Ellen Gable's Blog, page 128

A Catholic Guide to Infallible Loving

This month's column for Catholic Mom is a book review for "Holy Sex: A Catholic Guide to Toe Curling, Mind Blowing Infallible Loving."

In his book, "Holy Sex: A Catholic Guide to Toe-Curling, Mind Blowing Infallible Loving," Dr. Greg Popcak expertly dispels the long-held societal myth that the Catholic Church teaches that sex is bad. He explains that the Church teaches that marital sex open to life can actually be holy, satisfying and "mind blowing."

And, despite the fact that this book has "Catholic" in its title, it is not just for Catholics. Every married couple interested in having a great sex life would benefit from this wonderfully candid book.

Dividing his book into four parts, in Part I, he introduces the truths of what he calls "Infallible Loving." Part II gives the tools to tap into what he calls "The Five Powers of Holy Sex," and how readers can learn how to celebrate the sacred, redemptive, heavenly, uniting and creative nature of holy sex. Part III gives readers the necessary information to apply the principles of holy sex to their marriages. Part IV offers practical guidance to overcome sexual problems and challenges.

As an NFP teacher for many years, I already knew much of what was included in this book, but I still found it to be helpful. The author's humor and candor are particularly entertaining. Anecdotal stories of real couples from the author's experience as a marriage counselor make this a most interesting and compelling read.

It is explicit in parts and therefore recommended for mature readers. However, I recommend this outstanding book to any couple who truly wants to experience sacred sexuality.

Copyright 2011 Ellen Gable Hrkach

On the Soul of a Vampire by Krisi Keley

Today's Fiction Friday excerpt is from Krisi Keley's novel, "On the Soul of a Vampire." Read my review of this outstanding book here. A new second edition has just been released. Thank you, Krisi!

My raison d'être first presented itself outside an old library in University City, Philadelphia. Or so I might have recognized had I believed in such lofty ideas then. It was a humid early autumn evening of 1997 in Pennsylvania, a night where a casual stroll without objective was all I'd had in mind, when my attention was arrested by a group of girls, barely dressed in extremely short shorts and skimpy halter tops, who emerged from the building, giggling over their private, though I dare say not very profound, secrets. I was somewhat amused by their carefree good humor, their complete innocence to anything dark that may be watching and waiting this warm, starlit evening. Amused, but also slightly saddened, for it seemed to me that, in a number of ways, the youth of these past several decades lacked much in the way of imagination. This was not their fault, of course; the tendency to rewrite myth as harmless entertainment had begun years before their birth.

I watched the young women as they bounced down the stairs of the library, affected by little more than worries over their hair, their makeup, and which young man might notice their charms at that evening's "kegger." Perhaps then, the sadness was also due in part to my certainty they would never care to be affected by anything more. Most assuredly, they would not allow themselves to be touched by the darkness that had its hold on me.

My interest began to wane quickly, as I experienced no real desire for one of the group of them. Or rather, I suppose, because I would not satisfy such a desire had any inspired it. So I was on the point of turning away as they parted to go their separate ways at the bottom of the stairs, when into my view came the one who had descended, alone, a few steps behind them.

Dwindling mild enchantment was utterly obliterated in my sudden awareness of this young woman, and a hunger I hadn't known to lay eyes on the most enticing of human beings froze me in place.

It would be easy to claim that it was her physical beauty alone that caused such a reaction, for surely it would have provoked similar in any man. Not to mention a host of other strong physical sensations. This young female, barely more than a child by modern standards, was exquisite in every aspect of physical allure and, although for me all mortals are beautiful in essence, sometimes the least agreeable to the eye, the most pleasing to the soul, I admit that her outer beauty held my attention every bit as much as the glorious lifeforce that enveloped her being.

The second edition of On the Soul of a Vampire is available via the book's website http://www.onthesoulofavampire.com and on Amazon.com.

The publisher is giving away a free e-copy of this novel to one lucky reader. Leave a comment before Monday, June 20th to be entered.

Official Book Release of Come My Beloved

Today is the official launch day of my book Come My Beloved: Inspiring Stories of Catholic Courtship. It's now available on Amazon! You can order either a print book for $9.99 at the following link:

http://www.amazon.com/Come-My-Beloved-Inspiring-Courtship/dp/0973673613

Or you can order the Kindle version for $2.99 at this link:

http://www.amazon.com/Come-Beloved-Inspiring-Courtship-ebook/dp/B0055LH32W/

Special thanks to my co-editor, Kathy Cassanto, and all the couples who shared their courtship stories with us.

Discover Your Cover

Today I'm over at the Catholic Writers Guild blog, talking about the importance of a book cover.

http://blog.catholicwritersguild.com/2011/06/discover-your-cover.html

More Praise for Come My Beloved

I am grateful to fellow authors Gerard Webster, Karen Kelly Boyce, Nancy Carabio Belanger and Mary Lou Rosien for the wonderful endorsements they've given to my new book, Come My Beloved: Inspiring Stories of Catholic Courtship.

Here are excerpts of their reviews:

"What great stories! Everything from "tried and true" marriages of those much older than Anne or I (of course!)…to the blissfully happy newlywed stories. There were a few times I laughed out loud…and a couple of times the allergies bothered my eyes. This book is so refreshing in today's world…to see that romance can…and DOES live on."

Gerard Webster, author, "In Sight"

"Each story is told from a different circumstance and point of view, yet the miracle of letting the Lord lead one into a marriage of faith, hope, and openness to life inspire singles to be lead by the whispers of the Lord."

Karen Kelly Boyce, author and inspirational speaker

"…Come My Beloved…is such a pleasant change of pace from the secular, feel-good love stories available today. Filled with true, inspiring memoirs from devoutly Catholic men and women, her book shares enjoyable and romantic stories of 12 couples' journeys to the Holy Sacrament of Marriage; their joys as well as their struggles."

Nancy Carabio Belanger, author, "Olivia and the Little Way," "Olivia's Gift"

"Catholic teaching is evident within each story, without being…preachy. The hauntingly honest tales of prayer, longing and courtship demonstrate God's hand in lives the couples portrayed. Come My Beloved would make an excellent gift for any young man or woman who is discerning God's vocation for their lives. I think teenage girls may find hope and guidance in searching for a 'real' love through the stories in this book."

Mary Lou Rosien, author, Catholic Family Boot Camp

To order the book on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Come-My-Beloved-Inspiring-Courtship/dp/0973673613

Come My Beloved Free Giveaway on Goodreads

For the next several days, before the June 15th release date of Come My Beloved, Goodreads is hosting a free giveaway of my book (there are five copies to be given away). Here's the link if you want to be entered to receive a free "review" copy:

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/11455-come-my-beloved-inspiring-stories-of-catholic-courtship

You'll have to create a Goodreads account if you don't already have one. Although it's not mandatory, it is helpful for the winners to write a Goodreads review of the book.

Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes

Today's Fiction Friday excerpt is from Ann Margaret Lewis's Gold Medal winning book, "Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes." My Catholic Fiction review is here. The novel's website is here. Thank you, Ann!

"Good Lord." Harden's face grew pale. "Rosalinda—!"

Pope Leo blanched as well. Tapping his right fist in his opposite hand, he turned to look out the window behind him. The rain clouds had now blotted the sun, making it seem as dusk in the early afternoon sky.

The pope turned back to us, his dark eyes flashing with decision. "Giocomo!" He commanded suddenly. "Come here."

Father Dionisio came quickly to his master's side.

"Remove your cassock."

"Holiness?"

"Subito!" As Leo spoke, he lifted the pectoral cross over his head and set it on the table. He then unwrapped the sash from around his waist and tossed it on his chair. "Presto! Presto! We have no time to waste."

Hurriedly, the young man unbuttoned his cassock even as Leo unbuttoned his own. Holmes came around the table and knelt to help Leo with the lower buttons.

"What on earth —?" I asked.

"You'll see," said Holmes.

Dionisio removed his cassock and stood in simple black shirt, clerical collar and black trousers. Holmes helped Leo slip out of his white cassock and into the black gown provided by Dionisio. The black was almost the right size, though fuller through the midsection due to Dionisio's thicker frame.

"You're not serious, Holiness," said Harden. "You're not actually leaving the Vatican. Someone may recognise you—"

"'If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship,'" Leo replied, quoting what I later learned was Aquinas. "'He would keep it in port forever.'" He buttoned the top of the cassock while Dionisio crouched to fasten the bottom. "We must go. An innocent child is in danger for my sake."

"Signore Harden is right, Holiness," said Dionisio from floor. "This is madness."

"Basta." Leo pulled the young man from the ground by the elbow. He gestured emphatically with an open hand to the top of his head. "Portami un cappello. Presto!" Dionisio dashed into the next room. "And black stockings and shoes—ah, never mind I'll find something." The pontiff marched with remarkable energy into a side room that I guessed to be his sleeping area and returned promptly with black calf-length boots. His gentleman servant now trailed him protesting in rapid Italian as His Holiness moved. While the pontiff sat on a small bench to kick off his red slippers and pull on the boots, the agitated servant knelt beside him rambling so quickly that neither Harden nor I could decipher any meaning from him.

Apparently the meaning didn't register to Leo either. "Basta, basta, BASTA!" He barked, stomping his boot-covered foot. He pointed a thumb to his chest. "Ego sum Petros!" He made sweeping gesture to drive the man from in front of him. "Vai!" Struck with terror, the butler dodged from the old man's path as Leo charged to a baroque style cherry wood cabinet. From it he removed a worn, black leather case that he tucked under his arm. He finished buttoning his cuffs and Dionisio returned with a small, wide-brimmed black hat, which Leo snatched from him. He then plucked off his white zucchetto and slapped it into the bewildered priest's hands.

"Allora, Signori," Leo said to us, dropping the black hat on his head. "Andiamo."

"You've forgotten one detail, Padre," said Holmes, in reference to the pope's new attire.

"Che?"

"L'anello." Holmes held up his right hand and pointed to his fourth finger.

"Ah." Leo pulled the fisherman's ring from his finger and dropped it into the left pocket of the black cassock. The young priest then handed him a tall black umbrella, and Leo set its end to the floor with authoritative thud.

It is amazing how clothes can change the appearance of a man. Where once stood the proverbial Vicar of Christ on Earth, now stood a simple, venerable Italian priest. Strangely, he resembled the aged Italian cleric persona Holmes once adopted to avoid the notice of Professor Moriarty.

I glanced at Holmes and saw him giving me a knowing grin. "Very well then," he said. "As the man says—let's go."

To buy the book, click here.

To find out more about this book, watch the book trailer or read reviews, go to the novel's website:

http://holmeschurchmysteries.com/

Upcoming Sacred Heart/EWTN Radio Interview

I will be interviewed regarding my latest book, Come My Beloved: Inspiring Stories of Catholic Courtship on Sacred Heart Radio next Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 8:40 a.m.

To listen to the interview, go to the Sacred Heart Radio website and click on "On the Air: Click to Listen" link in the upper right hand corner of the page.

U.S. Orders Review of Risks of Some Birth Control Pills

Interesting article from the New York Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/01/business/01drug.html?_r=1

Bayer's birth control pills will be reviewed by regulators after some studies suggested they may cause more blood clots than competing medicines.

Two recent reports in the British Medical Journal found a twofold to threefold greater risk of blood clots in women taking pills like Bayer's Yaz, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday in a statement.

To read the rest, click on the link above.

Three of My Favorite Scripture Verses

I was tagged by Elizabeth at Startling the Day in a meme which starts with the question: "What are your three favorite Scripture verses?" I have listed three, but I could probably list 20 or more. These, however, are three of my favorites:

ONE

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13

I have this Scripture verse taped to the bottom of my computer monitor. Often, I feel overwhelmed with the day-to-day activities of being a wife and mother, as well as the duties of my (three) part-time jobs at home. Sometimes it seems like there could be 48 hours in a day, and I still wouldn't be able to accomplish everything on my "to do" list. When I'm feeling overwhelmed, I know I can look down at that simple little piece of paper with the short verse and feel less stressed.

TWO

"This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you….It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another." John 15: 12-17

This particular passage was the Gospel at our wedding mass 29 years ago. Both James and I not only felt called to marriage, but also called to be open to life. We saw that one of the "fruits" of our marriage would be the children God would create through us. Never did we realize that in our openness to life, we would be called not only to create life, but also to face the loss of seven precious babies through miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, as well as the near loss of my life with one of the pregnancies.

THREE

"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body ." Genesis 2: 24

This has always been one of my favorite verses because it describes the origins of marriage.

Dana, Elizabeth and Sue, I'd love to know what your three favorite Scripture verses are! So I am tagging you in this blog post. When you post your "Three Favorite Scripture Verses," tag three other bloggers and include the link back to this post!

Dana from Catholic Working Mom

Elizabeth from Will You Be My Voice

Sue from Sue Elvis Writes

Copyright 2011 Ellen Gable Hrkach