A Rome for Restless Hearts: Finding a Spiritual Home in Catholicism

by Sister Lisa Hezmalhalch

TikTok-famous nun and Protestant-turned-Catholic Sister Lisa Hezmalhalch invites readers into her discovery that following Jesus meant becoming a Catholic, one faith question at a time.

Sister Lisa Hezmalhalch gets why some Christians aren’t part of the Catholic Church—and why they could never imagine themselves in it. She grew up Protestant thinking that Catholicism wasn’t real Christianity, but she also had a nagging sense that there was something missing from the Christian faith she already knew and loved. Now she asks us to listen to the questioning voices within our own hearts that tell us there are more spiritual riches to be found in unexpected places.

In A Rome for Restless Hearts, Sr. Lisa takes readers through some of the most common questions and concerns about Catholicism, including the veneration of Mary and the role of women in the Church. With her characteristic wit, Sr. Lisa shares with readers her own questions, misunderstandings, and reluctance about Catholicism, and how she discovered that the Catholic faith was already offering her soul what it was a deeper relationship with Jesus.

This book is a road map to help readers access the deepest riches of the faith, her answers serving as signposts to guide readers toward greater understanding and spiritual experience. It is also an invitation extended by Sr. Lisa, not only to those who already identify with the Christian faith but to the spiritually curious and even the skeptical, so that anyone may discover for themselves what others have found in this 2,000-year-old tradition.

Charming and informative, A Rome for Restless Hearts is essential reading for anyone who’s ready to listen seriously to the grumbling of their own spiritual hunger—and allow it to lead them to a surprising feast.

Genres: Religion

184 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Rome for the Restless Hearts, by Sister Lisa Hezmalhalch, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Sister Lisa Hezmalhalch was a protestant before converting to Catholicism. I really enjoyed this book, Sister Lisa answered some great questions, people have about Catholics, like when in the church.

[Scott Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sister Lisa warmly describes her journey from an active Protestant to becoming a Catholic nun. She describes her early misconceptions, prayerful insights and what she learned along the way. She addresses many questions outsiders have about the practices and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. She provides encouraging advice for prayer, confession and baptism, and other sacraments. She’s humorous, self-deprecating and caring about her readers. Most importantly, she gently challenges anyone’s belief that Catholics are not Christians.

For her, a turning point was being asked, “Do you believe the Catholic Church was founded by Jesus?” (Or something like that.) Having learned some, she answers, “Yes.” And then begins her journey to learn more about the church and eventually to be involved with it. While this is mostly a memoir answering her questions, they are many left unanswered, such as:

What about the Eastern Orthodox Church which also has apostolic roots, and was once headquartered closer to Jerusalem in Asia Minor?
Coming to terms with the distinction between mortal (major) and venal (minor) sins—what Jerry Bridges calls “respectable sins”— how would she address Galatians 5.19-21 where Paul writes that even sins like jealousy, envy, greed, quarreling also disqualify us from heaven?
What is the scriptural basis for purgatory as a place for us to shed our burdens that hinder us from entering heaven?
While communion is a sign of unity with the Church (or church), why are only Catholics permitted to partake inside a Catholic Church, while many Protestant churches (not all) permit any believer to participate?
Sister Lisa describes how entreating (praying to?) the saints and Mary to intercede on our behalf is like asking friends to pray for us. How would she describe the human limitation of any saint to identify and pray for anyone when being “barraged” by hundreds, if not millions, of requests? Think Jim Carrey in “Bruce Almighty” movie. Perhaps it’s a spiritual mystery or ability that God has granted these special individuals but there’s no scriptural basis.

She acknowledges Martin Luther’s reforming push to change some of the Catholic Church’s practices, especially the “sola scriptura” (only scripture) foundation. There were many other reformers, including those who pushed for translations in more than just Greek and Latin (Septuagint and Latin Vulgate). Yet the church still has Latin masses at certain times, as if Latin was a language of the Christ and the apostles—Hebrew and Aramaic being ignored. Worshipping in Arabic—another Semitic language—would be closer if the Church wanted to harken back to its roots. Latin is the language of Rome, hence Roman Catholic Church. So I’m curious if she really researched the history and foundations of the church, why she didn’t end up with a different orthodoxy? Granted, I’ve not seen any of her TikTok reels so she probably has more answers to questions like this in public.

I’m appreciative of the publisher for providing an advanced copy.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a friend of the author, Lisa Hezmalhalch, it's a pleasure to share my thoughts on her book, "A Rome for a Wrestler's Heart." This is more than just a book; it's a bridge of understanding, especially for anyone navigating the complexities of different Christian denominations.I come from a unique background, having been raised in the Protestant church while also being surrounded by Catholic family members. I even attended a Catholic university, which gave me a glimpse up into the faith from an academic perspective. However, it wasn't until reading Lisa's book that I felt some of the long-standing debates and misunderstandings within my own family truly click into place.Lisa has a remarkable talent for explaining complex topics in a clear, accessible way. The book is an incredibly easy read, written in a style that never feels preachy or overly academic. Instead, it offers genuine, thoughtful insights that illuminate the core tenets of Catholicism in a way that just makes sense.For anyone who is Protestant, or of any other faith, and wants to gain a deeper, more empathetic understanding of Catholicism, this book is an excellent resource. It’s a heartfelt and clear guide that I wholeheartedly recommend.

[Adrian]

I was given a copy of A Rome for Restless Hearts by Sister Lisa Hezmalhalch from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a surprisingly dense book, considering how short it was. I think this worked quite well as an autobiographical guide of Hezmalhalch's life choices, with occasional advice meted in throughout the book about how she felt we, the readers, could interpret the Bible and what lessons could be gleamed in everyday life.

I picked this book because I was intrigued by how people in the modern age decide to become part of a religious order, and she answered these questions quite well. I wonder if there may have been a second writer who could have asked her questions. There could maybe be an additional chapter in this regard.

Overall, I was pleased that I read this and feel I have based my review on fulfilling some of my curiosity and having an overarching picture of religious life in this day and age as an alternate image to the world around us.

[Zakri]

NetGalley e-ARC Review:

I love Sister Lisa Hezmalhalch, but I am biased, I have known her personally for almost 20 years. I have seen her at many different points along this journey, and it was my honor to get the chance to read her book. As a human, she is amazingly thoughtful, humorous, insightful, and loving, and everyone she meets is left better for their encounter. If this is your first contact with her or even your thousandth, sit back with your beverage of choice and immerse yourself into her story. A Rome for Restless Hearts is a beautiful testimony of faith, hope, transformation, and love. It is a book that is fit for people of all backgrounds, but especially for those who are searching. It is a book to be pondered not devoured; let her story capture you and help you on your journey. Be patient, and allow Lisa's words to guide you, and perhaps you will find something that has been missing.

[Kari McDowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew Sister Lisa a little from Multnomah University (now sadly defunct), where I attended and she was on staff. I always found her to be warm and encouraging. Years later I found out she had become TikTok famous as a nun, and I thought I’d like to read her book! Sister Lisa has a lot of warmth and passion, even though we wouldn’t agree on most points of theology. It was an interesting book because it was almost an apologetic for the Catholic position on various controversial issues, but mainly from an emotional/spiritual/autobiographical standpoint. Sister Lisa is very intelligent so I’m sure she has spent a lot of time studying each of these issues; I would have enjoyed more of that coming though in the book. All in all, an interesting read.

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading ‘A Rome for Restless Hearts’ was such a blessing. Someone who had wrestled with issues such as Mary, Saints who aren’t really dead, purgatory, the role of women in the Catholic Church and what true unity in the worldwide Church looks like. Thank you, Sister Lisa, for sharing your heart, and providing encouragement to those of us who are travelling a similar path.

[Annie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDERFUL! A good book for all faiths to read. She writes so well, and the book moves swiftly and smoothly. Highly recommend to anyone wanting the truth and understanding of Catholicism and the structure of the faith.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sr Lisa answers many misunderstandings (saying it nicely) regarding the Catholic Church. She explains it simply and clearly.

I enjoyed her journey.

[Joseph Streight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a very light read and I think it would be great for someone who was interested in Catholicism especially if they have a Protestant background.