Ellen Gable's Blog, page 61

SQT – The Month of May

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at This Ain’t the Lyseum for Seven Quick Takes Friday.

I have always enjoyed the month of May. It happens to include some family birthdays, a holiday, my wedding anniversary and, of course, May is the month of Mary.

Here are a few of the reasons I love the month of May:

1. May is Mary’s month. When I was a child in Catholic school, each May the entire school and parish took part in the May procession. One 8th grade female student was chosen as May Queen to crown the statue of Mary. When my mother was 13, she was chosen to be May Queen at St. Richard’s School in Philadelphia. Years later, when we were living in Philadelphia and attending the same parish and school, my sister was also chosen to be May Queen in 1971. The photo below is of my mother as May Queen (1947).

2. May is usually a great weather month. After the long winter we had, I look forward to May’s spring weather.

3. May is a month of birthdays. I’ve shared before that my youngest son was my favorite birthday present 16 years ago. Besides my son’s birthday and my birthday, there are numerous other relatives who have birthdays in May.

4. May is the month of our anniversary. One of the reasons my husband and I chose May for our wedding 33 years ago is because it is the month of Mary, but also because May usually brings good weather. Again, ‘usually’ is the key word here. It rained the entire day of our wedding so most of our photos had to be taken inside. However, as the reception was winding down to a close, the photographer approached us. He said that the weather was clearing and asked us if we would like to pose for a few photos outside. When we walked outside, we were astonished to see a huge patch of bright light in the distance. It’s not evident from this photo because it was around 8:00 p.m., but the weather had turned quite beautiful. I took it as a sign from God that truly “bright days were ahead.”

5. May is the month of Mother’s Day. I have always tried to honor both my mother and mother-in-law. My mother has been gone for nearly eight years, but I still remember her daily in prayer. We usually treat my mother-in-law to dinner at a restaurant. As a mother myself, I have always enjoyed receiving home-made, creative gifts from my sons and have treasured these special mementos. The photo below is of me and my mother.

6. May includes a three-day weekend. Up here in Canada, the third Monday is Victoria Day, which is a holiday similar to Memorial Day in the USA. We usually celebrate by barbequing and enjoying a day off. It’s the unofficial start to summer (I say unofficial because up here in Canada, anything is possible in terms of weather…I have seen snow flurries on one or two previous Victoria Day holidays).

7. Mother’s Day Cartoon

Photos and Text Copyright 2015Ellen Gable Hrkach

#LTO: Don’t You Forget About Me Only .99!!

For a limited time only, Erin McCole Cupp’s “Don’t You Forget About Me” (Kindle edition) is on sale for only .99 until Friday! (USA customers only – sorry!!)

Synopsis:

Mary Catherine Whelihan made it out of Walkerville alive once before. Can she pull it off this time? Bullies, sexual harassment, finding a corpse in the local creek��� Cate���s childhood in 1980s Walkerville was murder! So what could possibly tempt her to return? A cryptic email from Eugene Marcasian, MD, her grade school crush might do the trick. Can Cate and Gene find the cause of the mysterious illness afflicting nearly all of the girls in their graduating class, including Cate herself? Or will corporate bullies continue to take down anyone who gets in their way? More importantly, can Cate stay alive long enough to get one more slice of tomato pie?

Check out the YouTube Book Trailer here:

Excerpt:

���Doesn���t signing in at the Technology Annex check-in desk blow the whole cloak-and-dagger bit?���

Gene furrowed his brow for a moment. ���I���m not looking for cloak-and-dagger. I just want to buy enough time to get some answers and put a stop to whatever is making people sick. But Mary Catherine���I don���t know what kind of wasp nest we might be kicking at here.���

���Nice image.��� My stomach knotted.

Gene gently but firmly grasped me by my upper arms. ���I���m not kidding. If what our coffee shop friend said is true…���

I picked up where he trailed off, ���Then Walkerville wasps carry some pretty wicked stingers.���

Gene nodded. ���I���m willing to give it all to find the truth. I���m not sure I want you to.���

He was right. This wasn���t picking up rocks in Quaker Creek and looking for water pennies. This was digging up what two potentially deadly forces���Big Pharma and The Mob���wanted kept buried.

I forced myself to look directly into his eyes. ���Search softly,��� I said, ���and poke with a big stick.���

Praise for Don���t You Forget About Me:

���This book has all the elements that make a book addictive: a compelling story told well with characters who are unforgettable. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll stay up all night reading.���

Sarah Reinhard, author, SnoringScholar.com and A Catholic Mother’s Companion to Pregnancy

���This captivating murder mystery made me laugh, cry, and crave Italian food; ���80s pop tunes are still stuck in my head. If you like mysteries that offer a good mix of suspense and science, don���t miss this book.���

Barb Szyszkiewicz, franciscanmom.com

���Don���t You Forget About Me…is a rollicking fun and exciting cozy murder mystery. The author���s strong and clever command of the written language makes this book an entertaining page-turner. I recommend this highly-enjoyable, cozy, clean, lively mystery to all readers!���

Therese Heckenkamp, award-winning author, Frozen Footprints

���A quirky, fun, mystery-romance that will tickle your funny bone while making your hair stand on end.���

AnnMarie Creedon, best-selling author, Angela’s Song

About Erin:

Erin McCole Cupp is a wife, mom, and lay Dominican who lives with her family of vertebrates in the middle of Nowhere, Pennsylvania. Her writing has appeared in Canticle Magazine, Parents, The Catholic Standard and Times, and The Philadelphia City Paper, and she is a regular contributor to CatholicMom.com. Her other professional experiences include acting, costuming, youth ministry, international scholar advising, and waiting tables. Her influences include Neal Stephenson, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include iceberg lettuce, frozen drinks, and anything labeled ���Visitor Center.��� Erin is the author of Jane_E, Friendless Orphan: A Memoir (Broken Wheel Media, 2006), Don���t You Forget About Me (Full Quiver Publishing, 2013), and Working Mother (Full Quiver Publishing, 2014), all available on Amazon. You can find more about Erin at erinmccolecupp.com.

To buy Don’t You Forget About Me (Kindle Edition) for only .99, click here. (USA customers only)

SQT – Radio Interview and More Free Books

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at This Ain’t the Lyceum for Seven Quick Takes Friday.

1. The Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras

I’ll be on A Seeking Heart with Allison Gingras today at 10 a.m. To call in and ask questions and just join in the conversation, call 1-855-949-1380.

2. Catholic Writers Guild

I’m also over at the Catholic Writers Guild talking about “Mediocrity.” Check out the post here.

3. Stealing Jenny #1 in Canada!

This past week, Stealing Jenny hit #1 in Christian Fiction and Religious Fiction on Amazon.ca! What is so cool is that it was ahead of the Chronicles of Narnia (#2) and the new novel by Karen Kingsbury (#3).

4. Stealing Jenny Giveaway

Allison Gingras is hosting a giveaway this week. Head on over to Facebook to enter the giveaway of three print copies and two Kindle copies of Stealing Jenny.

5. Pray for Middle Eastern Christians

This wonderful post lists “7 Powerful Ways to Pray for Christians Suffering in the Middle East.”

6. Reading/Review Shelf

Memoirs of an Infantry Officer

7. Dust Bunnies Cartoon

Image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach. Please do not use without permission.

Eve’s Apple – Interview With Marie Therese Kceif

This is the last day of Marie Therese Kceif’s Virtual Book Tour. I’m interviewing Marie for today’s blog post.

What inspired you to write a book about your life?

Life without Jesus brought me to the most profound suffering I ever thought possible. I was a lost sheep not knowing I needed a Shepherd. God has allowed me to experience that suffering because of the choices I made so I could fully know and share with others that we need to turn to Him and to surrender and be open to His love and grace. I want others to benefit from my experience so that they may know the path of life and peace Jesus wants all of us to have. I want others to know there is someone out there who has been there, who is not perfect nor has a perfect past, but God loved her anyway and He loves and will accept them back too. After I had written about three chapters, my husband came home and said he had heard on the radio of a writers��� conference only an hour south of us. He was so convinced I was supposed to go to this conference that he sat me down right then and there on the website he had heard on the radio. The problem was the conference was the next morning. But when I called they had a slot left and allowed me to still come, the conference had been sold out. When I registered that night I had to sign up for the particular classes I needed. Looking at the pictures of the conference teachers, I became aware prayerfully that there was one in particular that God wanted me to meet. I somehow knew I had to speak with her, but not sure why. When I got to the conference, I made a strong attempt to meet her personally and tell her what I was being prompted by God to do. She told me to send me the idea of the book and what I had up to that point and that she would indeed help me along the journey of writing the book. With her help and God���s prompting and grace, Eve���s Apple became a reality. I firmly believe that God wants to use my story and so I exposed my sin and His amazing grace and forgiveness so that others may experience healing.

What prompted you to call the book, ���Eve���s Apple?���

One night before I had written the book, I had a dream. In the dream I heard a voice that spoke to me these words, ���Eve���s Apple��� and that it was to be the title of the book I was supposed to write. Right after having that dream, I woke up out of my sleep and woke up my husband — it was in the middle of the night — and told him I knew the title of the book I was supposed to write was ���Eve���s Apple.��� And so I believed this was from God and titled it as I heard it in my dream.

Who would you say is the target audience for your book?

Eve���s Apple is a good book for those who have fallen away from their Roman Catholic faith, but also those who have made mistakes and need to know God forgives, loves and pursues his lost sheep out of love for them. This is for those who need to believe in hope of forgiveness and second chances from our Lord and Savior. I have had many first time readers from my bible studies and conferences come back and purchase more books for their loved ones who have fallen away, so perhaps it is also for those who desire to bring their fallen loved ones back to God���s holy Church.

What message do you hope the reader will bring away from your book?

God loves and pursues each child He has created. No matter how far or how long you have walked away from Him, He wants His child back in His refuge and love so that someday they will be back with Him in Heaven. His Divine Mercy reaches to the very lost, the broken and those who think there is no hope���Jesus came for the lost so they might have life. The Catholic Church is the fullness of that love; it is His best way back to His loving arms and to truly know Him for it embraces all of the graces made available through His passion and resurrection He endured for His children.

Thank you, Marie!

To check out Marie’s book, here is the link to the paperback edition.

This is the hardcover edition of her book at this link.

And the new Kindle edition has just been released!

A Subtle Grace – New Book Trailer

SQT – #Free Book and New Channel for FQP

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers for Seven Quick Takes at This Ain’t the Lyceum.

1. Stealing Jenny #FREE on Kindle

My third novel, Stealing Jenny, is #Free on Kindle until Saturday. One line synopsis: Mentally unstable women kidnaps pregnant mom of five. Right now it’s #1 on Amazon’s FREE books in a variety of categories in the USA, Canada and Britain.

2. Full Quiver Publishing Has a New YouTube Channel

My company, Full Quiver Publishing, has a new YouTube Channel. Check it out here. Please consider “subscribing!” We’ve got more book trailers to add, as well as more interviews with our authors.

3. Virtual Book Club Appearance

Last night, I spoke via Skype to a book club near Barrie, Ontario. They had read my first novel, Emily’s Hope. They asked some great questions and I had a wonderful time speaking with them.

4. Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Here is a very powerful novena that I pray daily. Saint Padre Pio recited this novena every day for all those who requested his prayers.

5. Review by Ann Frailey of Do You Believe?

I really enjoyed Do You Believe (from the creators of God’s Not Dead). My friend, Ann Frailey, posted this review of the movie at her blog and also at Catholic 365.

6. Reading Shelf

The Well – Stephanie Landsem

7. Touche Cartoon

copyright 2013 James and Ellen Hrkach Please do not use without permission

Stealing Jenny #Free on Kindle until Saturday

My third novel, Stealing Jenny, will be FREE today (April 14) through Saturday (April 18) on Kindle.

Jenny Callahan is happily expecting her sixth child. But it’s not without complications. To make matters worse, a neighbor is secretly hatching a sinister plot that will find Jenny and her unborn baby fighting for their lives. Or…the one sentence synopsis: Mentally unstable woman kidnaps pregnant mom of five.

Reviews:

���Stealing Jenny is a gripping novel filled with engaging characters, a compelling mystery and a message which underscores the precious dignity of life. I literally couldn���t put it down and give Stealing Jenny my highest recommendation.��� Lisa M. Hendey, author of ���A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms���

���Ellen Gable is a masterful storyteller.Stealing Jenny is a smoothly written, chilling tale of gripping suspense. There are terrifying moments and heart-wrenching moments. Catholic faith and hope are tested. Above all, the sacredness and privilege of precious new life is made indisputably evident I never wanted it to end!��� Therese Heckenkamp, author, Frozen Footprints and Past Suspicion

“Stealing Jenny will keep you on the edge of your seat and probably destroy your sleep pattern as you stay up to find out what happens. But beyond being a great suspense, it’s also an excellent example of morals in action and family life redeemed. As a fan of Ellen Gable’s work already, I’m now officially getting a t-shirt!” Sarah Reinhard, blogger, author

To download your Kindle copy for FREE, click here.

#VBT – Eve’s Apple by Marie Therese Kceif

Eve���s Apple by Marie Therese Kceif

Short synopsis: A Witness of God’s Faithfulness: Marie struggles to grow in grace and guidance from the Lord while slowly recognizing her own rebellion. She intimately shows us the highs of her aviation, military and automotive careers and the suffering lows of abuse, bankruptcy, and divorce. Her relationship with God grows through it all. Eve’s Apple is a witness of how God gently guides one of His Eves into a slow freeing surrender of a Mary’s trusting yes. This is a journey of hope, faith, and real relationship!

Available on Amazon in softcover and hardback:

http://www.amazon.com/Eves-Apple-Marie-Therese-Kceif/dp/1462410219

Also available at the Publisher���s Website:

http://bookstore.inspiringvoices.com/Products/SKU-000693538/Eves-Apple.aspx

Goodreads Giveaway: (drawing to occur April 26)

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/132147-eve-s-apple

Author���s Biography:

From farm life in Wisconsin, Marie Therese Kceif went on to have a varied full life. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics. Marie became an active duty US Army Capt. and pilot, automotive manager, bible study leader, RCIA guide, lector, speaker, writer, mom and wife. She now lives with her husband in Fenton, Michigan.

You can contact Marie Therese at marietheresekceif@gmail.com

Reviews for Eve���s Apple:

Joseph A. Marsigla, COL, MS, Commander, US Army: “Some words that come to mind are warm, introspective, wonderment, I could go on and on. The talent God has given her has allowed me to look at my life, to look at things I have not thought of in some time. I see many parallels and similar struggles. This book is one of those rare jewels that can change lives.”

Father David Harvey, Senior Catholic Priest: “An able storyteller and an adept communicator. She speaks with conviction and grace.”

Jill Savage, Hearts at Home founder and CEO: “She has a story to tell, and she tells it well. She’s honest and open about the less-than-charming part of her story. Most important, however, she is candid and sincere about the work God has done in her life. Our moms were touched by her story, and I know you will be, too.”

Other stops on the Virtual Book Tour:

April 9 – Karee Santos (Can We Cana)

April 13 – Ellen @ Plot Line and Sinker

April 14 – Michael Seagriff (Harvesting the Fruits of Contemplation)

April 15 – Alexandrina Brant

April 16 – Karee Santos (Can We Cana) Review

April 17 – Jean Heimann (Catholic Fire)

April 18 – A.K. Frailey

April 19 – Melanie Juneau (The Joy of Nine)

April 20 – Nancy Ward (Joy Alive.net)

April 21 – Dana Doyle (Catholic Working Mom)

April 22 – Ellen @ Plot Line and Sinker (Interview)

Want to win a #FREE E-Book of Eve’s Apple? The first person who leaves a comments wins the free e-Book!!

SQT – White Easter and Cool Technology

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers for Seven Quick Takes Friday at This Ain’t the Lyceum.

1. White Easter

It’s not the first time and certainly won’t be the last time we’ve had a White Easter. And it certainly made all things look “like new.” Very appropriate for Easter!

image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach

2. 21st Century Technology

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I do love 21st century technology. A few days ago, a N.J. religious education director asked us to give a Sexuality and Natural Family Planning talk for their Pre-Cana course (they couldn’t find a live replacement for the original couple doing the presentation). So tomorrow morning, we’ll be giving the talk via Skype.

And…next Thursday evening, I’ll be speaking via FaceTime to a book club who is reading my first book, Emily’s Hope.

3. Virtual Book Tour for Marie Therese Kceif

Yesterday was the first stop on the VBT for Marie Therese Kceif, author of Eve’s Apple. Karee interviews Marie, who is a former military pilot.

4. Full Quiver Publishing You Tube Channel

We’re in the process of creating a Full Quiver Publishing YouTube Channel, where we’ve been uploading radio and TV interviews as well as book trailers! Check it out and let us know what you think!

5. Divine Mercy Novena

We’re nearly at the end of this beautiful novena, but you can always catch up here.

6. Review Shelf

Hush Hush by Michelle Quigley

7. Less Cost Cartoon

Image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach. Please do NOT use without permission.

Copyright 2015 Ellen Gable Hrkach

Good Friday Reflection from Catherine Doherty

Photo by Ellen Hrkach

“The great question that stands before us on Good Friday is: are we going to empty ourselves in response to his emptiness? The moment we do, we shall know the joy of Christ! Notwithstanding the pain, the cross, the tomb, if I empty myself because I am in love with God, I shall know joy.”

Catherine Doherty, Season of Mercy