Ellen Gable's Blog, page 82

7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 89

It’s that time to join with other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.

1. And the Winner Is…

The winner of last week’s book giveaway (Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious by Pat Gohn) is Angelina. Please send your mailing address and I’ll get this book in the mail to you.

2. Treason by Dena Hunt (Book Review)

If you didn’t win last week’s book, it’s not too late to win another book. Check out my review for Treason. And if you leave a comment before September 27th, you’ll be entered to win a copy of this wonderful novel.

3. Oh What a Beautiful Morning

4. Love This Time of Year

My husband and I enjoyed a long kayak ride the other day; there were no other boats in the lake, only seagulls, ducks and other small animals.

copyright 2013 Ellen Hrkach please do not use without permission

copyright 2013 Ellen Hrkach please do not use without permission

5. Inspiring Commercial

6. Reading Shelf

Elizabeth: A Holy Land Pilgrimage by Cheryl Dickow

The One Thing is Three: How the Most Holy Trinity Explains Everything by Fr. Mike Gaitley

7. Touche Cartoon

Our most recent cartoon from Family Foundations magazine.

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

Text and photos copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach

Treason by Dena Hunt (Book Review)

Published by Sophia Institute Press (2013)

“It is suffering, more than anything else, which clears the way for the grace which transforms human souls.” (Blessed Pope John Paull II, Salvifici Doloris)

This quote by Blessed John Paul II could well be the theme of Dena Hunt’s exquisite novel, Treason, which takes place in 16th Century England when Catholicism was outlawed. Suffering for the faith in our current North American culture is something most modern Catholics have never considered. Religious apathy is evidenced by half-filled churches and the large numbers of Catholics who openly dissent from Church teachings on abortion, contraception, same sex unions and premarital sex.

Since Adam and Eve, sin has been present, but what I have observed is that religious apathy, poorly-formed consciences and subjective truth have made the above sinful behaviors acceptable and the norm. It’s becoming more and more difficult for Catholics to practice their faith in our current society.

So what does all this have to do with Dena Hunt’s exciting new novel, Treason? Well, a lot. Catholics in Elizabethan England were not permitted to practice their faith. Monasteries had their roofs torn off, convents and churches were looted, their artworks and artifacts were removed and stolen.

Catholics were expected to change their religion and attend Church of England services (or face huge fines). But many Catholics retained their faith and were forced underground to recite rosaries, go to confession and attend Mass when a priest was available.

Priests always bore the brunt of the crown’s cruel martyrdom because they were seen as traitors: if they were captured, they were tortured, hung and before death, taken down, drawn and quartered. In fact, Treason is dedicated to Blessed Father Nicholas Postgate, “a Catholic priest who faithfully served his ‘parish’ in the wilds of the Yorkshire moors, always traveling by foot, until he was arrested, hanged, drawn, and quartered at York, at the age of eighty.”

As well, lay people also suffered martyrdom during this time. Those suspected of harboring priests were hung without a trial.

Hunt’s story centers around a young priest, Father Stephen Long, who arrives in England to secretly minister to the large numbers of underground Catholics. He wonders “how many more Catholics will have to die to make Queen Elizabeth feel secure.” Every time he hears confession or celebrates Holy Mass, he knows he is committing high treason against the Crown, the penalty of which is torture and a painful death.

The other main character is Caroline. From the time she was a young girl, Caroline has known that she has been called by God to a contemplative religious vocation. Her mother has died and Caroline is forced by her father into a “safe” marriage to a Protestant. Her husband is not unkind, but he is frustrated by his “wife’s” lack of desire. He realizes that her love for him is no different than the love she feels towards all humanity. For Caroline, she must keep her faith secret from her husband. Her vocation is stifled and her suffering is internal. In many ways, Hunt portrays, this is a more difficult suffering to endure. Caroline cannot outwardly practice her faith, but more importantly, she cannot live the vocation to which God is calling her.

This is not a morbid book filled only with death. Nor is it a happy-go-lucky story. It is a difficult story to read because suffering and martyrdom were a way of life for Catholics during a time when religious liberty was ripped away from them. In that regard, the author does an excellent job of illustrating grace in action. Surprisingly, this novel also includes a few underlying theology of the body themes, which I did not expect from a novel that takes place in the 1500′s.

Treason is an artistic masterpiece of Catholic literature and is Catholic fiction at its finest. It has a cast of well-developed, believable characters and beautiful writing, rich in imagery. I savored each sentence and each scene like a piece of fine chocolate. In fact, once I reached the end, I was disappointed. This book is literary candy and I wanted more.

However, this novel is so much more than artistic mastery. Treason is a moving and inspiring reminder that our Catholic faith is a great gift and the freedom to express our faith is also a gift and should never be taken for granted.

This is the kind of book that should become a classic of Catholic literature. Only 4.99 on Kindle, I cannot recommend it highly enough. If I could give it more than five stars, I would.

Five stars out of five.

I’m giving away one free print copy of Treason (with thanks to Sophia Press). To be entered to win, please leave a comment and let me know why you’d like to win this wonderful novel (before Friday, September 27th).

Or…buy the Kindle edition here; and buy the print version here.

Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach

Sunday Snippets – September 14

Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at RAnn’s Place as we share our previous week’s posts.

This week’s question: Name and link to two Catholic blogs you really enjoy. I enjoy “The Joy of Nine” Melanie Jean Juneau’s blog (Melanie sometimes participates in Sunday Snippets) and “Will Eat For Tomato Pie”, Erin McCole Cupp’s blog.

Here are my posts:

Blessed Beautiful and Bodacious Book Review (comment for a chance to win a free autographed book!)

7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 88

Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach

7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 88

Join Catholic bloggers over at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday!

1. Don’t You Forget About Me Teasers

Check out author Erin McCole Cupp’s short teasers from Don’t You Forget About Me, which will be published by Full Quiver Publishing on November 1st.

2. Book Review of Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious!

If you haven’t already checked out my book review of Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious by Pat Gohn, please do. Leave a comment at the review (before Friday, September 20) to be entered for a chance to win a free autographed copy of this wonderful book!

3. Fr. Don Calloway

I’ve listened to Fr. Don speak several times and I’m really inspired by his enthusiasm and his love for the Church and Our Lady. He was signing books at the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show recently and I had an opportunity to chat with him (the previous day, my youngest boys were able to hear him speak in Glassboro, NJ!)

4. A Subtle Grace Update

I’ve been struggling with a few plot issues in my upcoming novel, A Subtle Grace, after my developmental editor suggested I change a few of them. I’m now just finishing those edits. But given the fact that the novel currently sits at 130,000 words, I still need to shorten it and I’m just not sure which side stories or scenes need to be edited. I’m still hoping for a January release.

5. Stealing Jenny – Goodreads

Stealing Jenny just hit 500 ratings on Goodreads! If you’re on Goodreads, please feel free to add me as a friend.

6. Reading Shelf

Under the Mantle by Fr. Don Calloway

Hana-Lani – Christine Sunderland

7. Officially Married Cartoon

copyright James and Ellen Hrkach Please do not use without permission

copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach

Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious Review

In a world that promotes feminism and the “my body, my choice” mantra, Pat Gohn offers us true feminism in her new book, Blessed Beautiful and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood. There’s much to relate to in this beautifully written book on the dignity of women. Pat Gohn uses personal experiences, quotes from saints and encyclicals as well as her own wisdom to help women see their unique beauty and dignity.

The book is separated into three different sections: “The Blessed Dignity of Women,” “The Beautiful Gifts of Women” and “The Bodacious Mission of Women” and includes extensive “Suggested Reading and Resources.” One of my favorite chapters is “Entrusting Your Maternity to Eternity” which is full of quotes from Blessed John Paul II. The author writes about the importance of both physical and spiritual motherhood. The entire book is an inspiring read.

And who can resist a book with a title like this? Highly recommend!

Want to win a free autographed copy of this wonderful book? Leave a comment below (before Friday, September 20th) and tell me why you’d like to win “Blessed Beautiful and Bodacious!”

Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach

Sunday Snippets – September 7

Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach

The weekend brings Catholic bloggers together at RAnn’s Place for Sunday Snippets, where we share posts from the previous week and answer a question about the faith.

This week: What is your favorite memorized prayer? My answer: the Hail Mary. Not only is this a powerful prayer for intercession, I have also used this prayer in desperate times and the response is usually instantaneous.

Today is my No. 2 son’s birthday! Hard to believe he’s 24!

7 Quick Takes Friday

Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach

7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 87

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers over at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.

1. Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds play an interesting role in my upcoming novel, A Subtle Grace (to be released Winter 2013). This is our hummingbird feeder which has gone without notice to the local hummingbirds until yesterday when no less than five hummingbirds came to visit. I wanted to get a picture of the small birds but the camera was nowhere to be found. This morning as I was watching my boys get on the bus, another cute little hummingbird came for a drink. Again, no camera to be found!

2. No 2 Son Turns 24 Tomorrow

My No. 2 son turns 24 tomorrow and I’m just wondering where all that time went! He even has his own which is really cool!

3. My “Baby” Just Started High School

Again, where has the time gone? And how did his voice get so deep?

4. The First American Movies

My husband and I watched a cool documentary on Edison’s early films on Turner Classic Movies the other night and I happened to find the clip below on youtube. These very short film clips from 1891-1895 are not the most interesting in terms of what’s going on in them, but considering these were filmed between 1891 and 1895, they really are fascinating. I’m particularly intrigued by this time period since 1896 is A Subtle Grace takes place.

5. Catholic Writers Retreat

Don’t forget the Catholic Writers Retreat taking place next month in Michigan. I wish I could go but it begins on Thanksgiving weekend up here in Canada!

6. Reading Shelf

Everyday Catholic’s Guide to the Liturgy of the Hours - Daria Sockey

A Hero for the People – Arthur Powers

7. Fitness Cartoon

image copyright Full Quiver Publishing

Copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach

In Name Only Photo Endorsement

Special thanks to author Patrick Seamus O’Hara for giving my novel,

photo copyright James Hrkach

Sunday Snippets – September 1

Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach

Join me, along with other Catholic bloggers, at RAnn’s Place for Sunday Snippets where we share posts from the previous week. Contributors are also asked to answer the “Question of the Week.”

This week’s question: With which ministries/activities within your parish are you involved? I am a lector at my parish, but my husband and I also teach Natural Family Planning and work on the marriage preparation team for the diocese.

Catholic Writers Retreat

7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 86

7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 86

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary for 7 Quick Takes Friday.

1. It’s Not About the Nail

Brilliant video about men-women relationships/communication:

2. Catholic Writers Retreat

Are you a Catholic writer/author? Check out the Catholic Writers Retreat that will be taking place in October in Michigan.

3. Mary of Nazareth

We had the opportunity to see this trailer (and the movie) at the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show. Unfortunately, I didn’t actually get to see the movie, but I’m looking forward to seeing it soon. It has endorsements from many well-known Catholics!

4. Jean Heimann

One of the huge advantages of attending the Catholic Writers Conference is the chance to meet online friends. Jean has been a wonderful online friend since 2006 when she kindly reviewed my first book.

5. Recent Photo

My sister took this photo of me recently on our trip to Margate, NJ. We were stopped at a light lest you think I was posing while I should have been driving!

6. Reading Shelf

The Haunted Cathedral - Antony Barone Kolenc

Classroom Management for Catechists - Jennifer Fitz

7. After Day 20 Cartoon

Cartoon copyright James and Ellen Hrkach/Full Quiver Publishing Please do not use without permission

copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach