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Summer Fiction Suggestions?

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We interrupt the great discussion of moms and those who love them to seek suggestions for fiction.

June will be “summer fiction month” at the Catholic Post Book Group, and I’ve got a long list of reviews started of both adult and kids fiction, but I’m looking for more suggestions.  I have a lot of great Catholic authors and Catholic-themed novels, but I’d love some input of some undiscovered authors or books that I can feature here.  I’ve got both new fiction and classics.

What are some of your favorites?

Just a note: when I say Catholic, I mean that in both senses–Catholic and catholic (as in universal).  Some fiction may not seem Catholic, but can address Catholic themes, or catholic themes.  Know what I mean?  I’ll try to expand on that more next month.

Tomorrow, back to more questions about motherhood!

Handbook for Catholic Moms Question: Family Banker Advice?

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The Mind section of The Handbook for Catholic Moms has a chapter on financial stewardship, since many moms are the “family bankers” of their families.  I especially like Catholic financial guru Phil Lenehan’s sidebar advice for moms to be good financial stewards for their families.


I thought it would be neat to explore here some good financial advice you practice or received as advice that you like, even if you aren’t able to put it into practice.  What’s a good way to save or spend money wisely?

Your advice can be serious or light.  

The one I’d like to share is quite light and fun.  We have a Discover Card in our family, and part of the rewards of this is a “Cashback Bonus.”  You can the “Cashback”  for cash, a reduction in your credit card bill, or in the form of gift cards with a higher value, say a $45 card for $40 of your “Cashback” money.  Since we don’t carry a balance on our credit cards, we don’t use the bonus for the credit card bills themselves.  So as a treat, I use our Cashback Bonus to get gift cards for my favorite coffee shop so when I buy coffee “out” when I’m on the run all day or when we are traveling, and it is “free.”  I know that it actually isn’t free, but there’s something nice about having a gift card for something that is a treat.

What’s some good and/or fun financial advice from your family? 

Handbook for Catholic Moms Question: How Do You Show Your Kids Your Real Self?

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Lisa Hendey describes the importance of not just being “mom,” but also of , and she invites us to reflect on the ways that we can share that “real self” with our children so they know our loves.

I think one way I have shared my real self is my passion for reading.  I love the fact that I have taught each of my children to read, and then introduced them to a world of great books.

We were traveling on Mother’s Day this year, and one of my daughters told me that she still wants to give me a day–a transfered Mother’s Day of sorts– when I have no responsibilities except for reading whatever I want.  I can only come downstairs to go out on a run or for meals prepared by others.   I love that she knows my love of reading and wants to help me indulge in that.

What “real self” do you share with your children?

Handbook for Catholic Moms Question: What Does It Mean to be a "Soul Sister"?

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In the “Heart” section of The Handbook for Catholic Moms, there’s a chapter on friendship–developing and maintaining healthy, nurturing friendships.  Author Lisa Hendey calls these true friends “soul sisters.”

In my life, I feel blessed to have four biological sisters, as well as a few very good “soul sisters.” It’s true for both my sisters and my “soul sisters” that with busy family life, I can’t always be in contact with them as I would like.  Still, I hope all my “sisters” know that I cherish them deeply and pray for them every day.  For the most part, I’m inconsistent about remembering birthdays and other anniversaries, and I’ve often thought that I wish I had a more consistent way to be in touch with them.  When my parents were alive, my husband’s example of always calling his parents on the weekend (and usually other times throughout the week) helped me to make that a weekend habit, and I’m so grateful for that.    I think I need to consider something along those lines for my sisters who are close and my sisters who live far.
What does it mean to you to have or to be a “soul sister?”  How do you nourish authentic friendships?

The Handbook for Catholic Moms interviews and discussions

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I’ve discovered two places I love to visit that are also featuring The Handbook for Catholic Moms.

Pat Gohn, the “Among Women” podcaster with an unbelievably smooth voice, interviews Lisa in this podcast.  I have not heard it yet, but I look forward to it as I’m sure it is a great listening to hear those two women talk about the book.

And Catholic writer Kate Wicker of Momopoly also had a Q&A with Lisa and is also discussing The Handbook for Catholic Moms on her new book discussion feature.

Handbook for Catholic Moms Question: What Marriage "Rule" Do You Follow?

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In The Handbook for Catholic Moms, Lisa Hendey shares stories and ideas about keeping, from always praying for your spouse to trying to make “date night” possible for parents in different situations.

All the great advice reminded me of a discussion I had once with a group of other married women about “marriage rules.”  I’m thinking of things like advice from a parent or older married couple, “Never go to bed angry,” or “Always give your spouse the benefit of the doubt.”  Sometimes they can seem almost trite  although they are actually quite helpful when put into practice.  Kind of like a “mom-ism”.

I would have to say the number one unofficial “marriage rule” at our house is “keep a sense of humor.”  Gently laughing at ourselves and the chaos that can be family life can be very connecting!

What marriage rule do you follow, or have you been given, for which you have been grateful?