I’m joining with Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading this month:
Most Highly-Favored Daughter by Janice Palko
I really enjoyed this romantic suspense novel. It was engaging and interesting and kept me turning the pages. It especially touches on the topic of sexual trafficking and mentions St. Josephine Bakhito, who, like so many young women/girls in the Middle East and all over the world, was kidnapped and sold in sexual slavery. It’s a difficult read at times because of the topic, but well done.
A Travel Guide to Life by Anthony DeStefano
This book has been on my “To Read” shelf since CMN of 2015. But I’m finally glad I started reading it. This is a beautifully written, how-to manual on what’s important in our lives and to focus on our heavenly goal. I was pretty surprised to see this celebrity’s review about this book, but I totally agree with her review: “Move over, Dr. Phil! Anthony DeStefano’s advice on how to turn your problem-filled life into something to celebrate is bare-bones, no-holds barred, no bull and spot-on brilliant.” Kathie Lee Gifford, Co-Host, NBC’s Today show
A Pilgrimage of Hope: A Story of Faith and Medicine by Mary McArthy
Beautiful story of how cancer impacted one family’s life. From the author: “The memoirs capture the frightening details in a crash course with cancer and the possible treatments for this disease. Despite the cancer diagnosis, I found myself being called closer to God. I wanted to share my physical and spiritual journey with others so that when they are challenged, they will have some guidance in how to respond. With recovery in mind, my spiritual growth deepened as I aligned my will with the will of God.”
Day by Day for the Holy Souls in Purgatory: 365 Reflections by Susan Tassone
I met the enthusiastic and feisty author, Susan Tassone, at the CMN recently when I picked up her new book, the St. Faustina Prayer Book for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Susan has been called “The Purgatory Lady,” and for good reason. She asserts that when we pray for souls to get out of purgatory, they will return the favor and pray for us when we need it. The blurb for this books says: “Every day we have another opportunity to pray for the holy souls in purgatory – author, speaker, and purgatory expert Susan Tassone gives you a unique tool to do just that. God has given us the duty, power and privilege of praying for the release of the holy souls. Now Susan Tassone has given you a powerful way to accomplish that mission.”
Plot Line and Sinker (Ellen Gable, Author) 
I haven’t read Anthony DeStefano’s Travel Guide to Life yet, but I’ve enjoyed his other books, including his Travel Guide to Heaven. I’ll have to add this one to my list. Our library has many of his books. Thanks for linking up!
I’m glad to see your endorsement of DeStefano’s book–it’s on my TBR pile and has just moved up to the top! 🙂
Ellen, I regularly check your blog. Well, was I surprised today when I started reading and discovered that you had read my book, Most Highly Favored Daughter! Not only that but you also gave it a stellar review. I’m so glad you enjoyed it, and to be featured on a page with Anthony DeStefano–I’m just delighted to put it mildly. Thanks!
Janice