Summer Catholic Book Reviews 2025

Summer is not quite over- there is still plenty of time to enjoy some reading that you have been putting off. In my Catholic Book Reviews, here are some of my favorites of the summer so far. I recently realized that these books all have a common theme: past being woven into the present. Enjoy!

(Disclaimer...By the way, there may be some amazon affiliate links, as I explore opportunities to help pay for my website. I am supposed to let you know that I earn a little money if you click on my links and buy anything. I appreciate your support!)

Catholic Non-Fiction Book Reviews

I met Claire Dwyer at a writing conference. She was the keynote speaker at the Catholic Writers Guild Conference. She spoke of a Catholic writing community she started, and as a new writer, I knew I just had to join it for her mentoring and support. Since I made the choice to follow her for her writing knowledge, I figured it might be a good idea to read her writing!

While some people thrive on memoirs and lives of the saints, I struggle with biographical stories, preferring good fiction. Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity is a lesser-known Carmelite saint whose life was hidden and contemplative — so I thought there was not much chance I could relate to her. And I will admit, it took me a while to say “yes” to reading this book. I am so glad I did!

This book does not feel at all like a biography. Claire’s style begins each chapter in this book with her personal, present day stories of motherhood. Then she weaves in the story of Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, almost making it seem like her story could also be in this present day.

Listening to her narrate her own book on Audible, Claire’s gift for storytelling in her own voice drew me into their friendship, wishing the three of us could have lunch together. I look forward to all I can learn from this talented author. By reading this book, not only will you learn more about an inspiring saint, but you will learn more about yourself and how you also are meant to be a saint. You can link to her book here.

This book is a collection of personal stories from 25 different authors who each share how a particular saint has impacted their life. Each chapter is a manageable 2000 words- so it’s easy to pick up and read when you only have a small window of time. You not only get a glimpse into the life of a saint, but you also get a window into someone’s real life and real struggles.

I obviously love this book because I was allowed to write a chapter on my favorite saint, St. Monica. But even if I weren’t in it, I’d still recommend it. It’s like sitting around a table with friends, sharing stories of grace and struggle.

If you have not gotten a copy yet, you can order a signed copy here and I will include a free gift. There will also be a bonus study guide coming out soon that will be free with purchase. This will be perfect for gathering with friends to read and learn more about the saints and how they can affect your life!

Catholic Fiction Book Reviews

Years ago, Fr. Michael Brisson had profound impact on me as my spiritual director for a short time. I was delighted to discover that he wrote a book!

The story follows Father Christopher Hart, a young New York parish priest. He immediately gets drawn in by the mob, unknowingly, to hear the confession of someone slated for execution. This takes him on a path that tests his priestly vocation.

I have a strong sensitivity to stories that preach at me or try to deliver some sort of “message”. I was so grateful that this book did not do that. If anything, it had a bit more edge to it than I would expect from a priest/author.

I loved how Fr. Michael included details about priestly life that only a priest could write. The cast of parishioners is spot-on and made me giggle, wondering which one I was. The main character loves classic movies and references them often. He looks for solutions to his dilemmas in these films and ultimately finds answers in God.

If you love being Catholic and enjoy a good mystery, you must read this book! (Hopefully, there will be a sequel.) You can link to this book here.

Susan Brinkmann gave an interview at a writing workshop I attended. She talked about her path from writing journalism to writing about New Age/occult topics to writing fiction. I loved her interview so much I felt she needed to be my friend. (Maybe she can join my imaginary lunch date with Claire and St. Elizabeth!) I purchased her book as soon as the interview was finished.

This book is the first in a series of books following a journalist investigating a suspicious death in a parish. She is a single mother who is also a fallen away Catholic. She lives with her strongly faithful grandmother who is involved with family ancestry and discovers a long lineage of several women having similarities to her granddaughter. These women from the past weave a second storyline that will influence the present in each book of the series.

My favorite thing about this book is that it has a bit of everything I love in books – a bit of mystery, a bit of historical fiction, and a bit of romance. I appreciate that faith is part of the backdrop as you do see the main character wrestling with real-life decisions in light of grace and truth.

I’m already looking forward to the next in the series. You can link to this book here.

What Will You Read this Summer?

Try one, or all, of these outstanding books. There is no reason not to infuse your summer fun with some faith-filled reading. Let me know what you are reading! And be sure to let me know what you think of these. Be sure to check out my review of The Wedding People as I look for faith in fiction.