New Catholic Book for Teens: Royal & Ancient

Charlene Rack shares her enthusiasm for Catholic Mom contributor Amanda Lauer's newly released historical novel for teens, published by Chrism Press.

Kudos to Amanda Lauer and Chrism Press on the release of Royal & Ancient! This wonderfully woven historical tale has everything a teen novel needs to draw in girls of all ages. This was my first introduction to the author’s series of books, and I’m so glad that I had this opportunity to do a review! 

There’s intrigue, pure and genuine romance, time travel, Scottish history with a brogue, danger and chivalry. As a “grandma/teenager at heart,” I was so drawn into this drama (and so curious about how it would wrap-up at the end), that I read it non-stop from cover to cover in one sitting. And it proved itself to be worthy of my dogged endeavor. (The only thing missing was beach waves lapping at my feet.)  

I recommend this book without hesitation to readers of all ages (but focused more on a teen, female audience). Even I learned some new-to-me bits of history that made me curious enough to do some additional research.    

I especially appreciate how Lauer uses her platform to reach out to teenage girls who are finding our current societal norms lacking and without meaning and/or authentic fulfillment. She addresses those reliable gut feelings with a view of historical norms and behaviors. Chivalry is not dead, but its heartbeat is slowing. This kind of book can encourage young women to boldly search out the young knights still among us—and make choices that will lead them down a better path in life, a path of solid reliability, trusting their God-given instincts instead of some “fake life” social media influencer. Real life, with good choices, solid relationships, and a daily dose of self-assurance in your own gifts (while trusting in God’s guidance), is the best life. That’s the overall message of this book.  

Pick up a copy soon and send it to a teenager in need of a good book! As for me, I’ll be in my backyard baby pool, catching up on all the Amanda Lauer books I’ve missed.   

Ask for Royal & Ancient at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Chrism Press.

Copyright 2023 Charlene Rack
Images: Canva