CWG Announces the Seal of Approval Awardees for 4Q2024

Congratulations to the authors whose books received the Catholic Writers Guild Seal of Approval. The seal is a mark of Catholicity and editorial quality, signifying that it’s a good choice for Catholic bookstores.

Fallen Graces
by Jim Sano

When a dead man’s body is found in the upper basin of a historic fountain in Boston Common with a cryptic message in his pocket, Detective Brooks reluctantly calls in Father Tom and Angelo to help solve the clues in the hunt for a killer set on justice and revenge. Fallen Graces, the fifth book of the award-winning Father Tom series, delves into the psychological and religious complexities of a killer who becomes as equally unpredictable as dangerous to the parish neighborhood of St. Francis, and Father Tom has no choice but to become more involved, risking his own life to find the answer.

Bella’s Fruitful Adventures
by Kimberly Novak

Bella, an adventurous caterpillar, sets out on an amazing journey with her friend Mira. As they explore the forest, Bella discovers the fruit of the Holy Spirit and gets ready for her own transformation, all with the love and support of her new friends.

As Bella nurtures the fruit of the Spirit, her love for God and friends flourishes. Children will enjoy learning about how actions are connected to the spiritual fruit growing within, a gift planted by God.

Young Alefred
by Maria Waddelove

Step into the world of 11-year-old Aelfred, whose life takes a dramatic turn after the tragic loss of both parents. Out hunting with his brother, they suddenly become the hunted. Soon, taken hostage by Viking raiders, Aelfred is confronted with a sinister plot that threatens his life and the future of England.

As Aelfred fights for his survival, he must use all his wit and cunning to outsmart the ruthless Ragnar and the crafty Ivar. His experiences in captivity are beyond anything he could have imagined, but they will shape him into the greatest king England has ever known.

Travel back in time to the year 859 and join Aelfred on his perilous journey. This thrilling adventure story will keep you on the edge of your seat as you root for the young hero to overcome the odds and fulfil his destiny.

Teresa of Calcutta Little Saint Stories
by Cassie Herrington

Teach your child the story of Mother Teresa with this adorable board book. Each page has beautiful illustrations that bring this selfless saint to life!

The Edge of in Between
by Lorelei Savaryn

Lottie lives in Vivelle, a vibrant city where life exists in brilliant technicolor and nearly everyone is born with magic, including Lottie. But when tragedy strikes, color is stripped from Lottie’s heart and from the world around her. Taken in by her reclusive uncle, Lottie moves into Forsaken, a vast manor located in the gray wasteland between the Land of the Living and the Land of the Dead.

There, Lottie discovers more secrets and mysteries than she ever dreamed possible. Even so, she is filled with nothing but despair. But when splintered magic threatens to consume everyone and everything she still holds dear, Lottie must find a way to thaw both the world and the hearts of those around her—before time runs out.

In this stunning portrait of love, loss, magic, and hope, one girl finds the strength to overcome tragedy—and finds a way to embrace the gifts that make life worth living.

The Lucky Diamond
by Valinora Troy

Ten year old twins, Cathy and Alan, think they’ve solved all their problems when they find a Diamond while scavenging on the streets of Lowdar. when the Diamond reveals her face and starts talking to them, the twins’ lives change more than they could ever imagine.

Now the twins, and their three sisters, are tasked with a mission that will take them from the only life they’ve known and introduce them to a world of magic and monsters.

Who is the beautiful Queen Rose, and what does she want with the Diamonds? More importantly, how are the gifts given to the children by their dying mother linked to a magical world they didn’t know existed?

Full of the importance of family, trusting yourself, and standing up for what is right, “The Lucky Diamond” is a classic fantasy adventure for all the family.

Bonvida: Horizon’s Edge
by Chris Smith

Three islands sit at Horizons Edge. . .

Divided, Atticus, Daria, Prince Victor, and Zane must endure The Descendants Trials, a series of tests given to them by Sofos, each unique to them. Zane must see his way through Bonvidian history, while Prince Victor fights to prove his worth. Daria must survive the unknown that surrounds her. Atticus battles his way through the desert with a familiar face. Will Atticus and his friends be able to figure out the meaning of the trials before their time closes?

Upon returning from the Descendant Trials, the courageous collective are further prompted to embark on a new quest in order to defeat the next and final darkness before Hematite can rise. To do this, it is necessary to take to the Bonvidaian sea, as they follow clues from an ancient poem that will lead to a weapon they seek. With the dangers of the sea at their every turn, will Atticus and his companions be able to discover the profound connection between their experience with the Trials and this new quest?