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Category: My Scribbler’s Heart

An Open Book: All of the Linkup Details

Published by CAstfalk on 09/26/2018

An Open Book Logo

If you been following An Open Book or linking your reading posts, you’ll notice I’ve updated our images. They are fresh, crisp, and blend well with CatholicMom.com, which co-hosts the linkup!

An Open Book is a forum for you to share what you and/or your family has been reading. I include what every member of the family has been reading or listening to in my monthly post, but you can include only  what YOU are reading, book reviews you’ve written, an Instagram post, a YouTube video, or whatever link-able content you’d like.

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Where You Lead by Leslea Wahl Blog Tour

Published by CAstfalk on 09/24/2018

Where You Lead

Where You Lead

by Leslea Wahl

Sixteen-year-old Eve Donahue’s lonely existence changes in an instant when visions of a mysterious stranger haunt her. Certain God is calling her for a mission, she bravely says yes and begins her quest to meet this young man.
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Thousands of miles away, Nick Hammond has been dealing with his own unusual experience, an unwavering certainness to convince his father to run for political office.

When these two unlikely teens finally meet, their belief that God has called them to work together sets them on a journey of faith to untangle a web of deception involving international trade agreements, lost confederate gold, and a blossoming romance. As they follow century old clues, they realize God can call us all in big and small ways. We just need to listen and say “Yes Lord, I will go where You lead.”

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Relevant Fiction Reviews: Classics (II)

Published by CAstfalk on 09/17/2018

Relevant Fiction Reviews

Classics The Scarlet Pimpernel, Jane Eyre & The Moviegoer: My takes in Relevant Fiction Reviews. Share on X

The Scarlet PimpernelThe Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While I was familiar with the book’s title, I had absolutely no idea what to expect from The Scarlet Pimpernel. I found the first few chapters slow, but once the narrative concentrated on Sir Percy and Lady Marguerite, I was hooked.

The Scarlet Pimpernel’s daring and courageous rescue of French aristocrats during the French Revolution made for exciting adventure. Coupled with the self-discovery made by the Blakeneys, I thoroughly enjoyed the tale. Their eventual humiliation (in the true sense of being humbled) and sacrifice for one another made for a satisfying ending.

Probably the most fun I’ve had with a classic!

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How My Mom Changed Lives One Chocolate Chip at a Time

Published by CAstfalk on 09/10/2018

By most standards, my mother didn’t accomplish anything noteworthy in her 91 years.

She came from a Depression-era household, a row home filled by her parents and 10 siblings. They spoke one language.

She didn’t finish high school.

Once she had her first child at age 28, she was never employed again.

My mother was married only once, for 50 years. She bore four children, and buried one.

Ten miles was about the limit of how far she’d drive from her home. I don’t recall her ever driving in the city. The farthest west she traveled was Illinois, and she never left the lower 48 states.

She never posted a single thing on social media. In fact, she never owned a cell phone or used a computer.

Her home was decorated simply; the only wall decorations I recall are a crucifix and a mirror. At Christmas, we added matching Styrofoam Santa heads and a beer can wreath. At least until Home Interiors and Gifts found her in the 1980s.

Over a few days greeting her friends and family at the funeral home this summer, her legacy become clear:

She baked.

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Book Clubs: How to Start One, Where to Find Books

Published by CAstfalk on 09/03/2018

As the temperatures cool and the days shorten, the prospect of cozying up with a good book is more and more appealing. (That is, if you need an excuse to enjoy a good book.)

The back-to-school season is marked by new routines and new ventures, and if you’re looking to read more books or make new friends, a book club may be just what you’re looking for.

Find a Group

You may be able to find an active group at your local library, church, or by asking friends. If you have no luck with in-person groups, search for some online options on Goodreads or Facebook.

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Top Catholic Back-to-School Reads for Boys, Girls, & Parents

Published by CAstfalk on 08/27/2018

Here comes the school year and with it, required reading assignments. Get back into the groove by supplementing those dry textbooks with some fiction. Need a reminder of why fiction is so good for you? Find it here.

The selections below start at middle grade (Rosa, Sola) and up. The last two selections are intended for mom and dad, because you need good books too. And an escape. Maybe more than the kids!

And for more recommendations for middle grades and teens, visit Catholic Teen Books.

Back-to-School Reads

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Author Interview with Georgiana Daniels

Published by CAstfalk on 08/20/2018

Shadows of HopeIn your most recent novel, Shadows of Hope, the reader knows from the first pages the heartbreaking conflict bound to be revealed: Marissa counsels Kaitlyn throughout her unplanned pregnancy and unbeknownst to both women, Marissa’s husband Colin is the father. You gave not only Marissa and Kaitlyn a voice, but Colin, too. Was it challenging to write from his point of view?

First, thank you so much for inviting me to your corner of cyberspace, Carolyn! 

As for Colin, writing from his point of view wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I tried to dig in and really think like someone who’s created a horrible situation but now wants to do the right thing, only he has no idea what that is.

And that’s the thing, when you’re not walking with God and you’re in an impossible situation, life can be a total mess! I really wanted to bring that complexity to his character—a man who truly doesn’t see how his sin is impacting those around him since he’s trying to do the right thing now.

Who was it that said everyone is a hero in their own story? That’s what I tried to keep in mind as I wrote Colin.

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