Best Selling Christian Author

Helping you bridge the gap between faith and everyday life with writings on topics such as Catholic women, motherhood, faith, and family

Get An I Love You Book free - just pay shipping

Making Every Connection Count - Near or Far

Good relationships keep us happier and healthier, that’s why building strong connections with your family even over long distances is so important. Whether you are a mother, a professional, or someone seeking deeper family connections, there’s a place for you here.

Books and Products

New 2nd Edition

With foreword by Bishop Anthony Taylor

If you've ever tried to be faithful while everything else was also asking for you, these women have been there.

Dorothy Day was a college dropout who was arrested more times than she could count. Pope Francis later named her to Congress as one of four Americans who shaped the soul of the nation. Sr. Thea Bowman sang to a room of bishops from her wheelchair and had them on their feet holding hands. Maria Quattrocchi raised four children in Rome through two world wars, and she and her husband became the first married couple ever beatified together.

None of them had neat, tidy lives. They simply stopped seeing the demands on them as obstacles to holiness, and started seeing them as the path to it.

Order your copy
““These women, like the great saints before them, did not escape the upheaval and turmoil of the twentieth century; they sanctified it.””
— Bishop Anthony Taylor, from the Foreword
“In “Important Catholic Women of the 20th Century,” Lorel Wilhelm-Volpi brings to life the stories of remarkable women, familiar and lesser-known, whose stories deserve to be told. From mothers and missionaries to educators and political leaders, these women can remind us that every woman has a unique feminine genius, but holiness always begins with saying “yes” to God’s will.”
— Lisa Cotter, Host of the Hallow App's Hallowed Be Thy Day

A Parent’s Manifesto of Love for Their New Graduate

2026 Catholic Media Association Book Award winner!

As a high school graduate embarks on the next exciting phase of life, parents often find themselves grappling with a mix of pride and wistfulness. “An I Love You Book for People About to Take on the World” is the perfect gift for any young adult stepping out into the world, offering love, wisdom, and unwavering support from caring parents or grandparents.

“An I Love You Book for People About to Take on the World" is a cherished keepsake that will remind your child of home, God’s love, and the unbreakable connection you share. As they step into the future with courage and grace, let them carry this token of your unwavering support and unending love. “An I Love You Book for People About to Take on the World" is a testament to the power of faith and family, and a beacon of light for every young adult ready to take on the world.

Get your copy free - just pay shipping

How Mamas Show Love

A powerful book with the "I love you" message loud and clear, even and especially when it isn't.

How Mamas Show Love  visits moms the world over as they show love for their children.

Do they say, “I love you?”  Sometimes.

But more often a mama’s actions shout, “I love you!”

This endearing book gives a glimpse into the many ways mamas tell their children they love them – not with words or flashy signs (though those are nice) but in the everyday moments they choose to act for the good of their children.

Reviews of Important Catholic Women of the 20th Century

  • Fantastic book of inspiring women! Great Bible study read! As a wife and working mom of two young toddler boys in our current season—I often find myself turning to the many strong and faithful female mentors in my life for their wisdom and guidance. For that reason, I absolutely loved reading Volpi’s inspiring book of “ordinary women” who were all called to live an extraordinary life in Christ. I was surprised by how relatable some of these important women’s backgrounds felt—and the inspiring part to me was how the Lord used them, exactly where they were, in the messiness of life, to advance His Kingdom on earth—and these women answered the call in a mighty way! I highly recommend this book for anyone in need of inspiration and also for women’s Bible study/small groups. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter will prompt a lot of great discussions and reflections!

    Shelby

  • Living a life of spiritual impact I LOVED this book! It features faithful women from various walks of life from around the world, and each one of them has transformed the circumstances in their lives into countless lessons on making an impact that lasts far beyond our brief time on earth. What I found particularly inspiring were the reflection questions at the end of each chapter. They really caused me to reflect on how I’m using my OWN life and gifts as part of God’s plan. It was such a thought-provoking and enriching experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a meaningful and uplifting read!

    Penelope

  • Inspiring Stories of Faithful Women Who Changed the World This book is a deeply moving collection of stories about women who boldly lived their faith, leaving a profound impact on their communities and the world. I appreciated the diversity of vocations and paths highlighted, from social justice activism to everyday motherhood, showing that holiness is accessible to all. The stories of figures like Dorothy Day and Thea Bowman were particularly inspiring, as they demonstrated how courage and conviction can transform lives. At times, the detailed accounts of historical events felt slightly dense, but they underscored the depth of these women’s contributions. I recommend this to anyone seeking role models of faith, especially women looking for inspiration in their spiritual journey

    Huskerbully

  • Inspirational Read… highly recommend! “Important Catholic Women of the 20th Century” is an inspiring and uplifting read that beautifully highlights the powerful impact of faith in the lives of extraordinary women. Each chapter is dedicated to a different woman, providing a captivating and easily digestible narrative that makes this book a delightful and accessible read. The stories are not only engaging, but offer valuable lessons that will resonate with readers, encouraging them to apply the principles of faithfulness in their own lives. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or simply stories of remarkable individuals, this book offers a heartfelt journey through the lives of women who have truly made a difference in the world.

    Annette

  • Insightful and Inspiring ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This is a well written book with insight into the lives of both well known & not so familiar women living in the 20th century. It is helpful beginning with a brief history of the Roman Catholic Church & continues with the history during the time of each individual’s life. Each chapter is devoted to the life of one individual, & how her life can be an inspiration & guide in the reader’s daily life, no matter the age of the reader.

    Helen

  • Thoughtful and thought provoking! Great encouragement from the lives of notable women of faith! The author includes relevant historical context around the featured women and thoughtful application questions to personally consider the lessons from each woman's life.

    Scarlett

  • Great Book for Men and Women This book is interesting reading. The author gives the history of what is happening in that country at the time of each individual story. It's 16 different stories of how each woman lived their faith. You can read a chapter at a time and each can be an inspiration for you. I ordered a number of these books to give to each in my Bible Study Group.

    Larry

  • Rich and Beautiful. Beginning each chapter with the history and society in which these holy women lived puts "flesh" on them and their works. Simply put, this is a refreshing read that challenges and encourages boldness to press forward and embrace God's call to each of us to make a difference in the world. I am inspired and highly recommend.

    Taffy

  • Well researched and written. This is an important read, in that it shows not only the servant hood of well known saints, but depicts those who were living as saints. We are all called to be saints. Thank you for sharing.

    Henry

About Lorel: A Christian Writer

Lorel Wilhelm-Volpi writes to celebrate the countless amazing people and things in the world. She believes that humanity is more united by our similarities than divided by our differences, and that everyone has goodness within them. She is the award-winning author of three books, Important Catholic Women of the 20th Century: Stories of Courage and Fear, Unassuming Audacity and Everyday Drudgery, Connected by Faith, How Mamas Show Love, and An I Love You Book for People About to Take on the World, and blogs regularly. 

Lorel writes about such varied topics as making sense of life, technology, marketing, and relationships with others and most importantly, with God. She is a wife, mother, daughter, and marketer. She holds an MBA from St. John’s University and lives in Arkansas with her family, their pet scaredy cat, and all the wild critters she feeds in the backyard, much to the neighbors’ dismay.

Lorel Wilhelm-Volpi headshot, smiling at camera