Motherless: Book Review

Read my thoughts on Fatherless, the first book in this trilogy by clicking here.


The short response to this book: Enjoyed it and loved it as much as the first!!

Can I mention how sad I was when I turned the last page? VERY.


Motherless by Brian J. Gail continued to build on the story that Fatherless created and is set about twenty years later, leaving it written in present day and with many current event references. The same characters I came to know in the first book are followed once again and play the major roles. I may have developed an even greater fondness for my favorite, Maggie Kealey.

You may recall that Fatherless took on the task of exposing the harshness in the birth control and entertainment industries. Motherless takes a different, although not completely unrelated direction while focusing emphasis more on reproductive technology, as well as embryonic stem cell research.

If you are not open to the realities of stem cell and embryonic research or reproductive technologies of today and you'd rather be in the dark, then I suggest you not read this book. I think there is more truth within these pages than we may even begin to be open to in the realities of in our modern day and age.

Do not lose heart though. This book is also filled with hope and possibilities of what could be in health care, if but even a few stand for what is right, good and moral. Mr. Gail again has not left this book without inspiration, heart wrenching realities and faithfulness exhibited by its characters. Motherless once again draws in the reader just as Fatherless did: to examine our lives, morals, values and hearts.

I highly recommend reading the first book and the following with this one. Be sure you have plenty of time to devout to them, since I doubt that you will be able to put them down.

I'm eagerly awaiting the final book, Childless, which is due to be published later this Fall.

I received this book as a Christmas gift from my husband who bought it from Human Life International.

If you are interested in reading more reviews and more about the author, you can find it at Fatherlessbook.com.


**This is purely my own personal review to share with my blog readers. No goods or fees were exchanged.

Creating New Life, Nurturing Families

I've had Creating New Life, Nurturing Families by Sidney Callahan sitting in my 'to read' pile for quite a while. I've picked it up and set it down numerous times. For me, this was a tough read. Not that the content was difficult to understand, but for me the book failed to deliver what I was inclined to believe it would based on the title. I was looking for an inspiring and helpful book on family raising, motherhood and Catholic wifery. I felt that the book was put together very well and may serve well as a starting point for a new mom.

Each chapter touched on many pertinent topics such as love, marriage, sexuality, the working mom and suffering and joy. The author strung those together fairly well in showing how the woman's commitment to them shadows that of the Trinity. It also seemed to reiterate some of the most basic understandings of womanhood that I really didn't need to read another book about. Desiring more of a realistic, nitty-gritty type book on motherhood and nurturing the beauty of womanhood, I felt quite disappointed. The book also seemed to follow a more feminist view of 'God as Mother' throughout, which is not something I personally agree with and found difficult to stomach. It was also written more from a Christian standpoint or even more of a 'Catholic' with a small 'c' rather than a big and loud 'C'.

I currently have several other books on my shelf that are written with more concrete ways of encouraging and strengthening the vocation of wife and mother that I would eagerly recommend before this one. If you can put aside many of the things that I struggled with throughout my reading and you have a good foundation of theology and Church teaching, perhaps this book might work for you.


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This review was written as part of the Catholic Book Review program from The Catholic Company. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest opinion and review.

Are You Fatherless?

I've recently read an excellent novel and had to share it with you. The book Fatherless by Brian J. Gail was loaned to me by a friend, but I think we'll be purchasing our own copy. Reed is currently in the midst of it and we've both really gotten into it.

At 536 pages, it can appear a daunting conquest to finish, but definitely a page turner! I will admit that I had several chapters that were difficult to muddle through with all of the details, but I pressed on and breezed right through it.

Fatherless is considered a Catholic novel, but it does deliver so much more than that. The book takes place in the 1980's and is centered around Fr. John Sweeney and three families in his parish. The families come to Fr. Sweeney for moral direction and guidance.

Michael Burns, a marketing executive, has the opportunity for a new job within his company and a move to New York City in order to work with a small television network similar to HBO.

Joe Delgado, a CFO at a major pharmaceutical company, becomes aware of the reality of the biological damage of the birth control pill and its effects on thousands of women.

Lastly, Maggie Kealey struggles with migraines, a daughter with bipolar issues, an absent husband and the moral issue of taking birth control in order to ease the family tensions.

The characters become very realistic with so much at stake in the midst of each of their dilemmas. When the book title became revealed, it was a real eye-opener. Are you intrigued yet? I might suggest that it would be a wonderful summer-read.

You can find more reviews and information about the book at Fatherlessbook.com. You can order it directly from the publisher, Human Life International.

In an interview, Mr. Gail mentioned that he is working on the second part of the trilogy, Motherless, to be joined by part three, Childless. I cannot wait for these additions!



**This review was written solely for my blog readers and no goods or fees were exchanged.

Simply Put, Good Book

Have you read Mitch Albom's latest, Have A Little Faith? I have been an on-and-off reader of Mitch's books over the last several years. Mitch has authored such books as Tuesdays with Morrie, The Five People You Meet In Heaven and For One More Day, all of which I have read.

His books are pretty simple reading and this mommy's brain appreciates that. As much as I try, I just can't get into those thick, heavy, mind-numbing, overly intellectual books. Sorry, just not me. I enjoy my simplistic nonfiction, thank you.

In Have A Little Faith, I was once again left with thought provoking intrigue as I continued through the book. It is the story of an eight year journey that the author shared with two very different men of different faiths and communities. A Rabbi and a reformed Christian Pastor. An African-American and a white man.

Asked by his childhood Rabbi to perform his eulogy when the time comes, the author begins spending a lot of time with the man to understand him better in order to perform the task laid before him. At the same time, near his current home, Mitch becomes involved with a Detroit pastor who ministers to the poor and homeless.

During the book as America begins to struggle, he finds that many are turning to their faith and beliefs. Although there are many differences in these two men and the faith they believe in and profess, Albom recognizes some of the unities that lie between them. In the end, he finally understands that what the men have been teaching him throughout this process is what he knew (and had forgotten) all along:

Believing in something much bigger than yourself brings profound comfort to those who simply, have a little faith.

I'd highly encourage this book if you are searching for an easy, quick-read and perhaps are looking for a small reminder of the strength and hope found in Faith.

Pope Benedict And Divine Mercy

Book Review:

Pope Benedict's Divine Mercy Mandate



This book writes about the countless ways that Pope Benedict is carrying on the legacy of Pope John Paul II's message of Divine Mercy. Pope Benedict is continuing the conversation that our beloved JPII began in spreading the news of mercy and more importantly, the devotion of Divine Mercy as revealed to St. Faustina.

It's a reminder that we are not merely called to proclaim it, but to live lives of mercy each day. It is through prayer and the Sacraments that we are each graced to serve others and live lives of mercy toward those around us. Each chapter is summed up with end of chapter reminders on how to "fulfill the mandate" laid before you. They are great synopsis that tie together Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II's messages.

Throughout the book as you come to better understand God's great mercy, you begin to carry on John Paul II's legacy and make it your own. In responding, we are especially called to proclaim John Paul's great testament of mercy: "How much the world needs to understand and accept Divine Mercy!"

Our faith becomes "more profound". Our hope becomes "more alive". Our love becomes "more ardent". Through this spiritual action- in faith, hope, and love- we place ourselves "securely in God's hands". We trust in Him. It is our response to His mercy.

Through this book you will be encouraged to become a herald of love and Divine Mercy in the world.

To find more items to encourage you on your spiritual journey, click on over to Catholic Company!

Choosing Beauty

Book Review:

Choosing Beauty: a 30-day Spiritual Makeover for Women

Are you ready for a makeover? One that doesn't include mascara and lipstick? Perhaps one that helps you re-focus your spiritual life? This book helps you revert to a life of virtue and grace as a Christ-centered woman. It breaks down the seven significant virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope & charity), while also pointing out their vices and what can lead us as women away from a virtue-filled life.

Each chapter gives witness as it shares a brief story of faithful female Saints who can be our models. It also provides thought-filled reflection questions which are perfect for individual, personal contemplation or would work easily in a group setting.

Easy reading that is ideal for every woman seeking a fuller life of virtue, as well as teens/young women or Ladies Book Club.

Give yourself 30 days and you won't be disappointed by this makeover!

To find more items to encourage you on your spiritual journey, click on over to Catholic Company!