Tag Archives: catholic fiction

New Release: Ella’s Promise

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A brand new Catholic historical romance novel for teens and adults!

Ella’s Promise by Catholic author Ellen Gable is the third book in her inspirational religious fiction series Great War Great Love.

Synopsis:
When she joins the war effort during the Great War, American nurse Ella Neumann doesn’t see allies or enemies. The daughter of German immigrants, Ella sees only human beings in need of care. A promise to herself and a promise made to her by an enemy officer become the catalyst for the life she plans to lead after the war. But a handsome Canadian soldier may complicate her plans. In this third installment of the Great War – Great Love series, join Ella in a tale of promises, betrayal and unconditional love.

Ella’s Promise makes a perfect Christmas gift and is available in both paperback and Kindle ebook.

Read the first few chapters for free right here!

What Catholic authors are saying about Ella’s Promise:

“This latest installment in the Great War Great Love series delivers another great story! Ella’s Promise is a meaningful historical romance that follows the journey of a selfless nurse and a complicated soldier. Can Ella and Garrett find hope and joy while immersed in the hardships of war? What begins as friendship soon blossoms into more. But during wartime, nothing is simple, and both characters are severely tested. Ella’s Promise features secrets, espionage, courage, risks, and sacrifices. Crucial lessons are learned about patience, kindness, honesty, faith, and true love. Stakes are high, and the exciting climax is sure to satisfy! Fans of faith-filled historical romance won’t want to miss this one.”
— Therese Heckenkamp, award-winning author of Frozen Footprints and After the Thaw

“As with the other books in the series, Ella’s Promise gives readers a feel for what life was like during WWI—the prejudices, suffering, and the ugliness of war—while also showing the power of love through inspirational and courageous main characters. Throughout this story, Ella finds herself taking risks and making sacrifices to save lives—and also doing things she never imagined herself doing. An enjoyable read that fans of historical fiction are sure to love.”
— Theresa Linden, author of contemporary romance Anyone But Him

“Ella’s Promise is a story of love tested through war-time confusion and pain, enduring into a new hope for a better future.”
— A.K. Frailey, author of historical and science fiction novels

Readers will love this third installment of the Great War Great Love series with espionage, romance, faith and determination all set amidst the backdrop of wartime France.
— Carolyn Astfalk, author of Ornamental Graces

Ellen Gable is an award-winning author of ten books, editor, self-publishing book coach, speaker, publisher, NFP teacher, book reviewer, transcriptionist, and instructor in the Theology of the Body for Teens. Her books have been collectively downloaded 750,000 times on Kindle. Some of her books have been translated into Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and French. The mother of five adult sons and grandmother to one cherished grandson, Ellen (originally from New Jersey) now lives with her husband of 37 years, James Hrkach, in Pakenham, Ontario, Canada.

Follow the Ella’s Promise Virtual Book Tour here.

New Release: Julia’s Gifts

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A brand new Catholic historical romance novel for teens and adults!

Julia’s Gifts by Catholic author Ellen Gable is the first book in her new inspirational religious fiction series Great War Great Love.

From Philadelphia to war-torn France, follow Julia as she transitions from unworldly young woman to compassionate volunteer…

As a young girl, Julia began buying gifts for her future spouse, a man whose likeness and personality she has conjured up in her mind, a man she calls her “beloved.” Soon after the United States enters the Great War, Julia impulsively volunteers as a medical aid worker, with no experience or training. Disheartened by the realities of war, will Julia abandon the pursuit of her beloved? Will her naïve “gift scheme” distract her from recognizing her true “Great Love”? 

Julia’s Gifts makes a perfect Christmas gift and is available in both paperback and Kindle ebook.

Read the first few chapters for free right here!

What Catholic authors are saying about Julia’s Gifts:

“A strong and tender Catholic historical novel about growing in maturity and fortitude while discovering the power of hope, self-sacrifice, and prayer. I read Julia’s Gifts within two days, but this touching story of faith and devotion is sure to leave a lasting impression!”
–Therese Heckenkamp, award-winning author of Frozen Footprints and After the Thaw

“There is so much to treasure in this beautifully-written book: miracles of faith, the power of prayer, the strength of true love, and the grace in using one’s God-given gifts to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles make this an outstanding and unforgettable book.”
–Jean M. Heimann, author of Fatima: The Apparition That Changed the World

“Julia’s Gifts is a sweet and touching love story laced with beautiful messages. Following Julia as she works overseas as a volunteer medical aid opened my eyes to the hardships of war and especially the great trials and sacrifices of the nurses and volunteers.”
–Theresa Linden, author of award-winning Catholic teen fiction

An Interview with Ellen Gable:

The sonnets/poems in this story are beautifully written.  Tell us a bit about them.

Well, I’m not a poet, but my husband has written songs and poems. So I asked him if he would be willing to write sonnets for my book. I explained in detail what I needed the sonnet to express and he took it from there. The sonnets are a beautiful addition to this novel, especially because my husband wrote them.

Can you tell us about the next two books of the series?

Yes. Charlotte’s Honor is Book #2 and takes place at approximately the same time as Julia’s Gifts, but focuses on a different female protagonist, Charlotte, who finds her purpose in life when she begins working in the death ward and holding men’s hands as they die. She is attracted to Canadian Dr. Paul Kilgallen. During an advance by the enemy, everyone at the field hospital evacuates, except for Charlotte and Dr. K. They remain hidden in the basement of the chateau to take care of the terminally ill men and those soldiers who can’t be moved. Charlotte becomes convinced that Paul is her own “beloved.” But when she loses contact with Paul, she fears not only for his safety, but begins to doubt his love for her. Charlotte’s Honor will be released in late 2018.

Ella’s Promise is Book #3 in the series. It is about the daughter of German immigrants, Ella, an American nurse who (because of the time period) was discouraged from continuing on in her studies to be a doctor. She works as a nurse for three years in Philadelphia but reads medical books every opportunity she gets. During the Great War, she travels to Le Treport, France to work at the American-run hospital. She meets her own beloved in the last place she would expect to meet him. Ella’s Promise will be released in mid-2019.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

My favorite Catholic author is Dena Hunt (author of Treason and The Lion’s Heart), but I also enjoy reading Willa Cather’s books (Death Comes For the Archbishop).  Dena’s books are incredibly well-written and moving. Cather’s books are well-written and rich in meaning.

And while this may seem biased, I enjoy reading books by all the Full Quiver Authors. I also enjoy the books of the authors who are fellow members of the Catholic Writers Guild.

One of my favorite secular authors is Nelson DeMille (author of the John Corey series).  I also enjoy reading Kathleen Morgan’s Christian historical novels.

Ellen Gable is an award-winning author, Marketing Director for Live the Fast, self-publishing book coach, speaker, publisher, NFP teacher, book reviewer and instructor in the Theology of the Body for Teens. However, the roles she loves the most are being wife to her husband and mother to their five sons, ages 18-30. Originally from New Jersey, Ellen lives with her husband of 35 years, James Hrkach, in Pakenham, Ontario Canada.

Follow the Julia’s Gifts Virtual Book Tour here.

Book Review: Now and at the Hour of Our Death

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Now and at the Hour of Our Death by JSB Morse
Book review by Wendy:

In the provocative and captivating novel Now And At the Hour of Our Death, the reader is taken on a journey of self-exploration and asked to challenge preconceived notions about faith and science and to reflect on their personal beliefs. It’s a unique story, a page turner with several shocking twists and turns.

When the story opens, Mary Credence, a devote and virtuous seventeen-year-old, the daughter of a candidate for the U.S. Senate, harbors a desire to bring an unbelieving world back to faith like a modern day Joan of Arc. What she doesn’t expect as a zealous virgin is that she’s pregnant. When her family finds out, she holds fast to her belief in her virginity and to her conviction that the conception is a God-given miracle. What she unleashes as her discovery becomes a sensational high-profile news flash is a fight against cynicism and scorn, and to be stalked by a psychopath who believes she’s carrying the anti-Christ. This is the story about a faith that doesn’t spring from a miracle, but a miracle that springs from faith when faced with the impossible.

Into the heart of this plot is woven messages about love, charity, faith, forgiveness and self-sacrifice. The storyline progresses smoothly and quickly as events and tension heat up.

The characters are realistic and complex as they deal with the chaos of events that surge around them. Mary Cadence is very pious, a teen with a pure heart who seems mature beyond her years, the opposite of her jealous, promiscuous sister Hannah. Her father Benjamin is honest, truthful, compassionate and supportive while her mother Madeleine (Maddie) is an egotistical social climber with a Machiavellian personality. Mildred Hawthorne is Mary’s delightful grandmother with her frank honesty, humor and wit. She’s tough around the edges but has a good heart. Will Vernick, a broken-hearted writer, is an unmotivated dreamer who believes in the impossible. When influenced in unexpected ways he will become determined and inspired. In stark contrast, Christopher Austin III is an arrogant, charming, self-engrossed cad who’s changed by love and finds deliverance from his mistakes through self-sacrifice. Aliyah Touma, the obstetrician, is a perfectionist, ambitious and self-oriented, her faith in science and medicine uncompromising.

But the evil in this story is prevalent in two men: Dugan Singer, who’s disturbed and antisocial; and Ethan Cooper, an immoral teen, both weak and easily influenced. All the characters in Now and at the Hour of our Death add depth and dimension to a story that will grip your emotions and challenge your beliefs.

I enjoyed this novel immensely and highly recommend it.

Now and at the Hour of Our Death is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.

Treachery and Truth

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Just released from Pauline Books & Media!

Treachery and Truth: A Story of Sinners, Servants, and Saints
by Katy Huth Jones

This gripping YA historical novel tells the story of a remarkable teen through the eyes of his servant, Poidevin, who came to faith because of the example of his godly young master. Immersed in the historical background of tenth century Bohemia, this true tale of Good King Wenceslas pulls the reader into the struggles and danger of the Dark Ages.

From the author:
“At 14, he led an army to victory. By 18, he’d taken back the throne from his pagan mother. In his brief four year reign, Václav I of Bohemia (whom we know as ‘Good King Wenceslas’ of the Christmas carol) made such an impact on the Czech people through his life of faith that he is the patron saint of the Czech Republic.”

Available in paperback.

View the book trailer on this page.

Christmas Sale on Susan Peek’s Saint Novels!

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Brand new editions of A Soldier Surrenders and Saint Magnus The Last Viking available now, with BEST PRICES EVER on Amazon. In paperback or Kindle ebook! Order your copies today and give your children the saints’ heroic examples this Christmas!

Click HERE for A Soldier Surrenders
Click HERE for Saint Magnus The Last Viking

​PLUS Visit Susan Peek’s new website for a chance to win a free book in the New Year!
www.susanpeekauthor.com

Book Review: A Soldier Surrenders

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A Soldier Surrenders by Susan Peek is an incredible story about
Saint Camillus de Lellis, a great sinner of the 1500s who became a great saint. He is entirely human, very flawed, and thus easy to empathize with. His story is sure to inspire anyone who struggles with temptation and sin–and who among us doesn’t?!

With his pious mother dead, young Camillus follows in his soldier father’s footsteps, making many bad choices and even, for a time, siding with the Turks against the Christians. A tall, formidable man, Camillus is brought low by bad habits such as drinking, gambling, and brawling–becoming, in fact, a slave to his vices.

Due to the profound impact of his father’s death, Camillus attempts to change his life, but his hot temper and intense pride repeatedly thwart his efforts. Additionally, he is plagued by a mysterious ulcer that refuses to heal.

Besot by temptations and failures, Camillus is rejected and dismissed in shame from places where he attempts to build a life. A lesser man would give in to despair, but Camillus soldiers on and is shaped by the soul-shaking trials he endures.

At long last, after struggling to find his way alone in the world, Camillus realizes he’s not alone. He discovers that it takes humility to have true courage–the courage to surrender to God’s will.

As always, Peek knows how to keep readers hooked! She treats us to lively writing, entertaining situations, and crisp dialogue. A Soldier Surrenders is filled with action and drama and is perfect for ages fifteen and up. Peek’s novels are among the most worthy and inspiring I’ve ever read. I fervently recommend all her books and eagerly anticipate her new ones!

A Soldier Surrenders is available in paperback.

Book Review: Crusader King

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Crusader King: A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades by Susan Peek is an extremely powerful and breathtaking historical novel.
I read the entire book within twenty-four hours because it was that good! I literally couldn’t put it down and read the first half in one sitting.

In this tremendously moving story, young Baldwin IV shoulders more responsibility at age 13 than most do in a lifetime when he becomes King of Jerusalem in the year 1174. Besides facing enemies in the form of vicious Turks and calculating usurpers to his throne, Baldwin faces the incurable and horrifying affliction of leprosy.

But together with his loyal friend Theo, Baldwin learns that true bravery isn’t about not being afraid, but doing the right thing even when you are, and trusting in God. Both young men discover incredible courage, fortitude, faith, devotion, and sacrifice as they grow with zeal in the face of frightening adversity and battles.

And what battles! The heart-pounding suspense and intensity sweep readers right onto the battlefield. Impressive as it is, the fighting is never glorified for its own sake, but seen in the proper perspective of fighting for what is good and holy. Battle scenes are tempered with entertaining and enlightening scenes of characters and kingdom life. Readers are given a fascinating glimpse into the ways of the Knights Templar, as well as treated to a stunning plot twist!

I’m in awe of the author’s ability to infuse the characters with such life and vigor. She works the various viewpoints to perfection—keeping the story rolling and captivating. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this book and will cheer and weep for both Baldwin and Theo as they soldier on through remarkable odds.

Crusader King is a most worthy read in the truest sense, sure to grip your mind, heart, and soul—and send you searching for more of Ms. Peek’s books!

Crusader King is available in paperback and as Kindle ebook.

Book Review: Underlake

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Underlake by Kia Heavey is an incredible coming-of-age story
that is rich with elements of love, mystery, suspense, even a touch of fantasy that you wouldn’t think could work–but WOW!–does it ever!!

This unpredictable story is packed with clever twists and turns, and superbly written. The prologue grabs you by the heart, and then we meet Katie, a teen who is very miffed to be separated from her trendy city friends and deposited in a boring hick town for the summer. But it turns out to be the opposite of boring. Charmed with life here, Katie doesn’t want to leave at summer’s end. She particularly doesn’t want to leave behind John, the impulsive, endearing young man who is so different from anyone she’s ever met. Little does she know, he’s concealing a deep, ancient secret that will change both their lives forever.

When I had to set this book down, I couldn’t wait to pick it up again. In fact, I admit I let my kids watch too much TV so I could keep reading. I read with particular anticipation for the other-worldly aspect that is tantalizingly hinted at. The story takes a fantastical turn, yet the author makes it completely credible and so intriguing.

This is a modern, fast-paced story that teens (and their mothers!) will certainly enjoy, but besides being highly entertaining, it has moral value as well. Katie is a teen trying to find her place in the world, but she comes to realize that the mainstream “answers to happiness” that are pushed at her, won’t make her truly happy. She’s a smart young woman, and as she sees the consequences of bad choices (drinking, drugs, premarital sex) playing out around her, she is no longer fooled by the lure of “all things popular.”

Katie and her mother stopped going to church after her father died, but through the course of the story, Katie finds her way (believably) back to the Catholic Faith. The religious content is a credible, influential part of the story, and is never forced or out-of-place.

Underlake has the most magical, satisfying, heart-tugging ending. I loved how the final pages take you further down the road of the main characters’ lives than you would expect. You want to know the details of how their lives turn out because you care that much about them.

Underlake is one of those rare books that has the power to leave you with a lasting and meaningful impression. You close the book, but you continue to marvel over a story that has become so very real and dear to you.

Underlake is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.

Book Review: End of the Road

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Come visit the Black Horse Campground, where mystery abounds!

I have only great things to say about End of The Road by Amy M. Bennett. Vivid writing makes each scene unfold before your eyes. Bennett has a true talent for character development, lively dialogue, and strong plot. Well-seasoned with humor, End of the Road features an enjoyable cast of memorable characters in an authentic New Mexico atmosphere.

Corrie Black, owner of the Black Horse Campground, is spunky, proud, curious, independent, strong, and she has a big heart. When a dead body of a long-time guest is discovered and thousands of dollars stolen, Corrie becomes embroiled in a mystery and a hunt for the thief/killer. She won’t stand idly by while her old flame, the sheriff, investigates. And she’s not sure what to think of the shady, yet attractive, Harley rider who rolls into the campground one night. In fact, the chemistry between Corrie and the two guys was my favorite part. Watch out for flying sparks!

End of the Road is a charming, clean novel with upstanding morals, yet there’s never a dull moment. This cleverly crafted novel never crosses the line into anything distasteful, crude, or gory. While the Catholic characters attend Mass, the Catholicism is subtle and the story easily enjoyed by all readers.

Between the mounting plot and juicy character development, the story moves along at a fun pace. The twists and turns keep you thinking, guessing, and reading. The novel comes to a satisfying end, yet readers will want to revisit the campground and the characters to see where life takes them in the next mystery, No Lifeguard on Duty. And the third, most recently released, book is No Vacancy. I recommend starting this series today!

End of the Road is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.

Book Review: The Search for the Madonna

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It’s always a pleasure to read a novel by the talented Donna Alice Patton.
Woven into her stories are enticing themes of mystery, suspense, faith, hope, and trust. The Search for the Madonna incorporates all these elements in an adventure story for girls. It reminds me of an American Girl novel, but longer, with more substance, and geared especially for Catholics!

The characters come to life in a genuine historical atmosphere. In the midst of the Great Depression, eleven-year-old twins–timid Maggie and spunky Em–spend the summer on their Aunt Sophie’s beautiful farm. Maggie hopes this idyllic place can finally be a permanent home. Unfortunately, the bank is ready to snatch the farm if the overdue taxes aren’t paid soon.

To save the farm, Maggie determines to find the family’s long-lost Brandenburg treasure and the priceless jewel-studded Madonna statue. But mysterious “ghost” trespassers, eerie lights, and confusing clues frighten and befuddle Maggie’s efforts.

With a developing devotion to the Blessed Virgin, Maggie learns to overcome fear and to trust in the Madonna not only in times of crisis, but always.

Entertaining, educational, memorable, and moral, The Search for the Madonna makes a delightful read for girls seven and up.

And stay tuned, because the author has a sequel in the works!

The Search for the Madonna is available in paperback and as a Kindle ebook.