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Nique
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| Posted: Dec 29 2011 at 1:54pm | IP Logged
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Hi Moms!
I just finished reading this book at 5am this morning! It was the most excellent book I've ever read. The title is "Arms of Love" by Carmen Marcoux. Although I am 41 years old, I wish I had read it when I was in my early teens. However I still got much out of it, being a Mom.
Here is what the book is about:
Arms of Love
Joanie, a strong Catholic woman, setting out in a new career as a journalist, must face one of the greatest challenges of her young life . . . romance. Committed to the values of Christian courtship, Joanie finds herself attracted to the handsome young commercial producer, Brandon - a man living a very worldly lifestyle. Brandon makes every effort to draw the attractive young reporter into his charms and into his world. Meanwhile, Joanie is battling to resist his advances, as she earnestly seeks to bring Jesus into Brandon’s life. A compelling novel that you will not want to put down - this book faithfully presents the Church's teachings on marriage and the sacraments. Discover how courtship, when put into practice, has the power to transform our society, one heart at a time.
Here is the the Canadian author's website
Very worthwhile to look into!
(Unfortunately they are out of stock at the moment)
Good news is Sacred Heart Books and Gifts sells both ARMS OF LOVE and it's sequel SURRENDER! 
I've had only good experiences with this company, and I highly recommend them 
You know when you discover something extraordinary, you just have to tell everyone?
THIS IS IT!
I promise you will be  you looked into it!!!!
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I had always thought that once you grew up you could do anything you wanted - stay up all night or eat ice cream straight out of the container. ~Bill Bryson
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amarytbc
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| Posted: Dec 30 2011 at 2:29pm | IP Logged
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This seems to be one of those books that you either love or hate. I decided to buy it because I have five daughters and thought it might be a useful book to have on hand. I'm not a romantic and while it was an interesting tale, I found it far to idealistic to take seriously. One of my daughters who is a romantic at heart really enjoyed the first book. She's in a religious order now  but I know she would have hoped for that perfect love if she hadn't joined. A friend loved both books and is hoping for more. Another daughter hated the book, felt that it was like a Catholic harlequin (her words) and totally unrealistic. She's asked me not to let her younger sisters read it because she thinks it will set unrealistic expectations in their relationships.
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Angie Mc
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Nique, your enthusiasm is contagious!
Here's a link to a 4Real search on Arms of Love.
Like amarytbc noted, it does seem to draw strong feelings, one way or another which IS interesting.
Love,
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Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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Erin
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Nique
My dd received the book for St Nicholas this year and loved it, I've still to read it, I really must.
If you are after other similar books, have you seen Ellen Gable's books? I haven't but am intrigued.
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Maggie
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I absolutely loved this book!
For me, it did make me a bit sad since my dh and I did NOT follow a courtship model when dating/engaged. And on our wedding night, we both looked at each other and apologized that we had not saved that first kiss for our wedding. We have since had several friends who have done this--and it is completely inspiring--and realistic to do so.
I was most interested in how the family actually "ran"...and how courtship plays out, practically speaking, in a family. For my dh and I, we feel very strongly that this is how we are going to lead our children as they get older.
Conversely, while the story is a good story...it is not "well-written"...Some may go so far as to even say "trite". The sentence structure and diction are not complex, nor beautiful. Does that make sense? The story is very nice and inspiring...but the writing is not beautiful, which does not lend a complexity or depth to the story that could make it even more profound.
Think...Michael O'Brien...or Sheldon Vanauken (A Severe Mercy)...that is my measure for very. beautiful. writing.
Other than that, it is something I plan to have my children read.
I think the characterization of it being a "Catholic Harlequin" novel is harsh. While it may come across as trite, I think the high ideals presented (as idealistic and starry-eyed as they may seem) are a good challenge for our children. Just my .02.
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Erin
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| Posted: May 01 2012 at 8:13pm | IP Logged
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Finally read Arms of Love and was thoroughly hooked!! Really, really loved it, I think I'm boring my family by my raves.
Yes, if I was to analyse deeper into how it plays out in 'real life' I'd have a few areas that needed pondering, however it was totally inspiring. Planning on ordering the second book now.
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Nique
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Oh Erin, I'm so pleased
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I had always thought that once you grew up you could do anything you wanted - stay up all night or eat ice cream straight out of the container. ~Bill Bryson
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Nique
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| Posted: May 01 2012 at 9:05pm | IP Logged
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Oh, and Erin thank you so much for your recommendation of Ellen Gable's books!
Thoroughly enjoyed "In Name Only".
Catholic author, with a catholic storyline.
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I had always thought that once you grew up you could do anything you wanted - stay up all night or eat ice cream straight out of the container. ~Bill Bryson
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misswallo
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I loved it! My daughter has read both books and also wishes there were more.
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Erica Sanchez
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My oldest daughter LOVED both.
My second daughter thought they were both a little cheesey and said there was no action. I pressed a bit just now to tell me what was not to like and she said it was a good story. :)
I am LOVING Arms of Love. It is rare for me not to cry while reading it wishing I (and my parents) had done things differently, but also anticipating great things for my own children in this area. I would like my husband to read it, because like Maggie said above, I love seeing how this works in a family.
I think it is well-written, but I am not all that well-read so I may not be the best judge.
It is idealistic and things seem to happen maybe too easily, but I think it's beautiful and inspiring and an ideal worth pursuing.
Highly recommended!
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Have a beautiful and fun day!
Erica in San Diego
(dh)Cash, Emily, Grace, Nicholas, Isabella, Annie, Luke, Max, Peter, 2 little souls ++, and sweet Rose who is legally ours!
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Erin
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Reminding me I must really order the 2nd book.
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Nique
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I had always thought that once you grew up you could do anything you wanted - stay up all night or eat ice cream straight out of the container. ~Bill Bryson
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Topic: Arms of Love
