Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
This week’s question: Who is your favorite saint? I have many favorite saints and intercessors. Mary is one of my favorite intercessors, but I also have a devotion to St. Padre Pio, Blessed John Paul II (soon-to-be St. John Paul II) and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.
Here are my posts:
Melee in the Courtroom – Mary Brings Peace
7 Quick Takes Friday – FQP Edition (HUGE GIVEAWAY) (Comment before November 1st to be entered to win $100 in books!!)
TGIF!!! Friday means I’m participating in 7 Quick Takes with other Catholic bloggers, but this week it’s over at Clan Donaldson. Head on over and take a look at the other posts!
Today is the Full Quiver Publishing edition, showcasing each of our books.
Last week, we released the Kindle edition of Erin McCole Cupp’s novel, Don’t You Forget About Me. With that release, Full Quiver now has seven titles under its logo. To celebrate, I’m giving away a FQP prize package worth over $100!!! (If you want to win ALL of the print editions of these books, read below and comment before November 1st!! Even if you already have some of these, they would all make great Christmas gifts!!) 
1. Angela’s Song by AnnMarie Creedon
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. Amazon Kindle Bestseller. Angela’s Song is available on Kindle or in Paperback.
2. Come My Beloved: Inspiring Stories of Catholic Courtship by Ellen Gable and Kathy Cassanto
This compilation contains 12 courtship/dating stories which will inspire, captivate and entertain readers. Some of the stories include: a widow with eight children meets a widower with six children; a man asks his live-in girlfriend “what if we stopped having sex,” and is greeted with tears of joy; an atheist falls in love with her Catholic Prince Charming; a woman prays to God for a husband and years later finds herself falling in love with a seminarian; a sailor prays a novena to marry the right girl. Come My Beloved is available on Kindle or in Paperback.
3. Don’t You Forget About Me by Erin McCole Cupp
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? Don’t You Forget About Me is available on Kindle and is also available in paperback (although official release date is November 1st).
4. Emily’s Hope by Ellen Gable
Emily’s Hope is the gripping story of one young woman’s physical, emotional, spiritual journey from high school to adulthood. Interspersed throughout the story are flashbacks to Emily’s great-grandmother’s troubled life, with a climax culminating in the surprising revelation that Emily and her great-grandmother are connected more deeply than by ancestral ties alone. Based on a true story. Emily’s Hope is available on Kindle and in Paperback.
5. Growing Up in God’s Image by Carolyn Smith
Growing Up in God’s Image makes it easy for families to approach the topic of sexuality — mom to daughter, father to son, parent to child — especially for that first big talk on the facts of life. This book is about the beauty of growing up as a young woman or a young man. For teens, it provides positive answers through an understanding of sexuality as God intended from the moment He created it and when He later gave it to us as a sacrament through Jesus. For young and old couples alike, it gives a new appreciation of their own sacramental marriages. Growing Up In God’s Image is available on Kindle and in Paperback.
6. In Name Only by Ellen Gable
1896 Philadelphia: Caroline Martin’s life has finally taken a turn for the better. After years of hard work, she has met a virtuous and wealthy man whose love seems to promise the kind of life realized only within the comforting novels she keeps on her night table. Tragedy, however, will teach Caroline of the complexity with which God Himself authors the lives of those who turn towards Him. Gold Medal Winner in Religious Fiction, 2010 IPPY Awards. Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller Religious Drama, February, March 2012. In Name Only is available on Kindle and in paperback. 
7. Stealing Jenny by Ellen Gable
Mentally unstable infertile woman kidnaps pregnant mother of six. Amazon Kindle #1 Bestseller Religious Drama February 2012, June and July, 2012. Amazon Kindle Top 20 Bestseller since November, 2011 with over 200,000 downloads. Stealing Jenny is available on Kindle and in Paperback.
This HUGE Giveaway is for ONE FREE PRINT COPY of each of these books (7 BOOKS IN TOTAL)!! To enter, answer the question below before Friday November 1st.
What is your favorite Full Quiver book? If you haven’t read any of these books, tell me which book you are most looking forward to reading!! Make sure you comment before Friday, November 1st!! Good luck!! (NORTH AMERICAN READERS ONLY…Sorry!!!)
“The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin…If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors.” Pope Pius XI
Years ago, before I had children, I worked as a court reporter. During one pre-trial hearing involving a dangerous offender, the defendant (who was being uncooperative) had already been restrained in a full body shackle as well as handcuffs. Because he was resisting, the officers sprayed mace in his eyes.
He wasn’t a big man, approximately five feet six or so, but he was muscular. With eyes tearing, he began to spit, first at the crown (prosecuting) attorney, hitting the man’s cheek, and then at the judge (landing on the floor near the clerk’s desk), and finally, his spittle ended up on my desk.
I cringed, then continued taking down the testimony on my stenograph machine, making a mental note to disinfect my desk as soon as possible. After the hearing, the defendant, still restrained in a full body shackle, continue to spit. I watched him as the prisoner box was opened. His eyes stared straight ahead and he was frowning.
What frightened me was the glaring expression in his eyes. I had never seen anyone stare with such evil determination. A police officer reached in and pulled him out. As the defendant stepped forward, he immediately rammed his head into the accompanying police officer’s face.
I still remember the look in the defendant’s eyes as he used his head as a weapon against the officer, the officer’s shocked and bloodied face, and six police and correctional officers jumping on the defendant as the defendant hurled each officer off of him. It was all surreal to me, like in a dream or a movie. The defendant seemed to have superhuman strength.
As the melee of defendant and officers started to move in my direction, I immediately became concerned for my own safety. The clerk leaned over and whispered, “We need to get out of here.”
I grabbed my expensive stenograph machine and the two of us slipped into the jury room behind us. We stood close to the door, peeking through the crack to watch was what happening. We were shocked at how seemingly superhuman the defendant was. It took several minutes, but the defendant was finally subdued and taken away. We were all relieved, but in the days following, I began experiencing nightmares.
The real problem began when I was served with a subpoena to testify at the assault trial. Just thinking of this dangerous offender and the apparent evil in his expression frightened me. I couldn’t eat; I couldn’t sleep. I began to conjure up images that he would hunt me down and kill me if I testified.
Finally, I was determined that I was not going to let that man take away my peace of mind. I sat down and recited a rosary for Mary’s intercession that God would protect me and help me to be a good witness for the prosecution.
Weeks later, at the trial, it was nerve-wracking and frightening to testify in front of the defendant and all the others in the courtroom. It was a long half hour while I testified, but I told the truth, to the best of my ability. When I left the courtroom, I breathed a sigh of relief. I was especially happy that it was all over.
Two years later, however, I received a subpoena to testify at another trial involving the same incident. At that time, I was pregnant with my oldest son and all the original worry and fear took hold of me once more.
I brought my anxiety once again to Mary. If they needed me to be a witness, then I would again do my best. I began to make arrangements to travel to court (now three hours away). Thankfully, two weeks before the trial, I received a phone call that they would not need me after all.
I have no idea where this defendant is now all these years later, or if he is still alive. But Mary taught me that if we bring our worry and anxiety to her, she will take care of the rest.
Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach (Handcuff photo from iStock. Rosary Photo from iStock).
Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
Busy week!! This past Thursday was the release of the Kindle edition of Don’t You Forget About Me by Erin McCole Cupp. It went to #1 in Religious Drama within 18 hours of going live! Print edition coming soon! (It’s currently #2)
7 Quick Takes Friday A new book, my work in progress update, a cartoon and a few other tidbits
Our Lady’s Powerful Intercession
Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
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 and Reached Number One in Less Than 18 Hours!!!
FQ Publishing’s new book by Erin McCole Cupp, Don’t You Forget About Me, is now available on Kindle for 3.99. In less than 18 hours from being released, it reached #1 in Religious Drama!!! 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
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 In Name Only (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!
photo copyright Ellen Hrkach
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
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
Image copyright Ellen Gable Hrkach
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
Like Arrows in the Hand of a Warrior or How Our Publishing Company Got Its Name
Copyright 2013 Ellen Gable Hrkach
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
Plot Line and Sinker (Ellen Gable, Author) 