Distinctive Bridge

Weaving Faith and Experience: A Woman’s Perspective – Patricia Cooney Hathaway

Random Reviews — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:51:29 +0000

When I began reading Weaving Faith and Experience, I thought that I would finish reading it in a few days. Little did I know that I was about to go on a brief journey that would redefine how I view the stage of life that I am experiencing at this moment.
Ms. Hathaway begins Weaving Faith and Experience by discussing the defining stages of life, specifically the adult years. She uses the seasons as Daniel J. Levinson defines them in his work, Season’s of a Woman’s Life. I believe that Ms. Hathaway does a great job taking the ideas one step further and puts the woman’s perspective into defining the adult years.
The main themes that I found were the unconditional grace of God, God’s presence in our lives, and how our love for God manifests itself in our love for others.
Truly a great resource for adult women who are looking to go a bit further in their faith journey and in their closeness to God.

Consoling the Heart of Jesus – Michael Gaitley

Random Reviews — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:18:17 +0000

If you are looking for a retreat from daily life for a bit, Consoling the Heart of Jesus may be your answer. Mr. Gaitley has created a guide that will work with anyone’s schedule.
Consoling the Heart of Jesus begins with four types of retreats, moves to setting the groundwork, then, addresses possible hinderences. The two appendices are “Rules for the Discernment of Spirits” and selections from the “The Diary of Faustina.”
I like the way that Mr. Gaitley divided this guide into two parts and included the appendices. Consoling the Heart of Jesus is great for individuals, as well as groups.
I recommend this resource to anyone who wants to take a moment or two away from everyday life and enjoy time in the Spirit.

The Catholic Company

Other Reviews for Consoling the Heart of Jesus

House Rules – Jodi Picoult

Random Reviews — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:19:09 +0000

What a whirlwind story about a young man who has Aspberger’s Syndrome! This work has everything that a reader could want…from suspense to daily living to relationships to the law.

I recommend Jodi Picoult’s House Rules to everyone who is craving a great story that will make you laugh one minute, cry another, and sigh the next.

Praying With the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory – Susan Tassone

Random Reviews — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:41:54 +0000

During the past several weeks, I have been using Praying With the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory by Susan Tassone as I deepen my prayer life. What an amazing book indeed!

Ms. Tassone writes in a clear, concise manner that expresses her expertise in the area of souls in purgatory, as well as praying for them. Because I did not know much about purgatory, I have benefited from her vast knowledge. In addition to Praying With the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, I have explored her site which is another wonderful resource for anyone interested in learning about purgatory and a richer prayer life.

I like the way that Ms. Tassone has laid out the book in three parts. She not only explains purgatory and the process that souls go through during their time there, but also provides devotions throughout the year and a bibliography for further reading.

Praying With the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory is a book that I highly recommend. It is a blessing for both the reader and the souls that are soon to be released from purgatory into the greater glory of God.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Praying with the Saints for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.

Writing and Publishing: The Librarian’s Handbook – Edited by Carol Smallwood

Random Reviews — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:30:20 +0000

When I first read the description of Writing and Publishing: The Librarian’s Handbook, I was exploring my options as a professional librarian and potential writer. This book has proven to be very instrumental in helping me become more focused on writing about my niche of librarianship. I like the way that the editor, Carol Smallwood has divided Writing and Publishing into five distinct sections (Why Write?, Education of a Writer, Finding Your Niche in Print, Finding Your Niche Online, and Maximizing Opportunities).

Writing and Publishing is a compilation of a wealth of wisdom and first-hand experiences from experts in the field. It is an invaluable resource for librarians who are interested in writing and becoming published. Ms. Smallwood did an outstanding job editing this much-needed work for professional librarians. I consider this work to be a mentor in print. It is, in my opinion, best read in small portions, reflected upon, and incorporated.

I recommend Writing and Publishing to any professional who is interested in writing and publishing.

Mother Teresa And Me – Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

Random Reviews — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 19:15:05 +0000

I have been curious about Mother Teresa over the years but was skeptical about the biographies that have been written about her. I like reading about the real person in biographies. So, when I was given the opportunity to read and review Mother Teresa and Me by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, I took it. As I read Mother Teresa and Me, I kept feeling as though I was receiving a special gift. Donna-Marie expressed her gift of friendship with Mother Teresa so beautifully, that I had to reread the entire book. I believe that anyone who reads this book will be graced like I have, as well as learn about prayers in action and leading by example.

I recommend Mother Teresa and Me to all who are interested in Mother Teresa, prayer, and receiving the gift of peace.

This review was written as part of the Catholic Book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Mother Teresa and Me .

New York – Edward Rutherfurd

Random Reviews — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:59:35 +0000

New York by Edward Rutherfurd is a detailed historical fiction novel about New York City. The story begins in the 1600’s with Dutch New Amsterdam and follows through the years after the 9/11 tragedy. Along the way, the reader meets many colorful characters who bring New York to life.
As I was listening to this audiobook, I was reminded of New York’s depth. I have only visited this most amazing city once during a summer road trip with my aunt, my uncle, and my cousins. There is so much history and so many stories within the boundaries of this city that it would take a lifetime to totally grasp its essence.
When I become absorbed in a good book, I find one character with whom I relate. In New York, the character that inspired me the most was Goram Master. As a child, Goram set out to restore his family’s name and wealth. To make this goal come true, Goram became a banker. Rutherfurd threw a twist in the story when, through a special encounter with an old friend of his father’s, Goram realized his true destiny…and to his surprise, it had nothing to do with banking or restoring his family name.
I recommend New York to everyone, especially people like me who have fallen in love this most wonderful, dynamic city.

Awakening – Claudia Cangilla McAdam

Random Reviews — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 18:41:06 +0000

Awakening by Claudia Cangilla McAdam is the story of modern teenager taken back to the time of Jesus. This story opens with a typical teenager-parental scene where Ronnie wants to go on a trip with her friend and her mother is apprehensive because this is Easter time. Add to this the facts that Ronnie’s father and brother were recently killed in an accident and that she is still recuperating from an illness.

The switchover is when Ronnie lies down to take a nap and she wakes up from an illness in Jerusalem. As she wakes up, Ronnie (now Seraphina) is overwhelmed by the smells, as well as the fact that she is not in her modern home, but in a home during the seventeenth year of the Emperor Tiberius.

Thus begins the journey of transformation for Ronnie/Seraphina. She goes from not really understanding why the Lord suffered and died for us (p. 6) to total belief (p. 122). This is one of the most amazing stories that reconfirms one’s belief in the power of the Almighty.

I like the way that Ms. McAdam intertwines the past with the present, is historically accurate, and makes events of the past relevant for today’s reader. I recommend this book to any and everyone. It is a book that is truly timeless, genderless, and classic.

This review was written as part of the Catholic Book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Awakening.

Stray Affections – Charlene Ann Baumbich

Random Reviews — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:43:59 +0000

Just imagine that you are the mother of four darling children under the age of 6, have a loving husband, and wonderful friends. Then, continue with going to the annual Collectors’ Convention, buying a snowglobe, getting whacked in the head, and suffering a broken nose. Add on the fact that the snowglobe houses a girl with three dogs, all of which disappear right before your eyes! This is what happens to Cassandra Higgins as she embarks on one of the most life-changing journeys ever.

I read Stray Affections in record time. It is a great book that causes introspection, as well as personal growth. I encourage readers of all ages to try this wonderful story.

I discovered Charlene Ann Baumbich, the author of Stray Affections and the Dearest Dorothy series, when I was searching for a decent, just-plain-good read. After the first Dearest Dorothy, I was hooked! As a result, I have read or purchased every work that Ms. Baumbich has authored. Take time to discover this wonderful author and her stories of just-plain-good reading!

Summer on Blossom Street — Debbie Macomber

Random Reviews — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 19:03:09 +0000

Debbie Macomber came into my life by chance. I was browsing in the public library several years ago looking for a light, yet decent, book. After reading the back of the book, The Shop on Blossom Street, I was curious. So, I checked out the book, took it home, and began reading. I was captivated from page one.
Now, several books later, I am still caught up in the world on Blossom Street.
This latest installment, Summer on Blossom Street, brings to us new characters, as well as the regulars. Even though Cody regards her as “Mom,” Lydia, the main character in the series, longs for a child that she cannot have due to cancer at an early age. She and her husband, Brad, have decided to adopt an infant but are faced with a turbulent twelve-year-old. Ellen, the child adopted by Anne Marie Roche, is working on her twenty-wishes which includes getting to know her father. Talk about some twists and turns as this storyline develops! Alix Turner wants a baby but must first conquer her smoking habit…a habit that is easier to talk about breaking than actually breaking. Next, we turn to the new characters.
Phoebe Rylander has recently terminated her engagement and is trying to get over her fiance, much to the dismay of her ex-fiance and her mother. Bryan “Hutch” Hutchinson is taking up knitting to relax and bring down his blood pressure, but, unbeknownst to him, knitting is going to prove to be more challenging than being the owner of the best chocolate company in Seattle!
Join the antics on Blossom Street! You will be glad you did!
I recommend Summer on Blossom Street for those readers who are looking for some light-hearted and encouraging contemporary literature.