Ellen Gable's Blog, page 76
February 10, 2014
Sanctuary of Nine Dragons – Book Tour
I’m pleased to host Christina Weigand, author of the newly-published e-book, Sanctuary of Nine Dragons, as part of her virtual book tour! I’m inviting readers to check it out!
Book Details:
Title – Sanctuary of the Nine Dragons: Book Three
Series – Palace of the Twelve Pillars
Author – Christina Weigand
Genre – YA Fantasy
Publication Date – February 2014
Publisher – MuseItUp Publishing
Cover Artist – Charlotte Volnek
Book Blurb/Synopsis – Joachim banishes Brandan to prison island of Hyogo. His infant son, Prince Airyn disappears from his cradle. A chain of events is set in motion that will pit brother against brother, friend against friend, parents against children as Brandan and Joachim struggle for control of their sanity and their very lives.
With Brandan declared dead and his son missing Joachim sinks into despair and anger, where those close to him fear he may never return.
Is Brandan really dead and if he is, who is manipulating the Mantion and enemies of Crato?
Can Maeve save her country and her husband from the tentacles of evil pervading the land?
Excerpt:
“I have sent one who can save them, but he can also bring about their final destruction.
“You, my Guardians, must seek him out. Protect him and ensure he is guided on the right paths.”
Alorn lifted his great ruby-red head. “Tell us who is he, Lord, that we may fulfill Your wishes.”
“I cannot reveal his identity…yet. Just know there are three who need you now. My power will be seen in all, but only one will be the savior in the end. However, all are needed to bring My Will about, and they must all be protected and nurtured.”
“How will we know them?” Stefano leaned forward.
“All will be children of Brandan or Joachim, and they will blend the lineage of the three races.”
“We know of Joachim’s children, but Brandan has none.”
“He has one, a half Mantion-half human child. Gorou is the third, and he will be the hardest to protect and nurture.”
“Why a child of Brandan?” Cielo asked. “Brandan has already chosen the path of evil time and again. Would not a child of his be exposed to that same evil?”
“Although, he fathered the child, Brandan knows not of his existence.
If you’d like to buy Christina’s book, here are the links to do so:
Author’s Bio: Christina Weigand is a writer, wife, and mother of three grown children and a middle school daughter. She is also Nana to three granddaughters. She lives with her husband and youngest daughter in Pennsylvania, returning there after a short sabbatical in Washington. Currently, she’s working on fantasy novels and inspirational writing. Through her writing, she strives to share the Word of God and help people young and old to realize the love and mercy He has for everyone.
When she’s not writing, she’s active in her local church as a lector, Bible Study, or with the church theater group, volunteering at her daughter’s school helping the children develop a love for reading and writing. Jesus fills her home with love as she shares Him through her writing.
Check out her blog for more information.
Find her on Goodreads at this link: and on Amazon at this link.
February 9, 2014
Sunday Snippets – February 9
Photo copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at RAnn’s Place for Sunday Snippets where we share posts from the previous week and answer a weekly question.This week: Do you read Christian fiction? Why or why not? If so, who is your favorite author? Yes, I do read a lot of Christian and Catholic fiction because I enjoy reading stories that affirm and celebrate my faith rather than criticize or complain about it. My favorite author is Dena Hunt, but I also enjoy Regina Doman’s books.
Only one post this week:
7 Quick Takes Friday – New Reviews, Beautiful Pro-Life Video, Snowy Winter
February 7, 2014
7 Quick Takes Friday – New Reviews, Beautiful Pro-Life Video, Snowy Winter
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.
1. #2, #3 and #4 on Amazon
Two nights ago, for a few hours, my three novels were ranking at #2, #3 and #4 in the Religious Drama category.
2. Cool Review of Stealing Jenny (Thank you, John!)
Posted here: http://www.examiner.com/article/review-ellen-gable-s-stealing-jenny
And here: http://apiusman.blogspot.ca/2014/02/review-stealing-jenny.html
3. Catholic Writers Conference Online
If you’re a Catholic writer and would like to attend the Catholic Writers Conference Online, click here. Today is the last day to register!
4. A Subtle Grace Endorsements
“The plot tugs at the heart and gets the heart racing. Reading A Subtle Grace was like riding a Victorian-era wooden roller coaster: a luscious historical setting that provides a tantalizingly dangerous thrill ride.” Erin McCole Cupp, author, Don’t You Forget About Me
“A Subtle Grace is a compelling read, a great addition to the genre of Catholic fiction.”
Patrice Fagnant MacArthur, author
“Fascinating read with meticulous historical detail and great suspense built around true-to-life characters.”
Karen Murphy Corr, freelance writer
“Ellen Gable’s A Subtle Grace is a masterfully written illustration of the difference between lust and love, between rashness and fortitude, between mere existence and truly living.”
AnnMarie Creedon, author, Angela’s Song
5. I Believe (Beautiful pro-life video by Sapphira Sinasac)
6. Snowy Winter
Up here in Canada, like in many parts of the upper USA, we have had a very snowy winter. Of course, the difference is that we usually have a snowy winter. It has also been bitterly cold and I’m pining for spring already.
The snow drift is taller than me!
7. Virtual Invitation Cartoon 
copyright James and Ellen Hrkach, please do not use without permission
Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach
January 31, 2014
7 Quick Takes Friday – New Book, New Reviews & Downton Abbey!!
Please join me at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday!
1. Early Feedback for A Subtle Grace
One beta reader said that it was a “tremendous sequel.” Another reader said that it is “your very best work. I absolutely loved it! I particularly enjoyed how you wove a pro-life message throughout the book without being preachy. And it was so easy to read! It just flowed. Wonderful!”
2. New 5 Star Reviews on Amazon.com for Stealing Jenny
I’m very grateful for the most recent reviews of Stealing Jenny on Amazon. Of the last ten, nine have been five stars and one, four stars. From Claire: “This book held my attention from beginning to the end. I read it in one day even through the president’s state of the union message. It was well written, fast moving, and really believable.”
From Meredith: “Being a mother, I totally relate to this. Some might write this off as a Catholic lack of reality story. Not me. I’m not Catholic, more pro-choice with a personal feeling of pro-life. It’s a real MUST READ kind of book, and this comes from my heart. But the reader has to dig deeper and realize the emotional depth that Ellen has brought to us.”
3. Downton Abbey Season Four (Spoiler Alert)
I’ve so enjoyed this Masterpiece Theatre/PBS British show for the past few years. My favorite couple is Anna and Bates. She’s usually so joyful and such a good person deep down and her husband, who is many years older, is a sweet and gentle man. I wasn’t convinced that their romance was the right thing for either of them during the first season when they began their courtship, but now it seems so natural for them to be together. This season has been difficult for them. Anna has been raped and until last week’s episode has been able to keep it secret from her husband because she’s afraid he will kill the man who did it. During last week’s episode, he overhears her speaking to Mrs. Hughes and finds out Anna’s secret.
Anna: “Well, it’s in the open. No more secrets. I’m glad of that at least. No more fear of being found out, because I am found out. My shame has nowhere to hide.”
Bates: “Why do you talk of shame? I don’t accept that there is any shame in this.”
Anna: “But I’m spoiled for you! And I can never be unspoiled.”
Bates: “You are not spoiled. You are made higher to me, and holier because of the suffering you have been put through. You are my wife, and I have never been prouder, nor loved you more than I do now at this moment.”
Anna: “Truly?”
Bates: “Truly.”
I know these are actors, but when you have brilliant writing, outstanding acting and excellent direction, well, these actors ARE Anna and Bates. We’ll see what happens next week and whether he will find out who assaulted his wife. But after last season (when Bates was finally vindicated and released from prison), no one wants to see him in prison again or — worse — hanged for killing a man, even if it was the man who raped his wife.)
4. Picture Perfect 
It’s hard to believe, but this was only my second published article. It was written in 2002 and appeared in Family Foundations, Spring 2003 issue: I tried to take a mental snapshot of the previous 10 minutes or so. Everyone had come to the table for dinner without being asked twice. The food was piping hot. All five children were sitting and quietly waiting for grace to begin. A soft snow had started falling outside, the woodstove was crackling, cookies were baking in the oven and the Christmas tree, which smelled fresh and green, sparkled with the twinkling lights. It all seemed so perfect, like a painting by Norman Rockwell or a scene from “Ozzie and Harriet.” For just a minute, I had wished that, like in the “Twilight Zone,” life would stop so I could savor the moment. I knew, however, that the scene wouldn’t last like that for long.
To read the rest of the article, click here.
5.Stealing Jenny: Featured Book on Freebooksy!
This past week, my book, Stealing Jenny, was featured on Freebooksy!
6. Reading Shelf
2012 Tuscany Prize for Catholic Fiction
7. Cease Fire Cartoon
Image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach/Full Quiver Publishing Please do not use without permission
Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach
January 26, 2014
Sunday Snippets – January 26
Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at RAnn’s Place for Sunday Snippets where we share posts from the previous week and answer a weekly question. This week’s question: Where do you get your Catholic reading material? I normally get my Catholic reading material from Amazon.com (for my Kindle) and the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show every year.7 Quick Takes Friday – Free Books, Cool Recipes (leave a comment at that blog post before January 31st to be entered to win a free print copy of Stealing Jenny)
Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach
January 24, 2014
7 Quick Takes Friday – Free Books, Cool Recipes!
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday. Leave a comment below (before Friday, January 31st) to win a free print copy of Stealing Jenny, my third novel! Speaking of novels, A Subtle Grace, is nearly ready for the proofreaders! I’m waiting for one more beta reader to send her comments, then it’s off to the printer and to the proofreaders!!
1. FREE BOOKS!!
Monday, January 27 to Wednesday, January 29, my third novel,Stealing Jenny, will be FREE on Kindle! To download the book for free Monday to Wednesday next week, click this link. (Please note: It won’t be free until Monday!!)
And if you don’t have a Kindle and want a PRINT copy, leave a comment below (before January 31st) to win a paperback copy of Stealing Jenny! (Sorry…North America ONLY, please!!)
2. Stealing Jenny on Amazon Japan
I think it’s so cool that my books are available all over the world. Here’s a screenshot of the profile page of Stealing Jenny on Amazon Japan. If you click on the picture, it will take you right to the actual Amazon Japan page. 
3. Brrrr!! It’s Cold!!
Temps have been averaging minus 30 C. with the windchill. I’m ready for spring.
4. Scrumptious Chicken Lemon Soup!
It’s been so cold this past week that all I want to do is snuggle up in a warm chair in front of the wood stove and drink tea or eat soup. This is a scrumptious chicken-lemon soup recipe.
5. Banana Almond Bread
Oooh, this looks like a great recipe for tasty banana bread! I haven’t tried it yet, but I will this weekend, as soon as I can find almond flour. This is gluten free and, I’m told, super delicious and healthy! http://www.beautifullynutty.com/banana-almond-bread-gluten-free/
6. Reading Shelf
An Unmarked Grave – Charles Todd
The Watson Chronicles – Ann Margaret Lewis
7. Man Up Cartoon
image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach (all rights reserved, do not use without permission)
Don’t forget to leave a comment (before January 31st) to win a free print copy of Stealing Jenny!
Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach
January 21, 2014
St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
Today is the Feast of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr. I knew little of this saint until I read about her during my research for A Subtle Grace. I have dedicated my book to her.
It’s no surprise that St. Agnes’ feast day is so close to the U.S. March for Life. Agnes’ name in Greek means “chaste, pure or sacred,” and in Latin, it means “lamb.” She is the patron saint of young girls, chastity, engaged couples and rape victims (and others). In past centuries, young girls would recite this prayer/poem to St. Agnes on the Eve of the feast day with the hope they would dream of their future husband.
The following is a link to an excerpt of A Subtle Grace which includes the prayer/poem to St. Agnes:
St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us!
January 19, 2014
Sunday Snippets – January 19
Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at RAnn’s Place for Sunday Snippets where we share our posts from the previous week and answer a weekly question.This week, RAnn asked if we got a “Patron Saint of the Year” from the saints’ generator. My answer: Yes, my 2014 patron saint is St. John of Kanty. You can find out more about him here. He’s the patron saint of workers who have been unjustly fired. Another saint I’ve been praying to daily is St. Agnes, who is my novel’s patron saint. She is the patron saint of rape victims, among other things.
My one and only post this week was 7 Quick Takes:
7 Quick Takes Friday – Birthdays, Anniversaries Etc
Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach
January 17, 2014
7 Quick Takes Friday – Birthdays, Anniversaries Etc.
Join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.
1. 18th Birthday!!
My fourth son turns 18 next week. I can’t believe I will have four adult sons when he turns 18! To me, it is always a joy to watch my sons grow older. But my two youngest sons (photo below) have a special place in my heart. When my third son was 10 months old, I nearly died from complications of an ectopic pregnancy. We were told not to have any more children. 
Through prayer and discernment (Responsible Parenthood blog post), we chose to be open to more children and I’m so thankful we were.
2. Grandmother’s Birthday
Next week is also my maternal grandmother’s birthday. Bessie May passed away in July of 1967, but every year on her birthday, I remember her in a special way. If you look at both the photo of my fourth son as a toddler and my grandmother’s photo above, you’ll probably see some resemblance.
3. March for Life
In honor of the March for Life next week in Washington, I’d like to recommend that you read the lyrics of the pro-life song that my husband wrote when he was a teenager.
4. Parents’ Anniversary
My father has been gone for 36 years and my mother for seven, but I always remember them on their anniversary, January 15th (two days ago). They were married on January 15, 1955. My maternal grandparents on the right, my paternal grandparents on the left.
photo copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
5. A Subtle Grace Update
Beta readers are nearly finished reading the pre-publication draft of my novel, A Subtle Grace. Proofreaders will be reading it next.
6. Recommended Reading
In honor of the March for Life in Washington next week, I’d like to recommend to following great pro-life books:
Pro-Life Answers to Pro-Choice Arguments by Randy Alcorn
Unplanned by Abby Johnson
The Hand of God: A Journey from Death to Life by an Abortion Doctor Who Changed His Mind by Dr. Bernard Nathanson
7. Dust Bunnies Cartoon
image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach Please do not use without permission
copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach
January 11, 2014
Sunday Snippets – January 11
Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at RAnn’s Place for Sunday Snippets where we share posts from the previous week.As I’m still recuperating from the flu, I only have one post this week:
7 Quick Takes Friday – Mini Review Edition
Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach
