Ellen Gable's Blog, page 80
October 18, 2013
7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 93
Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.
1. “Don’t You Forget About Me” Now Available on Kindle!!!
FQ Publishing’s new book by Erin McCole Cupp, Don’t You Forget About Me, is now available on Kindle for 3.99. Want a free copy? Leave your name in the comments section below before midnight tonight to be entered to win a free e-book. (Print edition will be released on November 1st.) 
2. Thanksgiving Kitty
We had a wonderful celebration of Thanksgiving up here in Canada with family this past weekend. Just before we sat down, I happened to notice our kitty was very comfortably waiting on my chair.
photo copyright Ellen Hrkach
3. A Subtle Grace Summary
Yesterday on my blog, I posted a brief summary of the main characters from my upcoming novel, A Subtle Grace, to be published early next year.
4. Waba Museum
Last week, I shared a few pictures that I took on my recent tour of the Waba Museum. Here’s another beautiful autumn photo.
copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
5. More Autumn Color
copyright Ellen Hrkach
6. Reading/Review Shelf
The Sinner’s Guide to Natural Family Planning by Simcha Fisher (Excellent book…review coming!) (Kindle edition only)
The Willow Tree by Alexandra Valentien (Print edition only)
7. Officially Married Cartoon
image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach/FQP Please do not use without permission
Remember, leave a comment below before midnight tonight to be entered to win a free Kindle copy of Don’t You Forget About Me!
Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
October 17, 2013
A Subtle Grace – #Small Success Thursday
Today I’m participating in “Small Success Thursday” over at Catholic Mom.com.
My new novel is called “A Subtle Grace” and will be published early next year. This is actually a big success because most of the major edits are finished, but it still needs polishing and copy-editing. (This is over five years worth of writing and editing!!) I was also able to finish a huge book project for a terminally ill elderly woman and I’m very thankful for that!
Here is a short summary about the main characters of A Subtle Grace:
1896 (Philadelphia)
In this sequel to (FQP, 2009), A Subtle Grace continues the story of the wealthy and unconventional O’Donovan Family as they approach the dawn of a new century.
When Kathleen (oldest daughter) meets the handsome and charming son of the local police chief, she is convinced that he is the sweetheart for whom she has been waiting. Unforeseen events soon reveal the answer.
William (oldest son) believes that God may be calling him to a religious vocation. When he discovers the circumstances of his humble beginnings, his belief turns to doubt and eventually he embarks on a pilgrimage to Rome.
Dr. Luke Peterson is the kind, caring – and somewhat nontraditional – new physician in town. His enduring love of a local woman leads him to startling revelations: about the girl, about his practice and, most importantly, about himself.
Excerpt coming next week!
October 16, 2013
Our Lady’s Powerful Intercession
photo copyright Ellen Hrkach
“There is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary.”Sister Lucia of Fatima
Years ago, a friend of ours visited us with a desperate plea for help. His girlfriend had been enticed into a cult and within days, all communication had been cut off. He couldn’t talk to her or contact her in any way. He said that he loved her and knew that he wanted to marry her, but felt helpless and didn’t know what to do.
With tear-filled eyes, he finally asked, “Would you pray that she is released?”
Our response was, “Of course.”
When he left, James and I immediately got out our rosaries and began saying a fervent, heartfelt rosary for Our Lady’s intercession, that the cult would allow this girl to leave.
At the time, we recited the rosary, oftentimes, more out of habit than a desperate plea for anything. This time, however, it was exactly that, a desperate plea on behalf of our friend to somehow get the cult to allow his girlfriend to leave.
The next day, he called us to let us know that the cult had decided to let her leave. The couple eventually married and they continue to be happily married to this day.
Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
October 15, 2013
Infant Loss Excerpt
Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day.
I have had four miscarriages and three ectopic pregnancies. My novel, Emily’s Hope, is the fictionalized true stories of myself and my great-grandmother, and the story of loss and triumph. This excerpt describes Emily’s loss of baby “Seth.”
“I need to push.” She wanted so desperately not to push, to allow her baby to stay inside of her, and for her to continue to nourish and nurture her child, but her body wouldn’t allow that. She pushed only twice and her small child was born. Emily heard a sound like a kitten crying, then realized that her baby had let out a small, soft, weak cry.
As soon as the umbilical cord was cut, the nurse immediately carried the baby across the room as the pediatric staff attempted to work on their child. Emily and Jason sat quietly, their hearts heavy with emotion. A few minutes later, she felt another contraction and her placenta was delivered. She could hear a nurse referring to “him,” and realized that their child was another boy. After a few minutes, the doctor brought him back, his small form still hidden in the blue hospital blanket. He spoke in a hushed, almost apologetic voice, “There is nothing we can do for him.”
He handed the tiny one-pound baby boy to his mother. Jason held on to Emily’s shoulder and watched as she cradled the smallest baby they had ever seen. He was so perfect and looked identical to their oldest son, Jake. His small body was covered with minute white hairs. He was perfect as he struggled to breathe. He was perfect as he opened his mouth to cry. Emily held her new son as gently as she could. Jason reached over and poured a few drops of water on him and said, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Emily could feel the vibration of his tiny heart
beating so fast.
The nurse came in with a Polaroid camera and asked if they wanted her to take a photo of their child. Emily nodded as the nurse took a photo of her and Jason and their tiny son. She gazed in awe at this miniature human being and marveled at the fact that even though he was tiny, he was so perfect. His little hands looked like a doll’s hands. She removed the baby blanket and laid his small, warm body on her chest. She could feel his heart beating rapidly. After several minutes, she wrapped him again in the small blue blanket.
Then, in an instant, he was still. She could feel that his heart had stopped and he wasn’t breathing, but he continued to feel warm and soft. He looked like a sleeping angel.
If you have lost a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth or infant death, please click on the link above “Baby Loss” for resources and helpful links.
Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
October 13, 2013
Sunday Snippets – October 13
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.First of all, Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian readers! There is much to be thankful for this year in our family.
Second, the question of the week: Have you read a book lately that you’d like to recommend to us? Which one and why? The book I’ve read recently that I would highly recommend is a Catholic novel called “Treason” by Dena Hunt. It has become one of my favorite Catholic novels. Why? Because the author was able to write a beautiful and compelling story that not only inspired me to be a better Catholic, it also made me grateful that I am free to practice my religion. And it’s only 4.99 on Kindle! (link above)
Here are my posts for the week:
7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 92: a trip to a local museum, FQ news and a cartoon
Amazing Results with the Holy Rosary
Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
October 11, 2013
7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 92
It’s Friday and time for 7 Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.
1. Angela’s Song One Year Old!
FQ Publishing’s book, Angela’s Song by AnnMarie Creedon turned one year old this week on the Feast of the Holy Rosary! 
2. Don’t You Forget About Me
The countdown is on! The Kindle edition of Don’t You Forget About Me will be released on October 17th!! Stay tuned for more details.
3. Life Chain in the Rain
It was very wet this past weekend at the Life Chain in Arnprior. It was steady rain and cold for about 50 minutes of the hour. The last ten minutes were not so rainy. A few cars honked in support, but many drivers avoided eye contact. (That’s my umbrella at the top of the photo…)
copyright Ellen Hrkach
4 and 5. Waba Museum
I enjoyed a wonderful tour of the Waba Museum last Saturday. The top photo is a shot of the museum and the beautiful fall color. The bottom photo is of a Catholic (perhaps a station) picture in the church. 
Photo copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
6. Sunrise This Morning
It was hard to actually capture the beauty of the sunrise this morning with a camera (the photo doesn’t show the breathtaking mist nor can you see the intense orange-red colors).
copyright Ellen Hrkach
7. Happy Thanksgiving!!
It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. Happy Thanksgiving! 
Image copyright 2013.James and Ellen Hrkach Please do not use without permission
Copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
October 9, 2013
Amazing Results With the Holy Rosary
“The holy Rosary is a powerful weapon. Use it with confidence and you’ll be amazed at the results.”
St. Josemaria Escriva
Although I grew up in a Catholic family, I learned how to say the rosary at Catholic school. My father often said the rosary privately, but we never recited it as a family and I rarely said the rosary on my own before the age of 11. One evening, however, my parents were involved in a violent argument. It was my first experience at being “amazed at the results” of the powerful weapon of the holy rosary. The following is another excerpt from my novel, Emily’s Hope. It’s based on actual events and is a true illustration of Our Lady’s powerful intercession.
I listen as my parents are fighting again, fighting over bills they can’t pay. Each time my mom yells, my dad yells louder. Dad starts to throw things, not at Mom, just throwing things. I’m scared. It makes me feel anxious to see the two people I love most in the world screaming at each other. Don’t they love each other, I ask myself. Why won’t they stop yelling?
Dad just said something about moving out. Oh, God, please, I don’t want my dad to move out. Mom says good. Oh, please, Mom, don’t say that. I look at both of them but they don’t seem to see me or the panic in my eyes. They only glare at each other.
Dad goes upstairs. I run after him and watch as he gets a suitcase out and starts putting clothes in it.
God, why won’t you stop him? I pass by my bedroom and notice my rosary sitting on the bedside table. I grab it, sit down on my bed, and begin saying the rosary. As I say each Hail Mary, I plead with Our Lady, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” Please, Our Lady, don’t let my Dad walk out.
As I’m saying another Hail Mary, Dad walks by my room and doesn’t notice that I’m even there. He stomps down the steps. I can’t hear if he says bye, but I hear the door slam shut.
“Oh, God, please, make him come back.” I continue saying the rosary, each Hail Mary becoming more fervent than the last. I pray until my heart is bursting. Please, God, listen to my prayer.
I begin saying the Hail Holy Queen prayer and suddenly, I hear the door open downstairs. Without finishing, I stand at the top of the stairs and I see that my dad is standing at the doorway. Mom walks over to him. At first, they’re silent.
Then, my dad starts to cry. “I can’t leave you. I can’t leave my family.” He and Mom embrace.
I begin to cry. Thank you, God, and thank you, Our Lady, for bringing my daddy back.
My parents remained married until my father’s death eight years later. He was buried with his rosary in his hands.
Emily’s Hope is available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle. The novel’s website includes reviews, an excerpt, a synopsis and a radio interview.
Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
October 8, 2013
Like Arrows in the Hand of a Warrior (or How Our Publishing Company Got its Name)
“Children too are a gift from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children born of one’s youth.
Blessed are they whose quivers are full.
They will never be shamed
contending with foes at the gate.
Blessed is the man who has filled his desire from these things…” Psalm 127 3:5
So how many arrows make a full quiver?
The answer is that it depends on the quiver…and the size of the arrows.
Our publishing company’s name is Full Quiver Publishing. Often, people assume that we are part of the “Quiverfull” Movement. At Wikipedia, Quiverfull is described as: “a movement among conservative evangelical Christian couples… it promotes procreation, and sees children as a blessing from God eschewing all forms of birth control, including natural family planning and sterilization. Adherents are known as “quiver full”, “full quiver”, “quiverfull-minded”, or simply “QF” Christians. Some refer to the Quiverfull position as Providentialism…”
An internet search of the words “Full Quiver” shows our website on the first page, along with a majority of websites and blogs devoted to the Quiverfull Movement.
I have great admiration for couples who follow this ideology, especially in this day and age when the majority of married couples are using artificial contraception or becoming sterilized.
However, we are not part of the Quiverfull Movement. Instead, we proudly use and teach Natural Family Planning to plan, space and limit births. When we are teaching NFP, we always encourage generosity and always stress there should be serious need to avoid pregnancy. We agree with the Church’s teachings on the Theology of the Body and are well-versed in the two encyclicals Humanae Vitae and Familiaris Consortio. Our publishing company publishes fiction and non-fiction which promotes the Church’s teachings on sex and marriage.
So why the name?
Years ago, I listened to a talk by Kimberly Hahn, in which she quoted the Scripture passage above and talked about the great gift of children and why generosity was so important. She later stated this concept in her book, Life-Giving Love: Embracing God’s Beautiful Design for Marriage: “We are in a spiritual battle, and our children are our arrows: How many arrows do you want in your quiver when you go into battle?”
This talk made a deep impression on me. So when we were forming our publishing company, after discussing different names, this is one that we felt God calling us to use: “Full Quiver Publishing.” It never dawned on us that we would be confused with the Quiverfull folks and that, occasionally, we would receive an email or a call from someone in the Quiverfull movement.
Back to the number: most quivers hold about 12 arrows. My husband and I have lost seven babies through miscarriage and are raising five sons: we thank God for our “full quiver.”
copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
October 7, 2013
Happy Birthday, Angela’s Song!!
It’s hard to believe, but it’s one year since FQ Publishing published AnnMarie Creedon’s novel, Angela’s Song. Angela’s Song has 141 reviews on Amazon, over 100 four and five star reviews!
Synopsis: Angela ‘Jel’ Cooke is a widow and mother of three who stays busy so as not to have to face the fact that her marriage was damaged and her husband, Devin, died before it could be repaired. Her good friends realize that no amount of home made lasagna, volunteering at church or late night games of Yahtzee can heal Angela from past regrets. When she meets Jack, the teacher of a class she is taking, he challenges her to face her demons. What follows is the poignant, yet often hilarious saga of how Angela overcomes her guilt and learns to love herself and others.
Short excerpt:
“Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I kissed Jack Bartolomucci, and then I slapped him.”
“You slapped him?” he asks, incredulous. Then alarm spreads across his face. Father lowers his voice. “He did something to you that warranted slapping?”
“No, he didn’t, really…well, sort of, at least I thought so last night but today I’m not so sure.”
Fr. Sean sighs and rubs his forehead. “I’m confused, Jel.”
“Okay. Everything he did and said led me to believe he was going to ask me out and I really got my hopes up. But then he told me that, although he wanted to ask me out, he couldn’t because I’m not ready.”
“And then you kissed him?” I nod. “And then I slapped him.”
Angela’s Song is available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.
Happy Birthday, Angela’s Song and congratulations, AnnMarie Creedon!
October 5, 2013
Sunday Snippets – October 6
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. The question this week: Have you ever tried the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office)? Why or why not, and, if so, is it something you pray regularly? I’ve never tried the Liturgy of the Hours, but after reading Daria Sockey’s new book, it definitely makes me want to do so.Here are my posts:
Now and at the Hour of Our Death (An excerpt from my first novel)
7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 91 (A cartoon, FQP news and some beautiful autumn photos!)
Copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
