Blog Tour Stop # Three

Rooted in Love {My Turn on the Ave Marie Press Book Tour!}

I anxiously awaited the release of Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle's new book "Rooted in Love : Our Calling as Catholic Women"  As a Catholic woman that was raised in a time when it was confusing to be a girl, I still sometimes have trouble deciding what my role is in this chaotic world where the lines between men and women are blurred to say the least.  I first realized *my* struggles with knowing who I was to the world vs who I was called to be by God when I started staying home with our children.  There was little support from other women, men, and certainly not in the world.  It was then that I realized that the feminist view doesn't really support the "choice" to be who God calls us to be.  It only supports the idea that women can and should do everything men do.  At that point  I started scouring the bookstores and later the internet trying to redefine within myself what my role as a Catholic woman was.  It was such a gift to discover the fabulous books by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle.  Many of her books are about Catholic Motherhood (which is very needed in our culture) but this book is about what our calling is as Catholic Women.  A couple of years back I had the privilege of taking an ENDOW course.  It was very enlightening to me and opened my eyes to the different roles that women play in society.  Until then, embarrassingly enough, I often felt at odds  with other women.  I was often defensive about my role as a Catholic mother and wife and frequently felt "less than" because of the choices Jesse and I had made for our family.   It was in that class that I finally learned that God has given us all so many different gifts because if we were all the same then where's the fun in that?  I was finally able to let go of the fact that I just can't knit and I'm not particularly crafty.  But I have other talents that other women may not have.  No one "has it all" and through the writings of Blessed John Paul II, I was able to find peace where I am.  I haven't been able to take another ENDOW course so I was very pleased to find Donna-Marie's new book laid out in a format that was similar to the soul searching I was able to do at ENDOW.  Each chapter is packed with personal stories, scripture, quotes from the Saints and so much more.  The end of every chapter has reflection questions.  You could easily do use this book on your own for personal growth and reflection or in a group of women.

The book is broken up into five parts.  The first part reflects on discovering ourselves in Christ.  The second part is called "Christ is My Strength" and the third "Christ is My Life".   The last two parts are called "Meeting Christ in Others" and "Christ is My Joy".

There are so many parts of this book that I appreciate.  One big one is the part about finding Christ amidst the struggles.  It can sometimes be so easy to BLAME God for our struggles and not so easy to ask Him to help us through the struggles (note I did not say for Him to take the struggles away.  We will all have struggles and learning to "suffer well" is a valuable skill).  The section on struggling touches on things like redemptive suffering and dealing with (unnecessary) guilt (what woman doesn't carry a heap of guilt around with her??).  It was a blessing to read the words that Donna-Marie uses in addition the scripture quoted within that section.

As women we are called to be loving, kind, and nurturing.  It's how we are built.  As Catholic Women we are called to be the light of Christ in other people's lives.  Rooted in Love reminds us to unplug, stop listening to the world, and to look to the One Who made us for the direction that we should go in life.  This book would make an excellent read during this Advent Season and a fabulous stocking stuffer too (or gift for a friend or a good choice for a women's book club.....oh just read it already!!).

I believe this book can help to bring peace to a woman's life, family, and soul.  It's easy to relate to, funny, thought provoking and can make you cry a bit too.  What else could you ask for?

You can find it on Amazon, at the Ave Maria Press website, Barnes and Noble, or at your local Catholic bookstore.

You can find Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle's full bio HERE

You can see Amy's review here: http://www.ekblad9.blogspot.com/2012/12/rooted-in-love-my-turn-on-ave-marie.html

God bless!

Son Rise Morning EWTN Radio Show

Coming up! Join me this morning on the Sun Rise Morning EWTN Radio, 8:20 AM EST. I'll be chatting with the wonderful Brian Patrick about my new book, "Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women"
http://www.ewtn.com/radio/weekday/thesonrisemorningshow.asp



God bless you!

Rooted in Love: Celebrating with Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

Today, we are so very happy to welcome our very own Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle for a special stop along her blog tour as together we celebrate the launch of her wonderful new book Rooted in Love: Our Calling As Catholic Women. As someone who is blessed to call Donna-Marie friend, I celebrate this launch not only in happiness for her, but also counting the blessings of those women whose lives will be touched by this gift of a book. In my endorsement for Rooted in Love, I shared:

“Rooted in Love offers Donna-Marie’s unique brand of encouragement and spiritual guidance, amazing anecdotes of a life well lived, plus reflection questions, prayers, and more to help you know, love, and serve God more fully every day.”

I’m happy to share the following interview with Donna-Marie and urge you to gift yourself and the special women in your life Rooted in Love this Advent season. It’s a gift that will keep on giving!

Q. Donna-Marie thank you for being a longtime contributor to and friend of CatholicMom.com. For our readers who may not already know you, would you kindly give a short introduction of yourself and your family?

You are very welcome, Lisa. Thank YOU for all that you do through Catholic Mom and for answering God’s call to create it!

Just a little bit of background: First of all, readers can check out my bio at my website to learn more: www.donnacooperoboyle.com but simply, I am a Catholic wife and mother of five on earth and three in heaven. I have taught faith formation for almost thirty years (time flies!), I am active in my parish, I have written several Catholic books in an attempt to inspire the reader to come closer to God. I was blessed to know Servant of God, Father John A. Hardon, S.J. and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta (for almost ten years) and I do my best to pass on the blessings I received from them through my writings and talks.

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women

Q. Congratulations on the publication of Rooted in Love – I think the book is an amazing resource for women! Would you share a bit about the format of the book and what women will discover when they begin their journey with this book?

Thank you for your kind words, Lisa. I wroteRooted in Love to encourage Catholic and Christian women in their lofty vocations and to help them to discover their God-given gifts and guide them to see that our lives as Catholic women are so rich!

As I say in the Introduction, “Catholic womanhood is steeped in tremendous love, transforming grace, and fulfilling joy. Our mission and vocation are rooted in love of God, who actually stoops down to serve us, his creatures, even as we strive to serve him.” I find this fact to be very amazing and comforting and I wish to share that with Catholic women everywhere.

I think that many women feel stretched beyond measure trying to keep up with all of the demands in their lives while also striving for an unobtainable level of perfection. I’m here to allay their fears, affirm their innermost desires of pleasing God, and to point them lovingly to finding a holy balance, as well as encourage them to revel in the joy of their vocation of Catholic womanhood even when it’s tiring or arduous.

So, what will they find in this book? I hope it will be lots of encouragement, affirmation, interesting stories, and loving advice as to some Catholic tools that might prove to be very useful in their lives.

The book is set up in five parts. First: Discovering Myself in Christ. Two: Christ Is My Strength. Three: Christ Is My Life. Four: Meeting Christ In Others. Five: Christ is My Joy.

I endeavor throughout the book to show Catholic women how they can be happy forever, specifically by following the age-old but timeless words from the Baltimore Catechism: “God made me to know him, to love him, and to serve him in this world, and to be happy with him forever in the next.”

Each chapter ends with suggestions on how to do just that.

Q. In a way, this is a “working book” in my eyes, a book that is meant, not just to be read, but also really to be used as a tool for devotion and growth. Was this your aim and what do you hope women will learn in their work with this book?

Yes, you are absolutely correct. I want to reach each woman individually as she ponders and prays her way through her experience of reading the book. I offer her meditation questions after each chapter, which she can go about at her leisure. No one will be grading her on her answers! Her responses are so personal to her spiritual growth.

As another way to grow in faith, I welcome the reader to consider gathering a group of girlfriends or parishioners to read the book together in a study group. Sharing the faith in a setting such as this can be so enlightening to all involved.

Q: You share so much of yourself and your own faith life in your books, and this book is no exception. Why is this important for our readers and is self-disclosure or sharing of your personal faith challenges ever a struggle for you?

Thanks for asking that question, Lisa. It’s not easy to put yourself out there, but I sincerely feel it’s so important to share your personal story (struggles and all) with your readership. In this way, the reader will know that I am real, first of all, and will also hopefully realize that since I know what the suffering they may be enduring feels like and how it can tug at one’s heart and twist their brain, perhaps they will trust me to also offer them the Catholic tools to manage the pain or suffering, and even to rise above the tough situation. Sometimes (maybe more often than not) a woman’s life is not all warm and fuzzy and we must acknowledge that fact and find ways to overcome problems, grow through them, and perhaps even help others in the process.

Q: As a very busy writer, speaker and television host, how do you manage to prioritize prayer in your own life?

I make the time. I make my life a prayer. I’m not saying I have a sparkling halo hovering over my head, but I do know that prayer has to rise up from our hearts to reach the heart of God. If we love him, we’ll talk to Him—simple as that. So, we make time for our Creator and speak to Him often even as we run through our days. I feel one of the most important prayers for us busy women is in getting on our knees first thing in the morning to offer everything to God—our prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of the day ahead and we ask Him to transform them and use them for His glory. Amazing things happen when we surrender our lives to God! I also love to keep company with Mother Mary, the saints and the angels. They do indeed guide us ever closer to God.

In this book, I talk a lot about kinds of prayers but I also I impress upon the reader thateverything is an opportunity for grace. So, no matter what happens on any given day, we can pray through it all and ask God to grant us the graces we need for ourselves and those we serve.

Q: What’s next?

Only God knows for sure, Lisa. But, I can tell you about a few things that are coming up. I have a new book for Catholic mothers coming out in the spring titled, Catholic Mom’s Café: 5-Minute Retreats for Every Day of the Year. I have a Confirmation book coming out which is geared to fourth graders and up—part keepsake, part teaching book. I have another Lenten book for families coming out and I won’t reveal now whom the saint is. I’m sorry, but I’ll keep everyone in suspense for a bit longer.

In addition to my show “Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms” on EWTN, I’m excited about a new show I am currently creating for Catholic moms for EWTN television. Each episode will include a guest on my new half-hour show. I’ll keep you posted as it unfolds.

Q: Are there any additional thoughts or comments you’d like to share with our readers?

I hope that readers will discover their feminine genius and true calling as a Catholic woman and will celebrate their feminine holiness in all that they do, being a Christian model for all.

I want to thank them for joining me on the journey that leads to heaven! I welcome their visits to my blogs and website: www.donnacooperoboyle.com where they’ll see new inspiration and where they can subscribe to my email newsletter.

God bless you, Lisa Thank you very much for your gracious interview.

We wish Donna-Marie great success with the launch of  Rooted in Love. Follow her along her blog tour for this great book by visiting her website at www.donnacooperoboyle.com. 

You can see this post at Catholic Mom: http://catholicmom.com/2012/12/02/rooted-in-love-celebrating-with-donna-marie-cooper-oboyle/

God bless you and yours!

Donna-Marie is Rooted in Love

Donna-Marie is Rooted in Love

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle has a beautiful new book, Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women, that explores what it means to be a woman striving to be a reflection of Christ everyday, in all things.

In the course of her exploration, Donna-Marie shares a number of personal stories (her own, and those of others), some of them extraordinarily painful. Through these often startling and dramatic anecdotes, she demonstrates that no matter how difficult life becomes, we can turn to Christ and find comfort and healing, growing closer to Him in the midst of suffering.

And Donna pinpoints the ways in which we women can be much harder on ourselves than we need to be.  An excerpt:

I think that we women can become our own worst enemy by worrying that we're not doing enough to please others and God, too. We actually heap more responsibilities (whether they be actual or emotional) than is necessary upon our own shoulders. We deal with so many demands for perfection in our lives. Many of the saints spoke about how a whole lot of us might never do very big things in life (or what some might consider "big" things.) But we can lead simple yet faithful lives by doing small things with great love. This is very pleasing to God and is actually the secret to real holiness as both St. Therese of Lisieux and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta preached. And, yes, God calls all of us to become saints.

Perhaps the irony is that, as many women struggle with the demands of our society and the mass media to become "perfect," achieving perfection is simply being faithful to the duties of our lives. God looks at perfection much differently than do we.

Abandonment, loneliness and loss, health problems, crime, and numerous other sufferings -- such painful situations and heartaches can eventually become avenues of grace. Donna knows that. She has faced her own personal hardships and isn't afraid to share them in the hope that her experiences can inspire and encourage other women. Donna-Marie strives to be a whole-hearted disciple of Christ, and she wants the same for every single one of us.

This post can be seen at Karen's blog: http://karenedmisten.blogspot.com/2012/12/donna-marie-is-rooted-in-love.html



God bless!

Exceeded My Expectations

5.0 out 

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women is not quite the book I expected it to be. This particular book exceeded my expectations. Not only was it inspiring and uplifting, but it was candid, funny, enlivening, encouraging, and enlightening.

In Rooted in Love, Donna-Marie engages her readers in her intimate, conversational way, which makes you feel as if you are chatting with a close friend over coffee or tea, sitting in front of the fireplace in your living room. There is a warmth and naturalness that comes across in her writing, which draws the reader into her story. Her unique brand of feminine spirituality, nurtured by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Venerable John Hardon, gently guides the reader spiritually through chapters on discovering: who they are in Christ, how Christ works in their lives, how they can find Christ in others, and the joy of Christ. Following each chapter are questions for reflection to help the woman explore the multiple dimensions of her personhood - her mind, heart, soul, and body.

Rooted in Love beautifully unravels the truths of the Catholic faith as they relate to the whole woman and shows her how to use them for her own benefit and for the benefit of those she encounters in her life - family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and even total strangers. Rooted in Love is lovingly sprinkled with: saint quotes from some of my favorite saints, Scripture quotes, and excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and papal documents. Donna explains everything clearly and thoroughly, applying it all in practical, down-to-earth ways you can use in your everyday life.

Although I enjoyed the entire book, my favorite part was Chapter 7 - "In My Struggles." I think we all have a tendency to think that others - especially those who are successful in their careers, like Donna-Marie - are probably much better off than we are and have not had to deal with the really difficult, painful situations we have had to face in our lives. This chapter dispels those myths. Donna shares some rather shocking, traumatic episodes in her life, which show that she writes with authority about suffering and struggles. She uses her own examples and advice to help us deal with our own trials and tribulations and to fill our hearts with hope.

Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women was written primarily for women - married, single, divorced, widowed--but I believe that men could profit from reading this book, too. I think it would help them to understand a woman and her spirituality better. I believe that it is beneficial reading material for all adult women and would be a wonderful supplement for: adult education, Christian/Catholic women's groups, and book discussion groups. This is an excellent gift for all occasions. I highly recommend Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women. 
[By Jean M. Heimann, as seen on Amazon]

God bless you and yours!

You won't be disappointed!

Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle has written a book from her heart to touch your own. From personal experience (and one wonders how any woman could have during her life coped with as much as she has), she shares with her readers that there is nothing that can happen that both you and Our Lord can't handle together. Woven together with the honest sharing of her life and struggles is the spiritual expertise she has amassed from the many years of her friendship with Mother Teresa and John Hardon, S. J.

No matter whether you are well along the way in your "faith journey", or just beginning, there is something for every woman in this book. It is a book that you will read over and over again always picking something up that you missed the last time.
I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed!

Lorraine
[As seen on Amazon]

Review: Rooted in Love

There are not many books written for the Catholic woman right now. Although more and more books are being published, the Catholic woman still must search far and wide for something solid and faithful to the Magisterium. Look no further, Catholic women!

Catholic author and television host, Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle has written a useful and informative book for Catholic women, Rooted in Love. This book cites the Catechism and Church Documents throughout, leaving the reader with knowledge of the Catholic Church and practical wisdom to go along with it. Along with these citations, there are many quotes from the lives of the Saints and prayers and useful applications for the reader. 

This book is another must-read for the Catholic woman. It is not only enjoyable, but informative and promotes holiness and modesty- the type of book that all Catholic women should be filling their bookshelves with!

This review can be seen here:

http://through-my-is.blogspot.com/2012/11/book-review-rooted-in-love.html


God bless!

Rooted in Love: A Celebration of Catholic Womanhood

Cooper O’Boyle Reveals Personal Struggles, Celebrates Catholic Womanhood 

Notre Dame, IN— “Today’s Catholic woman need not feel alone or discouraged,” writes bestselling author and popular EWTN television and radio personality Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle. “Catholic womanhood is steeped in tremendous love, transforming grace, and fulfilling joy. Our mission and vocation are rooted in love of God, who actually swoops down to serve us, his creatures, even as we strive to serve him. Amazing!” 

With these words of comfort and wonder, Cooper O’Boyle begins Rooted in Love, a celebration of the dignity of women and an inspiration for finding comfort in Christ and his Church during times of struggle. 

In Rooted in Love, Cooper O’Boyle reveals some intimate, often surprising facets of her journey. Her characteristic warmth and enthusiasm for God and the Catholic faith has been hard won through economic hardship, a heartbreaking divorce, parenting challenges, false accusations, and several personal tragedies. In narrating her trials, Cooper O’Boyle offers her readers empathy and encouragement, always assuring them of their “beautiful identity in the Lord.” 

Drawing on these intimate experiences, along with the words of her longtime friend Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, The Catechism, and recent teachings of Pope Benedict XVI and Blessed John Paul II, Cooper O’Boyle illuminates what it means to be a Catholic woman today. Though she never shies away from its challenges, Cooper O’Boyle presents Catholic womanhood as a magnificent, God-given source of dignity and grace, one that manifests itself in a lifetime of knowing, loving, and serving God. 

Complete with insightful reflection questions at the end of each chapter, Rooted in Love is perfect for both individual and small-group use. 

Rooted in Love 

Our Calling as Catholic Women 

By Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle 

ISBN: 978-1-59471-306-4 • 192 pages 

  $14.95 • Paperback 

Personal Growth 

Available: www.donnacooperoboyle.com 










God bless you and yours!

Advance Praise for Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women

Advance praise for Rooted in Love: Our Calling as Catholic Women:

"Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle has the great ability to speak to and spiritually connect with the hearts of her readers."--Doug Keck, Host of EWTN Bookmark

"Offers Donna-Marie's unique brand of encouragement and spiritual guidance, amazing anecdotes of a life well lived, plus reflection questions, prayers, and more to help you know, love, and serve God more fully every day."--Lisa M. Hendey, Author of A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms

"Whether you are single or married, managing a busy household buzzing with children or adjusting to the quiet of an empty nest, Rooted in Love will give you the spiritual inspiration and practical tools you need to embrace your calling as a Catholic woman."--Mary DeTurris Poust, Author of Cravings: A Catholic Wrestles with Food, Self-Image, and God

"Brings common sense back to the table! Donna-Marie's practical wisdom helps women to see their lofty vocation, but in a down-to-earth way."--Rev. Leo Patalinghug, Author of Grace Before Meals

"Count on Donna-Marie to affirm, encourage, enlighten, and edify. Rooted in Love explores the foundational truth that our calling as Catholic women is to discover who we are in Christ, and subsequently to become the disciples we are meant to be."--Karen Edmisten, Author of After Miscarriage

"A wonderful book for every Catholic woman. Beautiful and inviting, it is also solid, balanced, and practical. I especially loved the many stories she tells of Christian love in action and of how God gave her strength to endure her own crosses." --Ronda Chervin, Author of Walk with Me, Jesus: A Widow's Journey

Available for pre-order: www.donnacooperoboyle.com 

God bless!

In her book Rooted in Love Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, bestselling author and popular EWTN television and radio personality, accompanies Catholic women through the ups and downs of their lives, encouraging them to be reflections of Christ in all things.

With warmth and candor, Cooper O’Boyle demonstrates why she is so beloved by her readers, viewers, and listeners. Through sometimes-unexpected stories from her own journey, she shows that being a faith-filled Catholic woman does not mean being perfect. Rather, in the midst of parenting difficulties, marital problems, economic hardships, and sickness—among other challenges—one finds strength in Christ and in the wisdom and community of the Church. She highlights how the sacraments, the virtues, prayer, Mary and the saints, the works of mercy, and various devotions and practices all offer women grace and guidance for their lives.
   
 My Thoughts:  So many times authors of non-fiction books come across as unreal and therefore I zone out on what could be useful advice BUT Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle is a real woman. She is not afraid to talk of her failings in life and therefore her writing is much more approachable.    

 Rooted in Love is divided into ten chapters making it a great book for women's study groups. Each chapter ends with three groups of question about knowing, loving and serving God and then ends with a prayer of seeking Him. I plan to reread this book more slowly and prayerfully so I can glean more from Donna-Marie's wisdom.
   
You can see this review here: http://reneesuz.blogspot.com/2012/10/rooted-in-love-our-calling-as-catholic.html

For more information about the book, visit: www.donnacooperoboyle.com 

God bless!