Theology of the Body Fiction – #NFPAwarenessWeek

Since this is “NFP Awareness Week,” I’d like to share some of my favorite Theology of the Body fiction!

(Pardon the shameless self-promotion of my own books in this list!)

Emily’s Hope (Ellen Gable, 2005, FQ Publishing)

Passport (Christopher Blunt, 2008, Pelican Crossing Press)

Midnight Dancers (Regina Doman, 2008, Chesterton Press)

In Name Only (Ellen Gable, 2009, FQ Publishing, 2010 IPPY Gold Medal Winner)

Stealing Jenny (Ellen Gable, 2011, FQ Publishing)

Finding Grace (Laura Pearl, 2012, Bezalel Books)

Angela’s Song (AnnMarie Creedon, 2012, FQ Publishing)

Rapunzel Let Down (Regina Doman, 2013, Chesterton Press)

Vingede (Friar Tobe #2) (Krisi Keley, 2013, S & H Publishing)

Don’t You Forget About Me (Erin McCole Cupp, 2013, FQ Publishing)

A Subtle Grace (Ellen Gable, 2014, FQ Publishing)

The Lion’s Heart (Dena Hunt, 2014, FQ Publishing, 2016 CALA Award Winner)

A World Such as Heaven Intended (Amanda Lauer, 2014, FQ Publishing)

Working Mother (Erin McCole Cupp, 2014, FQ Publishing)

Stay With Me (Carolyn Astfalk, 2015, FQ Publishing)

Dying for Revenge (Barbara Golder, 2016, FQ Publishing, Finalist Next Generation Indie Book Awards)

Dying for Compassion (Barbara Golder, 2017, FQ Publishing)

Discovery (Karina Fabian, 2016, FQ Publishing)

Image and Likeness: Literary Reflections on the Theology of the Body (Cupp and Gable, editors, 2016, FQ Publishing)

Rightfully Ours (Carolyn Astfalk, 2017, FQ Publishing)

To check out many of these books, go to the Full Quiver Publishing website!

Two Full Quiver Novels Are Finalists in CALA!

Congratulations to two FQP authors! The announcement of the finalists for the Catholic Arts and Letter Award has been released: The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt and A World Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer (both published by Full Quiver!) are finalists in this year’s Catholic Arts and Letter Awards!

Press release from the Catholic Writers Guild:

It is with great excitement that the Catholic Writers Guild announces our finalists for the 2016 Catholic Arts and Letters Award for Fiction! We want to thank all of you who entered the contest. Our judges had many terrific things to say about all the entries this year. The quality was remarkable, and we truly appreciate your dedication to Catholic fiction.

The finalists in the category of YA/Children are:
The Tree of Healing by Diana Tabbaa
A World Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer
I Am Margaret by Corinna Turner

And the finalists in the Adult Fiction category are:
Catholic Philosopher Chick #2 Regina Doman and Rebecca Weiss  
The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt
The Watson Chronicles by Ann Margaret Lewis
The winners of the CALA will be announced July 28th at the Thursday morning breakfast sponsored by CMN at the CMN Trade Show in Schaumburg, Illinois. For information on attending this show or to register, please go to www.catholicwritersconference.com

 

 

 

To celebrate, Full Quiver Publishing is offering a $4 off coupon for both books.

To purchase A World Such as Heaven Intended: go to this link and put in code: GYAKZBAR

To purchase The Lion’s Heart, go to this link and put in this code: ZWG5ZRME

Great Summer Reads

Let’s talk summer! There’s nothing I like better than to sit under a tree on a warm summer’s day and read a story that will sweep me away. Full Quiver Publishing books make ideal summer reads!!

1. The Lion’s Heart
The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt is currently available on Kindle and in softcover. With the recent decision by the Supreme Court of the US that legalizes same sex marriage, this book is even more relevant and encompasses the Catholic Church’s teachings on this topic. Of The Lion’s Heart, Joseph Pearce, well-known Catholic author, says, “Dena Hunt is a consummate storyteller who does not shirk or shy away from the difficult questions about life and love that her story raises. The Lion’s Heart contains not only the loves of lovers, spouses, parents, and children but also the demons and dragons that selfishness unleashes. The Lion’s Heart is not for the faint-hearted, nor is it for the hard-hearted. It pulsates with a passion that will bring true hearts to their knees.”

2. In Name Only (O’Donovan Family)
In Name Only is the first in the O’Donovan Family series (although both this and its sequel can be read independently of the other). It has been downloaded over 160,000 times on Kindle and won the Gold medal in Religious Fiction at the 2010 IPPY Awards. Check out the novel website and the profile page on Amazon.

3. A Subtle Grace (O’Donovan Family)
A Subtle Grace is my newest book and is available both on Kindle and in paperback. In her review, Trisha Niermeyer Potter, blogger at Prints of Grace, says this:
“This is one of my favorite contemporary works of Catholic fiction. The storytelling is masterful, the characters fascinating, and the writing is of high literary quality. People are imperfect—past, present, and future—but each is given the opportunity to grow, change, learn, and be redeemed. In this story it’s shown how the greatest mistake of our lives can be turned into one of the most amazing blessings and even be a source of hope for others. Life’s messy. People are complex. We’ve all got some skeletons in our closets, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t also fit some trophies and triumphs in there as well. A Subtle Grace has all of the elements that good Catholic fiction should.”

4. Stealing Jenny
This is my biggest seller and most popular book as evidenced by the over 530 reviews on Amazon (and the six months it spent as a #1 bestseller on Kindle with over 280,000 downloads). It’s a quick and easy read. Check out the novel website here and the Amazon profile page here.

5. Don’t You Forget About Me by Erin McCole Cupp
Funny, quirky and great writing! Also referred to as a Theology of the Body mystery! Check out the novel website here and the Amazon page here.

6. Angela’s Song by AnnMarie Creedon
A beautiful Theology of the Body romance with over 200 reviews on Amazon!

7. A World Such as Heaven Intended
A World Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer is an ideal beach read! It is available on Kindle and in print.

8. Emily’s Hope
My first book is based on the true stories of myself and my great-grandmother. Check out the novel website here to read an excerpt and reviews.

There are two other non-fiction FQP books: Growing Up in God’s Image: A New Approach to the Facts of Life Talk and Come My Beloved: Inspiring Stories of Catholic Courtship.

7 Quick Takes Friday – Mini Reviews, Enter to Win, Autumn Sunrise and Cartoon

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

1. Photo at the Library of Madonna House
Special thanks to Tim Baklinski who took this lovely photo (along with all the other photos for Family Foundation magazine a few months ago)!

photo credit: Tim Baklinski, Two Trees Photography

2. Enter to Win a Print Copy of A World Such as Heaven Intended on Goodreads!
Enter to win one of three print copies of FQP’s new book, A World Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer: Goodreads Giveaway A World Such As Heaven Intended.

3. Mini Review of The Grace of Yes by Lisa Hendey
The Grace of Yes is a moving, inspiring, challenging and entertaining look at the virtues. I was especially touched by the personal experiences Hendey shares. It is beautifully written in conversational tone and is a book that can be read and reread over and over. While I loved the author’s other books, this one has become my favorite. Highly recommend!

4. Autumn Sunrise

Photo courtesy Josh Hrkach

5. Voice of Chaste Same-Sex Attracted Catholics Absent from Synod
Interesting interview with Fr. Paul Check, of Courage International at LifeSiteNews. FQP’s book, The Lion’s Heart, was published earlier this year and deals with same-sex attraction and is endorsed by Courage International.

6. Reading/Review Shelf
Cretaceous Clay and the Black Knight by D.A. Knight

7. Man Up Cartoon

image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach (all rights reserved, please do not use without permission)

copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach

7 Quick Takes Friday – Free Book, Review, Prayers Etc.

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

1. Stealing Jenny – FREE on Kindle
My third novel, Stealing Jenny, is free today (September 12) through Monday (September 15). It currently has over 350 reviews on Amazon and over 800 ratings on Goodreads! For your free download, click here (and if you download the book and enjoy it, I always appreciate when a reader takes time to post a review!)

2. Back Deck Blog
I was recently featured on Amy Bennett’s Back Deck Blog. Check out the post here. Thank you, Amy!

3. International Week of Prayer and Fasting for Christians in the Middle East
Check out Jean Heimann’s post on the International Week of Prayer for Christians in the Middle East.

4. CRS Video
Please read this post by Lisa Hendey and watch the heart-wrenching video, then donate if you can to the cause of helping our fellow Christian brothers and sisters over in Iraq.

5. The Lion’s Heart Review (National Catholic Register)
Special thanks to Sarah Reinhard for posting this wonderful review of The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt.

6. Reading/Review Shelf
Fatal Rhythm by R. B. O’Gorman

7. Tie a Knot Cartoon

Image copyright James & Ellen Hrkach…please do not use without permission

7 Quick Takes Friday – July 4

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

1.Tom Brokaw Explains Canada to Americans
Today is July 4th and earlier this week, we celebrated Canada Day. To celebrate both holidays, I thought I would share this appropriately beautiful video of Tom Brokaw explaining the relationship between Canada and USA (from 2010 Calgary Olympics).

2. Catholic Writers Conference Live
To find out more information about the Catholic Writers Conference Live in Chicago, read this news release!

3. A Subtle Grace #1 and In Name Only #2 in Britain
Yesterday, my books, A Subtle Grace and In Name Only (the two O’Donovan family books) reached #1 and #2 on Britain’s Amazon!

4. Love, Obsession and Stalking: New Novel Tackles Challenging Issues
Christian Newswire recently posted this news release on A Subtle Grace!

5. CALA Finalists Announced!
The Catholic Writers Guild recently released the names of the finalists for the Catholic Arts and Letter Award. Check out the announcement here. Congratulations to all the finalists!

6. Goodreads Giveaway
Goodreads is giving away three free copies of Dena Hunt’s book, The Lion’s Heart. Check it out here.

7. Hope For Dad Cartoon

Image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach. Please do not use without permission

Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach

7 Quick Takes Friday – Reviews, Links and Win a Free Book!

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

1. The Lion’s Heart Now in Paperback
The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt is now available in paperback.

2. The Lion’s Heart Reviews
Special thanks to Barb S (Franciscan Mom) and Erin (Will Write For Tomato Pie) for the wonderful reviews of The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt. Barb’s review is here and Erin’s review is at this link.

3. A Subtle Grace Giveaway
I’m giving away two Kindle copies and one paperback copies of my new book, A Subtle Grace, to the first three who comment below. The first person who comments (and who wants a free print copy) wins. The other two will win Kindle copies.

4. Difficult Anniversaries/Responsible Parenthood
The end of June brings painful memories. 28 years ago, I nearly died from complications of an ectopic pregnancy. 21 years ago this month, it happened again. Amidst the difficulties, however, was hope in the faces of my two youngest sons. For a more detailed account, check out my previous blog post.

5. Want to Control Your Google Images?
Check out this fabulous post by Lisa Hendey on how to control which images show up on Google.

6. Reading/Review Shelf
Blue by Kasey Jackson

7. Vacation Cartoon

image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach (please do not use without permission)

Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach

7 Quick Takes Friday – FQP New Book And Other Quick Takes

Please join me and other Catholic bloggers for 7 Quick Takes Friday, this week at Team Whittaker (as Jen is on break!)

1. The Lion’s Heart Now Available on Kindle
The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt is now available on Kindle. FQP is releasing the print edition later this month. Check out the new novel website at this link here.

2. Two of My Favorite Authors on Ave Maria Radio
Hey, check out this episode of “Meet the Author” on Ave Maria Radio recently with Dena Hunt and Jason Evert. Check out it out here.

3. Prayer Intentions
First, please join me in praying for the repose of the soul of Fr. Kenneth Walker, a young priest who was murdered a few days ago in Arizona and Fr. Joseph Terra, who was also injured in the attack, but will likely survive. More information here at this Patheos post.

Please also continue to pray for Meriam Ibrahim (who has been sentenced to death for being a Christian and is currently held in prison in Sudan along with her toddler son and newborn daughter). and for the 300 Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted and are still missing.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.

4. Catholic Writers Conference Live
If you are a writer and are interested in learning more about writing, networking AND your Catholic faith, the 2014 Catholic Writers Conference Live (held in conjunction with the Catholic Marketing Network Trade Show) will be held just outside of Chicago July 30th to August 1st. For more information, check out this press release here and the Conference website here.

5. Father’s Day
Happy Father’s Day to my husband! Check out this previous Father’s Day post from two years ago!

6. St. Anthony Feast Day
Happy Feast of St. Anthony, patron saint of lost things!

7. Man Up Cartoon

image copyright James and Ellen Hrkach (all rights reserved, do not use without permission)

Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach

7 Quick Takes Friday – Musical, Review, Photos Etc.

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

1. My Fair Lady
Two Rivers Musicals presents My Fair Lady tonight and tomorrow night. My husband, James, is Alfred P. Doolittle. Ticket information is at this link.

2. Catholic Writers Conference Live
If you’re a writer and interested in networking with other Catholic writers, please consider attending the Catholic Writers Conference Live to be held outside of Chicago July 30-August 1, 2014. For more information, check out this press release.

To register, click this link.

3. A Subtle Grace Review
I would like to thank Trisha Niermeyer Potter for this outstanding review of A Subtle Grace! I’m always happy when a reader or reviewer enjoys my books. I am especially grateful that Trisha appreciated and understood the underlying themes. Here is what she had to say:
“This is one of my favorite contemporary works of Catholic fiction…The storytelling is masterful, the characters fascinating, and the writing is of high literary quality. People are imperfect—past, present, and future—but each is given the opportunity to grow, change, learn, and be redeemed. In this story it’s shown how the greatest mistake of our lives can be turned into one of the most amazing blessings and even be a source of hope for others. Life’s messy. People are complex. We’ve all got some skeletons in our closets, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t also fit some trophies and triumphs in there as well.”

4. Waterfalls
My son took this beautiful photo.

Photo copyright Josh Hrkach

5. The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt
FQP will soon be publishing the second edition of The Lion’s Heart by Dena Hunt, whose novel, Treason, recently won the 2014 IPPY Gold medal in Religious Fiction. The Lion’s Heart is a “different kind of love story” and asks the question: Is love ever wrong? From the back cover synopsis:
Paul Meyer has never let anyone get too close. Until Max. The Lion’s Heart is a heart-rending story about love and sacrifice. The emotional struggle of Paul’s same-sex attraction, the guilt he feels, and his ambivalence toward his Catholic faith all come together in this look inside the heart of a tortured man.

6. Review Shelf
Hijacked by Leslie Lynch

7. Jungle Jim Cartoon

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

Copyright 2014 Ellen Gable Hrkach