7 Quick Takes Friday – Volume 77 | Plot Line and Sinker (Ellen Gable, Author)

TGIF! It’s time for 7 Quick Takes Friday. Join me and other Catholic bloggers at Conversion Diary.

1. Crucifix at St. Maria Goretti
During our recent travels, we visited many churches, not only those for my sacramental pilgrimage, but also while on the road. This is the huge crucifix that hangs over the sanctuary of the church where we were married (St. Maria Goretti Church, now Holy Child Parish). This photo doesn`t really capture how large it is…

2. Review of Stealing Jenny
Thanks so much to Erin McCole Cupp for this wonderful (and humorous) review of Stealing Jenny.

3. Review of In Name Only
Speaking of reviews, special thanks to Vincent for this well-thought-out review on Goodreads. It gives me great satisfaction when a reader actually understands the message. Here’s an excerpt:
There is a surprising amount of content on “the marital act,” especially considering that this is a work of Catholic fiction. Gable is neither crude nor lewd in this area, as she handles the topic very gently albeit in-depth. She also does a fantastic job covering the gamut of Catholic social teaching on sex, as well as the mentality that Catholics should have. This entire area is where Gable’s catholicity really shines.

There are three lasting elements of the novel that have serious staying power: its discussion on the marital act, its illustration of the fragility of life, and lastly, the romance of the story itself. Ms. Gable accomplishes what every Catholic fiction writer should seek to accomplish: a story with Catholicism seamlessly woven into it that is good enough to compete with all fiction, not just in the small Catholic fiction book market.” Read his entire review here. He does include a spoiler alert, in case you haven’t read the book.

4. Fun with a Bun
I try to eat gluten free, so this bun would have gone to waste had it not been for the creative teamwork of my husband and youngest son, just after we finished eating recently at a local restaurant. As we were leaving, the staff seemed to enjoy the little gift we left behind at the table.