Author: Catherine Lyon Author/Writer

A Two Reader Book Review For Novelist, Carl Baker, & Co-Author Marc Heberden, of ’14 Days In July’, A Fantastic Historical Read Worth Your Time.

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Book Review Post , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

14 Days in July

*14 Days In July ~ Review by: Author, Catherine Lyon & Reader Brittany Eshleman*
Publisher: Camerado Press; First edition (April 7, 2014) ~ ISBN-13: 978-0615955872
Available on Amazon UK & US, Barnes & Noble, and an Honor at bookstore in Paris, France: ‘Shakespeare and Company’ …

OUR REVIEW:

Because Carl and Marc’s novel is so detailed and Carl’s writing so prolific, I needed an extra pair of eyes for this book as to not miss a beat of this fantastic read of ‘The French Revolutionary War, and The Fall of Bastille’. And as the publisher shared, this novel truly is like several stories rolled into this novel similar to, The Three Musketeers, and The man in the Iron Mask.

I actually have the honor of knowing the author, Carl Baker, so I knew the hard work he has put into this beautifully written read, and he wanted the historical sites to be real and actually there if you happen to visit Paris, France. Carl and Marc took very unique steps in sharing what are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Paris, and that’s what makes this historical read stand out from the rest. This story is no doubt of ‘War and History’, as it follows the 14 days in July of the French Revolutionary War at a time of much disarray in France in 1789. With  food blockages, shortages, and mercenary forces keeping the people in line by, Louis XIV, and an iron fist, Carl’s best work is with pen and paper making his main characters come to life.
.
Brittany and I both enjoyed the unique way the writer includes pieces of historical secrets woven into this fantastic book you won’t find in any school history book! Carl’s writing style is more than a story-teller of history, his rawness and attention to factual details is nothing like I have read before. But the story really begins with the main character some 135 years earlier. About a young man whose identity a mystery, and was painstakingly hidden at any cost, as rumors fly about twin boys being switched, a mystery palace, and so much more.
.
But then, unexpectedly, love seems to enter the story as a silent moth to a flame, and just when you thought you have read all the secrets, your still in for more twists as the character of ‘Michele’ changes the landscape of this book with a hunt of romance. This novel really is hard to put down.
A page turner for sure! An absolutely outstanding read! Carl and Marc have in my opinion, a #1 Best Seller on their hands!
.
It’s why Brittany and I truly feel this novel could easily be a series, and why we both agreed on a 5 Star Review for the novel ~ “14 Days In July” …

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Carl Baker Carl Baker
.

Marc Heberden Marc Heberden
.

Marc Heberden is originally from the Pacific Northwest, Marc Heberden worked in various trades on both sides of the Cascade Mountains including that of newspaper editor where he won awards for feature writing, news writing, promotion and photography. Later, he worked in advertising sales and public relations. He now lives in a small town southwest of Paris.
.

Here Is What Other Readers Are Saying:

“For a New Author this book is a Master piece”! …
*Judith Wright*…

“This book was hard to put down once I started reading. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspense, history or just a good read”
*David Kruger*…

“This is a superb novel. It weaves together the French Revolution with the excesses of Louis XIV, the mystery of the Man In The Iron Mask, and even the Three Musketeers. I was fortunate enough to be in Paris on vacation while reading this book, and it made several of the places there come alive for me”!
*Michael Gibson*
.
Authors After Thoughts:

If you explore my earlier blog posts here, you’ll find a Special Blog Share about Carl Baker. He was bestowed an honor, (with the help & thanks to  Marc), with his book now sold in Paris, France at “Shakespeare and Company Bookstore”! It is an iconic historical site.
You can read the history on my special post for Carl Baker.

.

Shakespeare & Company

37 rue de la Bûcherie  75005 Paris

Tel: 00 33 (0) 1 43 25 40 93

news@shakespeareandcompany.com

Review Is Presented By: ‘Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions’ and Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon …
‘ 14 Days In July’
http://www.amazon.com/14-Days-July-Carl-Baker/dp/0615955878

 

 

 

 

“Thank You, Thank You! Thanks to all my New Friends, Likers and New Followers” We Reached 2 Milestones”!

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Just A Blog Post , , ,

Hello Friends, Readers, and New Visitors!

.


.
Just coming to say “Thank You” for helping me reach 2 new milestones on my not to old Book Promoting Blog! I had started my new venture of Book & Social Media Promoting just a few months ago. I have some of the finest authors and novelists I represent currently, and I have to tell you, all their books and novels are fabulous! I wanted to create a blog that readers can come and find all my clients wonderful reads, and learn a little more about them other than what is shared on their bio on say, Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
.

100 Followers!

Congratulations on getting 100 total follows on Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions, by Author~Catherine Lyon.

Your current tally is 102.

.
200 Likes on your WordPress Blog!
Congratulations on getting 200 total likes on Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions, by Author~Catherine Lyon.
Your current tally is 209.
.
So these milestones is all about you!, the liker’s, readers, and visitors! So I “Thank You” so much for coming to visit, as I’m still building more pages for reviews, contests and events and more. That way there will always be a reason to stop by more often. Soon I’ll be adding a page just for ‘Recovery Books & Authors’. As many know I live life in recovery for almost 8 years now, and besides myself there are some fantastic new addiction & recovery books coming out. I want to support those authors for being brave to share their stories and lives. Some are like mine, a kind of memoir, biography type.
.
It’s still a wonderful way to raise awareness, help give insights to those who may not understand addictions in general, and I feel sharing ones testimony is just as important as learning about addiction. My next book almost completed, will be more about recovery, and how to have a successful one. My 3rd book is a stab at fiction, and is about half done! Doing book and social media promoting has been so rewarding. I have met so many wonderful authors, writers, and bloggers who have been so helpful. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Authors helping authors?
.
And of course, without readers and visitors like you who come to see what’s new here, I wouldn’t have reached 200 likes! SO thanks again for your support, and I hope you enjoy what I’m trying to accomplish here. If you’re an author, and have a new book, or you just need a boost reaching readers with a book that’s been out awhile, I’m your GIRL!!
Check out my book promoting page to see how I can help you meet your book goals and help find readership.
.
Besides, even if your book released a while ago, I believe a book never read by a reader is still A NEW BOOK …Much Happiness and Blessings All,
.
Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon of Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0984478485/

A Triple Book Review Extravaganza for Author Cheri Vause & her New Novel~The Truth and Nothing but Lies.

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Book Review Post, Featured Guest , , , , , , ,

Hello Friends, Readers, and Welcome Visitors,

 

As a book and social media promoter, it’s more than a full-time job to keep all my book clients happy, and make sure their awesome new books and novels get noticed in the large sea of new reads. And as you know, I have a lot of reading to do, so it’s it hard to steal time to read just for the pleasure of it, and the genres I enjoy to read. But sometimes, as a book should do, you get surprised by a book genre you normally wouldn’t read. That was the case with Cheri’s new novel.
.
The Truth and Nothing But Lies by Cheri Vause: Book Cover
.
My Book Review For Author, Cheri Vause:

That’s how I felt about reading a new novel by, Author Cheri Vause, titled; The Truth and Nothing but Lies.

I’m normally not a Mystery/Thriller reader often, but I have to say this was not only a page turner? It took on a very debated and intense topic in this riveting story. A FBI agent with not so good intentions to get a step up, and the story is set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest Coastal town of Astoria, Oregon, where I’ve visited many times myself. All stirred into this wonderfully written novel and story, without giving much away, is also a hungry reporter, a doctor and a missing client of his, and after abortion clinic bombings & suicide, comes the CIA to join the mix. Greene is very confused of his part in his job at the FBI to make it more interesting, as his father helps pull some strings for this current case he’s assigned.
I can tell you honestly in the beginning of the book I got a little lost, as it does move around from one plot to another, but that’s on me, as I have adult attention deficit, but then the story grabs a hold of you and doesn’t let you go with twists around every corner! As the case builds, evidence seems becomes non-existent, with more abortion bombings, thankfully no one in them at the time. I do have to say, Cheri is a very technical writer, and as you’ll see when you read this fantastic novel, she takes her job as a mystery writer very seriously. It shows in this novel. I have the pleasure of knowing Cheri, so I know many of the events in her book are from actual real events, as she had worked in this field. So she had first hand knowledge. All I can say about this novel? It’s worth your time to purchase and read.
Cheri is a very brave woman to write, base, and share all sides of this highly and religiously debated issue of ‘Pro-life or Pro-choice’ topic. And Cheri does a supreme job of weaving those issues into her book. That is when you really have taken the step as a real writer, when you’re not afraid to raise awareness with your craft as writer and author to use important issues like abortion in one’s work. KUDOS! I give this Novel a 5 Star Review!!

“Cheri’s novel has some more good reviews coming in and wanted to share as, I’m not the only one who enjoyed this fantastic mystery novel! Here is another wonderful review. It is from a very respected ‘Book Reviewer’ at Crystal Book Reviews” http://crystalbookreviews.blogspot.com ”

Crystal Book Reviews: Sunday, October 5, 2014
.
The Truth and Nothing but Lies
(Cheri Vause, Author/Novelist)
Chéri is a theologian, a photographer, and an author. She is the mother of two sets of twins born on the same day fourteen years apart. Presently, she lives on a small ranch in the heart of Texas with her husband and a coydog named Scully.

BOOK REVIEW FOR:

The Truth and Nothing But Lies. Cheri Vause. GWL Publishing. May 2014. 329 pp., e-book.

FBI Agent Grant Greene is a disillusioned detective who is on the verge of quitting when he’s assigned, after his father pull strings to get him leverage on a case that could catapult his career beyond its present inertia, to a case involving the bombing of an abortion clinic in Astoria, Oregon. A reporter, Hector Rodriguez, is hot on this case as it might bring him the kind of public recognition to advance his journalistic position as well. 

Dr. Sanjay Kumar is supposedly the object of pro-life activists, yet something doesn’t seem quite right about the predictability of such a profile even beyond the fact that he botches more abortions than the ones he performs successfully. Ruined lives are more the norm of what he leaves behind him, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Then the bombing of other clinics and the mysterious disappearance of one of the doctor’s clients, Lara, brings the plaintiff deeper with involvement of the CIA and other nefarious characters into the mix.

Add to that some attempted shootings and the fact that no one seems to be able to provide actual evidence makes Greene realize that something larger than anti-abortion supporters is running these events, as well as the fact that the bombings occur when no one is present in the clinics to be hurt.

No spoilers here! But be assured, not a page turns but something new and intensely dangerous is occurring in this mystery/thriller novel based on actual events. Abortion is a highly charged issue and those who take one side or the other feel very strongly about the strength of position which translates to some deep pockets involved here that have political as well as moral motivations.

Cheri Vause has written a riveting novel about the violence and terror behind an issue that has divided and still divides Americans to this day.  Nicely constructed, Ms. Vause! …

A Special Sneak Peek Review Of The Night Shadow ~ Book Series  & Pre-order info
.
The Night Shadow by Chéri Vausé (Oct 14, 2014) – Kindle eBook

“Now a very special treat for all the readers”. Now that you know Author, Cheri Vause’s current new novel is a great read worth your time, we have a Sneak Peek Review of her long anticipated book series coming out, maybe as soon as this month titled; ‘The Night Shadow’ series.
A good friend and fellow author in her own right, Marilyn Fowler was chosen by Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions & Cheri Vause to read an advanced copy of book one! Marilyn was kind enough to share her sneak peek review on her wonderful blog: http://SelfHelpByMarilyn.wordpress.com & gave me the OK to share it here with all of you. As authors, a constant challenge is getting our readers to come back after reading our books and leave us a review. So when they do, we SO greatly appreciate them. So Cheri is one step ahead of the game with her new book series with this special sneak peek Review …

The Night Shadow

From the first page, The Night Shadow grabs you with instant fascination, as a serial killer’s work pulls you into this journey of intrigue, adding surprise at every turn. Just when you think you’ve solved the mystery, the author cleverly throws another curve. The story is rife with psychological elements, putting you inside each character’s mind, the motives for suspicious behaviors, misinformation, and murder. As the journey progresses, characters change their masks. Good? Bad? Innocent? Guilty? Suspense rises. And the story takes on new tones along the way.
The road to discovery is traveled by two private investigators, former police officers, pursuing the crafty and illusive killer. Esther and Mac are in their familiar realm of activity, but now with more latitude to cut corners and surpass accepted methods of pursuit. They encounter many clues, lies, and dead ends, but are driven by any means to expose the devious killer and stop the seemingly senseless murders. As they attempt to unravel the pieces, their romantic relationship struggles to survive, each with their own inner pain to deal with. Esther’s over-involvement with the case becomes a reflection of her personal inner turmoil brought to the surface, and plays an important part in the ongoing turn of events.
As the story unfolds, the author guides you from one character, one suspenseful event, one emotional experience to another ¾ and another r¾ and another, changing lives in the process. In places, the story seems to approach resolution, but then takes an unexpected turn, and the journey moves on. And everything might be a clue. But many clues are misleading, and you will finally be brought to a most astounding ending.

Summary

In this book, the author presents a fascinating chain of events and, given the many characters involved, you will need to get to know them, for they will turn up again with meaning in the story.  Final resolution on this intriguing journey will invite your re-assessment of where you’ve been, the clues, the surprises, the struggles, the emotional ups and downs you’ve experienced. And you will re-live much of it before you can put the book down. And you will feel very satisfied and gratified.
A read you won’t forget!
I wish you a fascinating journey immersed in Cheri’s new book series coming to Amazon Soon.
Author, Marilyn Fowler
.
Special Thank You Messages from the Author:

        Since embarking on my second career as an author, I’ve had the absolute delight to meet a number of wonderful people who have followed my offerings on my website, and those of you who have read my books. However, there are some I haven’t had the pleasure to correspond with, like Viviane Crystal who wrote this lovely review. I want to remedy that here.

     Writing is a tough business, and, upon many occasions, it’s frustrating. It eats away your time with your loved ones, and ideas attack when you least expect it, often keeping you up until the wee hours of the morning wrestling with them. It can even cause great anxiety when new books are released. Will it be rejected by the reading public? Or, will it be well received? If your ego is the size of a mustard seed, it never seems to grow into that huge bush the scripture so aptly discusses about faith, so you are constantly surprised when someone actually likes your work. And it is right that it doesn’t grow into a huge gnarled mess, annoying your family members, friends, and the reading public with its outlandish posturing. Egos should rightly remain the size of a pea or less.

     With that in mind, I am surprised, and astonished quite a lot. Ms. Crystal liked my work. So did the reviewers on Amazon. It’s a lovely surprise, and one that I constantly feel I must live up to as I continue to write. And I hope that I die before I stop being surprised, and that I continue to work even harder to deserve such praise.
Thank you, Ms. Crystal. Thank you, Amazon reviewers. You are the best.

###########################

My new mystery, The Night Shadow, is about to be released. I have had the great pleasure to offer it for a preview to a select few. Ms. Marilyn Fowler was given an advanced PDF of my novel a few weeks ago. Not only did Ms. Fowler read it, but she gave it a beautiful review. It never ceases to amaze me when people like my work, but when they say such incredible things about the words I’ve agonized over for months, I start to sob.
Yes, I’m a huge sober. I cry when my publisher says she loves my work. I shed copious tears when the art department of my publishing house understands my stories so well they create remarkable covers. I tear-up when I read the Press Release. You can imagine how I’m reduced to a puddle when I receive a review, especially one like Ms. Fowler wrote.Yes, I’m a puddle, Ms. Fowler. And every time I thought about it, I sobbed. Thank you. You’ve made my day, my year, my life. Bless you my new friend! ~ *Cheri*

*Well friends and readers, there you have it. Some pretty interesting reviews for a wonderful, and in my opinion, a prolific writer! I believe Cheri has along career ahead of her! I hope you’ll come visit again in about 3 weeks after her new book series, The Night Shadow releases as I will be having a fun contest for all the readers of The Night Shadow! You may just win yourself a Signed Copy of Cheri’s book and more!

I want to Thank Crystal & Marilyn for sharing their reviews with all of us along with my own! Us authors and writers love to know what readers think of our hard work within a craft we love* …
Much Happiness & Blessings All,
Lyon Book & Social Media Promotions By: Author, Catherine Lyon

http://www.amazon.com/Truth-Nothing-But-Lies/dp/0992883601

Novelist Carl Baker and His Book is Honored to be sold at Shakespeare and Company, Paris France.

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Featured Guest , , , , , , , , ,

Hello and Welcome Friends to Lyon Media & Book Promotions.
Where readers come to meet new Authors and Reads!

There is a quaint bookstore on the left bank of the Seine river, just across from the world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral called, Shakespeare and Company that’s been a popular bookstore for Parisians, writers, poets and tourists alike in Paris, France. Since it’s opening in 1951 by George Whitman, the bookstore has become an iconic historical institution.
.

.
(George Whitman at Shakespeare & Company about 1980)

And I’m happy to announce that my client, and good friend Carl Baker and Marc Heberden has been honored with the new novel being sold at Shakespeare and Company located at:  37 rue de la Bucherie Latin Quarter, 75005 Paris …
.


.
Some History Of Shakespeare and Company:
.
In 1919, an American expatriate in Paris named Sylvia Beach set up a bookstore slash small publishing house slash lending library in rue Dupuytren and called it Shakespeare and Company. It was back then a very small place, and it functioned as an ordinary bookstore. It was later moved to rue de l’Odéon, where it had a bigger space. It was not long after the names that are now looked upon as literary giants, the names we always mention in Literature classes, gathered there to write and read the books that were available.
.
Beach’s excellent taste in books was noted by many people, and it was she who made available to readers the books that were otherwise banned in the United States and the United Kingdom. Because of the people who gathered there and the books that people came to read, Shakespeare and Company soon became the center of literary culture. Among the people who frequented the place were Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound, and James Joyce, just to name a few who enjoyed spending his time at this bookstore so much that he considered it his office.
.
The bookstore remained open until the year 1941, when the Germans occupied France. Sadly after several attempts at reviving the bookstore, it never again became open for business.
Then walks in Mr. George Whitman …
.

. (George Whitman shortly before his passing)
.
"Shakespeare and Company" store, Paris, 2004
(The bookstore today).
.
In 1964, after Sylvia Beach’s death, Whitman renamed his store “Shakespeare and Company” in tribute to the original, describing the name as “a novel in three words”.  He called the venture “a socialist utopia masquerading as a bookstore”. Customers have included the likes of Henry Miller, Anaïs Nin, and Richard Wright. The bookstore has sleeping facilities, with 13 beds, and Whitman claimed that as many as 40,000 people have slept there over the years.

George Whitman died at the age of 98 on December 14, 2011. His daughter, Sylvia Beach Whitman, now runs the store. Regular activities are Sunday tea, poetry readings and writers’ meetings. The four Shakespeare and Company bookstores in New York City, which opened starting in 1981, are not affiliated with the Paris store.
.

.
Now your most likely wondering why I bring up this iconic historical site right?
.
Now enter, Novelist Carl Baker, and his new novel release titled, “14 Days In July” …
He and his co-writer Marc Heberden are thrilled that their novel was accepted to be sold in the Shakespeare and Company bookstore in Paris, France!

It only seems fitting for the novel to be sold there since the book is packed with historical places about The French Revolution, and the Fall of Bastille. I myself just finished reading Carl’s novel, and will be writing my own review here on my blog soon, but I wanted to announce this very important accomplishment for my friends and client, Carl Baker and Marc Heberden, who is also an award-winning journalist himself. If you have not read their novel as of yet, the reviews are fantastic, as they should be, because I really enjoyed this novel. I’m normally not a history reader, but this book keeps your captivated with every turn of the pages. And there are some ‘secrets of history’ you won’t find in your average school history book!
.
14 Days in July
.
About The Book:
1 July 1789, Paris – Two weeks before the Revolution

France is undergoing a political upheaval unlike anything it has known before. Louis XVI is using savage mercenary forces and food blockages, to bring the people to heel. The country is a powder keg, and Paris is the fuse. In the midst of what could become bloody chaos, shadowy people including the sinister and brutal chief of the Paris police-discover that a young Parisian laundress, Michèle Duvallier, whose fiancé is imprisoned for his political activities, knows a deadly, ancient secret that could shake France’s monarchy to its core. Michèle finds herself the object of a murderous manhunt. Her imprisoned fiancé’s citizen’s group, now led by his brother, is being chased from one hiding place to another. It is only during the fall of the Bastille that she learns why so many powerful people are hunting for her, but as well the shocking identity of who has been betraying them ….
.
September 1654, Burgundy – 135 years before the Revolution
A good-natured young man, an orphan, is mysteriously imprisoned with grotesque instructions to conceal his identity in such as way as to ensure he is to be forgotten for all time ….
.
The man in the iron mask was not a pure invention of Alexandre Dumas. The rumor of the existence of twin boys being switched, one of whom was to become Louis XIV, had been speculated on for well over a hundred years by many high sources including Voltaire, who secretly told friends he had seen the man unmasked, and saw he was the king’s twin. But what Dumas, and no one else, wrote about, was the even more dangerous rumor that there was not only a switch, but as well … another lineage ….
.
A Wonderful Book Review:

For a New Author, this book is a Master piece … 5 Stars!
This review is from: 14 Days in July (Paperback)

I usually do not read Historical Fiction, but this one stood out, the cover graphs are awesome, and the story line is a real a page turner. With every turn of the page it gets better and better, the characters seem to come alive. there are so many twists and turns , you do not want to put it down. It is a combination of action with some romance thrown in. My favorite Character is Michele and the secret she holds…great reading , waiting for the sequel ……
.
“So if you happen to be traveling to Paris, France and you love rare and hard to find books, new reads, and just need to grab a map of the historical sites to see while you’re visiting?
Then a visit to Shakespeare and Company bookstore is where you need to start”.
.
So many congrats to Novelist, Carl Baker and Marc Heberden for their novel receiving the honor of being a part of the bookstores unique collection of reads! Their novel can also be purchased globally at these fine stores:
.
Boomarang Books ~ Australia
Virgin Books ~ USA/UK/France
Barnes and Noble ~ USA/UK/Canada
Amazon Books ~ USA/UK/Canada
B. Dalton Books ~ USA/UK
Village Books Bellingham, WA, USA
Posman Books ~ New York City
Strand Book Stores ~ New York City
.

14 Days in July by Carl Baker: Book Cover
.
Happy Reading All!
Lyon Media & Book Promotions
Catherine Townsend-Lyon, Author


“Please, Please, Lets Never Forget Them From The 9/11 Attacks”

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer News Around The Web, Posts ,

My Tribute To The Lives Lost 13 Years Ago Today ~ Never Forget …

.
Another year is almost over, and it’s another 9/11 Anniversary~The 13th year when we were attacked by people from other countries who seem to hate America for one reason or another.
.
As another year anniversary comes and goes, it seems the loss of thousands of lives seems to disappear from the national news and newspaper headlines. I almost forgot the anniversary was upon us without all the news stories. Do you remember them? Weeks and weeks they talked about the twin towers being destroyed by airplanes that were hijacked and flown right into the buildings..

DO you really remember? I still feel the shock and horror of what I was actually seeing on the TV! Then, as I was watching them show the smoke and fire of one tower, LIVE, the next plane came screaming into the picture of the TV and hit the other tower right before my eyes!
.
I thought I was going to throw-up right on the spot. I can still the hear the screeching of the plane before impact from my TV. Then my heart sank thinking of all the people in those towers, and the ones on those planes. Can you imagine the FEAR those people must have felt seeing what was coming?
.

.

I REMEMBER, & I WILL NEVER NEVER FORGET!
.
.
AMERICANS KILLED ON,

September 11 attacks

September 11 attacks
www.pbs.org 

The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks launched by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda upon the United States in New York City and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. The attacks killed almost 3,000 people and caused at least $10 billion in property and infrastructure damage.

The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks launched by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda upon the United States in New York City …
  • Date: Sep 11, 2001
  • Fatality: 2,993 Souls Lost That Day!

.

.
I want all Americans to never forget the pain the families had felt today without their loved ones yet another year, another 9/11 anniversary with hardly no News coverage, barely any Newspaper or Internet hoop la about the precious human beings we lost that day. I’m pretty sure you all know what I’m talking about. Again, weeks and months we saw nothing media spin after spin of the most horrific attack on American soil. We watched all the coverage of the clean-up, watched the 9/11 Memorial being built, and interviews with family after family.

And what did we see today to mark the 13th year of loved ones lost?
Not enough coverage I feel.
.
Is that what our society has become? We get so hardened to the fact that these tragic events happen all time, that we think it’s a Normal part of living. Shootings, murders, young men being shot for no apparent reason, people with Mental illness or disorders shooting people just for the fun of it? Is that what our society has come too? We lost mothers and fathers, children, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives. We lost co-workers, fire fighters, policeman & women, EMT workers, port authority workers, sanitation workers, and so many more.
.
DID THEY DIE IN VAIN? WHERE IS THE MEDIA COVERAGE & REMENBRANCE NOW?

.

.

.

.

.
So please, please, … Lets Not Ever Forget The People We Lost On 9/11
.

.

.


.


.

MY THOUGHTS, LOVE, and PRAYERS to all who lost LOVED ONES 13 years ago TODAY…
LETS NEVER FORGET …

May God Bless You All,
Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon

“WordPress, We Have Lost A Friend From Our Blog Community, I Have Lost A Beautiful Friend.” A Re-share & Special Tribute To A Mother, Wife, Blogger, Author, and Advocate~Rhonda Sellers Elkins”

Catherine Lyon Author/Writer Featured Guest, My Mental Illness Writings , , ,

I have been in shock, mourning, and very heart-broken since yesterday morning. I learned through my Author Facebook page that we have lost an “ANGEL” …

A wonderful friend, author, writer, WordPress blogger, and advocate about mental illness has passed away. I really could not believe what I was reading when I saw the Facebook post by the daughter of a woman who has been such an inspiration to me in my own battle with severe depression, and mental disorders. We had just spoke last in April as I wanted to do a nice book and author spotlight for her on my Book/Media blog. I wanted to help her with promoting her new book that had come out in March 2014.

She had such a big heart, and a beautiful soul, and always was encouraging to keep pushing forward in life, as she was still processing the loss of her own daughter to suicide.
“Rhonda Sellers Elkins” whose blog here on WordPress: http://welding81.wordpress.com
.
So as a ‘Tribute & Memoir’ to the devastating loss I feel, I share the Author & Book Spotlight I had done for her a few months back. The world is a little less “Bright” without you my good friend.
You are going to be missed for a very long time. I wish I could have been there for you like you were always there for me. The Spotlight in her Honor …

UPDATE: There is a Special Remembrance for Rhonda up on Facebook, a Memorial Page for all her to go to and show love & support. Lets let her family know HOW SPECIAL she was to many out here in Cyber-Space! 9/2/2014 …
.

The permanent memorial page for Rhonda Sellers Elkins is:

https://www.facebook.com/inmemoryofrhondasellerselkins

Thank you to the now 300 people who attended this memorial event.

In Memory of Rhonda Sellers Elkins
Community
In Memory of Rhonda Sellers Elkins
Liked
.
****************************************************************

“My Special Guest Author Interview Is With “Rhonda Sellers-Elkins” And Her New Book Release Of, “My Bright Shining Star”…

Posted on April 30, 2014 by

Originally posted on Lyon Media & Book Promotions~By Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon:
.

Hello And Welcome Friends, Readers, And New Visitors,

It’s my pleasure to share with you a good friend of mine who just become a “New Author”!  Please meet Author, Rhonda Sellers-Elkins and her new book release titled; “My Bright Shining Star:” A Mothers True Story Of Brilliance, Love & Suicide….

.

.
Rhonda and I met through WordPress where we both have our blogs. I remember the first time I came across her blog, and her story about the loss of her beautiful daughter Kaitlyn. I was so inspired by her words, and how she was able to share such a painful experience with all of us through her blog posts that I became to admire her and her courage. We visited each others blogs many times and quickly became fast friends. Her daughters story really touched me, and many of her blog readers. I could relate to her feelings about the loss of her daughter,  as I had two failed attempted suicides myself from undiagnosed bipolar depression and a gambling addiction.

Her sharing taught me to see what others who are left behind from such a tragic event feel and go through when you lose a child.

I don’t know if I ever mentioned that to Rhonda before, but sharing her story of how to move on, to get through each day with keeping your head up and courage in your heart, I have learned so much from Rhonda. Now, in keeping Kaitlyn’s beautiful memory alive through her new book, I know this has been a “Special” accomplishment for Rhonda, and a “Tribute to Kaitlyn”…
Here is a little more about Rhonda and her new book!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rhonda Elkins lost her 23-year-old daughter Kaitlyn to suicide 4-11-13. The fact that Kaitlyn took her own life was horrible enough, but the fact that she never displayed signs of depression her entire life made it even harder to understand. She was a 3rd year medical student and was doing very well in school. After Kaitlyn’s death Rhonda began writing about her grief in her blog and after a time decided to write a book about her daughter to tell the story of her daughter and to bring out the fact that there can be hidden depression in highly achieving young people, a fact she did not know until her daughter’s death.

Rhonda lives in North Carolina with her husband Allyn. They have two cats, Dagny, and Kaitlyn’s cat Gatito who they adopted when Kaitlyn died. They also have another daughter, Stephanie Alford, and a son-in-law, Steve Alford, who also live in North Carolina. Rhonda is a registered nurse, but at the time of this book’s publication has not returned to work since Kaitlyn’s death. She is an advocate for suicide prevention.
.

ABOUT HER  BOOK: http://www.amazon.com/My-Bright-Shining-Star-Brilliance-ebook/dp/B00JBMLXTA/ref=tmm_kin_swatchh_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1398705187
.


.
To all that knew her, Kaitlyn Elkins was a happy, intelligent, compassionate and extremely talented young medical student with a bright future ahead. However, beyond her warm smile and string of impressive achievements lurked a dark secret-depression; something she hid so well from all those that knew and loved her. This is the story about a mother’s quest to find some answers as to how her daughter, who seemed so happy on the outside, could hide such a dark, horrible depression that ultimately lead to her suicide.
.
It is a story about her wonderful daughter’s life, the lives she touched, the search for answers, the stigma of mental illness, the great love and deep bond they shared.  The book also incorporates insightful experiences from other depression sufferers, contributions from some of Kaitlyn’s friends, and views from medical professionals.  This heartrending memoir of love also serves as a caution to parents, teachers, counselors, and young people that depression can lurk among the high achieving, that they hide it expertly, and if not reported and treated, can lead to suicide.  It is a warning to everyone.
.

Now here is what Readers are saying in All 5 Star Reviews!
.
This review is from: My Bright Shining Star: A Mother’s True Story of Brilliance, Love and Suicide (Paperback)   Hope in the wake of loss, March 26, 2014
.
“Though a beautiful life was cut extremely short, this story of a mother’s love uses the pain of that loss to provide both a beacon of hope to others who suffer from depression as well as provide warning signs to those who might not be familiar with depression themselves. I especially loved reading the personal stories from outsiders, most notably other medical students. The deadly nature of depression is a very real thing, and it goes unnoticed so frequently. It is my sincere hope that those who read this book will be able to see that there is always another option and that there are others who are suffering from the same affliction. It is not something that should be ashamed of, and the pain that results from the loss of a loved one is unbearable. Please, give this book a chance to touch your heart.”
.
This review is from: My Bright Shining Star: A Mother’s True Story of Brilliance, Love & Suicide (Kindle Edition)Heart-rending, beautiful, and important,  March 29, 2014

“This book is a mother’s heart-rending, beautiful tribute to her daughter. I wish there was no need for this book, but given the circumstances, this story is important on both the personal and community levels. Still in the depths of grief, the author felt compelled to speak out about the stigma of mental illness. Her daughter never asked for help or gave any indication that she felt suicidal. I know that this book will help many people speak up and speak out. Kaitlyn’s brilliance will live on in her family’s love.”

*As many of you know when I have an “Author as my Guest,” I only ask them TWO questions of them. Here is my interview questions I asked of Rhonda, and her answers and thoughts*…
.

1.)  Since we follow each other from your beautiful blog, I know more than my readers about your life. But what made you decide to write and share your personal story in book form?

 From the very day I found out about Kaitlyn’s death, I shared her death of Facebook to let her friends know who I had no other way to contact.  From that moment on, I got a great deal of responses and condolences and stories about Kaitlyn from her friends and many people I knew and did not know.  After that, in my horrible grief, I had no outlet for my grief except for crying almost nonstop and going through her things and touching them and remembering the wonderful girl who was my daughter for 23 years. I began to post on Facebook about my daughter and my horrible grief and confusion about why such an exceptional young woman could take her life.
.
You see, she was brilliant, sweet, very accomplished, graduated valedictorian of her high school class, graduated summa cum laud from Campbell University in two and a half years (instead of the usual 4 years it takes) with a degree in biology. After a few months she was accepted into Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC, to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. She was happy.  Always said and seemed to love medical school and was doing well in it, as well as her busy life.  She kept her body fit by eating healthy, exercising and running. She had run a half a full marathon only months before. She never showed signs of depression in her entire life and was a model daughter and student.
.
Then on 4-11-13 she took her own life, leaving a note to us that she had been depressed all her life and hid it from us to protect us from it. She never told anyone and never sought help. So after writing on Facebook I started a blog devoted to writing about my daughter and that horrible thing that took her life, depression, by way of suicide.  Not long after that, I decided to write a book in the hopes that Kaitlyn’s story will help those people out there that are like my daughter; highly driven, intelligent, but hiding a deep depression that may take their life if not treated.
.
So many highly achieving young people never seek help for their depression and never admit to it for a variety of reasons, the stigma of mental illness being one of them.   It’s also for parents, counselors and teachers so they will know of this often silent killer of our young people.  My book is to honor my daughter, tell of her life and suicide, and to provide some insights into how such a thing could happen. It is also a warning.
.
2.)  Even though your new book has only been out a short time, has there been any one thing that has surprised you since the release?
.
There has not been anything that has really surprised me, but I am very pleased about the very positive reviews that it has received so far.  I was hoping so very much that it would do what I intended my book to do, and by reading the reviews it seems to be doing so.

.
               
A Tribute To Rhonda & her Beautiful Daughter “Kaitlyn Elkins & Author, Rhonda Elkins*
.
My Facebook Share from yesterday 8/31/2014

.
Author Catherine Townsend-Lyon
I’m so sad. To the Elkins Family, my thoughts, prayers, and much love to all of you today, and will mourn with you from a distance. <3 <3 …
.
I’m so, so devastated. I can not wrap my brain around this. I had talked to Rhonda not to long ago as I had done a “New Book & Author Spotlight” on my blog for her. We were like “Kindred Spirits” as we shared & battled many of the same disorders.
.
She was always the first to comment on all my new recovery WordPress blog posts with encouraging words, friendship, and loving support. I hope she knew how many of us Authors and Bloggers out here just loved her so much!!! <3 Her sweet southern style, and that accent was adorable! I’m just at such a loss for words, and my heart is breaking.Rhonda my sweet friend, I hope you knew how much I loved and cared for you. And just know that YOUR Bright and Shinning Star will live on inside me until my last breath. I know you have peace and serenity with the lord, and in the loving arms of “K”…. R.I. P. my beautiful friend. Thank you for giving me that little piece of your heart <3 to keep me at peace until we meet again. We will meet again my Sweet….Author Catherine Townsend-Lyon
.

.

All my love, thoughts and prayers to The Elkins Family and Friends. She touched so many people with her caring, love and inspiration. She truly will never be forgotten, … I miss you already!

Author, Catherine Townsend-Lyon ~ Glendale, Arizona