The Gate Wins First Place in Novels from the Catholic Press Association!

I have some exciting news to share: Last week, The Gate won an award from the Catholic Press Association Book Awards: Best Catholic Novel—first place!  When I heard the news, I was filled with delight. I feel very blessed and honored to have won this award, especially being in the company of such fine books by others. My prayer is that the young souls that God loves so very much will be inspired by this story of God's unending love and grace. Deo Gratias! Thanks be to God!

Here's what the judges at the Catholic Press Association had to say about The Gate:

"A warm, joyful story of a boy’s journey from self-focused wise guy teetering on the edge of a bad life with no direction,  to a responsible faith-filled life, as the result of his meeting and maturing contacts with an older citizen in a rehabilitation center. It is relaxed reading, smoothly done, funny and friendly, with an attractive message of faith, some mystery, and some surprises.  It has characters that come to life for the reader, gives insight into the teenage mind and milieu, and has powerful lessons about the importance of family, friendship, and faith in our modern world."

—Catholic Press Association