My Scribbler's Heart Archives - Page 19 of 80

Chapter Books Series for Catholic Kids

Published by CAstfalk on 10/19/2020

I remember the unique joy of reading well enough to pick up a chapter book for the first time and read on my own. I’d anticipate finding the next illustration, then moving on to the next chapter, and checking my progress to see how close I was to completing the book and how much I’d already read.

I read some marvelous classic chapter books and probably some junky ones as well, but I didn’t have access to the wonderful Catholic books I’ve been able to offer my children. One or more of them have read many of these books already.

Armor of God series by Theresa Linden

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An Open Book

Published by CAstfalk on 10/07/2020

Welcome to the October 2020 edition of An Open Book, hosted both at My Scribbler’s Heart AND CatholicMom.com! Complaints of the Saints: Stumbling Upon Holiness…

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Pair a Book and a Drink

Published by CAstfalk on 09/28/2020

Bethany House Publishers had a fun blog post pairing their new fall books with a beverage. It got me to thinking what drinks I’d pair with my own books.

I would pair Rightfully Ours, which includes a few sweltering summer scenes, with a glass of ice-cold, fresh-squeezed lemonade. Paul and Rachel could use something to cool them down, in more ways than one!

Here’s a little excerpt. For context, Rachel’s little brother James has just shot her with his squirt gun.

A stream of ice-cold water smacked her upper arm.

She squealed and jumped from her seat, turning in time to see James push off the ground with his forearms and sprint around the side of the house. She let out a growl. “I’m going to kill him.”

Paul sat up, scanning the yard in either direction. “Man, I’ll pay him to hit me. I’m dying out here.” He unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves.

Rachel giggled. “You look ridiculous, you know.” Sleeves and pant legs rolled up. Shirt undone. Bare feet. He needed to put on some shorts. He could leave his shirt off, and she wouldn’t mind one bit. Not one bit. “Why don’t you go get changed?”

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The Bird and the Bees Blog Tour

Published by CAstfalk on 09/17/2020

The Bird and the Bees

by Neena Gaynor

About the Book:

When Larkin Maybie buries her mother in the foothills of Appalachia, she is left all alone. Her only inheritance? A crazy aunt, a mountain of debt, and a run-down, secluded cabin left by a mysterious benefactor. While Larkin thinks an escape to a cabin miles from anything familiar might be exactly what she needs, the quick answer to her problems only leaves her with more questions … Questions concerning her true identity.

As Larkin searches for her link to the Lewandowski Estate, she begins to accept the kindness of strangers on Presque Isle and the affection of professional baseball player, Ketch Devine. Charged with caring for the cabin’s honey bees and haunted by past choices, Larkin struggles to move forward in a new direction and is running out of time. With summer and baseball season coming to an end, she must decide: what is the value of true love and an authentic life?

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PRAY: The Story of Patrick Peyton

Published by CAstfalk on 09/08/2020

The rosary has saved the world in the past. It will save the world now, by saving the family.
Father Patrick Peyton

In Theaters October 9, 2020

PRAY: THE STORY OF PATRICK PEYTON is an inspiring documentary about a poor, uneducated Irish immigrant who sets sail for America in 1928 with nothing but his faith and dreams of becoming a millionaire. Arriving in Pennsylvania and unable to find work, he accepts the position as a janitor at the cathedral, which rekindles his long lost desire to become a priest and changes the course of his life. Nearing ordination, his life takes a radical turn when he is stricken with tuberculosis. Facing certain death, he sinks into despair. A visit from his mentor, who delivers a simple message to pray, lifts the darkness. Taking his advice to heart, Patrick prays fervently to Mary, the Mother of Christ, for her intercession and he experiences a miraculous recovery. Feeling deep gratitude, he dedicates his life to telling all the world about the power of prayer and encourages families everywhere to bring prayer into their homes. Never taking “No” for an answer, he convinces Hollywood’s biggest stars to help him spread the message, “The family that prays together stays together,” through the power of mass media including radio, television, and film. Father Peyton’s fame spreads around the world and audiences in the millions flock to his public prayer rallies. This is the story of a tireless missionary, an unlikely hero, and one of history’s greatest advocates for family prayer.

An Open Book

Published by CAstfalk on 09/02/2020

Welcome to the September 2020 edition of An Open Book, hosted both at My Scribbler’s Heart AND CatholicMom.com! In Spite of Ourselves by Jennifer Rodewald…

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Relevant Fiction Reviews: Theology of the Body Fiction

Published by CAstfalk on 08/24/2020

You won’t find “Theology of the Body Fiction” as an Amazon category. It’s a niche of contemporary Catholic fiction (also, unfortunately, not an Amazon category) that I describe as stories viewed through the lens of Pope St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. It doesn’t spout passages from his addresses, but it recognizes the truths contained therein.

The go-to source for such fiction is Full Quiver Publishing. You’ll find several of my books there, some of those listed below, and books by Ellen Gable. (Full Quiver Publishing was founded in 2004 by Ellen and her husband, James Hrkach.)

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The Woman in the Trees – New Marian Fiction

Published by CAstfalk on 08/22/2020

The Woman in the Trees:

A novel about America’s first approved Marian apparition

by Theoni Bell

About the book:

Set within the expanses of the American frontier, The Woman in the Trees follows Slainie, an inquisitive pioneer girl, whose life is forever transformed when a mysterious seer shows up at her door. Amidst the backdrop of the Civil War, family tragedy, and the nation’s most destructive wildfire, Slainie must navigate her rugged pioneer life as she encounters love and loss, and comes face to face with the story of America’s first approved Marian apparition.