FAQs
FAQs
FAQ
1. Why are there so many different book covers online? Which one should I order?
The first three books in the Annabelle of Anchony series were previously published through a vanity press that closed down. The new versions of the books are the ones appearing on this website (click on the "Books" section to the left)
2. Which book is first? What order do they go in?
Annabelle of Anchony: Burdens of the Mind is the first book in the series. The second is Heart's Relief. The third is Kingdom's Call. If one notices, they are going in alphabetical order. Consult the "Books" section to the left for the current listing of available titles in their correct ordering.
3. How many books are there in the series?
Undetermined at this point. The manuscript for book four is complete; Ruth is currently working on book five. If there is to be further books after books five is unknown to Ruth herself, for book five is not yet complete.
4. When will the next book in the series be available?
Lasting Word: Annabelle of Anchony Series Book 4 will be the next release, but its release date is unknown at this time. Join Ruth Apollonia's newsletter (under the "Follow Me" tab to the left) and follow her on her social media platforms for announcements such as book signing events and release of the fourth book.
5. Which book won the Catholic Arts and Letters Award (CALA)?
The first book, Annabelle of Anchony: Burdens of the Mind, won the Catholic Arts and Letters Award (CALA) in 2013 for best fiction. The CALA is awarded by the Catholic Writers Guild.
6. What age range is appropriate for this series?
The age of the readership depends upon the maturity level of the reader. Ruth loosely suggests high school age and up, but has had as young as 10 and as old as 80 enjoy the story.
Ruth suggests, for any parent or guardian pondering upon this question, the parent or guardian is welcome to read the book first and determine whether he/she believes the content is appropriate for the child in question.
7. Is this story only for girls?
No. Annabelle is only as strong as she is because of the men in her life. Annabelle’s tale demonstrates men taking on their God-given qualities as protectors and providers.
8. What is the story about?
The spiel for the first book: It takes places in the 13th century. A little girl is kidnapped and taken to an island where she runs away from her kidnappers and is raised by a hermit, who teaches her how to survive, how to protect herself, and what she is missing but not being where there are priests. Eventually, she gets off the island and has to find her way back to her family. There’s much more to it than that…but there’ll be no spoilers here!
Spiels for the other books: Non-existent. After reading the first book, one will either want to carry on in the series, or not.
9. Does the story really teach the Catholic faith?
Yes. It was written to evangelize and for readers to grow deeper in love with Christ and His Church.
10. This is a fantasy? I don’t do fantasy.
The story is fantasy only in the aspects of the supernatural faith involved in the Catholic Church, such as the intercessory power of the Body of Christ. There are no dragons or fairies.
11. What is a Nihil Obstat and an Imprimi Potest? How can a novel have such a thing?
The term Nihil Obstat means “nothing hinders” or “nothing stands in the way.” Imprimi Potest means “It can be printed.” The Nihil Obstat was obtained once a Censor reviewed the novel and determined that there was no content within that went against the teaching or morals of the Catholic Church. The Imprimi Potest was issued by the Provincial Superior of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary once the Nihil Obstat was obtained. The Imprimi Potest, which is given by the head of a religious community (in this case, the Marian Fathers) is the equivalent of an Imprimatur (“Let it be printed”), which is given by a bishop.
It is quite rare for a novel to have a Nihil Obstat, but in order for Annabelle of Anchony: Burdens of the Mind to be printed through Marian Press, it had to receive one.
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