Book Giveaway - Cottage Blessings Care Package

This is a package giveaway in which one winner will receive the following four titles:

The Cottage at Bantry Bay by Hilda Van Stockum

1938, Bethlehem Books, 239 pages, sewn softcover, Catholic

I often have the hardest time reviewing my very favorite books. The O'Sullivan family, of Ireland in the 1930s, have become very dear to us over the years. The story is simple and charming, but very real...in the best sense. You pick up the book and can't help reading it with an Irish brogue..and getting carried away from the modern noisy, busy world of today to a land of simplicity and beauty (though not an easy life).

The O'Sullivans are poor, but their home is filled with love. The older children, Michael and Brigid, take a journey through the Irish countryside to sell the family donkey for their Father. Along the way, they rescue a mischievous dog who leads them to an unusual treasure. The young twins, Liam and Francie are adventurous and mischievous - imagining themselves in the roles of heroes of Irish folklore.

It's an excellent read aloud story for the family or could be handled solo by a 9 or 10 year old. Hilda van Stockum is a great storyteller; all-the-while weaving a great deal of faith and wisdom into a lively glimpse of Irish culture. (reviewed by Alicia Van Hecke)

Francie on the Run by Hilda Van Stockum

1939, Bethlehem Books, 293 pages, sewn softcover, Catholic

Francie on the Run is the second book in the Bantry Bay trilogy. It was written by Hilda van Stockum in 1939. It's the story of Francie O'Sullivan, who runs away from the hospital in Dublin. The entire book is about his funny adventures as young Francie makes his way home to Bantry Bay. My whole family loved this book because the characters are warm and funny. There are many beautiful pictures drawn by the author herself. It's an excellent book. You'll love it! (reviewed by N.H. at age 9)

Pegeen by Hilda Van Stockum

1941, Bethlehem Books, 266 pages, sewn softcover, Catholic

Pegeen is the final book in the Bantry Bay Series, which chronicles the O'Sullivan family of Ireland in the 1930s. In this story, Pegeen, an orphan who was befriended by Francie in the previous story, comes to live with the O'Sullivans while waiting to be sent to her uncle in America. A rather wild girl with very little "upbringing", Pegeen gets into all kinds of trouble and adventures. In the midst of all this she manages to win the hearts of the O'Sullivans and does learn to become more responsible for her actions. The conclusion is very sweet and touching. Pegeen will surely capture your heart too! (reviewed by Alicia Van Hecke)

View our Love2learn page on the Cottage at Bantry Bay Series here.

Maiden and Mother: Prayers, Hymns, Songs and Devotions to Honour the Blessed Virgin Mary selected and arranged by M.M. Miles

2001, Ignatius Press, 211 pages, sewn softcover, Catholic

This is a lovely little book which includes a wealth of beautiful devotional material relating to Our Lady (including traditional chants and hymns - often with musical notation included - prayers, explanations of particular devotions and much more). The book is organized into six main sections: Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, Pentecost, Ordinary Time - Summer and Ordinary Time - Autumn. Within these sections, you'll find sections dedicated to specific Marian feasts, such as Our Lady of Lourdes, the Queenship of Mary and Our Lady of the Rosary. (reviewed by Alicia Van Hecke)

Many thanks to our friend Alice for donating these books to our Love2learn Celebration. I'd like to ask you to please pray for Alice's mother, who has been very sick for many months.

If you'd like to be entered in the drawing for this set of books, please leave a comment before Tuesday night (January 22nd) at midnight (Pacific time) and check back on Wednesday morning to see if you've won!