CAT Welcomes Author Elizabeth Upton Who Shares All Her News and Free Kindles With Our Readers of ‘The Book Library’. . .

I am delighted to share the photo above, which features my book showcased in the wonderful Montecito Journal newspaper at the end of June 2025! It is a wonderful newspaper in my local area of Santa Barbara and Montecito, California. There are many exciting happenings for both “Secrets of a Nun” and my romantic thriller, “The Shaman and The Mafia.

Right now, “Secrets” is featured in a wonderful readers’ magazine for August and September called “First Chapter Plus” by Reader Views. As the rest of the year goes on, I have several more events set for my book!
The new issue is now out; you can subscribe to it FREE!
CLICK HERE >> https://firstchapterpus.com/subscribe/


In early autumn, both “Secrets of a Nun” and “The Shaman and The Mafia” will be featured in Shelf Unbound magazine. Additionally, they will be displayed in a glossy catalog at the Hamptons International Film Festival, which runs from October 3rd to October 13th, 2025.



Here is some fantastic news and updates for readers and friends who have supported my books. To show my appreciation, I am offering three of my Kindle books for FREE this week, from August 7th to August 10th, 2025. Then, beginning August 11th, through September 20th, 2025, all my Kindles will stay priced at $3.99 to close out ‘Summertime Reading!’

You can download them from Amazon Kindle using the links below:
1. The Silver Woman of Fire: Gather Your Nerve and Live – https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Woman-Fire-Gather-Nerve-ebook/dp/B08YRYKFWB/ <<Click Links

2. The Shaman and The Mafia –
https://www.amazon.com/Shaman-Mafia-Elizabeth-Upton-ebook/dp/B09F7LYS7Q/ << CLICK

3. You Are a Sovereign Woman of Strength, Love, and Grace: Embrace Your Journey – https://www.amazon.com/Sovereign-Woman-Strength-Love-Grace-ebook/dp/B0CV8TM9CX/ <CLICK

Her best-selling books, ‘Secrets of a Nun: My Story,’ ‘The Silver Woman of Fire,’ and ‘The Shaman and The Mafia,’ helped set Elizabeth Upton firmly on the world’s literary map. With many novels to her credit, she released a new book in June 2022 titled ‘Lovers’ Secrets and Revenge, which is book three of ‘The John Callahan novel series.’

Elizabeth’s favorite she enjoyed writing was ‘The Shaman and The Mafia,’ as she shares, “The creation of this story has been an exciting journey. If possible, I would love to meet all of the characters in this book in real life.” Elizabeth’s books and novels are available on Amazon online and Barnes & Noble and featured on fine literary book sites.

Elizabeth was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA., until the age of sixteen, when she entered a New York State Convent and became a nun for twenty years, but she yearned for a more authentic spiritual life. Elizabeth left the convent and chose to attend and receive her B.A. from Syracuse University.

Returning to her native state of California, she attended and received her M.A. in psychology from Chapman University. The Author began working for over thirty years in family counseling as a social worker and probation officer, working with troubled teens and abused children. She is a speaker, spiritual mentor, and advisor.

COVER REVEAL: Book Three Titled, “The Board Extraction” For ‘The Other Shoes of Larry Martin’ Novel Series by Pavane Ravel Soon To Release.


ABOUT THE NOVEL SERIES

From Book One:

“The Other Shoes of Larry Martin” is a story of transformation; a story of emotional, physical, and metaphysical growth achieved by a remarkable young journalist, Larry Martin. Larry Martin is a young man – the only child of an abusive father – who was unwittingly indoctrinated into the belief system of the Alt-Right.

Larry began his journalism career writing for a right-wing website. After disaster strikes and he becomes homeless and unemployed, he finds the way forward to a prosperous, ethical, and enlightened future by profoundly changing all that he was.


“The Other Shoes of Lary Martin Series”

From Book Two
Readers will highly enjoy “On Becoming Laurie Roberts” book 2 of ‘The Other Shoes of Larry Martin,’ a novel series with more political intrigue, family drama, and suspense. Another Best-Seller by Author Pavane Ravel!

Larry Martin in his quiet, kind, and mystical way, continues his journey to a new life, a new vision, and a new understanding. Larry has become a rising star in the world of progressive journalism. While only a few short months after being homeless, jobless, and friendless, Larry has acquired a family and friends. He’s fallen in love with a brilliant and beautiful woman who loves him in return. 

Larry Martin, in his quiet, kind, and mystical way, continues his journey to a new life, a new vision, and a new understanding. Larry has become a rising star in the world of progressive journalism. While only a few short months after being homeless, jobless, and friendless, Larry has acquired a family and friends.

He’s fallen in love with a brilliant and beautiful woman who loves him in return. Even though Larry is now the most important journalist for a major liberal website in New York City, he has taken on a second full-time position at a prestigious architectural firm in Atlanta.

Yet, in spite of all his good fortune, this kind, talented, and a generous young man is soon to face insidious lies, outrageous betrayal, and horrific danger in book 2, and that is only the tip of the dramatic iceberg!


**************

“Larry Martin lives two very different lives, in two different
worlds. In Book Three, his personal journey continues in what
is now a 2024 PenCraft Book Award First Runner-Up winner
of ‘Realistic Dramatic Fiction.’ Additionally, Book Three: The
Board Extraction, was awarded a 2024 5-Star Book Review
by Reader’s Favorite.”



Book Three Cover Reveal — “The Board Extraction”


As book three opens and Larry’s saga continues in Atlanta, GA, he is known as Laurie Roberts, the adopted son of a famous architect, Sherman Roberts. Laurie is President of Operations in his father’s international firm.

While Laurie grapples with corruption and theft in the Hong Kong office, he learns that Sherman’s life is threatened by an unseen but highly dangerous business consortium. Managing this threat puts both their lives in danger.

In Manhattan, NY, Laurie is an influential progressive journalist.
He writes for The Political Standard, a massive digital newspaper using his pen
name: Larry Martin. Peter Bennett is the Director of the paper and Larry’s dearest friend.

Trouble comes for Larry…

The Political Standard’s board of directors are extremely upset with him.
Larry is forced to fend off another journalist’s unscrupulous intent
to destroy him if he doesn’t give her what she wants.
And when Peter Bennett is physically assaulted, Larry jumps
into high gear and quick thinking to negotiate a delicate situation that
is personal to him.

The Board Extraction moves swiftly through nonstop
events. And through it all, Larry remains highly tactical, metaphysical,
calm, kind, and immensely brilliant

*********

About The Author


Pavane Ravel is an award-winning, acclaimed, influential writer and novelist of literary realistic fiction and author of her introductory novel series, “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin,” with book one released in Oct. 2021 titled “Revelation of Lies,” while book two titled “On Becoming Laurie Roberts” was released in Feb. 2023.

Pavane’s book two won first runner-up placement in realistic drama fiction given by “The PenCraft Book Awards” in October 2023. Ravel’s novels are available from her official website (pavaneravel.com), Amazon Books, Amazon Kindle, and Kindle Unlimited while featured in many fine online bookstores, magazines, and online reader sites.

She has always wanted to be a full-time writer and finally reached the point where that dream is a reality. She has traveled extensively over the years and has seen nearly the entire United States, much of Canada, Europe, and some of South and Central America. Pavane also studied political science and journalism at universities in the United States and Europe.

Pavane is happily married and has raised successful grown children. She enjoys discussing economics after working as a commodities broker. She and her family reside in New York, and she shares her time concentrating on family, close friends, and writing. She also continues to enjoy international traveling.

For Pavane, who is passionate about politics and societal issues, these books and this series are important stories to tell. Larry Martin is a truly complex and fascinating character as a unique progressive hero.
Pavane enjoys humor and loves to engage and connect with readers.

She welcomes readers’ thoughts and comments through her website.

VISIT AUTHOR: WebsiteJoin Author’s NewsletterFacebook,
 TwitterInstagramGoodreadsAmazonBlueSky,

CAT Shares Our Favorite Author Diane Olsen’s Special Valentine’s Post For All Cat’s Readers.

💘
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY READING
💘💌😻

Our Author Elizabeth Upton Awarded a 5-Star Editorial Review For Her Memoir “Secrets of a Nun: My Own Story.” A Perfect Autumn Read…

READERS & REVIEWS of MEMOIRS ~ An Editorial 5-Star Awarded Book Review and More ‘High Praise’ on Amazon New Reviews” . . .



Secrets of a Nun


Secrets of a Nun: My Own Story

by Elizabeth Upton
Non-Fiction – Memoir
241 Pages
Reviewed on 09/06/2024

By K.C. Sanders

Before I left high school, most of my teachers were nuns,
not to mention a source of fascination.
What did they wear to bed at night?
Are they bald under those black veils?
What do they confess if they don’t even sin?

As a young teacher, I worked with and learned a lot more about nuns, but only after I read Secrets of a Nun: My Own Story by Elizabeth Upton, could I conclusively say that nuns are, indeed, very human!

Upton’s journey from becoming a nun to leaving took 21 years, beginning when she was only 16. In an utterly honest voice that shares every emotion, and the more hidden, natural urges a young teen feels, Upton opens up to readers in her memoir.
We feel every battle with herself and her superiors that resulted from her choice to dedicate her life to God.

Becoming a nun is far from easy.
Personal interaction between nuns is discouraged. Nuns in superior positions take their religious fervor and powerful roles to extremes, and the degree of dedication required would try anyone’s strength and patience.


Then, of course, there’s the difficulty younger nuns experience denying their attraction to the opposite sex, as celibacy is not just demanded of Catholic priests! I loved the honesty with which Elizabeth Upton shares such emotional and physical details.
That takes courage. Readers need to bring an open mind to Secrets of a Nun.

Those who see normal urges as sinful might be offended by Upton’s frankness. The rest of us will applaud Upton’s decision to write a tell-all about her life as a Catholic nun. It is a memoir I recommend to any young woman contemplating donning the veil.

Read this memoir long before you take those final vows.
~K. C. Sanders Book Reviewer~


ABOUT THE BOOK



Great on Kindle ~ Great Experience. ~ Great Value.
Enjoy a great reading experience when you borrow the Kindle edition of this book with your Kindle Unlimited membership. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
Print is available on sale, too!


Secrets of a Nun is a revealing, uncompromisingly honest, and deeply moving look into one woman’s soul.

At fifteen, Elizabeth, a talented athlete, gives up her dreams of competing in the Olympics to become a nun. Separating from her mother and twin sister, she leaves her friends and familiar world behind to pursue a saintly life. But she finds herself unprepared for what lies ahead. While her cloistered life commences as a profound spiritual and emotional journey, personal disenchantment takes root and slowly grows over the next twenty years.

Elizabeth recoils against the restrictive atmosphere of convent life. She struggles with conflicting emotions until a forbidden love affair forces her to come to grips with her needs as a woman. Over the course of striving to find her authentic self, she ultimately feels compelled to leave the Order.

A true story inspires this fascinating account of courage and passion.
It will shock you and bring a smile to your face as you follow the course of a young woman’s obsession to become a spiritual seeker—an obsession that, over time, transforms into a deeply felt desire for personal liberation.

***********

Elizabeth’s Memoir is currently #243 in Memoirs (Kindle Store)!!
 (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)


More Reviews Now Posted On Amazon.

5.0 out of 5 stars
 

Open Door Prison
Reviewed in the United States on 09/20/2024
Verified Purchase

“A fascinating book into oppression and control and finding a way out without losing convictions and passion for Christ’s Love.
I learned a lot.”

***********

5.0 out of 5 stars 
Best One Ever
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the UK on 08/10/2024

“I’ve read 40 books about nuns.
This is the best one ever.
It was so enjoyable I hated for it to end.”


**********

More Non-Fiction Books She has Written
Can By Found
On Her Amazon Author Page!

>> Elizabeth Upton <<(Author) 
The Holiday Gift Giving Season
is Just Around The Corner &
Books Make Great Gifts!


🍂📚🎄❄️✝️🎁


HAPPY AUTUMN READING!


Happy To Share Our Award-Winning Author Elizabeth Upton’s New Post of Rave Reviews For Her Novel “The Shaman and The Mafia”. . .


Are you up for reading an exciting, and gripping mystery-suspense?

My title “The Shaman and The Mafia” is garnishing high praise from readers, book reviewers, and even editorial reviewers like the readers at Reader Views. 
Happy to share more…


“The Shaman and the Mafia” from the title alone is not a storyline I would usually pick, but I am glad I took the chance because it paid off. The events in the story felt real – thrillers on the international and personal level. Readers who enjoy romance (with all the good and the bad), hunting the bad guy(s) (strategy and suspense), and twist endings that make you think (not too hard) and find the good at the end among the forest of darkness should read “The Shaman and the Mafia!”
~Reader Views.



Kindle On Sale Now On Amazon $1.99!
https://www.amazon.com/Shaman-Mafia-Elizabeth-Upton-ebook/dp/B09F7LYS7Q/


Please Visit Her New Official Website and The Rest of The Post Here: https://authorelizabethupton.com/2024/08/27/sharing-high-praise-from-readers-and-editorial-reviewers-for-the-shaman

It would make a great Labor Day Weekend read!


CAT

Sharing a Special Treat Shared by Author Elizabeth Upton at Cat’s Book Library 4 Readers! Her Blog Is a Must-Visit. . .