Ellen Gable's Blog, page 5
January 3, 2024
An Open Book January #openbook
I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading or working on for the past month.
The Christkindl’s Gift by Kathleen Morgan
Amazon Synopsis: When Anna Hannack’s father-in-law brings home a wounded stranger only days before Christmas, Anna’s not happy. Christian charity moves the Hannack family to help the injured man, but the young widow Anna keeps her distance. The tragedies of life have shattered her trust, and she’s determined not to let another stranger threaten her family. Could it be, though, that this rugged Scotsman is actually the gift Anna’s young children have asked of the Christ Child this Christmas?
My review: I enjoy reading this book each Christmas. It’s a well-written and clean historical romance. 4/5 stars (there was one anachronism in the book.)
Christmas Miracles: Magical True Stories of Modern-Day Miracles
Amazon Synopsis: At Christmas, our hearts are touched by reports of wondrous occurrences that make us stop, reflect, and hope. This luminous book shares true accounts of Christmas miracles — inspiring events that happened to real people at Christmas time, including:
A Christmas Mystery: A deaf boy’s generosity is miraculously rewarded
First Christmas: Newlyweds take part in the local Christmas pageant — and receive a surprising lesson in timeless love
My Christmas Angel: A pro baseball player visits a children’s ward to cheer the patients, and is himself transformed
A Heart for Christmas: A series of coincidences brings new life to a little girl
The Stranger: A gentle, mysterious Christmas Eve visitor awes a family
Christmas Saved My Mother: A rabbi tells how his mother, fleeing the Holocaust, was spared on Christmas Eve
George Misses a Shift: Sudden car trouble on Christmas night saves a couple’s life… and more.
Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.” If you believe in miracles — or want to — let Christmas Miracles light the candle of hope in your heart this year.
My review: This is another book I read every December. I bought this 27 years ago at Sam’s Club while I was shopping with my mother (who passed away 16 years ago). These are some of the most beautifully inspiring Christmas stories that illustrate God’s miraculous intervention in every situation. Highly recommend.
A Book of Christmas Miracles: 101 Stories of Holiday Hope and Happiness
Amazon Synopsis: Christmas and Miracles! Two of our favorite things. There’s no better way to celebrate the season! Anyone who loves the holidays will enjoy these magical stories of joy and wonder.
We’ve chosen our favorite holiday miracle stories from our past books. You’ll love these heartwarming and awe-inspiring tales of answered prayers, divine intervention, holiday angels, joyous giving, family forgiveness, and the wonders of gratitude. These true, personal stories will deepen your faith and show you the blessings in your life. They’ll leave you smiling and inspired, ready to share your renewed Christmas spirit. And we didn’t forget that miracles happen during the rest of the season, too, with stories about Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and New Year’s. There’s something for everyone in these joy-filled pages, and you’ll be supporting Toys for Tots as well, creating miracles for children all over the U.S.
My review: I like this book and enjoy reading it every few years at Christmas time. It’s mostly a rehash of other Chicken Soup for the Soul Stories but overall a pleasant read.
December 22, 2023
Christmas Humor
Image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach/FQP PLEASE DO NOT USE WITHOUT PERMISSION
December 6, 2023
An Open Book – December #anopenbook
I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. First, Happy St. Nicholas Day! Here’s what I’ve been reading and/or working on for the past month.
The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving by Dandi Daley Mackall and Richard Cowdrey
Amazon Synopsis: Snuggle up with little ones this Christmas season and read about the origin of St. Nicholas, the story of a man who spent his life secretly helping the poor all over the world, giving gifts on Christmas Eve to remind people of the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.
The Legend of St. Nicholas:
Is perfect for readers 4-8 who are curious about the origin of St. Nicholas or Santa ClausCelebrates the holiday season and teaches little ones about the joy of giving to others and helping those in needShows how countries celebrate Christmas traditions across the worldIs a faith-based look at the Christmas holiday and giving or receiving giftsWith beautiful illustrations and a heartwarming story, The Legend of St. Nicholas is a great family read for the Advent and Christmas season.
My review: This is a lovely children’s book that shows the importance of generosity. The illustrations are crisp and old-fashioned looking. Although it’s mentioned that St. Nicholas was a bishop in Myra, the book tries to appeal to all Christians. Recommend.
A Faith Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
Amazon Synopsis: From award-winning novelist Amanda Lauer comes the fifth in the Heaven Intended Series. When the men from Tonica, Illinois, are shipped off to fight in the Civil War, Ruth Simmons decides to tag along after her older brothers and her sole male classmate. Disguised as a drummer boy, Ruth finds herself in over her head as the regiment arrives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the eve of one of the bloodiest battles of the war. A chance encounter with a Confederate prisoner of war in the aftermath alters the course of her life.
Captain Ben Holt, a brilliant young surgeon, has sold his surgical skills to the highest bidder. What he hadn’t bargained on was being put to the test by the beguiling Ruth Simmons, a sharp young woman with the preposterous notion of becoming a surgeon herself.
Their two lives are entwined as they make their way from Gettysburg to Washington City, where they are caught up in the events occurring during the monumental final year of the Civil War, including the attack on the capital city, the attempted kidnapping and subsequent assassination of President Lincoln, and the hunt for his killer. With their lives on the line, Ruth and Ben must set their differences aside and, using their shared faith as common ground, determine a way to escape the District of Columbia so they can pursue the lives of which they’ve dreamed.
Review from Laura DeNooyer, author of All That is Hidden:
War in America, 1864. Cross a serious, analytical, and fastidious male surgeon with an adventurous, risk-taking, non-traditional female, and watch the sparks fly. Both Ben Holt and Ruth Simmons are equally goal-oriented, ambitious, medically skilled, and self-assured, but are his charm and perfectionism a match for her spunk and determination to be a surgical assistant? Author Amanda Lauer’s prose sizzles with witty dialog as the stakes are gradually raised with stalkers, threats, violence, and kidnapping plots. Amidst embroiling wartime tensions, how long will Ben and Ruth fight their own growing attraction to each other? For just the right amount of sweet romance to bring hope from despair, A Faith Such as Heaven Intended fits the bill.
Audacious Ignatius by Paul Mitchell and Katie Mitchell Broussard
Amazon Synopsis: Ignatius of Loyola, a valiant soldier, is struck by a cannonball and gravely wounded. His military career is finished. Ignatius responds to this misfortune by listening for and responding to God’s call. Follow him through his conversion, the development of the Spiritual Exercises, and the growth of the Society of Jesus. This playful rendition of the biography of St. Ignatius invites readers to encounter Ignatian spirituality and the wisdom of a Catholic spiritual master.
My review: This is a delightful new children’s book for the whole family about the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola. This book taught me more about the life of St. Ignatius. It is geared towards kids ages six to nine and reminds me of a few Dr. Suess books. I first read it out loud myself and had fun with the rhymes. I then read it to my grandson (who is four and a half and not quite in the age range), and when I was finished, he said, “I liked that story, Grammy.” My son (his dad) was present when I was reading the story and asked my grandson whether he would read it again, and he said a resounding, “Yes, I would love to!” My son (age 34) thoroughly enjoyed the story as well. He said, “The rhyming is fun, there’s great use of color, and it’s a wonderful story. I give it a thumbs up!” (He’s also a movie reviewer!)
Some of the words are probably too hard for kids to understand (especially those that rhyme with Ignatius!), even children ages six to nine. It’s theologically rich in meaning, but the beauty of Audacious Ignatius is that what kids don’t understand, parents will, and hopefully, this book will also help to teach adults.
The illustrations are nicely done, and the vibrant colors are very eye-catching. It tells in an easy-to-understand way much about St. Ignatius and Ignatian spirituality. And…I couldn’t believe there were so many words that rhymed with “Ignatius!”
I love the line, “For if, like our hero, you learn how to pray, plans to live with deep love will come right your way.” This book will provide a loving reminder to both children and adults of the importance of prayer in our lives. I highly recommend this beautiful children’s book for any child in your life (and any adult too).
Power Priests by Greg Hendry
From Amazon: We all need heroes, and there are many fake heroes who young men and, frankly, all of us can follow. Although priests wear garments to lessen themselves and focus on God, we should extol their virtues while sharing the human side of their lives and ultimate discernment to the priesthood.
These priests are ordinary men who have been called to do extraordinary work.Although the paradox of privately and humbly serving the Lord contrasts with powerful social media trends of making everything public, Jesus’ call to evangelize and St. Paul’s example promotes sharing the message of these heroes.My review: This informative and inspiring book tells the story of twelve extraordinary priests, including Bishop Fulton Sheen and St. John Paul II.
And, finally, my favorite Advent book of all time:
Donkey Bells: Advent and Christmas by Catherine Doherty
Synopsis: Discover how Christians celebrated Christmas before the days of television, shopping malls, and the Internet… Catherine Doherty is well-known for reviving many holy Christian traditions. In Donkey Bells: Advent and Christmas, Catherine’s three-in-one book on this most expectant of holiday seasons, you’ll receive wonderful gifts: Meaningful and heartwarming stories, the telling of which will surely become a family Christmas tradition. Including: The Little Christmas Angel O’Ryan, How Pride Became Humble, The Christmas Gift, Christmas in Harlem, The Bruised Reed, and others. Customs which you can adopt into your own Christmas celebration, such as: The Advent Wreath, The ‘O’ Antiphons, Baking Christmas Foods and Decorating, and The Blessing of The Christmas Tree. Traditions surrounding important Advent and Christmas feast days are presented, including: St. Nicholas, The Immaculate Conception, the Feast of the Holy Family, New Year’s Eve, Epiphany, and more.
Earthy and inspiring meditations to prepare the entire family for Christ’s coming, including: A Candle in Our Hearts, Little Things, The Gurgle of a Baby, Where Love Is God Is, Looking into the Child’s Eyes, Advent: A Modern Bethlehem, A Short Season–A Long Journey, and many more.
My review: One of my favorite Advent books, and one that I read every year during Advent, is a book by Catherine Doherty called “Donkey Bells,” published by Madonna House Publications. I love to read this inspiring book curled up in a comfortable chair by the wood stove, a hot chocolate or cinnamon tea beside me, Advent and Christmas music playing quietly in the background. This lovely book is filled with heartwarming stories, customs, and traditions (such as the Advent wreath, baking, the blessing of the Christmas tree) and moving reflections for the season. It is a beautiful way for children, teens, and adults to prepare their hearts for Christmas.
The Divine Beauty Parlor: Rediscovering Purgatory by Meggie K. Daly
Synopsis: The Divine Beauty Parlor: Rediscovering Purgatory is a captivating narrative that examines purgatory through the multifaceted approach of theology, philosophy, history, Christian anthropology, Catholic teaching, and Protestant objections. Extensively researched by Meggie K. Daly, the book is written from a Catholic perspective but with an ecumenical eye toward understanding the roots of Christian denominational differences regarding purgatory’s existence.
Against the backdrop of a postmodern world, the book explores the concept of absolute truth through the prism of the “Three Pillars” that the Catholic Church uses to discern truth: Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Magisterium. The book addresses the complexities of sin, guilt, and conscience and delves into the oft-misunderstood concept of temporal punishment for sin. Arguments for and against purgatory are framed within their respective theological views of justification, sanctification, and human psychology. Various theological models of purgatory are presented, emphasizing divine mercy, divine justice, or both with philosophical insight and historical perspective. The “work” of purgatory is speculated upon within the guardrails of Catholic doctrine.
The history of purgatory examines early Christian epitaphs and “literature,” classical biblical exegesis, the writing of the early Greek and Latin Fathers, the impact of Scholasticism, and papal and council documents, including dogmatic declarations. The theology and historical roots of indulgences are unearthed, including their ties to early Christian penitential rites, the “Holy Wars” and Crusades, and their impact on the Protestant Reformation. Purgatory’s depiction in medieval art, literature, and the legends and writings of saints are unveiled. Lastly, contemplation of traditional Catholic channels of grace and St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s “Little Way” offers readers open pathways to potentially bypass purgatory.
Daly’s penetrating approach and unique synthesis of information presume no previous knowledge other than the basics of the Christian faith and an inquisitive mind. The Divine Beauty Parlor is appropriate for anyone curious about Purgatory, those who desire a deeper understanding, and serious scholars alike.
My review: I had the privilege of reading a pre-publication PDF of this outstanding book. Meticulously researched and well-written, the author presents purgatory from a Catholic perspective. I had never thought this carefully about purgatory, but this book has made me reflect in ways I hadn’t considered. Highly recommend!
November 11, 2023
Veterans Day – Remembrance Day 2023
My three fathers served a total of 16 years in various branches of the United States armed forces.
My father, Frank Gable, served in the United States Marine Corps from 1946-1950 and in the United States Army from 1950-1954. However, November 11th has always held a special place in my heart because it is my father’s birthday. Today, he would’ve been 95. He died suddenly and tragically at the age of 49, just before my 19th birthday. My family and I walked around in shock, trying to get through the days following his death. My novel Where Angels Pass is loosely based on the true story of his troubled life.
Frank Gable was short in stature (around five feet six inches tall), and enjoyed watching “Gomer Pyle,” “Hogan’s Heroes,” and the “Honeymooners.” He enjoyed playing the card game, Rummy, and Monopoly. His favorite candy was Hershey’s Kisses. Over the years, he worked as a clerk and mailman. Years ago, my mom shared with me that he was the one who named me. And, when I was 15 or 16, he used to hug me and say, “El, you need to find a guy just about my size because you fit perfectly to me when we hug.” (I did!)
For Christians, the consolation is that we will see our loved ones again. I know that I will see my dad again someday. Until then…Happy Birthday, Dad. Remembering you in a special way today.
My father-in-law, Tony Hrkach (1925-1995) served as a tail gunner in the United States Air Force during the Second World War.
Near the end of the war, during a routine mission, Tony’s plane was shot down over Yugoslavia (coincidentally, near his father’s birthplace of Mostar). Frantically, he and his buddies parachuted out of the airplane. Unfortunately, however, one of his friends hit the side of a mountain and was killed. Tony and the others made it safely to the ground and were captured as soon as they landed.
They were marched for miles until they reached a POW camp. Remarkably, they found the Germans running the camp to be kind and, while it was not easy to be a prisoner of war, they were treated humanely.
When an announcement came over the radio that Germany had lost the war, their captors immediately handed their weapons and guns over to the Americans. Then, in a strange moment of understanding, they exchanged small personal tokens as reminders of their time together.
“I don’t just think of myself as a citizen of the United States; I think of myself as a citizen of the world,” Tony used to say. His idea was that we should remember, first and foremost, that we are all human beings, especially in times of war.
Like my father and many other veterans, Tony also enjoyed “Hogan’s Heroes,” the television sitcom from the 1960s about a German POW camp. The show attempted to put a human spin on such horrific times…the very thing Tony found in his real experience with the ‘enemy.’ (Thanks to my husband James for writing this account of his father’s experience in the Second World War.)
My stepfather, Joseph Power (1933-2012), trained in Parris Island, South Carolina, before shipping out to Korea. He attained the silver badge in Marine Marksman. Like my father and father-in-law, my stepdad never liked to talk about his experiences with war. But he would say things like, “Be grateful for warm showers,” or “If that’s your only complaint, be thankful that you’re not being fired at.”
While we remember all those who fought in wars so that we may live in freedom, let us also remember that the real enemy isn’t necessarily the people we fight against, but the evil circumstances that result from greed, lust and power.
November 1, 2023
An Open Book #openbook November
Happy Solemnity of All Saints!
Today, I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading or working on this past month.
New Friends Now and Forever: A Story about the Holy Souls
by Susan Tassone
Amazon Synopsis: From Susan Tassone – best-selling, award-winning author and renowned “Purgatory Lady” – comes the first children’s picture book about our friends, the holy souls. New Friends Now and Forever: A Story about the Holy Souls is an age-appropriate and engaging book for children ages 6-10.
New Friends Now and Forever is the delightful story of twins Ben and Hope, who become “prayer pals” with Mr. Ray, an elderly friend from their parish. They agree to pray for each other and to help him pray for his departed wife. Along the way, Hope and Ben learn that purgatory is real and that it is nothing to fear because it is a special way God shows His love for us. And the best part? The children learn that the power of their prayers helps the faithful departed reach heaven and that those souls will intercede for them, becoming their “forever friends.”
With vibrant illustrations by Yorris Handoko, New Friends Now and Foreverbeautifully expresses the rich traditions, signs, and symbols of our Faith.
New Friends Now and Forever has been granted an Imprimatur, so you can be sure it is true to the teachings of the Catholic Faith. Special features include:
An important message for adults, encouraging them to teach children about purgatory.Seek-and-Find activities.Special prayers for the holy souls in purgatory.Help the children in your life realize the power – and the joy – that comes with praying for the holy souls in purgatory.
My review: This outstanding book seeks to teach children about the importance of praying for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. I can’t wait to read it to my grandson! Highly recommend.
The Divine Beauty Parlor: Rediscovering Purgatory
by Meggie K. Daly
Amazon Synopsis: The Divine Beauty Parlor: Rediscovering Purgatory is a captivating narrative that examines purgatory through the multifaceted approach of theology, philosophy, history, Christian anthropology, Catholic teaching, and Protestant objections. Extensively researched by Meggie K. Daly, the book is written from a Catholic perspective but with an ecumenical eye toward understanding the roots of Christian denominational differences regarding purgatory’s existence.
Against the backdrop of a postmodern world, the book explores the concept of absolute truth through the prism of the “Three Pillars” that the Catholic Church uses to discern truth: Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and Magisterium. The book addresses the complexities of sin, guilt, and conscience and delves into the oft-misunderstood concept of temporal punishment of sin. Arguments for and against purgatory are framed within their respective theological views of justification, sanctification, and human psychology. Various theological models of purgatory are presented, emphasizing divine mercy, divine justice, or both with philosophical insight and historical perspective. The “work” of purgatory is speculated upon within the guiderails of Catholic doctrine.
The history of purgatory examines early Christian epitaphs and “literature,” classical biblical exegesis, the writing of the early Greek and Latin Fathers, the impact of Scholasticism, and papal and council documents, including dogmatic declarations. The theology and historical roots of indulgences are unearthed, including their ties to early Christian penitential rites, the “Holy Wars” and Crusades, and their impact on the Protestant Reformation. Purgatory’s depiction in medieval art, literature, and the legends and writings of Saints are unveiled. Lastly, contemplation of traditional Catholic channels of grace and Thérèse of Lisieux’s “Little Way” offers readers open pathways to potentially bypass purgatory.
Daly’s penetrating approach and unique synthesis of information presume no previous knowledge other than the basics of the Christian faith and an inquisitive mind. The Divine Beauty Parlor is appropriate for anyone curious about purgatory, those who desire a deeper understanding, and serious scholars alike.
My review: I had the privilege of proofreading this outstanding book. Meticulously researched, the author presents purgatory from a Catholic perspective. I had never thought this carefully about purgatory, but this book has made me reflect in ways I hadn’t considered. Highly recommend!
Amazon Synopsis: The greatest petition of the Greatest Prayer—the Our Father—will not go unanswered. These words of Christ, “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven,” are the most exalted ones ever spoken; they chart the course of history, and they define the mission of each Christian. From the teachings of Scripture and Saints, from Church Fathers and Doctors, from Mystics and Seers, from Magisterium and more—you will discover, within the pages of this book, how to engage in the Christian’s mission more powerfully than ever before, for the radical transformation of your life and the arrival of the World’s Penultimate Destiny.
My review: This is an excellent book. I recently attended a conference in which the author was the speaker. His talks were thorough, thought-provoking, and inspiring. This book is the same. Surrendering to God’s will has the potential of making us great saints. Highly recommend.
Now available from Full Quiver Publishing and Amazon!
Synopsis: It is well-known that St. John Paul II was a student of St. John of the Cross. The Pope, as a young man, decided to learn Spanish to study the writings of St. John of the Cross in the original language. As a young priest of only twenty-eight years of age, this future Pope wrote his dissertation on St. John’s philosophy of faith in the mystical contexts, Faith According to St. John of The Cross. The writings and spirituality of St. John influenced the Pope’s entire way of looking at spirituality and philosophy. St. John, like many other mystics and saints, looked at the Song of Songs as an example of God’s love for us, the souls He created. A very deep, passionate love for the soul is called agape, portrayed in eros, which is the love between man and woman. This love is mentioned by John Paul in his works The Theology of The Body as well as Love and Responsibility. The love that God has between Himself and the human soul is also the same kind of love that man and woman should exchange between themselves. David P. Hahn explores the connections between St. John Paul II and St. John of the Cross, and their associated theologies in Love’s Mystery. Follow along in the exploration of the concepts that both Saints use in guiding humanity into the love, union, and happiness that was meant for man and woman since the beginning.
My review: I am thrilled to be publishing the second edition of this book, which I edited six years ago. It’s a bit thick theologically but very readable. Highly recommend!
A Faith Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
Coming November 17 from FQP: When the men from Tonica, Illinois, are shipped off to fight in the Civil War, Ruth Simmons decides to tag along after her older brothers and her sole male classmate. Disguised as a drummer boy, Ruth finds herself in over her head as the regiment arrives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the eve of one of the bloodiest battles of the war. A chance encounter with a Confederate prisoner of war in the aftermath alters the course of her life.
Captain Ben Holt, a brilliant young surgeon, has sold his surgical skills to the highest bidder. What he hadn’t bargained on was being put to the test by the beguiling Ruth Simmons, a sharp young woman with the preposterous notion of becoming a surgeon herself.
Their two lives are entwined as they make their way from Gettysburg to Washington City, where they are caught up in the events occurring during the monumental final year of the Civil War, including the attack on the capital city, the attempted kidnapping and subsequent assassination of President Lincoln, and the hunt for his killer. With their lives on the line, Ruth and Ben must set their differences aside and, using their shared faith as common ground, determine a way to escape the District of Columbia so they can pursue the lives of which they’ve dreamed.
My review: I’m a bit biased as I’m the publisher of this book, but this is one of my favorites of the series!
October 16, 2023
A Call to #Pray and #Fast for Peace
Please pray and fast tomorrow for peace!
Rome Newsroom, Oct 12, 2023 / 06:45 am (CNA).
The Latin Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem has called for a day of prayer and fasting on Tuesday, Oct. 17, for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa has urged Catholics to organize times of prayer with Eucharistic adoration and recitation of the Rosary “to deliver to God the Father our thirst for peace, justice, and reconciliation.”
“In this time of sorrow and dismay, we do not want to remain helpless. We cannot let death and its sting (1 Cor 15:55) be the only word we hear,” he said in a statement issued on Oct. 11.
To continue reading:
October 15, 2023
October 11, 2023
Full Quiver Publishing Got Genre Video #catholicfiction
Check out our new FQP Got Genre Video!
October 4, 2023
Open Book October #anopenbook
Today, I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading or working on for the past month.
Fallen Graces by Jim Sano (Fr. Tom #5)
Synopsis: Now available from FQP on Kindle.
When a dead man’s body is found in the upper basin of a historic fountain in Boston Common with a cryptic message in his pocket, Detective Brooks reluctantly calls in Father Tom and Angelo to help solve the clues in the hunt for a killer set on justice and revenge. Fallen Graces, the fifth book of the award-winning Father Tom series, delves into the psychological and religious complexities of a killer who becomes as equally unpredictable as dangerous to the parish neighborhood of St. Francis, and Father Tom has no choice but to become more involved, risking his own life to find the answer.
Royal and Ancient by Amanda Lauer
Synopsis: Bronwyn Campbell’s end-of-summer plans were simple: wrap up her job at Saint Andrews Country Club, meet her friends one last time at the virtual reality arcade, and move across the country—again—with her father. But when lightning strikes while she’s working the club’s Saint Andrews Heritage Day, she’s transported from an American fairway to the home of golf, The Links at St. Andrews, in Scotland—and in the year 1691, no less.
When Iain MacDonald discovers Bronwyn knocked out cold on the seventeenth green, little does he know their meeting will change not only the course of their lives but the course of history. The son of the chieftain of Clan MacDonald, Iain bears the weight of responsibility for his family and his clan’s survival on his shoulders. Family drama and the growing discord over religion in Scotland add to the heavy load he carries daily while stepping further into his role as future chieftain.
As political events between England and Scotland heighten the conflict surrounding the MacDonald lands, Bronwyn and Iain rely upon their shared faith and growing feelings toward each other for survival. Amid the questions that plague both of them, though, one stands out: How can you be with the one you love if your choice ultimately influences history?
My review: If you like time-travel novels, you’ll love this historical romantic adventure, Royal & Ancient, by Amanda Lauer. Crisp imagery, well-developed characters, and Lauer’s incredible worldbuilding make for an entertaining read. Recommend.
The Way of Light (The Story Behind the Resurrection) by Denise Mercado
Synopsis: Do you know the 14 stations of the Resurrection of Jesus?
The Way of the Light – is both an educational and uplifting reminder to walk in the steps that Jesus took from the Resurrection to the first day of Pentecost. It is in His last words and the places along His journey that we learn more about the importance of each of these steps.
And this is not just a historical book – this is an engaging book of light and truth where Denise Mercado encourages the reader to reflect on each of these moments in the steps of Christ and how they would identify with each of the characters in the story.
As a follow-up to her first book, Mary’s Life Journey & Her Amazing Yes!, Mercado takes the reader deeper into the spiritual truths of why these 14 stations are so important to all of us. Each one is unpacked with a wealth of information, scripture quotations, and personal experiences.
It’s important to know the greater story behind what we believe. And now, you can discover the meaning behind the significance of what Christ did from the grave to the day of Pentecost.
My review: I had never heard of the Stations of the Resurrection before, so this was a very educational book. The Way of Light is a beautiful devotion that focuses on the time of the Resurrection to Pentecost with similar prayers to the Station of the Cross. Highly recommend.
Synopsis: All About Me! charts Mel Brooks’s meteoric rise from a Depression-era kid in Brooklyn to the recipient of the National Medal of Arts. Whether serving in the United States Army in World War II, or during his burgeoning career as a teenage comedian in the Catskills, Mel was always mining his experiences for material, always looking for the perfect joke. His iconic career began with Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows, where he was part of the greatest writers’ room in history, which included Carl Reiner, Neil Simon, and Larry Gelbart. After co-creating both the mega-hit 2000 Year Old Man comedy albums and the classic television series Get Smart, Brooks’s stellar film career took off. He would go on to write, direct, and star in The Producers, The Twelve Chairs, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Silent Movie, High Anxiety, and Spaceballs, as well as produce groundbreaking and eclectic films, including The Elephant Man, The Fly, and My Favorite Year. Brooks then went on to conquer Broadway with his record-breaking, Tony-winning musical, The Producers.
All About Me! offers fans insight into the inspiration behind the ideas for his outstanding collection of boundary-breaking work and offers details about the many close friendships and collaborations Brooks had, including those with Sid Caesar, Carl Reiner, Gene Wilder, Madeleine Kahn, Alfred Hitchcock, and the great love of his life, Anne Bancroft.
Filled with tales of struggle, achievement, and camaraderie (and dozens of photographs), readers will gain a more personal and deeper understanding of the incredible body of work behind one of the most accomplished and beloved entertainers in history.
My review: This was an entertaining read about one of the most prolific writers and producers (and one of the few entertainers who’ve won an Emmy, Oscar, Tony, and Grammy) in Hollywood. Recommend.
Synopsis: It is well-known that St. John Paul II was a student of St. John of the Cross. The Pope, as a young man, decided to learn Spanish to study the writings of St. John of the Cross in the original language. As a young priest of only twenty-eight years of age, this future Pope wrote his dissertation on St. John’s philosophy of faith in the mystical contexts, Faith According to St. John of The Cross. The writings and spirituality of St. John influenced the Pope’s entire way of looking at spirituality and philosophy. St. John, as many other mystics and saints, looked at the Song of Songs as an example of God’s love for us, the souls He created. A very deep, passionate love for the soul is called agape, portrayed in eros, which is the love between man and woman. This love is mentioned by John Paul in his works The Theology of The Body as well as Love and Responsibility. The love that God has between Himself and the human soul is also the same kind of love that man and woman should exchange between themselves.
Second Edition coming soon from FQP!
The New Fire: Living the New Covenant 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: Powerful new book on the New Pentecost! Highly recommend!
September 6, 2023
An Open Book #openbook September
I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading or working on for the past month.
Catholic and Curious: Your Questions Answered by Monsignor Charles Pope
Synopsis: Do you ever feel confused, befuddled, or just plain lost when it comes to the Catholic Faith? Do the teachings and practices of the Church leave you scratching your head? Then this is the book for you.
In Catholic and Curious: Your Questions Answered, Monsignor Charles Pope tackles 500 tough questions on just about every subject imaginable. In easily digestible question-and-answer format, this book covers everything from God and the Bible to the liturgy, the sacraments, Catholic moral teaching, Mary, the saints, and life after death, all organized by topic for quick reference. In this book, you’ll find not just straightforward answers but a deeper understanding and appreciation of the truth of the Catholic Faith.
My review: I bought this book after watching a YouTube video of the author giving a talk. I haven’t read the entire book yet, but what I have read is excellent. Highly recommend.
Brave Water by Sarah Robsdottir
Synopsis: Girls are disappearing on their way to the spring…
Will fear stop Talitha, the sole water gatherer for her hut, from searching for her friend—even if it means scaling the walls of the mine owners’ compound, where locals are shot on sight?
And will terror block Moses’ path—or can this teenage hunter battle an underground human trafficking ring with ties to the cities on the other side of Great Mountain?
Join Talitha and Moses on their journey, one marked with violent drug lords, crippling jealousy, blinding anger, but also…tremendous beauty. And, the flutters of first love.
Meet other villagers and colorful characters along the way, all of whom are grappling with dire loss after a recent mine explosion. Become acquainted with multiple generations of a missionary family who sacrificed all, moving out to the African bush to fulfill a driving passion—one that most would call a crazy dream. Listen, as ageless questions are carried in on the hot winds of the Great Red Valley: Do you know what it means to truly be brave? And, what if you had to risk your life for a simple cup of water?
Dive into Brave Water and decide!
My review: On my to-read list!
Godhead Here in Hiding Whom I Do Adore
Lay Dominicans Reflect on Eucharistic Adoration
Synopsis: To be published soon!
“We sometimes encounter the Lord only in hiddenness. It can seem impossible to believe that Jesus Christ is present in difficult people, especially with some personalities we may have to work with or live with. The more quality time we spend before the substantial presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, the more apt we become to find Him even in dislikeable persons.”
Fr. Basil Cole, OP, Retreat Leader and Professor at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC
“Godhead Here in Hiding—Whom I Do Adore: Lay Dominicans Reflect on Eucharistic Adoration is a unique collection of meditations and reflections on the gift of Eucharistic Adoration from the experiences of the members of the lay fraternities of the Order of Preachers. As Dominican nuns with the special charism of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, we encourage everyone to use this book to foster and deepen their own prayer of adoration.”
Sr. Mary Catharine of Jesus Perry, OP, Prioress of Corpus Christi Monastery in the Bronx, NY
“Hidden within these pages, the reader discovers the God who has chosen to dwell within the Tabernacle of the human heart. Each reflection is its own monstrance, bearing the shape of its unique human author, while manifesting our heavenly Father’s Spirit of Truth. Here you will find thoughts and events that are ordinary and surprising, instructive and lyrical, worthy of both cross and crown. The common life of the early Dominicans was called ‘the holy preaching.’ The sons and daughters of St. Dominic who have contributed to this volume continue in that apostolic witness to the divine mercy of our Eucharistic faith.”
Fr. Bruno M. Shah, OP, Assistant Professor at Providence College, and Religious Assistant to Our Lady of Divine Providence/St. Thomas Aquinas Fraternity in Providence, RI
My review: I had the honor of helping to format and proofread this wonderful book and highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to further deepen their appreciation and love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
Synopsis: Coming soon from FQP! When a dead man’s body is found in the upper basin of a historic fountain in Boston Common with a cryptic message in his pocket, Detective Brooks reluctantly calls in Father Tom and Angelo to help solve the clues in the hunt for a killer set on justice and revenge. Fallen Graces, the fifth book of the award-winning Father Tom series, delves into the psychological and religious complexities of a killer who becomes as equally unpredictable as dangerous to the parish neighborhood of St. Francis, and Father Tom has no choice but to become more involved, risking his own life to find the answer.
