A digitally created scene depicting a young boy with a backpack standing on a forest path, surrounded by lush greenery. In the background, there are animals like elephants and birds, an ancient ship wreck, and a tall structure under construction. The scene is mystical and adventurous, with the text 'Mateo and the Secrets of the Eternal Word' overlayed in yellow.


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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

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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

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Writing from León, Nicaragua

I write my stories from the historic colonial city of León, Nicaragua. Life here — the people, the culture, and the everyday moments — continues to inspire the stories I tell.

Many of my books are shaped by the warmth of this community and the simple experiences that remind us how kindness, courage, and friendship can change a life.

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.

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A man with gray hair, glasses, and a checked shirt standing outdoors among green foliage and colorful flowers, with sunlight filtering through trees in the background.

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.

Three book covers arranged side by side. The first is "A Man Called Blessed" by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright with a yellow background, a shadowed image of a woman wearing glasses. The second, "Mateo and the Secrets of the Eternal Word," features a young boy standing on a path with an open book, lush greenery, and a shipwreck in the background. The third, "The Pharaoh's Daughter" by Mesu Andrews, shows a woman with Egyptian-style makeup and jewelry in profile against a dark backdrop of water and land.

Featured between bestselling Christian authors Ted Dekker & Bill Bright and award-winning biblical fiction author Mesu Andrews.

My Book Is Featured on AwesomeGang
Mateo and the Secrets of the Eternal Word
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.

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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.

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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.

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Cover of Ride The Fire by Steve R. Hartwig inspired by skateboarding culture in León, Nicaragua
A young man with curly hair and a bandana reading a book while sitting on the sidewalk at night, near a tree and a pink building with corrugated metal siding.

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

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Young girl outdoors at sunset representing reflection and personal growth in the stories of Steve R. Hartwig

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.

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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.

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Family gathered in a rustic kitchen scene inspired by the storytelling themes of Steve R. Hartwig

What Readers Are Saying

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader's Favorite

"A fascinating story that young readers will enjoy... The characters are well-developed, and the seamless flow of events ensures an engaging read."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Review

"A wonderful book. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Congratulations to the author for giving Latino families a story in which we can see ourselves reflected. Educational and engaging."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Review

"Great book for kids and adults. We bought the Kindle edition and later purchased the paperback for our grandchildren. I enjoyed reading it and learning about the culture—very enjoyable."