A Diary of Faith, Growth, and Quiet Perseverance — Originally Published 1869
Originally published 1869 · Available in Paperback & Hardcover
Beloved by generations of readers for over 150 years, Stepping Heavenward is a timeless Christian classic that traces one woman's journey from youthful restlessness to deep, abiding faith. Written in intimate diary format, the novel follows Katherine Mortimer from the age of sixteen as she navigates the joys and trials that shape a life of devotion.
Through the ordinary struggles of growing up, marriage, motherhood, loss, and illness, Katherine discovers that the path to spiritual maturity is rarely smooth — but always guided by a loving God.
Elizabeth Prentiss crafts a profoundly honest portrait of the Christian life, one where doubt and impatience give way to grace, surrender, and transformation. Katherine's voice feels remarkably modern — candid, sometimes humorous, often achingly vulnerable — making her spiritual journey as compelling today as when it was first published in 1869.
This edition includes two rare introductions from the 1900 Pennypacker edition, unavailable in most modern printings: a Sketch of the Author, offering an intimate portrait of Elizabeth Prentiss herself, and The Story of the Book, written by her husband, recounting the personal circumstances and spiritual conviction that gave rise to this beloved novel. Together, they offer readers a window into the real woman behind Katherine's voice — and a deeper appreciation for how closely life and art intertwined for Prentiss.
Whether you are encountering this treasured classic for the first time or returning to it as an old friend, Stepping Heavenward offers comfort, conviction, and encouragement for every season of faith. It remains one of the most cherished devotional novels ever written, a book that Christian women pass from mother to daughter, generation after generation. This carefully formatted edition preserves the beauty of Prentiss's original text — enriched by rare historical context — for a new generation of readers seeking timeless wisdom and inspiration.
Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss is a Christian devotional novel first published in 1869. Written in diary format, it follows Katherine Mortimer from age sixteen through marriage, motherhood, loss, and illness as she grows from youthful restlessness into deep, abiding faith. It has been beloved by Christian women for over 150 years.
The Old Glory Press edition includes two rare introductions from the 1900 Pennypacker edition that are unavailable in most modern printings: a Sketch of the Author offering an intimate portrait of Elizabeth Prentiss, and The Story of the Book by her husband George L. Prentiss, recounting the personal circumstances that gave rise to the novel.
Yes. The Old Glory Press edition of Stepping Heavenward is available in both paperback and hardcover formats, and can be ordered through Amazon.
Stepping Heavenward was written by Elizabeth Prentiss (1818–1878), an American author, teacher, poet, and hymn writer. Much of the novel is autobiographical, reflecting her own spiritual journey and the challenges she experienced in life.
