Following is a guest post by award-winning author, Theresa Linden:

Catholic teen fiction is different from secular fiction because its themes, characters, conflict and/or story ideas come from and/or point to some aspect of truth given by Christ to the Church. While characters face temptations and challenges, like we all do, the message of where to find happiness is clear. Catholic teen fiction shows the beauty of morality and virtue in a fallen world. Finally, it not only entertains but lifts a reader’s thoughts to something greater than this world can ever offer.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church begins, “God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength. He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family, the Church” (CCC p.1).

That is so amazing! God is always drawing close to us and calling us to seek him, know him, and love him. Everyone. Me, you, every member of your family, all your friends, fellow students, and coworkers . . . everyone! Even the people who don’t believe in him or who have turned away from him.

God is always calling, but are we listening?

The voice of the culture is loud. Life is distracting. And crosses and challenges often blind us to the truth. We have responsibilities, goals, and dreams. And sometimes we develop habits or behaviors that speak louder than the still, small voice of God.

That is why we need Catholic teen fiction!

Catholic fiction can help refresh our minds and renew our vision. It can help us refocus on faith amidst the distractions of life and point us to God’s plan for our happiness. It can spark our imagination and open our hearts to life-changing spiritual truths. It can delve into things we can all relate to: human weakness and misery, struggle for redemption, and the awesomeness of unmerited grace. Fictional characters and storylines can help us grasp powerful truths.

The theme of Roland West, Loner, the first in the West Brothers series, is that you are never alone. You belong to the Mystical Body of Christ. All Christians are your brothers and sisters. And so are the saints in heaven. This story sheds light on the meaning and power of the Communion of Saints.

The second book in this series, Life-Changing Love, addresses relationship issues that teens face. With Saint John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” weaved into the story, it challenges the culture’s views and shows the beauty of the Church’s teachings on love. We were, after all, made for love!

Battle for His Soul, the third book in the West Brother series, unfolds in the spiritual realm. Readers get to see the spiritual battle going on around Jarret West and the power of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Standing Strong, the fourth book in this series, comes out October 4th. This story picks up where Battle for His Soul left off.

“Standing Strong is a beautiful testament to how God works—in the whispers, in the quiet moments, in the gentle guidance of our hearts. It’s a reminder that Jesus is with us in ways we may never understand, and that, if we allow it, the Holy Spirit will give us the strength to stand strong for God!” ~Lisa Mayer, author of The Aletheian Journeys Series  

Catholic teen fiction comes in a variety of genres. You can learn about several Catholic Teen fiction authors and books on CatholicTeenBooks.com

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   Theresa is giving away a copy of her soon-to-be-released novel,
STANDING STRONG

It’s book 4 of her West Brothers Series!!!
To enter this awesome giveaways, visit Theresa Linden’s website!

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Author bio:
Theresa Linden is the author of award-winning Roland West, Loner and Battle for His Soul, from her series of Catholic teen fiction. An avid reader and writer since grade school, she grew up in a military family. Moving every few years left her with the impression that life is an adventure. Her Catholic faith inspires the belief that there is no greater adventure than the reality we can’t see, the spiritual side of life. She hopes that the richness, depth, and mystery of the Catholic faith will spark her readers’ imagination of the invisible realities and the power of faith and grace. A member of the Catholic Writers Guild and the International Writers Association, Theresa lives in northeast Ohio with her husband, three boys, and one dog.

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