Ellen Gable's Blog

Where Angels Pass Recent Reviews

Synopsis: WINNER, Catholic Educational Novels, 2022 CMA Book Awards
Based on true events. Teenager Evie Gallagher is stunned when her 45-year-old father dies tragically and suddenly. Too many unanswered questions accompany Evie’s challenging journey to adulthood. When she finally discovers the reason her father led such a troubled life, shock turns to anger. She is determined to find justice for her father.

Nervous about the first day of his freshman year, 14-year-old Hank Gallagher steps inside Holy Archangels High School for the first time in September of 1954. Although the majestic Holy Archangels statues inside the school’s grand lobby present an air of protection, it is not long before Hank passes right under them and into the hands of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Confused and cornered by threats, Hank attempts to abandon his secret to the past, but a horrible wound on his heart eventually leads to a catastrophic breakdown.

Chapters alternate between Evie and Hank to reveal a life haunted by betrayal and a revelation of true justice and hope.

Here are some recent reviews for Where Angels Pass:

Hank went through so much! It broke my heart to read this story, but it’s also heartwarming because he is gifted with such a great family. I hope nobody ever experiences what happened to Hank. It saddens me that this story is loosely based on real events because that just shows how dark this world can be. I tried not to cry but gave in during the latter part. Overall, I’m giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. It was well-depicted and well-researched. (Shey Saints Reviews)

This book drew me in from the start with its deeply personal narrative and authentic voice. The characters feel real, carrying both flaws and virtues that make their journey relatable. I appreciated the way family relationships were shown, not as perfect, but as bonds that weather both joy and pain. The story deals with difficult subject matter, yet it’s handled with a balance of gentleness and honesty that kept me turning the pages. It isn’t heavy just for the sake of being heavy. It offers moments of warmth and connection that make the emotional parts even more powerful. (Harmonia Reviews)

The writing feels straightforward yet full of emotion. I liked how the author alternates perspectives, giving readers a deeper understanding of different generations. There’s a strong sense of time and place, from bustling city schools to quiet family moments at home. Dialogue flows naturally and small details like shared candy or simple kitchen scenes add authenticity. The heavier themes don’t overshadow the humanity of the characters. Instead, they’re woven into daily life in a way that feels both believable and touching. (Bulletproof Girl Reviews)

The heart of this book lies in its characters. Every one of them, from main figures to side family members, is drawn with care. The writing style is clear and steady, making it easy to follow while still rich with emotion. There’s an authenticity in how grief, faith, and everyday routines intertwine. It’s not a sensationalized account. Instead, it’s a thoughtful look at coping, connection, and personal growth. I finished the book feeling like I’d spent time with real people whose lives will stick with me for a while. (Noriel Marano)

This is the kind of story that sneaks up on you. At first, it feels like a slice-of-life family tale, but gradually you realize how much emotional weight is being carried underneath. I found the character of Hank particularly compelling. His struggles at school and desire to prove himself resonated with me. The narrative never rushes; it gives space for moments to land. Even the lighter interactions have an undercurrent of meaning. It’s powerful in how it shows resilience without preaching. (Jiminie Mochi)

There’s an underlying tenderness in this story, even during its most difficult moments. I enjoyed how it alternates between generations, showing how past experiences shape the present. The descriptions are vivid without being overly detailed, letting readers imagine their own version of each scene. The pacing allows for reflection, and the emotional beats land naturally. It’s not about sudden twists or big reveals, it’s about people, their choices, and the connections that hold them together through both joy and sorrow. (Onyx Cooper)

The narrative voice feels intimate, as if someone is sitting down to share personal memories over coffee. This approach makes the more difficult topics easier to absorb, without losing their impact. I found the family dynamics believable. Siblings teasing each other, parents balancing discipline with affection, and small gestures that say more than words. The story also does a great job of showing the environment. The sounds, smells, and textures of each setting linger after you’ve read the page. (Karen Apet)

From the first chapter, the sense of loss is palpable. Yet the story doesn’t dwell in sadness alone. It also celebrates resilience, faith, and the importance of small acts of kindness. I appreciate how the book avoids melodrama, letting moments speak for themselves. The interwoven timelines add depth, showing how past experiences echo into the present. Even during the more serious scenes, there are touches of humor or tenderness that keep the narrative grounded. It’s a moving and human story. (Anya Reid)

This isn’t a fast-paced novel, but that’s exactly why it works. The author takes time to build emotional layers, allowing readers to truly connect with the characters. I liked the focus on seemingly ordinary events. A first day at a new school, a shared meal, a conversation in the kitchen. Because they hold more weight as the story unfolds. It’s a reminder that life’s biggest changes often show themselves in small, quiet ways. The writing is steady and heartfelt. (Karina)

One of the things I admired most was how the book portrays faith, not as a perfect, unshakable thing, but as something that ebbs and flows through hardship. The spiritual elements feel organic to the characters rather than imposed on the story. The shifts between Evie’s and Hank’s perspectives give the narrative emotional balance. While their circumstances differ, both carry a sense of vulnerability that makes them relatable. It’s a touching read that lingers after you finish. (Mori)

An Open Book #anopenbook September

Today I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading and working on for the past month.

A Hero Such as Heaven Intended (#6) by Amanda Lauer

Synopsis: As the Civil War grinds on, Theresa Lundgren’s world unravels in besieged Atlanta. Trapped by encroaching Union forces, a desperate act costs her step-brother his life, and forever alters her own, and that of Sergeant Joseph Laurent, a Cherokee soldier, questioning his loyalty to the Union cause. Their meeting at the scene of a crime is far from ideal. Theresa, an ambitious Southern spitfire, and Joseph, a man torn between conscription’s demands and his pacifist roots, couldn’t be more different. Yet, as Atlanta braces for General Sherman’s devastating March to the Sea, an unexpected bond forms between them, fueled by a shared faith, perilous circumstances, and perhaps something deeper. With the city under siege and their lives in jeopardy, can Theresa and Joseph bridge their divide to survive the war’s final assault? Or will the flames of conflict consume their chance at love?

This last installment of the Heaven Intended Series comes out on September 8 from FQP!

A Serpent’s Pursuit by M.P. McBride

Coming in December from FQP:

Synopsis: George Abiola, a Nigerian boy, is nicknamed Blos (blessed little old soul) due to his wise, positive, Christian approach to life. His chosen life’s path brings unwanted attention from a dangerous antagonist, an evil presence who mysteriously appears throughout George’s life.

At a young age, he joins his grandmother in America, setting him on a trajectory destined for both humble service… and fame. After George has unwillingly gained international notoriety, the manifestation of his antagonist is further motivated to destroy the innocent target of its hate.

George must gain the courage to confront evil face to face.  Who will prevail?

Blood Lines by Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille

Synopsis: In this “highly entertaining” New York Times bestseller from Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille, Army CID Special Agents Brodie and Taylor “are the modern warriors the world needs” (Bookreporter), and they’re on the hunt for the cold-blooded murderer of one of their fellow agents.

Army Criminal Investigation Agents Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor have been separated for five months following their last assignment, a dangerous mission in Venezuela to locate and detain an infamous Army deserter. Now, in Berlin, they are reunited and tasked with investigating the murder of one of their own: CID Special Agent Harry Vance of the 5th MP Battalion, an accomplished counterterrorism agent who had been stationed in western Germany, and whose body was discovered in a city park in the heart of Berlin’s Arab refugee community.

The authorities suspect this is an act of Islamic terrorism, but Brodie and Taylor soon believe there is more to this case. The reason for Vance’s presence in Berlin is unknown, and as Brodie and Taylor work to discover what the murder victim was doing in the days and weeks preceding his death, they become immersed in the many conflicts and contradictions of modern Germany—the Arab refugee crisis, the dark legacy of the Cold War and the Stasi secret police, and the imminent threats of a rising neo-Nazi movement. At the same time, they are butting heads with the authorities—both German and American—and facing a possible threat from American intelligence agents who fear that Brodie and Taylor might have learned too much about US clandestine operations during their mission in Venezuela.

Ultimately, Brodie and Taylor realize that the murder of Harry Vance was merely the prelude to a much more sinister future event—unless they can unravel the mystery in time to stop it.

My review: I picked this up for 2.99 (Canadian!) the other day, and with Nelson DeMille, you can never go wrong. Great characters, witty dialogue, and a compelling story. Recommend!

The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis

Synopsis: The Problem of Pain by C.S Lewis is a philosophical and religious exploration of the nature of sorrow and its relationship with the existence and goodness of God. In this book, Lewis deals with the centuries-old question: If God is all-powerful and all-loving, then why is there pain in the world? They argue that pain is an essential result of independent desire, and that suffering can lead to spiritual development and deep dependence on God. Lewis’s nature, the collapse of man and how pain and pain in the plan of God for human development fit. He suggests that pain, while hard and sometimes unbearable, may be a tool for the human soul to awaken to the presence of God, love, and eternal life. Through logical logic and Christian theology, Lewis provides insight into how believers can understand and cope with sorrow while maintaining faith in a philanthropist God.

My review: This book was mentioned on one of the social media platforms and was only 1.46 to download. It’s a bit thick theologically, but I would expect nothing less from C.S. Lewis. Suffering, that is, emotional and physical pain, can work toward our redemption and awaken our soul to the presence of God, love, and eternal life. Recommend.

Incarnate by Antony Barone Kolenc

Synopsis: October, 2007. Joshua Christiansen thinks he’s just an ordinary teen, ready to graduate high school and infatuated with his best friend, Rachel…until Agent Samson shows up and tells him who he really is. Now, while dodging ruthless zealots and evading government plots, he must test the limits of his mind and body as he seeks the truth about himself.

Was he truly cloned from the blood of a Eucharistic miracle? Does he really have the power to trigger the End of Days? Or will he be killed, captured, or brainwashed by one of the many people who want to use him for their own ends before he can learn the truth?

My review: I’ve just started reading this book by fellow Catholic Teen Books author Antony Kolenc. The premise of this book is fascinating, and I have no doubt that the book will be as compelling and intriguing as Kolenc’s other books.

Murder in the Neighborhood: The True Story of America’s First Recorded Mass Shooting by Ellen J. Green

Synopsis: 6 September 1949, East Camden, New Jersey. The shocking true story of the first recorded mass shooting in America. In less than twelve minutes, twenty-eight-year-old Howard Barton Unruh shot thirteen people dead on his block on River Road. Why did he do it? Could someone have stopped him?

The sky was cloudless the morning twelve-year-old Raymond Havens was sent out to get a haircut. He walked across River Road to the barbershop and was just settling into his seat when his neighbor, a quiet, gentle man, Howard Unruh took out a Luger and opened fire on the customers.

The shooting struck panic across small-town America. In the local community of East Camden, schools and stores closed. Little Raymond couldn’t sleep. What led his friendly neighbor to become a killer? While he set about trying to figure it out, Howard’s mother, vilified by the victims’ families, struggled to make sense of the horrific acts her son had committed.

The lives of those that had survived Howard’s killing spree were blown apart and they continue to have repercussions today. Several decades after Howard Unruh shot his deadly bullets, a gunman opened fire in a high school and a young girl hid in a closet – just like her grandfather did that fateful day on River Road.

A compulsive page-turner about a shocking crime that has become a heartbreaking part of everyday life in America, Murder in the Neighborhood will have you asking—how well do we ever really know those around us? Are we ever really safe?

My review: As someone who grew up in the Camden/Philadelphia area, the reported story of these events was well-known to me. What wasn’t well-known was the backstory and the reasons that a recent World War II veteran, a person who before the war was considered sensitive, kind and caring, went on this murderous rampage. Very insightful and compelling true crime reading. Highly recommend.

Life From the Bottom Shelf recent reviews

From Shey Saints Reviews:

Life From the Bottom Shelf by Ellen Gable is a heartfelt and humorous memoir-style collection of true short stories about living as a short-statured woman in a world built for taller people. Blending her own experiences with those of equally petite friends and relatives, Gable recounts moments ranging from lighthearted misunderstandings to frustrating encounters, all with warmth and wit. The book explores childhood memories, awkward mistaken identities, dating stories, travel mishaps, and even the perks of being short. Each chapter captures the unique perspective of life “from the bottom shelf,” offering both relatable laughs for fellow short readers and eye-opening insights for taller ones.

I’d give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It’s charming, easy to read, and genuinely funny without feeling forced. The personal anecdotes flow naturally, and the variety of contributors keeps things fresh. While it’s not a deep, dramatic memoir, that’s not its goal. The book celebrates shared experiences and fosters connection. If you’ve ever had to ask a stranger to reach the top shelf or been mistaken for a child well into adulthood, you’ll find yourself nodding and laughing along.

From Harmonia’s Reviews:

Life From the Bottom Shelf by Ellen Gable is like swapping funny life stories with a good friend over coffee. Through short, engaging anecdotes, Gable and her petite friends share what it’s really like to navigate a world where mirrors are too high, clothes never fit right, and strangers constantly mistake you for a kid. The humor is self-aware and endearing, with just enough heartfelt moments to balance the laughs. I especially enjoyed the stories about mistaken identities. They’re so absurd you almost can’t believe they happened. I give it 5 stars because it kept me smiling from start to finish.

From Bulletproof Girl’s Reviews:

This book offers a gentle but insightful look at the everyday experiences of short women. It’s not just about height. It’s about how people perceive you, how you adapt, and how shared challenges can turn into shared laughter. The stories span childhood, adulthood, and everything in between, making it relatable across generations. I appreciated the mix of contributors, each with their own personality and style, which kept the book engaging. I’m giving it 4/5 stars because while it’s uplifting and relatable, it’s more of a casual read than something deeply introspective. Still, its charm lies in its simplicity.

From Jiminie Mochi’s Reviews:

It was really nice to read this! Just pure joy! The book is a celebration of small stature and big personality, told through funny, sometimes jaw-dropping real-life stories. Ellen Gable’s narrative voice feels like a friend sharing the “you won’t believe what happened” moments that make life memorable. From travel mix-ups to being mistaken for someone’s kid, every story is infused with humor and self-confidence. It’s the kind of book you can pick up, read a few stories, and instantly feel better. I rate it 5/5 stars for making me laugh out loud multiple times. Best of all, it’s wholesome. No vulgarity, no explicit scenes, just real people embracing who they are. If you’ve ever been underestimated because of how you look, you’ll love this.

Life From the Bottom Shelf is available via Amazon.com and other retailers.

#FREE on Kindle: Remembering Mom

Today is the 18th anniversary of my mom’s passing into eternal life. I miss her every day and look forward to our reunion in heaven.

I’ve made my book, Remembering Mom, FREE on Kindle today through Sunday.

Synopsis: In Remembering Mom, author Ellen Gable shares memories of her beloved mother, an unconventional woman who was often thrust into situations by necessity. She endured having to watch her first husband spiral into psychosis and schizophrenia, then have him be committed to a psychiatric hospital on the same day she was in labor with their fourth child. She worked from home typing back in the day when women didn’t have jobs other than homemaking. Her humor was quirky, and she had some strange sayings. She could swear like a sailor, but loved her Catholic faith. She wasn’t a perfect Catholic, nor was she a perfect mother, but she was devoted to her five children. After the death of her first husband, she remained strong for her young adult children, then eventually found love again and another opportunity for motherhood.

August Open Book #anopenbook

Today I’m joining with Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading and working on for the past month:

On Grief & Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss by

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, MD and David Kessler

Synopsis: Ten years after the death of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, this commemorative edition of her final book combines practical wisdom, case studies, and the authors’ own experiences and spiritual insight to explain how the process of grieving helps us live with loss. Now with an introduction by Maria Shriver and an additional resources section.

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s On Death and Dying changed the way we talk about the end of life. Before her own death in 2004, she and David Kessler completed On Grief and Grieving, which looks at the way we experience the process of grief.

Just as On Death and Dying taught us the five stages of death—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—On Grief and Grieving applies these stages to the grieving process and weaves together theory, inspiration, and practical advice, including sections on sadness, hauntings, dreams, isolation, and healing. This is “a fitting finale and tribute to the acknowledged expert on end-of-life matters” (Good Housekeeping).

My review: I’m currently writing a book entitled Coping With Loss Without Losing Your Faith, so this is one of the books I ordered to help with my research. This is an excellent reference on grief and grieving. Highly recommend. 5/5.

A Very Loud Christmas by Amy Schisler, Illustrated by Emily Torres

Synopsis: Meet Crash, Belle, Carol, Thor, and Joy, the Loud children. They love to laugh and sing and enjoy life – loudly! The rest of the families in their quiet, mountain village don’t understand why the Loud children are always so loud, and the other children are not allowed to play with them. One Christmas, little Johnny Thompson gets lost in the woods, and the village must rely on the very Loud family to bring Johnny home.

This delightful book will enchant children with its illustrations and lovable, often relatable, characters and will warm the hearts of parents with its valuable lessons on acceptance, friendship, and prayer. It’s the perfect gift at Christmas or any time of the year.

My review: I received an advanced copy of this book to review for Catholic Mom so my full review will be coming soon. However, I can say that my six-year-old grandson enjoyed it. More to come.

Jumping into Joy: Caitlyn and Peter’s Rosary Adventures by Theresa Linden

Synopsis: Nine-year-old Peter dozes off while his family prays the Rosary. His friend Caitlyn encourages him to use his imagination. He’s not sure what she means until she takes him through the Portal to the Rosary Mysteries. At first Peter doesn’t see the ancient town of Nazareth. But as Caitlyn describes their surroundings and the teenage girl carrying a water pot, Peter begins to see it too! Hey, is that Mary?

Peter uses his problem-solving skills, and Caitlyn refers to her Rosary Journal as they try to discover the virtues attached to each mystery of the Rosary. Once they discover the virtue, they zip to the next mystery!

Prayer is more important than ever—and not just for adults. Children have the potential to become great prayers warriors and to grow in virtue by using Our Lady’s gift of the Rosary. We know that the Rosary is more than a recitation of words; it is also a meditation on the lives of Jesus and Mary. Children have a unique ability to use their imagination. Following lively characters, this Rosary-themed chapter book, geared toward children ages six to nine, will show readers how to use their imaginations to meditate on the mysteries and will encourage them to pray for particular virtues.

After the story, find Bible verses and virtues specific to each mystery, along with a “Prayer before the Rosary” for children.

My review: I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful middle-grade book, which seeks to teach children about the wonders of the Holy Rosary (and specifically, the Joyful Mysteries in this book). I especially appreciated that the author incorporated characters from her young adult book series. Highly recommend. 5/5.

While Idaho Slept by J. Reuben Appelman

Synopsis: Just after 4:00 am on November 13, 2022, four University of Idaho students were viciously stabbed to death in an off-campus house. The killings would shake the small blue-collar college town of Moscow, Idaho, dominate mainstream news coverage, and become a social media obsession, drawing millions of clicks and views. While a reticent Moscow Police Department, the FBI, and the Idaho State Police searched for the killer, unending conjecture and countless theories blazed online, in chatrooms and platforms from Reddit and YouTube to Facebook and TikTok. For more than a month, the clash of armchair investigators and law enforcement professionals raged, until a suspect—a 28-year-old Ph.D. candidate studying criminology—was arrested at his family home 2,500 miles away in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania on the day before New Year’s Eve.

While Idaho Slept is a thought-provoking, literary chronicle of a small-town murder investigation blistering beneath the unceasing light of international interest, as traditional investigators, citizen sleuths, and the true-crime media acted—sometimes together, often in conflict—to uncover the truth. As J. Reuben Appelman brings this terrible crime into focus, he humanizes the four victims, examining the richness of their lives, dissects the mind and motivations of their presumed killer, and explores the world of northern Idaho, a rugged, deeply conservative stronghold steeped in Christian values and American patriotism. 

Going deep inside the case, Appelman addresses a crucial question: With so many millions of citizens armed by access and hungry to take part in a true crime hunt of their own, has the nature of homicide investigations permanently changed? Rising above the sensational, While Idaho Slept illuminates the intrinsic connection between today’s media, citizen sleuths, our societal mania for murder tales, and an impatient public’s insatiable appetite for spectacle as never before. Running beneath, the pulse of the story is a heartbreaking narrative of the people we love, the dreams we all share, and the uncertain time left for sharing them.

Review: As most of my blog followers know, one of my guilty pleasures is reading true crime. From In Cold Blood to Helter Skelter, I’ve probably read 80 percent of all the true crime books out there.

I’ve had a copy of this particular book for a year now. I didn’t actually read it until a few weeks ago when the defendant in the Idaho case decided to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty. I’d actually forgotten I had it, discovered it in a pile of books, then proceeded to read it over the next few days. Crisp, polished writing and extremely well done, although the book was written during the gag order in place since 2023, so there wasn’t a lot that was new information. Recommend. 4/5.

Treason by Dena Hunt

Synopsis: Second Edition. As Stephen Long steps ashore in England one gray dawn in May 1587, he wonders how many more Catholics will have to die to make Queen Elizabeth feel secure. Involuntarily, he trembles at the thought that soon he may be numbered among them.

For in the days ahead, each time Stephen hears confession or celebrates Mass, he commits yet another act of high treason against the British Crown, for which Queen Elizabeth’s swift penalty is gruesome torture and painful death. As Stephen hastens to find shelter away from that open beach, he struggles not only with fear but with doubt as well: “Is my mission foolish? Am I nothing more than fresh meat for the queen’s butchers?”

In the light of that same gray dawn, just a few miles north, a heartbroken Caroline Wingate lies awake in her unhappy marriage bed, wrestling with thoughts of a different – perhaps crueler – martyrdom.

Although from her earliest years Caroline has known herself to be called to cloistered, contemplative life as a nun, some years ago she was forced by her father into a politically safe marriage with an upright Protestant from whom she must hide her Catholicism – and her true vocation – lest she, too, be executed for her faith.

My review: Although I’m the new publisher of the second edition of this novel, I’ve loved this book since it was first published in 2013. It’s one of the best Catholic novels I’ve ever read. Here’s my review from 2013:

“It is suffering, more than anything else, which clears the way for the grace which transforms human souls.”

This quote by Blessed John Paul II (Salvifici Doloris) could well be the theme of Dena Hunt’s exquisite novel, Treason, which takes place in 16th Century England when Catholicism was outlawed. Suffering for the faith in our current North American culture is something most modern Catholics have never considered. Religious apathy is evidenced by half-filled churches and the large numbers of Catholics who openly dissent from Church teachings on abortion, contraception, same sex unions and premarital sex.

Since Adam and Eve, sin has been present, but what I have observed is that religious apathy, poorly-formed consciences and subjective truth have made the above sinful behaviors acceptable and the norm. It’s becoming more and more difficult for Catholics to practice their faith in our current society.

So what does all this have to do with Dena Hunt’s exciting new novel, Treason? Well, a lot. Catholics in Elizabethan England were not permitted to practice their faith. Monasteries had their roofs torn off, convents and churches were looted, their artworks and artifacts were removed and stolen.

Catholics were expected to change their religion and attend Church of England services (or face huge fines). But many Catholics retained their faith and were forced underground to recite rosaries, go to confession and attend Mass when a priest was available.

Priests always bore the brunt of the crown’s cruel martyrdom because they were seen as traitors: if they were captured, they were tortured, hung and before death, taken down, drawn and quartered. In fact, Treason is dedicated to Blessed Father Nicholas Postgate, “a Catholic priest who faithfully served his `parish’ in the wilds of the Yorkshire moors, always traveling by foot, until he was arrested, hanged, drawn, and quartered at York, at the age of eighty.”

As well, lay people also suffered martyrdom during this time. Those suspected of harboring priests were hung without a trial.

Hunt’s story centers around a young priest, Father Stephen Long, who arrives in England to secretly minister to the large numbers of underground Catholics. He wonders “how many more Catholics will have to die to make Queen Elizabeth feel secure.” Every time he hears confession or celebrates Holy Mass, he knows he is committing high treason against the Crown, the penalty of which is torture and a painful death.

The other main character is Caroline. From the time she was a young girl, Caroline has known that she has been called by God to a contemplative religious vocation. Her mother has died and Caroline is forced by her father into a “safe” marriage to a Protestant. Her husband is not unkind, but he is frustrated by his “wife’s” lack of desire. He realizes that her love for him is no different than the love she feels towards all humanity. For Caroline, she must keep her faith secret from her husband. Her vocation is stifled and her suffering is internal. In many ways, Hunt portrays, this is a more difficult suffering to endure. Caroline cannot outwardly practice her faith, but more importantly, she cannot live the vocation to which God is calling her.

This is not a morbid book filled only with death. Nor is it a happy-go-lucky story. It is a difficult story to read because suffering and martyrdom were a way of life for Catholics during a time when religious liberty was ripped away from them. In that regard, the author does an excellent job of illustrating grace in action. Surprisingly, this novel also includes a few underlying theology of the body themes, which I did not expect from a novel that takes place in the 1500’s.

Treason is an artistic masterpiece of Catholic literature and is Catholic fiction at its finest. It has a cast of well-developed, believable characters and beautiful writing, rich in imagery. I savored each sentence and each scene like a piece of fine chocolate. In fact, once I reached the end, I was disappointed. This book is literary candy and I wanted more.

However, this novel is so much more than artistic mastery. Treason is a moving and inspiring reminder that our Catholic faith is a great gift and the freedom to express our faith is also a gift and should never be taken for granted.

This is the kind of book that should become a classic of Catholic literature. I cannot recommend it highly enough. If I could give it more than five stars, I would.

July Open Book #anopenbook

Today I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been working on and reading this past month.

Treason (Second Edition) by Dena Hunt

Synopsis: Now available from FQP, Treason, Second Edition. As Stephen Long steps ashore in England one gray dawn in May 1581, he wonders how many more Catholics will have to die to make Queen Elizabeth feel secure. Involuntarily, he trembles at the thought that soon he may be numbered among them.

For in the days ahead, each time Stephen hears confession or celebrates Mass, he commits yet another act of high treason against the British Crown, for which Queen Elizabeth’s swift penalty is gruesome torture and painful death.

As Stephen hastens to find shelter away from that open beach, he struggles not only with fear but with doubt as well: “Is my mission foolish? Am I nothing more than fresh meat for the queen’s butchers?”

In the light of that same gray dawn, just a few miles north, a heartbroken Caroline Wingate lies awake in her unhappy marriage bed, wrestling with thoughts of a different — perhaps crueler — martyrdom.

Although from her earliest years Caroline has known herself to be called to cloistered contemplative life as a nun, some years ago she was forced by her father into a politically “safe” marriage with an upright Protestant, from whom she must hide her Catholicism — and her true — vocation lest she, too, be executed for her faith.

Hanging by the neck is swift martyrdom, but Caroline’s doubts and guilt have pained her daily for years now. An exile in her own soul, in her lonely desolation, she confesses, “I don’t love my husband as I should. For safety’s sake, I cannot give myself wholly to him and must deceive him daily. Nor can I give myself to the One I truly love.”

In a few days, circumstances will force Caroline and the young priest together. With death hastening toward both of them, the beautiful fates of these two faithful Catholics confirm what we today too often forget: our faith is the most powerful force in the world — more powerful than politics, wars, or empires. More powerful even than the hard, cold will of Queen Elizabeth.

In this gripping, heartrending tale, Caroline and Stephen show us that it’s not power that writes the true history of the world; it’s faith: faith and the love that faith alone can awaken and sustain.

Stepping Stones of my Life by Rene Robertson

Synopsis: This memoir of a childhood in constant flux and readjustment is this woman’s candid perspective on life, uncertainty, and the struggles and joys of a large family that included a brother, Felix, who was born mute and with hydrocephalus. Entering adulthood and setting out to Saint John, NB, to establish her own footing, she encounters yet more challenges: marriage, moving back to Ontario and raising two children while juggling a career, and even being in the spotlight as a pastor’s wife. With so many people these days whose lives are constantly uprooted, Rene’s story offers encouragement and a true sense of the way home. This is a collection of heartwarming stories, hardships, depression, seeking and triumph.

My review: The wonderful thing about being an author is when I meet other authors. This one, Rene Robertson, happened to be sitting beside me at a friend’s birthday party. I downloaded her book, and she ordered one of mine. The story is not unlike many other tales of life, although the author is Christian, so there’s an underlying theme of trust in God. Recommend.

Letter to the Future by Michael D. O’Brien

Synopsis: Best-selling novelist Michael O’Brien returns to the theme of people of faith striving to find their way through a societal collapse during the rise of new dimensions of totalitarianism.

Set in the near future, all of North America is plunged into crisis as basic communications and other services suddenly and inexplicably fail. As the tension mounts, a disparate group of people come together from several directions, apparently by coincidence. Many of them are strangers to each other, and some are very young–whom their parents and guardians call “our pied piper children.”

Moved by grace and dreams, they leave behind all securities and endure numerous alarming trials as they follow the thread of inspiration, seeking refuge in the mountains of British Columbia. Their choice to proceed in blind faith will bring about unforeseen consequences that are fully revealed only in the distant future.

My review: I was amazed that this book is only 400 pages in length. Many of O’Brien’s other books are much thicker. Still in the process of reading and enjoying it very much. O’Brien is one of the best Catholic authors today.

Espoused to Christ: A Theology of Consecrated Virginity by Erin Kinsella

Synopsis: Although consecrated virginity lived in the world is the oldest form of consecrated life in the Church, it is also one of its most hidden treasures. However, since the Second Vatican Council called for the renewal of this vocation, increasing numbers of women have sought to discover whether the Lord is calling them to become His mystical bride, and the number of consecrated virgins continues to increase worldwide.

Aside from some formation books and scattered sources, such as the Church Fathers’ writings, little information specific to consecrated virginity has been available for dioceses and discerners — until now. Specifically addressing consecrated virginity lived in the world, this book is an invaluable and timeless resource for gaining greater clarity on this beautiful, ancient vocation for women discerning and in formation, bishops, formators, and even the already consecrated. It covers topics including:

The nature of vocation and unique aspects of various vocations in the ChurchThe charisms of celibacy and virginity in the history of the Church and nowThe Holy See’s instruction on consecrated virginity in Ecclesiae Sponsae ImagoThe prophetic role in the Church of the vocation of consecrated virginity lived in the worldThe Marian nature of this vocation and the call to live in imitation of Our LadyThe essence of brideship and spousal love, and the gift of spiritual maternity

Espoused to Christ provides both a theological framework for understanding this vocation and real-life applications that illustrate how to live it, with helpful Scripture passages and reflection questions at the end of each chapter.

This gem of a book reveals that while the vocation of consecrated virginity is ancient, it is also ever new and that these brides of Christ in the world are helping to renew the Church by the lived witness of their love for Christ.

My review: My youngest sister, Laurie, is also a “Consecrated Virgin of the World.” She recently met with the author of this book. I was surprised there was a book on this topic. Two years ago, when my sister told our family that she was studying to be a “Consecrated Virgin of the World,” I had never heard of this vocation. This is an excellent book, not only for those discerning their vocations, but for the families of those women who have chosen this as their vocation. Highly recommend.

Now Available from FQP!

Treason by Dena Hunt (Second edition)

As Stephen Long steps ashore in England one gray dawn in May 1587, he wonders how many more Catholics will have to die to make Queen Elizabeth feel secure. Involuntarily, he trembles at the thought that soon he may be numbered among them.

For in the days ahead, each time Stephen hears confession or celebrates Mass, he commits yet another act of high treason against the British Crown, for which Queen Elizabeth’s swift penalty is gruesome torture and painful death.

As Stephen hastens to find shelter away from that open beach, he struggles not only with fear but with doubt as well: “Is my mission foolish? Am I nothing more than fresh meat for the queen’s butchers?”

In the light of that same gray dawn, just a few miles north, a heartbroken Caroline Wingate lies awake in her unhappy marriage bed, wrestling with thoughts of a different — perhaps crueler — martyrdom.

Although from her earliest years Caroline has known herself to be called to cloistered contemplative life as a nun, some years ago she was forced by her father into a politically “safe” marriage with an upright Protestant, from whom she must hide her Catholicism — and her true — vocation lest she, too, be executed for her faith.

Hanging by the neck is swift martyrdom, but Caroline’s doubts and guilt have pained her daily for years now. An exile in her own soul, in her lonely desolation, she confesses, “I don’t love my husband as I should. For safety’s sake, I cannot give myself wholly to him and must deceive him daily. Nor can I give myself to the One I truly love.”

In a few days, circumstances will force Caroline and the young priest together. With death hastening toward both of them, the beautiful fates of these two faithful Catholics confirm what we today too often forget: our faith is the most powerful force in the world — more powerful than politics, wars, or empires. More powerful even than the hard, cold will of Queen Elizabeth.

In this gripping, heartrending tale, Caroline and Stephen show us that it’s not power that writes the true history of the world; it’s faith: faith and the love that faith alone can awaken and sustain.

Now available in paperback and on Kindle.

June – An Open Book #anopenbook

Today, I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading and working on for the past month.

Gracie Glory and the Saint Stories by Jenna Epkey

Synopsis: Meet “Gracie Glory” as she journeys through her daily life as a Catholic school student. This delightful children’s book introduces young readers to the extraordinary lives of Catholic saints. Written with a captivating blend of storytelling, this cute book captures the saints’ life in a way that will capture the hearts and imaginations of children.

As you read about Gracie Glory’s everyday life, she will be introduced to these holy men and women by her parents, teachers, and more. She will learn valuable lessons about kindness, courage, and compassion. The book celebrates the saints’ extraordinary deeds by making their stories relatable to young readers.

“Gracie Glory and the saint stories” is a heartwarming tale that introduces the joy of learning about Catholic saints, inspiring children to embrace virtue and compassion. With an engaging storyline, “Gracie Glory” encourages children to discover the beauty of faith and the importance of virtue.

This charming book series is a must-have for families, schools, and religious educators seeking to share the timeless wisdom of Catholic saints with the next generation.

Check out more books from this series to learn more about other saints.

Perfect for early readers, ages 5-9, but enjoyed by many.

My review: This is a cute chapter book that most kids would enjoy reading.

Escape from Natura Meta by Jesus Conchola Sanchez

Synopsis: Gabriel is a boy born into the Natura Meta tribe ruled by The Council, where faith has been replaced by the pursuit of the “benefit of all.” He’s slated to transition to female to meet a societal quota. Beatriz, his ancestor, appears in his dreams. She helps him discover his faith against an apocalyptic backdrop of tyranny disguised as “benefit of all.” He escapes into an unknown world to fulfill a mission. The Creole in Louisiana teach him their ways. He begins to take his own steps as a man. He finds his first love in the desert among the Jews. The cowboys in Texas enslave him. Gabriel grows in freedom as the cycle of being wounded and healing, the cycle of mourning and moving forward, make him stronger. He begins weak and ignorant, but he becomes an authority with the help of the many teachers he comes across. In Mexico, he finds what he has been looking for. He builds a community of Christians in a godless world. Natura Meta puts a ransom on his head. He is a wanted man and must return to his tribe of origin to fight for true freedom. The war against Natura Meta begins.

My review: I enjoyed this dystopian novel. The story was engaging, the setting descriptive, and the characters were well-developed. Recommend.

Divine Mercy for Moms: Sharing the Lessons of St. Faustina by Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet

Synopsis: Originating in the early twentieth century, the Divine Mercy devotion of St. Faustina Kowalska is one of the most celebrated of all Catholic devotions. In this, their first book, Catholic bloggers and speakers Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet break open the history, practices, and prayers associated with the devotion, guiding busy moms to receive God’s message of Divine Mercy and pass it on to others through their words, deeds, and prayers.

In her famous Diary: Divine Mercy in My Soul, St. Faustina Kowalska recorded a series of visions of Jesus where he revealed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and promised that anything can be obtained with the prayer if it is compatible with his will. St. John Paul II formally established the Divine Mercy devotion and canonized Faustina in 2000. The Marians of the Immaculate Conception are dedicated to spreading the Divine Mercy devotion the foreword for this book was written by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, author of Divine Mercy Explained and 33 Days to Morning Glory.

In Divine Mercy for Moms, Michele Faehnle and Emily Jaminet of the Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference—one of the largest annual Catholic women’s conferences in the country—draw upon their own experiences to introduce you to St. Faustina and her five essential elements of the Divine Mercy message:

The image of the Merciful JesusThe Feast of Divine MercyThe Chaplet of Divine MercyThe House of MercySpreading the honor of Divine Mercy

With heartwarming stories and practical advice, this book reveals that mercy is not just a gift to be received in the confessional but a spiritual resource that strengthens those who extend themselves in word, deed, and prayer. Designed for personal or group study, Divine Mercy for Moms celebrates the infinite mercy of God and the role of Mary, the Mother of Mercy, in the lives of all believers.

Divine Mercy for Moms was the winner of a 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Award: Family Life (Third Place).

My review: This is a beautiful book that introduces mothers to St. Faustina and the essential elements of the Divine Mercy message. Highly recommend!

An Open Book – May #anopenbook

Today I join Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading and working on for the past month.

The Fire of Your Love by Erin Lewis (Chalice 3)

Synopsis: Dallas Malone knows what God wants of him—but the eight-year path to the Catholic priesthood is a daunting one. Faced with self-doubts over a past criminal conviction, the unknowns of his fatherless history, and hostility from Daniel, a holier-than-thou seminary classmate who knows his secrets, Dallas wonders if he’s really cut out for this life. But his calling burns deep within him, and he must push himself to stay the course and forgive old, deep-cutting hurts. Will Daniel dredge up Dallas’s history and ruin his reputation along with all he’s tried to build for his future? Or will Dallas conquer the ghosts of his past to offer up his entire life in the service of Christ?

My review: New book from FQP! This is my favorite so far of the Chalice series. This volume describes Dallas’ time in the seminary and the good — and challenging — things that take place during those years. Highly recommend.

Conversations for the Modern Catholic Woman by Marnee Weisbrod and Jody Pitcher.

Synopsis: Marnee Weisbrod and Jody Pitcher are mental health counselors with combined backgrounds of theology, nursing, and ministry work. Together with twenty-one other Catholic women from around the country, they explore a series of relevant life themes and their accompanying challenges. This book takes an honest and vulnerable look at what it’s like to navigate womanhood today while keeping the faith.

My review: I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful book written by two Catholic mental health counselors in a conversational tone. Recommend.

Determination: A Mother of Five Conquers College by Victoria Marie Lees

Synopsis: When a high school counselor tells her learning-disabled, first-born child, Marie, she’s not smart enough for college, Victoria is thrown back in time to when her father said the same thing—to her. Determined to prove them both wrong, Victoria begins college to help her five children. With raw honesty and humor, Determination: A Mother of Five Conquers College chronicles Victoria’s relentless pursuit of education, from community college to an Ivy League scholarship. As she juggles coursework, parenting, and self-doubt, she fights not only for her own success but also for Marie’s future.

My review: This was an entertaining, balanced, and honest memoir of a housewife who returned to college in her thirties while her five children were growing up. I admire the author’s “determination” in finishing this challenging journey. I enjoyed this book immensely, and it’s very well written. Highly recommend.

Three to Get Married by Fulton Sheen

Synopsis: “Willed by God in the very act of creation, marriage and the family are interiorly ordained to fulfillment in Christ…” Thirty years before these words appeared in Pope St. John Paul II’s Familiaris consortio, Fulton J. Sheen offered to the Church and the world Three to Get Married: a profound yet accessible articulation of this selfsame Christian vision of love and marriage. “Love is trinity; sex is duality,” Bishop Sheen avers: love and marriage elevate sexuality into a life-giving, life-affirming covenant, because love and marriage are ordained by God to just that purpose. “The ultimate reason why it takes three to make love is that God is Love, and His Love is Triune.” Marriage brings this mystery to light brilliantly: lover, beloved, and love are present in the relationships between husband and wife and God and between children, mother, and father—and in these capacities the human person and human society attain their full flourishing.

A milestone in Christian philosophy and pastoral counsel, Three to Get Married is a clarion call to the truth, goodness and beauty of human love within the elevated status of Christian marriage and family, in which God serves as the sure and sustaining force of that unity which no man shall put asunder.

My review: This is one of my favorite books on marriage and I reread it from time to time. There are so many excellent quotes included about marriage. Highly recommend.

Murder in the 33rd Degree: The Gagnon Investigation into Vatican Freemasonry

by Charles Theodore Murr

Synopsis: Was Pope John Paul I murdered? If so, by whom, and to what end? Was the Catholic liturgy sabotaged to strip it of truth, power and beauty? If so, by whom, and to what end? Was an international plot underfoot to destroy the Vatican’s financial stability? If so, by whom, and to what end?
There was one man who knew the answers to these and many other questions plaguing the post-Conciliar Church. In 1975, then Archbishop Edouard Gagnon was personally commissioned by Pope Paul VI to investigate the Vatican’s Roman Curia. This thorough investigation concluded in 1978, the “year of the three Popes.”
In Murder In The 33rd Degree, author Charles T. Murr, a close and lifelong friend of Cardinal Gagnon, gives his firsthand account of what transpired during that papal investigation. Murder In The 33rd Degree answers many questions that many people have been asking for half a century.

My review: This was a fascinating read about the 1975 investigation of Archbishop Gagnon into the higher-level Vatican cardinals who were practicing Freemasonry. One of the cardinals, in fact, was in charge of choosing bishops for a lengthy period of time. A page-turner. Highly recommend.

The New Fire by Robert Margetts

Synopsis: “I came to cast fire upon the earth; where that it were already kindled.” Luke 12:49
Would Christendom be reunited if we began to dialogue together over our belief differences in the Holy Spirit? What is really needed is a common conversion experience to the Holy Spirit. Catholics and non-Catholics and Orthodox need a common conversion experience. We need a shared conversion experience. We need a common Pentecost. A new Pentecost! A New Fire! An embracing of the New Covenant together. A great revival. This all seems impossible. However, it is possible if the Lord brings us to a remnant.

My review: This is a beautiful book about embracing our Catholic faith. Highly recommend!

Now Available for Pre-Order!

The Fire of Your Love by Erin Lewis (Chalice 3)

Synopsis: Dallas Malone knows what God wants of him—but the eight-year path to the Catholic priesthood is a daunting one. Faced with self-doubts over a past criminal conviction, the unknowns of his fatherless history, and hostility from Daniel, a holier-than-thou seminary classmate who knows his secrets, Dallas wonders if he’s really cut out for this life. But his calling burns deep within him, and he must push himself to stay the course and forgive old, deep-cutting hurts. Will Daniel dredge up Dallas’s history and ruin his reputation along with all he’s tried to build for his future? Or will Dallas conquer the ghosts of his past to offer up his entire life in the service of Christ?

To download the Kindle edition, click here.

Paperback edition coming on April 25.