolate, perfume roller bottle infused with essential oils, and more!
Age Range and Reading Level: 13+ and High School
Price: $22 and FREE shipping

All of the extras I have added to the gift set are perfect for getting you ready for Saint Valentine's Day!

Although the contents are a mystery, I know any girl opening up this set will enjoy the goodies inside. This package has more than just a book! It has something to read, taste, smell, wear, and more.

Scroll down to learn how to grab your St. Valentine's Gift Set now!

SOLD OUT!

To be the first to know about my next gift set subscribe to my site!

A Catholic Girl Reads Gift Set: St. Valentine's Edition 2023 is only going to be $22 with FREE shipping! (Currently, I am only selling and shipping in the United States, not internationally, though this might change in the future). Limited sets are available. First come, first serve.

Steps to buy St. Valentine's Gift Set:

Send $22.00 either through Paypal or Venmo and add the delivery address in the subject line.
Wait by the window for your gift to arrive.
Read and enjoy your new book + gift set!

Emma

Grace Donahue — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 18:54:04 GMT

JANE AUSTEN

Age Range: 13 and up

Reading Level: High School and Adult

'I never have been in love; it is not my way, or my nature; and I do not think I ever shall.'

Beautiful, clever, rich - and single - Emma Woodhouse is perfectly content with her life and sees no need for either love or marriage. Nothing, however, delights her more than interfering in the romantic lives of others. But when she ignores the warnings of her good friend Mr Knightley and attempts to arrange a suitable match for her protegee Harriet Smith, her carefully laid plans soon unravel and have consequences that she never expected. With its imperfect but charming heroine and its witty and subtle exploration of relationships, Emma is often seen as Jane Austen's most flawless work.

Summary from Goodreads

I always thought Pride and Prejudice would be my favorite novel by Jane Austin, but I was wrong. Emma is by far one of the best books I have ever read (even better than the movie)! I was captivated from the first page and couldn't stop reading until I finished. Emma has been on my list of books to read for a while now, and I finally read it after being assigned to read it in school, and I am so glad that it was.

Like all of Jane Austin's works, Emma was excellently written and engaging, but what stands it apart from the rest is that it is also witty, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. I can't even describe how much I loved and enjoyed this novel!

Emma Woodhouse is very intellectual and amusing, but sometimes she can be ignorant about the feelings of those around her and her own feelings. I personally loved Emma's character, even all her flaws, because she is so much like a real person and not some made-up character. Emma starts at the novel's beginning being ignorant and a bit vain, but by the end, she learns so much about herself and is humble, knowledgeable, and more of a kind person who thinks more of others than herself.

Although I loved Emma, Mr. Knightly is my favorite character! I used to think I loved Mr. Darcy, but when I met Mr. Knightley, I couldn't believe I had stayed away from Emma for so long.

The novel Emma is funny, witty, sad, enjoyable, and romantic and overall a delightful and fun light book. I recommend it to all ages and in all stages of life!

Things to Mention: Some gypsies assault two characters on the road but nothing happens.

Click here to buy!

More books by Jane Austen:

Pride and Prejudice

Sense and Sensibility

If you have read Emma, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

Rose in Bloom

Grace Donahue — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 18:01:45 GMT

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

Age Range: 10 and up

Reading Level: High School

In this sequel to Eight Cousins, Rose Campbell returns to the “Aunt Hill” after two years of traveling around the world. Suddenly, she is surrounded by male admirers, all expecting her to marry them. But before she marries anyone, Rose is determined to establish herself as an independent young woman. Besides, she suspects that some of her friends like her more her money than for herself. How can Rose tell who her real friends are? Is there anyone she can count on?

Summary from Amazon

Rose in Bloom was such a cute story that took place about six years after the first book, Eight Cousins. Rose is 21 now and has just returned from traveling abroad with her uncle and friend Peony and comes home to suitors, cousins, and aunts all expecting things from her. I loved and enjoyed this novel so much and have read it three times or so and am just getting around to writing a review for it.

Rose in Bloom has a good message that reminded me a lot of Louisa May Alcott's other book, An Old Fashioned Girl. There is a lot about women developing themselves and gaining more talents and virtues. I loved how Mrs. Alcott was able to write a story about an independent, intelligent young woman who is not a feminist, unlike many other stories. Rose was a true feminine in the sense that she wanted to develop and form herself into a better person and when the time was right to marry a good man.

Besides Rose, I also really liked the character Mac, one of her cousins. He was intelligent, humble, kind, and loved a certain someone with patience and hope. The first book in this series was aimed more toward the middle school level, and this one is for more of the high school age. I thoroughly enjoyed and loved every second of Rose in Bloom, and I hope you do too!

Things to mention: There is some drinking and gambling. Also some violence is talked about.

Click here to buy!

Eight Cousins Series:

More books by Louisa May Alcott:

An Old-Fashioned Girl

If you have read Rose in Bloom, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

Fight for Liberty

Grace Donahue — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 21:39:08 GMT

THERESA LINDEN

Age Range: 14 and up

Reading Level: High School

Liberty has gained a deeper understanding of true freedom, but having it for herself is not enough. Prompted by the inner voice that has guided her for years, Liberty is compelled to bring the freedom she possesses to others in Aldonia. While unsure of how to carry out this mission, she is willing to risk all to accomplish it. Threats from outside the Boundary Fence and threats closer to home cause chaos and confusion that have everyone unsure of what direction to take. Troubled by Liberty’s risky choices, Dedrick wishes he could convince her to leave for the colonies. But Liberty has chosen Aldonia over him.

When faith, family, and freedom have been squashed, what can one erson or even a group do to reclaim the culture?

Summary from Goodreads

New Review:

I love the new cover, such a great update!

Old Review:

Fight for Liberty is the last novel in the Liberty Trilogy and brings this dystopian world to a close. I would love to say that this final book in the series was even better than the last two, but I was disappointed with the ending and the novel as a whole. It was nice to see how everything ended, and some parts drew me in, but I can't say I will reread it. There was not much about the Catholic faith, but it was fascinating to see how the Aldonia government worked and was controlling the minds of all its people. There are so many similarities between their government and ours that it is scary.

My favorite character once again was Dedrick. I loved seeing how he wanted to help and take care of Liberty, and even after being rejected still had hope. His character was also the most interesting because he had depth and emotions. Many of the other characters were flat or uninteresting, like the main character Liberty, though she had some excellent moments. For example, when she met with her friend Sarkin again. Overall I liked the Liberty Series, the second one being my favorite, and I recommend that you read Fight for Liberty if you've read the other two books in the story, even though it wasn't my favorite.

Special thanks to Theresa Linden for sending me a complimentary copy of Fight for Liberty for my unbiased review!

Things to Mention: There was some violence including people dying. There were a few kisses. Some other things.

Click here to buy!

Liberty Trilogy:

More Books by Theresa Linden:

Catholic Teen Books Anthologies Series:

If you have read Fight for Liberty, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

A Catholic Girl Reads Gift Set: Christmas Edition

Grace Donahue — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 02:16:19 GMT

Hey everybody! I am trying something new this November and December: A Catholic Girl Reads Gift Set: Christmas Edition!

An idea that came to me would be to put together a little package, holiday or season-themed, that would include one surprise book and girly accessory items for purchase for my readers, friends, or family.

This gift set is going to be all Christmas and winter themed!

I put together a gift set that I would love to receive in the mail, and it would be the perfect gift for yourself, a friend, a daughter, a granddaughter, or anyone else who would enjoy a cozy Christmas package this year! (Perfect for middle and high schoolers).

For my gift set, I picked out one of my favorite books to send in this gift set as a surprise, and though it is not a Christmas book, it has a few Christmas scenes that make you want to cozy up by the fire with a blanket and hot chocolate/tea. This book is written by an incredible author but is often overlooked because of her more popular novels. I received this novel when I was 13 and have read it many times since then! It would be appropriate and enjoyed by anyone 11 years or older.

All of the extras I have added to the gift set are perfect for getting you into the Christmas Season.

Scroll down to learn how to grab your Christmas Edition Gift Set now!

A Catholic Girl Reads Gift Set: Christmas Edition is only going to be $20 with FREE shipping! (Currently, I am only selling and shipping in the United States, not internationally, though this might change in the future). Limited sets are available. First come, first serve.

Sold Out.

Steps to buy Christmas Gift Set:

Send $20.00 either through Paypal or Venmo and add the delivery address in the subject line.
Wait by the window for your gift to arrive.
Read and enjoy your new book + gift set!

Testing Liberty

Grace Donahue — Sat, 05 Nov 2022 21:28:12 GMT

THERESA LINDEN

Age Range: 15 and up

Hidden no more. Imprisoned by the all-controlling government. Slated for Re-Education. Liberty must escape from a high-security facility to rescue the colonists who lost their freedom. Their capture is her fault.

Set in the not-so-distant future, where the government controls society through indoctrination, population control, and the eradication of the family, Liberty bides her time in Aldonia’s Re-Education facility. If she fails to escape and rescue the others, the children, teens and adults of the Maxwell Colony will be integrated into society, facing sterilization and indoctrination.

She is not alone in the desire to rescue the colonists. An underground, anti-government group has been rescuing people from Aldonia for years, but never have they attempted to rescue so many at one time. To do so would risk exposing, even ending, their operation. Dedrick, one of the top rescuers, grieves for his family members who are now residents of government’s facilities. He wants Liberty free, but he is opposed to working with her.

Racing through the wild, the underground and sordid inner-city slums, Testing Liberty follows Liberty from one trial to another, to her final sacrifice.

Summary from Goodreads

New Review:

I love the new cover, such a great update!

Old Review:

Testing Liberty is the second book in the Liberty Trilogy, where Liberty is tested in every area of her life—her faith, morals, vocation, and acceptance and forgiveness of herself. After Liberty indirectly led the government to the Maxwell community and got captured and imprisoned with a few dozen other people, she can think of nothing else than fixing her mistake and freeing the colonists. As the world around them falls apart, the Mosheh tries their best to save and rescue everyone, but Dr. Supero and the government make it their goal to stop all things good and pure.

I liked and enjoyed Testing Liberty better than the first book because of the insight into Dedrick's life, his point of view, and a new character from the short story Operation Gift Drop. It made the story much more enjoyable as Liberty's character seems a bit flat. Dedrick has flaws just like everyone else, but he seems genuine as if he is real. He was so different from all the other guy characters in the book—he respected all people and was faithful to God. And then Bolcan, a rescued Aldonian, appears as a character, and it is so funny to see how he butts heads with and annoys Dedrick.

Theresa Linden is an excellent author because her books are well-written, and it takes work to guess what will happen next! Testing Liberty continues the theme of being a Catholic dystopian, but I was disappointed in how little the novel was Catholic. It was not the main subject and only a minor matter. Yes, the Catholics and faithful people had good morals, but there was no deeper explanation into that. Once again, I must mention that the book cover is not becoming the actual story and that I believe it should be changed.

I was amazed at how awful the government was and how it turned from our current government to the tyrannical one it became. It is scary to think that some of the same tactics used in Testing Liberty are also used in our own government and how they are reaching for more and more control each day. Testing Liberty is a book that needs to be read by the young adults and adults in our world, besides being a very enjoyable story!

Special thanks to Theresa Linden for sending me a complimentary copy of Testing Liberty for my unbiased review!

Things to Mention: One "b*****". Sid tries to take advantage of Liberty again and drug her but Liberty is once again saved before she could be drugged. There is some fighting. Descriptions of slaves being oppressed, hurt people, and other things like this. A few kisses with no details, except for one with a bit. A guy tries to sleep next to Liberty. Dr. Supero talk of wanting women physically. Some other minor things.

Click here to buy!

Liberty Trilogy:

More Books by Theresa Linden:

Catholic Teen Books Anthologies Series:

If you have read Testing Liberty, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

Chasing Liberty

Grace Donahue — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 19:11:09 GMT

THERESA LINDEN

Age Range: 16 and up

Liberty 554-062466-84 of Aldonia lives in a responsible society that cares for the earth and everyone on it. They have learned to balance resource consumption with replacement initiatives, unavoidable pollution with clean-environment efforts. Science ensures that every baby born is healthy. The government ensures that every baby born is needed. All are cared for, taught, and given a specific duty to perform, their unique contribution to society. Why is Liberty so unsatisfied?

In less than two weeks, Liberty must begin her vocation. Every girl in Aldonia wishes she had Liberty's vocation. Liberty would rather flee from Aldonia and live on her own, independent of the all-controlling government, the Regimen Custodia Terra. The high electrical Boundary Fence crushes any thought of escape. The ID implant imbedded in her hand makes it impossible to hide. She has no choice but to submit. Liberty is slated to be a Breeder.

As vocation day draws near, a man with an obsession for Liberty attacks her and injects her with a drug. She's about to lose consciousness when someone comes to her rescue, a man in a mottled cape and dark glasses. She wakes in an underground facility where people watch over Aldonia with an array of monitors and surveillance equipment. These people are full of secrets, but she discovers one thing: they rescue a man scheduled for re-education. They rescued him. They can rescue her.

Summary from Goodreads

New Review:

I love the new cover, such a great update!

Old Review:

Chasing Liberty is a well-written, enjoyable book and the first novel in the Liberty Trilogy! The government controls everything, who is born, where you work, who you live with, where you live, what you believe, what you read and watch, what you eat and drink, and your entire life. Chasing Liberty is a lot like other dystopian government-controlling worlds but with one big exception which makes it stand out from the rest, the belief in God. I have always loved a good dystopian book, and Chasing Liberty was no exception but what drew me in was the religious aspect of it. Nineteen-year-old Liberty lives in a society full of sins and lies and is told that families are an old way of life. She is told she will be a breeder in two weeks and must accept her place in society. But deep inside of her, Liberty hears a voice, her Friend as she calls Him, and knows that the government's way of life and society is not right or moral.

The entire world has become a Godfree, do-whatever-feels-good society, but then Liberty learns of another secret group of people that believe in God and morals, and Liberty can't help but be attracted to the idea of it. I think the book was excellent and much needed for today's times. People need to read and know what could happen if we continue in our sinful society. The story was sometimes a bit predictable, but I was totally engrossed in the novel! All of the characters felt realistic and not forced or fake. All the good characters weren't just all good but had depth and flaws, and all the bad characters weren't just bad; they had emotions and usually thought they were doing good in their actions.

Because Chasing Liberty is for older teens and adults, and they live in a very secular society, there is a lot of sin, primarily sexual immorality, and it is thought normal; I rated the book 16 and up, and you can read my reasons for doing so in my things to mention section. One of my only negatives of the book is not the book itself but its cover. I really feel like if it looked better and was more appealing more people would want to read it and see how awesome it is.

If you are like me and have a hundred books on your list to read, I definitely suggest moving this book to the top of your list. Overall I thought Chasing Liberty was an amazing book for older teens and adults (but no one under 16), and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book in the series!

Special thanks to Theresa Linden for sending me a complimentary copy of Chasing Liberty for my unbiased review!

Things to Mention: suggestions that Finley and Tatum, and Dr. Supero and his assistance were together physically. Dr. Supero talk of wanting women physically. A guy wants to be with Liberty but she doesn’t want to be with him; he later drugs her in oder to be with her but Liberty is saved before anything happens. Fighting between friends and other people. In school, they would teach all the students to “experiment with your sexuality” and to “be open, uninhabited, free”. Liberty always found this disgusting. There is some smoking and drinking. A girl insinuated that she was sexually abused when she was younger. There is mentions how girls have girlfriends and boys have boyfriends. Two women get pregnant outside of marriage. Girls were inappropriate clothes Some other minor things.

Click here to buy!

Liberty Trilogy:

More Books by Theresa Linden:

Catholic Teen Books Anthologies Series:

If you have read Chasing Liberty, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

The Goose Girl

Grace Donahue — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 19:58:14 GMT

SHANNON HALE

Age Range: 12/13 and up

Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kildenree, always knew she was different from those around her and, because of that, was somehow failing as a princess. From her aunt, she learned the language of the birds and heard the first word on the tongue of a colt. Years later, when her aunt was gone, and she was expected to act like her mother, the queen, Anidori, instead of becoming queen herself, was sent to a kingdom far away to marry a prince she had never met. Along the way, she is betrayed by her maidservant, who takes her place as a princess and is forced to flee for her life and become the goose girl. The life of a goose girl is very different from the life of a princess, but Anidori can't help but like being a goose girl more. When the time comes to choose which life to live, Anidori must decide: goose girl or princess?

Summary from Goodreads

Wow wow wow I have never read a fantasy book that I have loved as much as The Goose Girl (and it was a fairytale which was a major plus)! It was a little hard to get into in the beginning, so it took me a couple of times to get past a few chapters, but I could not stop once I did. One of the things I enjoyed so much about The Goose Girl is how she finds herself after she is betrayed by everyone she knows and has to go from the princess to the goose girl. Anidori was such a sweet character but let herself be pushed around by everyone: her mom, her maids, her friends, and the people of her kingdom. Throughout most of the story, I yelled at all the people taking advantage of Anidori, but I was relieved and happy when she finally took hold of her life. She found an inner strength and voice but was not annoying about it like some other main characters; it was more of a quiet confidence.

Another central theme in The Goose Girl is friendship. Throughout the story, Anidori is looking for good friends and is betrayed just when she thinks she has found one. Only when she becomes the goose girl instead of the princess and truly becomes herself does she find friends for a lifetime.

The story is a timeless classic and enjoyable for all ages with some romance, but it is not the book's focus. I thought the fantasy part of the novel was interesting, and that's saying something because I'm not too fond of fantasy books. The Goose Girl was a bit long, but it was a fantastic story. It is one of those books that captivates you, and you need to keep reading to know what happens.

Things to Mention: There is some violence including: people fighting each other, a women slapping her daughter, people getting hung, and other fighting. There is some kisses but no details. There is a story of women taking off their shirts so their husbands would win in the war. Some other small things.

Click here to buy!

If you have read The Goose Girl, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

Limberlost Series

Grace Donahue — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 15:54:01 GMT

The Limberlost Series has two books and they are both amazing! They are written by Gene Stratton Porter, an incredible writer from the 19 hundreds. If you are hesitant to read a novel that is that old, don't be! After the first few chapters is was easy to read while still being a well written book. Freckles and A Girl of the Limberlost are not closey related so you do not have to read one to understand the other.

These two books are some of my favorites that I believe everyone should read at least once in their life. Both stories are coming of ages novels, one about a boy and the other about a girl who both find their life and learn to grow up at the Limberlost. It took me about two days to read each book because one I picked them up, I could not put them down!

These books fall under the genres of young adult, romance, classic, and historical fiction. and are for ages 11/12 and up.

Book 1: Freckles

Age Range: 10 and up

An American classic written in 1904, is about a young man who has one hand and no name. Freckles, everyone calls him that because he has a lot of freckles on his face, is an Irish immigrant brought up in an orphanage in Chicago, and then runs away in hopes of finding work.

Book 2: A Girl of the Limberlost

Age Range: 12 and up

Elnora Comstock is a poor but smart sixteen-year-old girl who wants nothing more than to go to highschool. She lives in the country, and the only high school is in the nearby city, a three-mile walk, so she has to go there and back every day. Elnora has no money for school or books but is determined to go.

Sunkissed

Grace Donahue — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 20:10:20 GMT

KASIE WEST

Age Range: 13/14 and up

Avery has always used music as an escape. But after her best friend betrays her, even her perfectly curated playlists can't help her forget what happened. To make matters worse, her parents have dragged her and her social-media-obsessed sister to a remote family camp for two months of "fun." Just when Avery is ready to give up on the summer altogether, she meets Brooks—mysterious, frustratingly charming Brooks—who just happens to be on staff—which means he's off-limits.

What starts as a disaster turns into . . . something else. As the outside world falls away, Avery embarks on a journey of self-discovery. And when Brooks offers her the chance of a lifetime, she must figure out how far is she willing to go to find out what she wants and who she wants to be.

Summary from Goodreads

I have not read a book by Kasie West in a long time because of my dislike of Moment of Truth, so when Sunkissed came out, I was hesitant to read it. I finally read Sunkissed about a year after it was published, and oh my goodness, it was great! I was looking for a teen summer romance book to read, and this was the perfect one.

Reading the book, I felt a strong pull toward Avery, who is just an ordinary girl forced to go on a no-internet camp for two months. I love books where I can connect myself to the main character as I could with Avery (though there were things she did that I would not do). Throughout most of the novel, Avery struggles with who she is as she keeps getting pushed around because of her go-with-the-flow and non-confrontational personality. It's inspiring to see how she stands up for herself near the end and makes her wants known!

My few issues with Sunkissed are how Avery lies to her parents instead of just telling the truth and how Brooks is introduced and his personality in the book's first few chapters. Avery feels her parents would disapprove of her little outings and how she spends her day at camp, so she lies to them about what she is doing. I believe people tend to act like the people they read about, so I think Avery should have been a better role model, especially when everything turns out with pretty much no consequences.

And now Brooks. I could not understand him at all at the beginning of the novel. His attitude did not seem attractive to me, but I would have been okay with it if he slowly started to change, but that did not happen! He changed from being a jerk to super nice with no reasonable explanation. I began to like him about halfway through, but I don't think he was the best character.

Overall I thought Sunkissed was a cute summer romance YA novel that you could just read by the beach or pool and feel happy!

Things to Mention: Some kissing with a bit of detail. One kissing scene thats has some more details. Avery often lies to her parents. Avery's best friend Shay "accidentally" kissed Avery's boyfriend. In a joking mess around manor, Avery's mom used a word that mean being with a guy sexually.

Click here to buy!

More books by this author:

Book Series:

1 Pivot Point

2 Split Second

Stand Alone Novels:

Maybe This Time

P.S. I Like You

On The Fence

The Distance Between Us

Love, Life, and the List

The Fill-In Boyfriend

Listen to Your Heart

Lucky In Love

If you have read Sunkissed, let me know in the comments below. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a book you want to be reviewed? Let me know, and I'll add it to my list! Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you're here.

60+ Clean Books and Book Series for Middle School Girls

Grace Donahue — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 18:33:03 GMT

Hello, fellow book lovers! ✨ Ready to spice up your reading game? Well, here’s the ultimate list of 60+ mind-blowing clean books and series made just for middle school girls ages 11-14!

I have personally read and rated every single one of these books, and I am telling you that you are in for a real treat! Each book is clean and arranged by age and whether it is a standalone or a part of a book series. The books range from fun Catholic/Christian novels, swoon-worthy romances, time-traveling historical vibes, mind-bending dystopian sagas, and fantasy fun to everything in between!

But wait, there's more! Come get my exclusive free PDF – your golden ticket to an organized, easy-to-access book list. No more guesswork, just pure literary awesomeness at your fingertips.

I hope you all enjoy this book list I put together and leave a comment below if you have any more book suggestions. (Look for the titles with an *asterisk; those ones are my favorite)!

FREE PRINTABLE LIST:

file:///Users/gracedonahue/Downloads/60+%20Clean%20Books%20&%20Book%20Series%20for%20middle%20school%20girls.pdf

Stand Alone Novels (Ages 11-12):

*Walk Two Moons

SHARON CREECH

Age Range: 11/12 and up

Walk Two Moons is a funny and bittersweet awarding-winning novel about a girl and her story.

*Not If I Save You First

ALLY CARTER

Age Range: 12 and up

Bestselling author Ally Carter writes an adventurous stand-alone novel, Not If I Save You First, about the president's son and the bodyguard's daughter.

*Playing By Heart

CARMELA A. MARTINO

Age Range: 12 and up

In 18th century Millan a girl dreams of marrying a man who loves music as much as she does, but she might be forced to be a nun instead.

*Freckles

GENE STRATTON PORTER

Age Range: 10 and up

Freckles is an American classic written in 1904, about a young man who has one hand and no name.

Ashes, Ashes

JO TREGGIARI

Age Range: 12 and up

A plague kills 99 percent of the world and against all odds Lucy survives. When Lucy feels that it will be okay, new dangers arise that may be more dangerous than the end of the world.

*Catch A Falling Star

KIM CULBERTSON

Age Range: 12 and up

Carter Moon has her life set up precisely the way she wants it until Hollywood star Adam Jakes comes to make a movie in her small town.

Right Where I Belong

KRISTA MCGEE

Age Range: 11 and up

Right Where I Belong is a Christian book about finding God's path for you and then following Him.

*An Old-Fashioned Girl

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

Age Range: 10 and up

A beautiful classic by the acclaimed author Louisa May Alcott about 14-year-old Polly as she matures into a women.

*A Girl of the Limberlost

GENE STRATTON PORTER

Age Range: 12 and up

A classic about a poor girl uses the resources around her to pay for school and finds love at the end.

*They Loved to Laugh

KATHRYN WORTH

Age Range: 12 and up

A 16-year-old girl doesn't know what it means to truly laugh until she goes to live with a Quaker family with five brothers.

*Fever 1793

LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON

Age Range: 11 and up

One girl's story and struggle as she survives the 1793 yellow fever epidemic.

Listen to Your Heart

KASIE WEST

Age Range: 12 and up

A shy girl is chosen to give advice and be the host for her schools podcast.

Stand Alone Novels (Ages 13-14):

The Shadow of the Bear

REGINA DOMAN

Age Range: 13/14 and up

The Shadow of the Bear is a fanciful contemporary retelling of the Grimm Snow White and Rose Red fairytale.

*Suitors and Sabotage

CINDY ANSTEY

Age Range: 13/14 and up

Suitors and Sabotage is an entertaining historical book about an artist and a suitor's brother.

*Maybe This Time

KASIE WEST

Age Range: 13 and up

Maybe This Time is a cute contemporary romance about a small town girl and an arrogant new boy.

*Fawkes

NADINE BRANDES

Age Range: 13/14 and up

Thomas must choose: join his father and kill the king or join Emma and betray everything he has ever known.

The Poppy and the Rose

ASHLEE COWLES

Age Range: 14 and up

A story of two girls in different periods trying to pull their life back together amid tragedy.

*On The Fence

KASIE WEST

Age Range: 13 and up

On The Fence is a sweet read about a girl named Charlotte Reynolds, AKA Charlie and the boy next door.

*A Song for the Stars

ILIMA TODD

Age Range: 12/13 and up

A Song for the Stars is a sweet historical Hawaiian romance based on a true story.

Sense and Sensibility

JANE AUSTEN

Age Range: 13 and up

Sense and Sensibility is another timeless classic by the esteemed author Jane Austen about status, money, and love.

The Distance Between Us

KASIE WEST

Age Range: 13 and up

The Distance Between Us is an entertaining book about a poor girl falling for a rich boy.

Long May She Reign

RHIANNON THOMAS

Age Range: 13 and up

When Freya, 23rd in line, suddenly finds herself, Queen, she must do everything in her power to save her kingdom and herself.

The Fill-in Boyfriend

KASIE WEST

Age Range: 13 and up

Miss popular is dumped before prom in the parking lot and needs to get a fake boyfriend fast.

*Pride and Prejudice

JANE AUSTEN

Age Range: 12/13 and up

Pride and Prejudice is one of the best-written books in English literature by accomplished author Jane Austen.

Silence

DEBORAH LYTTON

Age Range: 12/13 and up

Silence is a cheesy but cute story about a girl, the loss of her hearing, and a boy who could help.

The Possibility of Now

KIM CULBERTSON

Age Range: 12/13 and up

The Possibility of Now is a fun novel with an original story about the point of a hard working life.

The Mystery of Alice

LEE BACON

Age Range: 13 and up

A strange scholarship, an unusual school, a missing girl is all in The Mystery of Alice. An exciting story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

*P.S. I Like You

KASIE WEST

Age Range: 13 and up

P.S. I Like You, is a cute story about Lily Abbott, an aspiring musician and a secret pen-pale.

*Where You Lead

LESLEA WAHL

Age Range: 13 and up

Sixteen-year-old Eve Donahue believes that she has had a vision from God about a boy named Nick.

What Light

JAY ASHER

Age Range: 13 and up

A Christmas story about a girl with a Christmas tree farm and a boy with a haunted past.

Better Off Friends

ELIZABETH EULBERG

Age Range: 13/14 and up

Better Off Friends is an exciting story about two best friends over the course of four years.

*Mara, Daughter of the Nile

ELOISE JARVIS McGRAW

Age Range: 13 and up

Mara, Daughter of the Nile, is about a beautiful slave girl and a revolution to overthrow the pharaoh.

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch

T. M. GAOUETTE

Age Range: 13 and up

Benedict has once again changed foster homes and can't imagine that the next one will be better when he goes to Sunshine Ranch.

*Murder on the Orient Express

AGATHA CHRISTIE

Age Range: 13 and up

Murder on the Orient Express is the story of the terrific murder on a train, where anyone could be the killer.

By Your Side

KASIE WEST

Age Range: 13 and up

By Your Side is an entertaining book about a girl who gets stuck in the library over the weekend.

An Ivy Hill Christmas

JULIE KLASSEN

Age Range: 13/14 and up

An Ivy Hill Christmas is an excellent book with beautiful Christmas traditions.

*Catherine of Siena

SIGRID UNDSET

Age Range: 14 and up

An incredible and moving story about the holy and pious St. Catherine of Siena.

To Best the Boys

MARY WEBER

Age Range: 14 and up

An interesting fantasy about a girl who enters a boys-only test in the hopes of saving her mother.

The Light In Hidden Places

SHARON CAMERON

Age Range: 14 and up

Based on a true story in World War II about a 16-year-old Catholic girl hiding Jews.

Love, Life, and the List

KASIE WEST

Age Range: 14 and up

A cute summer read about a girl falling for her bestfriend and being told she has no heart in her paintings.

Seeking Mansfield

KATE WATSON

Age Range: 14 and up

Seeking Mansfield is a delightful book based on Jane Austen's Mansfield Park.

First Book of Each Book Series (Ages 11-12):

Emily of New Moon

L.M. MONTGOMERY

Age Range: 10/11 and up

Emily of New Moon is a wonderful story about a girl who is orphaned and then moves in with her aunts and uncle.

Five Little Peppers and How They Grew

MARGARET SIDNEY

Age Range: 8/9 and up

A delightful classic that shows a low-income family and how they make the best things.

*Eight Cousins

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

Age Range: 10 and up

The well-known acclaimed author Louisa May Alcott wrote a beautiful story about an orphaned girl and her cousins.

An Uncertain Choice

JODY HEDLUND

Age Range: 12 and up

Lady Rosemary has her life all laid out for her, but then an old friend comes and changes everything.

*Worst Enemies/Best Friends

ANNIE BRYANT

Age Range: 12 and up

Charlotte's life is over when she moves schools but decides it might not be so bad after meeting some friends.

*Curse of the Arctic Star

CAROLYN KEENE

Age Range: 11 and up

Nancy and her friends take a relaxing cruise but when mysterious things start to happen, they realize that it might not be a coincidence they are on that ship.

First Book of Each Book Series (Ages 13-14):

The Perfect Blindside

LESLEA WAHL

Age Range: 12 and up

The Perfect Blindside is a Catholic mystery novel about a small-town girl who wants to be a photographer and a guy who is a famous gold medal Olympic snowboarder.

*The Healer's Apprentice

MELANIE DICKERSON

Age Range: 13 and up

The Healer's Apprentice is a creative retelling of a classic fairy tell of Sleeping Beauty.

*Cinder

MARISSA MEYER

Age Range: 12 and up

Cinder is a Cinderella futuristic remake about a gifted mechanic girl who is also a cyborg.

Love, Lucas

CHANTELE SEDGWICK

Age Range: 13 and up

Love, Lucas is a moving story about a girl trying to live again after the death of her brother and best friend.

Ruby in the Water

J.P. STERLING

Age Range: 12 and up

Ruby in the Water is an excellent story about a mother and her boy.

Secrets: Visible & Invisible

CORINNA TURNER, CYNTHIA T. TONEY, THERESA LINDEN, etc.

Age Range: 13 and up

Seven fantastic Catholic teen anthologies that teach lessons about secrets both hidden and known.

Court of Swans

MELANIE DICKERSON

Age Range: 13 and up

The first book in a new fairytale romance series by bestselling author Melanie Dickerson.

*Pivot Point

KASIE WEST

Age Range: 13 and up

When faced with a choice, Addies able to look into her future and see the different outcomes.

It Started With Goodbye

CHRISTINA JUNE

Age Range: 13 and up

It Started With Goodbye is a contemporary romance novel based on the classic fairy tale of Cinderella.

Not Your Average Fairy Tale

CHANTELE SEDGWICK

Age Range: 13 and up

An original fairy tale about a boy who gives happy ever afters and a girl who doesn't believe in happy endings.

Waterfall

LISA T. BERGREN

Age Range: 13/14 and up

Waterfall is a fun time travel book about two sisters traveling to 14th century Italy in the midst of a great battle.

*A Time to Die

NADINE BRANDES

Age Range: 13 and up

A Christian dystopian about a girl who has one more year to live and tries to make the most of it.

Hidden: Don't Fear the Unseen

VERITY LUCIA

Age Range: 14 and up

High Schooler Clare suddenly finds her life changed when she finds glasses that see into the spiritual world.

A World Such as Heaven Intended

AMANDA LAUER

Age Range: 14 and up

A Civil War romance following a girl from the Confederate side and a guy from the Union.