Editorial Reviews & Recognition
“Mateo is thoughtful without seeming unrealistically mature, curious without becoming reckless, and compassionate without appearing perfect.”
“The writing style is accessible and clear, making it suitable for middle-grade and young teen readers while remaining enjoyable for families who appreciate reading together.”
— Words of Hope and Optimism
Highly Recommended
"The novel is highly recommended."
“The novel is full of positive messages. Family occupies a central place, highlighting the importance of mutual support, shared effort, and love among its members. Added to this are lessons related to friendship, solidarity, humility, and faith.”
— Jaime Blanch Queralt
La Biblioteca de Nehemías
Children’s and Young Adult Book Reviews from a Catholic Perspective
Mateo and the Secrets of the Eternal Word
Rediscover Bible History Like Never Before Through the Eyes of Mateo
Twelve-year-old Mateo discovers an ancient Bible unlike any other. Each time its pages open, he is transported into the greatest events of Genesis, witnessing biblical history through the eyes of an ordinary boy.
Set in the real mountain community of Miraflor, Nicaragua, the Mateo series blends biblical history, authentic culture, and unforgettable adventure, inviting readers to rediscover Scripture in a fresh and meaningful way.
Featured & Recognized
Daily Finds — July 27, 2026
Mateo and the Secrets of the Eternal Word was selected as a Daily Finds Featured Title on July 27, 2026, appearing alongside bestselling and acclaimed Christian authors.
Featured between bestselling Christian authors Ted Dekker & Bill Bright and award-winning biblical fiction author Mesu Andrews.
was selected for an AwesomeGang book feature.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW — AWESOME GANG
Steve R. Hartwig talks about the inspiration behind Mateo, writing biblical fiction for young readers, and where Mateo’s journey is headed next.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW — BOOK READER MAGAZINE
Steve R. Hartwig shares how a lifetime of different places, people, and experiences helped shape his writing—and how Mateo brings biblical history to life for young readers.
Mateo and the Secrets of the Eternal Word
Book Two — Abraham to Joseph
The adventure continues through the world of Genesis.
Mateo thought he understood Verbum Aeternum. But the ancient Bible still has surprises waiting for him.
Back home in the mountains of Nicaragua, Mateo is once again drawn into the mystery of the ancient Bible—this time into the world of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
As Mateo experiences years of biblical history and forms friendships that span generations, another question begins to grow: Will returning home be as simple as it was before?
Ride The Fire
In the streets of León, Nicaragua, skateboarding is more than a sport—it’s identity, freedom, and purpose.
When Julio’s younger brother begins to follow in his footsteps, what starts as passion becomes a journey of responsibility, growth, and brotherhood.
Ride The Fire is a story about falling, rising, and discovering who you are along the way.
One of the greatest rewards of writing Ride the Fire has been knowing that members of León's skateboarding community see their own culture reflected in its pages.
What Readers Are Saying
“Ride the Fire captured my attention from the very first page. It was an incredibly engaging and compelling read that I enjoyed from beginning to end.”
“It's a story that goes beyond skateboarding and tricks. It's about identity, culture, perseverance, and a way of life.”
— Marco Pastora
León, Nicaragua
Translated from the original Spanish
The Little Chef: The Challenge of the Heart
In this second adventure, Camila learns that the greatest challenges are not always in the kitchen, but in the heart.
Explore the children's books of Steve R. Hartwig — bilingual stories that celebrate kindness, imagination, and cultural connection.
The Little Chef
A heartwarming bilingual story about courage and kindness.
