Book Recommendations

Welcome!

This reading list was formerly for the use of our bookclub. Now it stands as a great resource of books for you to peruse when in need of inspiration for your next read!

Links to purchase the books are listed for your convenience below. Some with affiliate links to support our page (click pictures or buttons). Most of the books are available both in kindle and audible editions as well hard copy to make keeping educated and well read a doable feat in busy mum life! 

Thanks for your support!

Happy reading! 🙂

 
Book Club Launch Date: 1st December 2013  

Reading List

December 2019

“The Four Loves” – C.S Lewis

Philosophical/theological monograph: a study of love. But the single English word “love” is used for several quite different things, as Professor Lewis demonstrates with his customary clarity and brilliance.

C.S. Lewis’ famous work on the nature of love divides love into four categories: affection, friendship, eros and charity.
The first three are loves which come naturally to the human race. Charity, however, the gift-love of God, is divine in its source and expression, and without the sweetening grace of this supernatural love, the natural loves become distorted and even dangerous.

November 2019

“12 Rule for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” ~ Jordan B. Peterson
Amusing, amazing and instructive, Dr. Peterson reveals to us why skateboarding young men and young ladies must be allowed to sit unbothered, what horrible destiny anticipates the individuals who reprimand too effortlessly, and why you should constantly pet a feline when you meet one in the city. What does the sensory system of the modest lobster need to inform us concerning standing up straight (with our shoulders back) and about achievement throughout everyday life? For what reason did antiquated Egyptians love the ability to give careful consideration as the most elevated of divine beings? What repulsive ways do individuals tread when they end up angry, pompous and vindictive? Dr. Peterson travels extensively, examining discipline, flexibility, experience and duty, refining the world’s insight into 12 viable and significant principles forever. 12 Rules for Life smashes the cutting edge commonplaces of science, confidence and human instinct, while changing and honouring the psyche and soul of its perusers.

October 2019

“Angels and Saints: A Biblical Guide to Friendship with Gods Holy Ones” ~ Scott Hahn  

Angels and saints. Catholics tend to think of them as different from the rest of us. They’re cast in plaster or simpering on a holy card, performing miracles with superhero strength, or playing a harp in highest heaven. Yet they are very near to us in every way. In this lively book, Scott Hahn dispels the false notions and urban legends people use to keep the saints at a safe distance. The truth is that Jesus Christ has united heaven and earth in a close communion. Drawing deeply from Scripture, Dr. Hahn shows that the hosts of heaven surround the earthly Church as a “great cloud of witnesses.” The martyrs cry out from heaven’s altar begging for justice on the earth. The prayers of the saints and angels rise to God, in the Book of Revelation, like the sweet aroma of incense. Dr. Hahn tells the stories of several saints (and several angels too) in a way that’s fresh and new. The saints are spiritual giants but with flesh-and-blood reality. They have strong, holy ambitions—and powerful temptations and opposition that must be overcome. Their stories are amazing and yet familiar enough to motivate us to live more beautiful lives. In this telling of their story, the saints are neither otherworldly nor this-worldly. They exemplify the integrated life that every Christian is called to live.

September 2019

“Mere Christianity” ~ C.S. Lewis

 One of the most important Christian books of the 20th century, C.S. Lewis’s classic, Mere Christianity. A timeless and thought-provoking spiritual work from the author of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Screwtape Letters—one of the leading Christian writers and thinkers of our age—this beautifully illustrated anniversary edition includes a new foreword and fascinating background information on the story behind the book, and remains fresh and relevant for the modern reader. 

August 2019

“The Heart of Perfection: How the Saints taught me to trade my dream of perfection for God’s” ~ By Colleen Carroll Campbell
“In The Heart of Perfection, Colleen weaves the stories and wisdom of these saints with Scripture and beautifully crafted tales of her own trial-and-error experiments in applying that wisdom to her life. She introduces us to such saints as Jane de Chantal, a single mother who conquered her impatience only after her ex-perfectionist friend Saint Francis de Sales convinced her to trade punishing prayer regimens for the tougher discipline of showing gentleness to rude in-laws, rowdy kids, and herself. Colleen describes the battle against obsessive guilt that turned timid people-pleaser Alphonsus Liguori into a fearless defender of God’s mercy; the discernment rules that helped Ignatius of Loyola overcome crippling discouragement and distraction; the concern for reputation that almost cost the world the radical witness of Francis of Assisi; and the biblical work-life balance that Benedict of Nursia pioneered after years of driving himself and others too hard—and without surrendering his holy zeal.

Gorgeously written and deeply insightful, Colleen Carroll Campbell’s The Heart of Perfection shows that the solution to perfectionism is not to squelch our hard-wired desires for excellence but to allow God to purify and redirect them, by swapping the chains of control and comparison for pursuit of a new kind of perfection: the freedom of the children of God.”

July 2019

“Educating in Christ: A Practical Handbook for Developing the Catholic Faith from Childhood to Adolescence..” ~ Gerard O’Shea

 Educating in Christ covers the essential practical and theoretical elements of religious education and catechetics for parents, catechists, teachers, and Catholic school administrators. The first part of the book responds to contemporary calls from the popes for a religious education based upon authentic Christian anthropology. It provides a comprehensive outline of religious developmental stages, indicating activities appropriate for each of these from age three years to adolescence. It also takes into account the call of recent Church documents to approach this task from a “mystagogical” angle, linking the sacraments with the scriptures. In the second part, the best of contemporary teaching practices are linked with sound Montessori principles and the Catholic understanding of a pedagogy of God. Teachers and home-schooling parents will find the sections on classroom methods, and the curriculum outline based on the liturgical year, especially helpful. “This practical book is good news for parents, teachers, and catechists who introduce Catholic faith and morals to children and young people.”–BISHOP PETER J. ELLIOTT, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. 

June 2019

“7 Habits of Highly Effective People” ~ Stephen R. Covey

When it was first published in 1989, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was an almost instant bestseller–and quickly became a permanent part of the cultural lexicon. With over 25 million copies sold worldwide in over 40 languages since its first publication, this book continues to help millions of readers become more effective in both their personal and professional lives. This is one of the rare books that has influenced presidents, CEOs, educators, and individuals all over the world not only to improve their businesses and careers but to live with integrity, service, dignity, and success in all areas of life. It has had an undeniable impact for the past 25 years–and will no doubt continue to be influential for many more.

May 2019

 “Rome Sweet Home” ~ Scott and Kimberly Hahn

The well-known and very popular Catholic couple, Scott and Kimberly Hahn, have been constantly travelling and speaking all over North America for the last few years about their conversion to the Catholic Church. Now these two outstanding Catholic apologists tell in their own words about the incredible spiritual journey that led them to embrace Catholicism. Scott Hahn was a Presbyterian minister, the top student in his seminary class, a brilliant Scripture scholar, and militantly anti-Catholic … until he reluctantly began to discover that his “enemy” had all the right answers. Kimberly, also a top-notch theology student in the seminary, is the daughter of a well-known Protestant minister, and went through a tremendous “dark night of the soul” after Scott converted to Catholicism. Their conversion story and love for the Church has captured the hearts and minds of thousands of lukewarm Catholics and brought them back into an active participation in the Church. They have also influenced countless conversions to Catholicism among their friends and others who have heard their powerful testimony.

April 2019

“The Fourth Cup: Unveiling the Mystery of the Last Supper and the Cross” ~ Scott Hahn

Revealing the story of his formative years as an often hot-headed student and earnest seeker in search of answers to great biblical mysteries, Hahn shows how his ardent exploration of the Bible’s Old Testament turned up intriguing clues connecting the Last Supper and Christ’s death on Calvary. As Hahn tells the story of his discovery of the supreme importance of the Passover in God’s plan of salvation, we too experience often-overlooked relationships between Abel, Abraham, and the Hebrews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Along the way, Hahn reveals how the traditional fourth cup of wine used in the concluding celebration of Passover explains in astonishing ways Christ’s paschal sacrifice. Rooted in Scripture and ingrained with lively history, The Fourth Cup delivers a fascinating view of the bridges that span old and new covenants, and celebrates the importance of the Jewish faith in understanding more fully Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

March 2019

“Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist” ~ Brant Pitre

Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist shines fresh light on the Last Supper by looking at it through Jewish eyes. Using his in-depth knowledge of the Bible and ancient Judaism, Dr. Brant Pitre answers questions such as- What was the Passover like at the time of Jesus? What were the Jewish hopes for the Messiah? What was Jesus’ purpose in instituting the Eucharist during the feast of Passover? And, most important of all, what did Jesus mean when he said, “This is my body, This is my blood?”
To answer these questions, Pitre explores ancient Jewish beliefs about the Passover of the Messiah, the miraculous Manna from heaven, and the mysterious Bread of the Presence. As he shows, these three keys-the Passover, the Manna, and the Bread of the Presence-have the power to unlock the original meaning of the Eucharistic words of Jesus. Along the way, Pitre also explains how Jesus united the Last Supper to his death on Good Friday and his Resurrection on Easter Sunday. 
Inspiring and informative, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist is a groundbreaking work that is sure to illuminate one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith- the mystery of Jesus’ presence in the breaking of the bread.

January-February 2019

The Creed: Professing the Faith Through the Ages”~ Scott Hahn

Why were the early Christians willing to die to protect a single iota of the creed? Why have the Judeans, Romans, and Persians—among others—seen the Christian creed as a threat to the established social order? In The Creed: Professing the Faith Through the Ages, bestselling author Dr. Scott Hahn recovers and conveys the creed’s revolutionary character.

Tracing the development of the first formulations of faith in the early Church through later ecumenical councils, The Creed tells the story of how the very profession of our belief in Christ fashions us for heavenly life as we live out our earthly days.

~ 2018 ~

November-December 2018

“A Father Who Keeps His Promises: God’s Covenant Love in Scripture” ~ Scott Hahn

The eloquent teachings of Scott Hahn have moved thousands of Catholic Christians to a more vital expression of their faith. In A Father Who Keeps His Promises, the popular Catholic apologist explores the covenant love God reveals to us in the Scriptures, and explains how God patiently reaches out to us–despite our faults and shortcoming–to restore us into relationship with his divine Family. Join Hahn as he follows the high adventure of God’s plan for the ages, beginning with Adam and Eve and continuing down through the generations to the coming of Christ and the birth of the Church. You’ll discover how the patient love of the Father revealed in the Bible is the same persistent love he has for you.

By focusing on our status as part of the family of God, he shows how the broken human family is made whole in Christ. This book helps readers understand the deep personal love God bears for his people and the plan that he has to bring them into an intimate family relationship .

October 2018

 “The Catholic Church Saved My Marriage” ~ David Anders

So begins David Anders in this remarkably forthright book. In it, David reports that by the early 2000s, his marriage was so painful that he and his wife had just one thing in common: contempt for each other. Today, he and his wife are extremely happy together – not because of marriage therapy, but because they came to know and fully embraced the Catholic Church’s teachings on marriage. Many people who encounter the Church’s teachings are shocked by their rigor. Yet the Church offers much more than rules about sexual restraint; she offers a way to make marriage into something supernatural, even mystical. Here Dr. Anders shares his personal discovery and offers a robust defense of the Church’s teaching on marriage — even the most controversial topics of divorce, remarriage, gay marriage, and contraception. With the Church’s teachings and the writings of the saints as his guide, he also offers practical, time-tested ways to live in peace despite an unhappy marriage, the value of suffering, and ways to overcome reluctance to forgive grave offenses. In a culture that breaks apart marriages and undermines human dignity, Dr. David Anders offers a hope-filled alternative for those who live moral and spiritual lives in union with Christ and His Church.

August-September

“Zealous: Following Jesus with Guidance from St. Paul” ~ Christopher Cuddy and Mark Hart

Authors Mark Hart and Christopher Cuddy provide a contemporary look at the basics of spiritual life—the existence of God, the purpose of man, the coming of the Saviour, our response to God, and our eventual goal of eternal life—and they do so through the lens of St. Paul’s epistles. With a clear, simple invitation, readers are encouraged to delve more deeply into Scripture to find answers to these timeless issues and internalise what God’s truth means for them personally. Quotes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church help bring both the writings of St. Paul and the Gospels to life. Questions to provoke thought and action are designed to motivate the reader to follow Jesus with same kind of zeal Paul had. Whether you’re new to the Bible or a seasoned student of its truth, you’re sure to gain practical wisdom from this book.

July 2018

“Praise God and Thank Him: Biblical Keys for a Joyful Life” ~ Jeff Cavins

The Bible holds many keys for living a joyful life, and praise and thanksgiving are two of the most powerful. Jeff Cavins explains what biblical praise is and how it can transform any difficulty and lead to a deeper trust in God. He shows how thanksgiving—the attitude of gratitude—is a natural expression of praising God, and he provides practical tips for incorporating it into your life.

An author and international speaker, Jeff Cavins is director of evangelization for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul-Minneapolis, the creator of the popular Great Adventure Bible Study series, and founding host of EWTN’s weekly program Life on the Rock.

June 2018

“The Lambs Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth” ~ Scott Hahn

Of all things Catholic, there is nothing that is so familiar as the Mass. With its unchanging prayers, the Mass fits Catholics like their favourite clothes. Yet most Catholics sitting in the pews on Sundays fail to see the powerful supernatural drama that enfolds them. Pope John Paul II described the Mass as “Heaven on Earth,” explaining that what “we celebrate on Earth is a mysterious participation in the heavenly liturgy.” The Lamb’s Supper reveals a long-lost secret of the Church: The early Christians’ key to understanding the mysteries of the Mass was the New Testament Book of Revelation. With its bizarre imagery, its mystic visions of heaven, and its end-of-time prophecies, Revelation mirrors the sacrifice and celebration of the Eucharist. Beautifully written, in clear direct language, bestselling Catholic author Scott Hahn’s new book will help readers see the Mass with new eyes, pray the liturgy with a renewed heart, and enter into the Mass more fully, enthusiastically, intelligently, and powerfully than ever before. 

April/May 2018

“Jesus Approaches: What Contemporary Women Can Learn about Healing, Freedom & Joy from the Women of the New Testament” ~ Elizabeth M Kelly 

In Jesus Approaches, Elizabeth Kelly shares vivid stories of New Testament women whose encounters with Jesus freed them to flourish in life. The stories are supplemented with moving accounts from her own life, and from the lives of women like you, to demonstrate that sometimes the best way to find healing, strength, and wholeness in Christ is, ironically, to lead with vulnerability and openness.
Ultimately, Jesus Approaches teaches that finding the fullness of life for which you were created begins with bringing your brokenness to the Lord.

 January – March 2018

“The Year and Our Children: Catholic Family Celebrations for Every Season” ~ Mary Reed Newland

Mary Reed Newland wrote numerous beloved books for Catholic families, but The Year and Our Children is her undisputed masterpiece. Learn how to make an Advent wreath and how to make it more than just a pretty ornament. Teach your children about the real Santa (the one who was a bishop) and how to celebrate all twelve days of Christmas, giving them a holy wonder that will continue long after all the presents have been opened and the wrapping thrown away. When Lent comes, read Newland s simple secrets to helping your kids embrace their sacrifices with enthusiasm. Then, let her show you how to make your home a place where Holy Week and Easter are duly treated as the highest, holiest days of all the year. She’ll teach you ways to reclaim All Souls and All Saints from the popular occultism of modern Halloween. She’ll also show you why Church tradition accords special meaning to certain foods, colors, and symbols, and how these add to the incarnational character of Catholic spirituality allowing children to experience the Faith through sight, smell, touch, and taste.

        

~ 2017 ~

November/December 2017

“On Suffering and Burnout” ~ Mother Angelica

From Blurb; “From the spiritual writings and reflections of Mother Angelica comes this lucid and life-transforming book for anyone who struggles with suffering, or finds difficulty in persevering in your daily responsibilities. Mother Angelica provides consolation and advice that only a spiritual mother can provide, helping you to understand the purpose of suffering, how it can be redemptive, and when to know you re allowing your suffering to go to waste. You’ll also learn about dryness in prayer and how it can be a gift, as well as how to respond to what she alls spiritual hangovers. You’ll learn how Christ is closest to you when He is silent, and how His silence can be one of the most powerful and purifying elements of the spiritual life. Finally, Mother Angelica shows you that what Jesus needs most from you is gratitude, trust, and, indeed, weakness. Follow the advice Mother Angelica offers in these pages, and you’ll soon find yourself consoled and reawakened to the generous grace God is daily offering to you.”

September/October 2017

“Secrets of the Rosary” ~ St Louis De Monfort
From Blurb; “It goes far beyond mere research. We might say that it contains everything that can be said about the Rosary – its content and form, its real worth, about the instruction necessary for its appreciation and use. De Montfort calls the Rosary, ‘The mystical rose tree of Jesus and Mary in life, death and eternity.’ He says that the roses of your Rosary will never wilt or die, and they will be just as exquisite thousands of years from now as they are today. He warns against both the ignorant and scholars who regard the Rosary as something of little importance. He says, ‘The Rosary is a priceless treasure which is inspired by God.’ “

July/August 2017

“The Souls Upward Yearning: Clues to Our Transcendent Nature from Experience and Reason” ~ Fr. Robert Spitzer

Since the early twentieth century, scientific materialism has so undermined our belief in the human capacity for transcendence that many people find it difficult to believe in God and the human soul. The materialist perspective has not only cast its spell on the natural sciences, psychology, philosophy, and literature, it has also enthralled popular culture, which offers very little to encourage the “soul’s upward yearning”. Father Spitzer’s work provides a bright light in the midst of the darkness by presenting traditional and contemporary evidence for God and a transphysical soul from several major sources. It shows that we are transcendent beings with souls capable of surviving bodily death; that we are self-reflective beings aware of and able to strive toward perfect truth, love, goodness, and beauty; that we have the dignity of being created in the very image of God. If we underestimate these truths, we undervalue one another, underlive our lives, and underachieve our destiny.

June 2017

“Vision of Fatima” ~ Fr. Thomas McGlynn

 Here’s the first-hand account of the Dominican priest and sculptor who worked under the direction of Sr. Lucia the last surviving witness to the 1917 Marian apparitions in Fatima as she guided him in perfecting the famed statue of Our Lady of Fatima. Fr. Tom emerged with far more than an exact replica of how Our Lady appeared; he came to understand and recounts here in these pages Sr. Lucia’s intimate explanations of what happened in Fatima, the spiritual meanings of the apparitions, whether the Consecration to Russia occurred, why the secrets had to remain secrets for so long, and why Mary chose to appear to three young shepherd children in rural Portugal. Fr. Tom reminds us that Fatima is a place of miracles, and he points us toward the penitential character of Our Lady’s message, especially the importance of praying the Rosary.

May 2017:

“The Mother of the Little Flower: The Sister of St. Therese Tells Us about Her Mother” ~ Sr. Genevieve of the Holy Face

Zelie Martin and her husband, Louis, were declared Venerable by the Church in 1994 for their heroic virtue, and the couple’s cause is now complete, ending with their cannonization in 2015. Zelie married at 27 and bore 9 children.. She suffered many of the ordinary burdens of life, yet she was happy, loved her children madly and enjoyed them immensely. This book was written by her daughter, Celine, who had access to Zelie’s letters and to the reminiscences of her older sisters in the Carmel of Lisieux. It is authentic and inspiring, showing what a tremendous life’s work and accomplishment it is to be a truly Catholic mother. Looking at Zelie’s picture, one can see her incredible character, integrity, goodness, constancy and love.

February – April 2017:

“Walking With God: A Journey Through the Bible” ~ Tim Gray & Jeff Cavins

In Walking with God, Dr. Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins unpack the central story woven throughout Scripture and present it in an easy-to-read, concise manner. Gray and Cavins take you on a journey through the narrative books of the Bible the ones that tell the story and present a panoramic view of God s glorious plan of salvation. Their expert commentary dives deep into the mysteries of Scripture, unlocking its riches and showing how these inspired words are meant for you today.

“For ordinary Catholics, taking a journey through the Bible just got a whole lot easier. With this book, Walking with God, Tim Gray and Jeff Cavins make it so that you are starting out on the trip with a good map and compass, along with a couple of great friends as reliable guides. You don’t want to miss out on such a great adventure.”
– Scott Hahn, Ph.D. Best-Selling Author

 

January 2017:

“Imitating Mary: Ten Marian Virtues for the Modern Mom” ~ Marge Fenelon

In an age of much mothering advice but few admirable role models, Catholic journalist Marge Fenelon delves into ten instances–and corresponding virtues–of Mary’s life that reveal her as the ultimate example and companion for the modern mom. In this first and only book to offer Mary’s life as a template for living as a faithful Catholic mother today, the Mother of God is presented as the ideal guide for the vocation of Catholic motherhood.

~ 2016 ~

September – December 2016:

“Married Saints and Blesseds Through the Centuries” ~ Ferdinand Holbock

“Fr. Holböck’s tells the inspiring stories of over 200 married saints and blesseds from the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph to Margaret of Scotland, King Louis of France, Thomas More, and modern examples like Gianna Molla and Louis and Zélie Martin, parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. The example of these holy men and women is essential to living a truly Catholic married life. Important Church documents and scripture passages are also included to further guide and enlighten the reader. Many illustrations.” (Ignatius Press)

Download a reading plan here to help keep you on track to get through the book over the three months.

February – August 2016:

“Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska: Divine Mercy In my Soul” ~ St Faustina Kowalska

The diary of Sister Faustina, written in the form of a journal, records the last four years of her life. It reveals the depths of her spiritual life and illustrates the high degree of her soul’s union with God. The Lord endowed Sister Faustina with tremendous graces: the gift of contemplation, a deep knowledge of the mystery of the mercy of God, visions, revelations, the hidden stigmata, the gifts of prophecy and of reading human souls, and also the rare gift of mystical espousal (Diary Introduction, p. 10, Polish Edition)

January 2016:

“A Biblical Walk Through the Mass” ~ Edward Sri

As Catholics, the Mass is the center of our Faith. We
celebrate it every day. We know all the responses. We know all the gestures. But do we know what it all means?

In A Biblical Walk Through the Mass, Dr. Edward Sri takes us on a unique tour of the Liturgy. Based on the revised translation of the Mass which goes into effect Advent, 2011, this book explores the biblical roots of the words and gestures we experience in the Liturgy and explains their profound significance. This intriguing look at the Mass is sure to renew your faith and deepen your devotion to the Eucharist.

~ 2015 ~

October/December 2015:

“The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church” ~ Monica Migliorino Miller

The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church elucidates the essential role women play in the covenant of salvation. With the support of Scripture, the writings of the Fathers of the Church, and contemporary theological insights, Monica Migliorino Miller explains how Christian women exemplify the reality of the Church in relation to Christ and the ministerial priesthood.

August/September 2015:

“Orthodoxy” ~ G.K. Chesterton

This is G K Chesterton’s autobiography. It is his story of finding the familiar and unfamiliar in Christianity. Orthodoxy addresses foremost one main problem: How can we contrive to be at once astonished at the world and yet at home in it? Chesterton writes: He says, “I wish to set forth my faith as particularly answering this double spiritual need, the need for that mixture of the familiar and the unfamiliar which Christendom has rightly named romance.” 

July 2015

“The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of the Little Flower” ~ St Therese of Liseux
The Story of a Soul conveys St Therese of Liseux’s “Little Way” of spiritual childhood – her “elevator” to Heaven, as she called it. This method was approved by Pope Pius XI as a way for all to grow in holiness through unfailing confidence and childlike delight in God’s merciful love. Again and again in this book, St. Therese shows us how her “Little Way” of love and trust comes straight from Sacred Scripture.

June 2015:

“The Little Oratory: A Beginner’s Guide to Praying in the Home” ~ David Clayton

Keeping a faithful prayer life with your family isn’t easy. From herding distracted children to managing the seemingly endless litany of prayers and devotions, our spiritual life all too often feels frantic and burdensome. This isn’t the way it should be. Our prayer life, our family life, and our work life should–and can!–be in harmony. When they are, our family is a powerhouse of grace, and Our Lord transforms our home into a little Eden–a little bit of heaven on earth.

May 2015:

 “Momnipotent: The Not-so Perfect Guide to Catholic Motherhood” ~ Danielle Bean

In Momnipotent, Danielle Bean provides much-needed encouragement to all women. Momnipotent validates the dignity and importance of motherhood by helping mothers to recognize 8 uniquely feminine strengths, and how to use those strengths to find peace, purpose, balance, and joy in being the woman God created and called them to be.

April 2015:

“Holiness For Housewive’s: And Other Working Woman” ~ Hubert van Zeller

This unique spiritual guide will help you grow holier and more prayerful as you perform the most menial household chores — not in spite of those chores, but in the midst of them. Written especially for women in charge of households, Holiness for Housewives will help you better understand and respect your vocation as a housewife — and discover in it your own God-given path to sanctity. This handy guide will show you how to; Find meaning in even the most boring work; Pray in the midst of a bustling household and much more. Let Holiness for Housewives show you how to find and savor the lasting pleasures that await you in your noble, God-given vocation as a housewife!

March 2015:

“Men, Women and the Mystery of Love: Practical Insights from John Paul II’s Love and Responsibility” ~ Edward Sri

“Love and Responsibility brilliantly sheds light on the mysterious dynamics between men and women and challenges us to live those dynamics better.” Father Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II) published Love and Responsibility in 1960, the fruit of his pastoral work, particularly among young people. His analysis of the true meaning of human love is life-transforming and practical, shedding light on real issues between men and women. Edward Sri unpacks the contents of this great work, making it accessible to every reader. Study questions with each chapter make this a valuable resource not only for individual personal reading but also for small group study.  

February 2015:

“Choosing Joy; The Secret To Living A Fully Christian Life” ~ Dan Lord

What is joy? Ask ten different people and you’ll get ten different answers.

Yet if you asked: a man who grew up fatherless and destitute in the slums of Atlanta; a young widow who decided to bring a neglected garden back to life in spite of agonizing physical pain and a deeply wounded spirit; or author Dan Lord himself, ex-frontman for a popular indie rock band each would point to the one source of their joy: Jesus. They made the choice for joy, against all odds, and so can you, though the obstacles might seem insurmountable. Worry and anxiety, pain and suffering, the daily grind–all these and more can block your path. When faced with such challenges, is it possible to get past the barriers, let go, and experience God’s joy?

January 2015:

“The Privilege of Being A Woman” ~ Alice Von Hildebrand

“Women historically have been denigrated as lower than men or viewed as privileged. Dr. Alice von Hildebrand characterizes the difference between such views as based on whether man’s vision is secularistic or steeped in the supernatural. She shows that feminism’s attempts to gain equality with men by imitation of men is unnatural, foolish, destructive, and self-defeating. The Blessed Mother’s role in the Incarnation points to the true privilege of being a woman. Both virginity and maternity meet in Mary who exhibits the feminine gifts of purity, receptivity to God’s word, and life-giving nurturance at their highest.”

~   2014 ~

December 2014:

“My Sisters The Saints” ~ Colleen Carroll Campbell

In My Sisters the Saints, author Colleen Carroll Campbell blends her personal narrative of spiritual seeking, trials, stumbles, and breakthroughs with the stories of six women saints who profoundly changed her life: Teresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, Faustina of Poland, Edith Stein of Germany, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Mary of Nazareth. Drawing upon the rich writings and examples of these extraordinary women, the author reveals Christianity’s liberating power for women and the relevance of the saints to the lives of contemporary Christians.

November 2014:

“The Temperament God Gave Your Kids” ~ Art & Laraine Bennett

Do you have a child who is into everything? Your energetic, bubbly child is often the center  of attention and sometimes in the middle of trouble! Or perhaps you have a child who is just the opposite: quiet, studious, and slow to warm up in social situations. Then there’s the future lawyer: that argumentative, willful child who sometimes makes you want to pull your hair out. As parents, we all have, at one time or another, wondered: Where did this child come from? Why isn t he just like me? Am I doing something wrong? You are not doing anything wrong, and there is very likely nothing wrong with your child! The differences described above are all differences in God-given temperament. When you understand your child’s unique temperament, you will have the key to unlocking his behavior, moods, and motivational forces.

October 2014:

“Saint John Paul The Great: His Five Loves” ~ Jason Evert

“Discover the five great loves of St. John Paul II through remarkable unpublished stories on him from bishops, priests, students, Swiss Guards, and others. Mining through a mountain of papal resources, Jason Evert has uncovered these many gems, offering a treasure chest brimming with the jewels of the saint’s life. After a brief overview of John Paul’s life, Evert explores in depth his five great loves: Young People, Human Love, The Eucharist, Our Lady, The Cross. It also includes key aspects John Paul’s life and teachings, including Theology of the Body, Divine Mercy,Total Consecration, Eucharistic adoration, and redemptive suffering.”

September 2014:

“Extreme Makeover: Women Transformed By Christ, Not Conformed To Culture”~ Teresa Tomeo

A professional TV and radio journalist, Tomeo pulls together the latest research on social behavior and trends in order to demonstrate that women are harming themselves and their chances for true happiness by adopting the thoroughly modern, sexually liberated lifestyle portrayed in magazines and movies. Packed with not only persuasive statistics but also powerful personal testimonies, Extreme Makeover shows that it is not the slogans of the sexual revolution and the women’s liberation movement that free and dignify women, but the beautiful teachings of the Catholic Church.

August 2014:

“Faith In The Family; A Handbook For Parents” ~ Burke-Gaffney Anne & Holden Marcus

Divided into three themes: ‘Creation and Created’, ‘Knowing God’ and ‘Catholic life and times’, the answers provide a few opening words with which you might reply to a child’s question and then further information that explores the topic in more detail. The questions were asked by children aged between seven and eleven but resemble those asked by children of all ages.  The authors drew on their experience in the parish-based Faith in the Family course at the Holy Ghost Church and School in Balham, London. 

July 2014:

“By Love Refined; Letters To A Young Bride” ~ Alice Von Hildebrand

What to do when the honeymoon is over! Because of human imperfections, difficulties crop up in marriage, even between people who love each other deeply. You’ll soon find that for this reason, although love is a gift, it must also be learned. So begins this remarkable book of letters to Julie, a young bride — letters that reveal the beauty and importance of high ideals in marriage while teaching you practical tips to help you live up to those ideals daily. This remarkable book will show you how to start weaving love into the tapestry of your marriage today, as it leads you more deeply into the joys of love. 

June 2014:

“Therese, Faustina, and Bernadette: Three Saints Who Challenged My Faith, Gave Me Hope, and Taught Me How To Love” ~ Elizabeth Ficocelli

Elizabeth writes an enlightening and entertaining piece from the first line “When I was eight years old, I heard the voice of God – at least that’s how I can best describe it.” to the last. Including the lives of the saints and her own personal journey of faith weaved throughout. She illustrates the inspirational lives of these saints beautifully. Giving those familiar with the lives of the saints a chance to reflect on a deeper level and those not familiar a great introduction into learning more. A book well received by many, easy to read and not easy to put down!
 
    

May 2014:

“The Temperament God Gave You” ~ Art & Laraine Bennett

“The Temperament God Gave You: The Classic Key to Knowing Yourself, Getting Along with Others, and Growing Closer to the Lord.” This book is arguably one of the best books written about the temperaments. As it not only describes and discusses each temperaments strength and weaknesses, it also includes what is most important; how our temperaments help us love one another and come closer to God.
   

April 2014:

“Becoming The Woman God Made You To Be” ~ Tammy Evevard

This book is one all women should read, especially in their formative years when we are first exposed to beauty myths, peer pressure and self esteem issues. Evevard draws on the lives of women from the Bible such as the Samaritan woman at the well; mythical characters such as Mulan; legendary women such as Corrie Ten Boom; and her own contemporaries to discuss women who have discovered their dignity as women and now revel in it..
   

March 2014:

“The Faith Explained” ~ Leo Trese

The Faith Explained is an all-in-one handbook to help you understand, explain, and defend the great truths of the Catholic Faith. In brief and readable chapters, it explains the purpose of human existence, God and His perfections, the creation and fall of man, the Incarnation, the redemption, the sacraments, sacramentals, prayer, the importance of the Bible, and much more. This book is also a magnificent refresher course on the Faith for Catholics and an illuminating resource for non-Catholics with questions about the Church.
   

February 2014:

“The 5 Love Languages” ~ Gary Chapman

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman explores and illustrates the way people communicate and experience love in different ways. He explains how we each have a primary “Love Language” in which we most feel loved and naturally express our love to others. By discovering our own, our partners and our children’s language we can better communicate and understand our differences and ultimately feel more love in our lives.
   

January 2014:

“A Mother’s Rule of Life” ~ Holly Pierlot

Motherhood and homeschooling had overwhelmed her. The house was dirty, the laundry undone. Holly felt frustrated, discouraged, and alone… Holly then brought about changes with what she calls her Mother’s Rule of Life, a pattern for living that combines the spiritual wisdom of the monastery with the practical wisdom of motherhood. She describes her ‘Rule’ as a way to ‘bring order to your home and peace to your soul.’

~ 2013  ~

December 2013:

“Smart Martha’s – Catholic Guide For Busy Moms” ~ Tami Kiser

“Smart Martha’s guide” contains tips and reflections from Kiser’s own experiences, and also incorporates simple suggestions to focus yourself and your family life on Christ. From organising chores so as to maximise quality family time, making dinner a real communion, setting limits on TV, game, movie and music content this book covers it all.
    

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