Reviewed by Heather Curran for Reader Views (11/08/2025)
“Growing up in southern Germany, I frequently saw nuns when my family and I visited local churches and cathedrals. In my trips to Rome, when I toured the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, nuns were likewise admiring the artwork or praying. Each time I noticed them, I was impressed by their selfless austerity and commitment to service. Elizabeth Upton’s book Secrets of a Nun: My Own Story both echoed my original perceptions while giving me a glimpse into a very nuanced life.
Secrets of a Nun spans the decades Upton lived and served as a nun. From an early age, she was called into service, entering the convent before her twenties. During her time in the ministry, she worked within different localities, striving to improve the quality of life while combating societal and political ills.
Secrets of a Nun humanizes women called into service. In poignant scenes, Upton narrates her experiences at university alongside other nuns. As they spent time together, they recognized their value and significance as intelligent, educated women. Too often, unfair stereotypes are identified and then dismissed; it’s easy to pigeonhole women in religious orders and service as emotionless, one-dimensional, and almost unfeeling. Upton turns that notion on its head and gives the reader a private, intimate understanding of the emotional and intellectual complexity that characterizes her and her religious sisters.
Upton’s beautiful writing leads the reader through her experiences. Conversations leap from the page and show the difficulties that Upton navigated as she entered neighborhoods that, at times, resented her presence. With care and an observant eye, she recognizes the politics within any religious organization and how, sadly, these political wranglings can negatively affect even the most devout and compassionate groups.
Elizabeth Upton’s Secrets of a Nun will appeal to memoir readers who want to learn about complex subjects and people undergoing a psychological and personal journey. Upton’s book is reminiscent of Memoirs of a Geisha in how it explores a woman’s emotional and intellectual growth within a society that frequently tries to diminish her, as it shares her powerful, intimate story of faith, identity, and resilience, revealing the emotional depth behind a life of devotion and quiet rebellion.
I highly recommend this book to all young women…
“Secrets Of A Nun: My Own Story” Is Available From Amazon
“Secrets of a Nun is a revealing, uncompromisingly honest, and deeply moving look into one woman’s soul. Now Celebrating 2025, the 40th Anniversary of this publication ‘Secrets of a Nun’…
“Love all mysteries by Kim Carter! The characters are well developed. Iris and Clara become more fun and outspoken with each book. Really enjoy the Clara and Iris relationship. The mysteries are full of twists and turns to keep you intrigued to the very end. Can’t wait for the next case for Clara and Iris!”
THE WAIT IS OVER!
For Immediate Release:
The author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.
Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Fiction – Mystery – Murder book “Time Did Not Forget” by Kim Carter, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FX3DF82C.
Readers’ Favorite is one of the most extensive book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins. They have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
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“Reviewed By Alma Boucher for Readers’ Favorite
Time Did Not Forget by Kim Carter is the fourth book in the Clara and Iris Mystery series. Widows Clara Samples and Iris Hadley, both in their mid-seventies, are private investigators based in Atlanta, Georgia. Their latest case takes them to Biloxi, where they agree to help their friend Charnell find her long-lost nephew, Cobie, who was kidnapped years earlier from a daycare playground. Despite the ransom being paid, Cobie was never returned, and the kidnapper vanished without a trace.
The case had gone cold, and no investigator wanted to reopen it. When Charnell takes an ancestry test that reveals she has a living nephew, she becomes convinced that Cobie is still alive. Not long after, Clara and Iris receive a mysterious newspaper clipping about a house fire in Fairburn, Ohio, from fourteen years ago, in which a local couple perished. Could this long-forgotten tragedy be tied to Cobie’s kidnapping all those years ago?
Time Did Not Forget by Kim Carter is a complex and captivating mystery that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The story moves at a rapid pace and is packed with action and unexpected twists that make it impossible to put down. The engaging writing style drew me deep into the investigation, leaving me constantly wondering what would happen next. Several plotlines seamlessly merged without detracting from each other.
The characters were realistic and relatable. I enjoyed Clara and Iris’s banter during their investigation, but Iris was my favorite character. Iris was frank and expressed her opinions, regardless of their appropriateness. The book was excellently written, and the events were so descriptive that I could not turn the pages fast enough.”
You can learn more about Kim Carter and “Time Did Not Forget” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/time-did-not-forget where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their social media pages.
Readers’ Favorite LLC Media Relations Louisville, KY 40202
About Book Three – ‘The Board Extraction’ – ‘The Other Shoes of Larry Martin’ Series of Novels.
“Larry Martin lives two very different lives, in two different worlds. In Book Three, his personal journey continues in what is now a 2023 PenCraft Book Award First Runner Up winner of ‘Realistic Dramatic Fiction.’ Additionally, Book Three: The Board Extraction was awarded a 2023 5-Star Book Review by Reader’s Favorite and by K.C. Finn.”
As 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 is 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 a nonstop series of events. And through it all, Larry remains highly tactical, metaphysical, calm, kind, and immensely brilliant. . .
About “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin” Award-Winning Series of Novels
******* Emerging Writer and Award-Winning Author Pavane Ravel tells a gripping and unforgettable story in this novel series, which reminds us of the gravity of each decision we make in life. This is a story of self-examination and growth. It is relevant for readers of all political beliefs and backgrounds.
“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 begins 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. During Larry’s turbulent fight for survival, he comes to the conclusion that he must undergo a drastic transformation to find peace and personal success. He resolves to make significant changes and become a completely different person.
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. With Larry 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, despite all his good fortune, this kind, talented, and giving young man is soon to face insidious lies, outrageous betrayal, and horrific danger…
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For immediate release: The author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome!
Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Fiction – Drama book “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin: Book Three: The Board Extraction” by Pavane Ravel, currently available athttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F9V6J885.
Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper-Collins and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
“The Board Extraction” is a work of fiction that falls within the political suspense drama, slice-of-life, and sociocultural writing subgenres. It is the third installment of the ongoing saga titled “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin,” which chronicles his life and personal journey.
The work is best suited for adult readers with its complex themes, and was penned by author Pavane Ravel. The author continues to deliver a thought-provoking and immersive narrative centered around the formerly indoctrinated Larry and his new liberal ethos in life. As the narrative unfolds, Larry Martin’s character evolves, and he grapples with the consequences of his decisions. The story goes beyond mere entertainment as it delves into self-examination, personal growth, and the weight of one’s choices. Author Pavane Ravel’s writing is adroitly beautiful, blending political and social issues with drama and romance together seamlessly into Larry’s ongoing life journey to find himself.
I was thrilled to be back in his world and see what happened next in his interpersonal relationships. This multifaceted installment offers new elements of romance, humor, and drama that play out in perfect balance against the more topical issues of political and business power plays. Larry’s unexpected detour into modeling was one of my favorite sections, as it’s always so relatable to see him be such a fish out of water.
What struck me most was how much this series resonates with readers from diverse backgrounds and beliefs because it’s Larry’s open-mindedness and sense of discovery that bonds us to his cause. It’s a reminder that our decisions, big or small, carry consequences and shape our paths, and the information we build those decisions on is never foolproof.
Overall, readers seeking a resonant series that encourages introspection and contemplation about our own choices need look no further than The Other Shoes of Larry Martin for everything they need. I’d particularly recommend The Board Extraction for a unique blend of entertainment and reflection, which offers valuable insights into life’s complexities.“
You can learn more about Pavane Ravel and “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin: Book Three: The Board Extraction” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-other-shoes-of-larry-martin/2, where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
Readers’ Favorite LLC PR Media Relations Louisville, KY 40202
Pavane has a great sense of humor and loves to engage and connect with readers. While the author resides and divides her time between Manhattan, NY, and Georgia. She welcomes readers’ thoughts and comments through her website and by connecting on social media.
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.
Breaking The Silence Confronting Guilt and Shame… by Debra Morgan Genre: Wellness, Chronic Pain, Self-Help March 14th and 15th
“Breaking The Silence Receives A 5-Star Editorial Book Review Awarded By Reader’s Favorite 2024!”
Deb Morgan, the author of the Amazon best-selling memoir “Graceful Agony: An Intimate Memoir of Living with Fibro & Chronic Fatigue,” has published a new book titled “Breaking The Silence: Confronting Guilt and Shame in the Chronic Pain World” for readers who suffer from chronic pain, and loved ones.
According to the ‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,’ as of 2021, approximately 20.9% of U.S. adults (51.6 million people) experienced chronic pain, and 6.9% (17.1 million people) experienced high-impact chronic pain. Along with the diagnosis of chronic pain, which is beyond one’s control, it can induce feelings of shame and guilt that most times come from stigma.
‘Breaking The Silence’ is an exceptional and easy-to-read guidebook that offers various tools and techniques to help those diagnosed with chronic pain or any chronic illness that involves pain as a symptom. Reading this book can help one navigate through chronic pain and overcome feelings of shame and guilt. It also facilitates open communication between chronic pain sufferers, their families, and friends.
“The author emphasizes throughout this book that “No one should face suffering in silence.”
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***Order*** **The Kindle for Only .99cents 3/14 & 3/15 2024 *Paperback is on sale for only $5.75!**
Debra Morgan is a celebrated author and advocate who writes about addiction recovery, fibromyalgia, mental health, and high-impact chronic pain. Her latest books include “Graceful Agony,” a bestseller on Amazon, and “Breaking the Silence,” aimed at those with chronic pain. Debra draws on her personal experiences to provide support and hope to her readers. All her books are available on Amazon Kindle and B&N and featured on fine literary sites.
For Deb, it was not about being a survivor but learning to thrive again while easing the path for others facing their fibro challenges. The author was born and raised in Colorado and lived in Arizona until 2012, when she moved to Oregon. Meanwhile, missing her grown children and grandchildren, she moved back to Arizona in 2021. She has been featured as a guest on many podcasts and radio shows, sharing her recovery journey while raising awareness about addiction. She has maintained sobriety since 1993.
With her diagnosis of Fibro in 2005 and other medical conditions, she is committed to her recovery of healing while helping others do the same as a tireless advocate and a woman who has come out the other side of addictions, trauma, and much more as a “Survivor and Warrior.” Today, Deb is focused on writing and sharing her experiences with Fibro and chronic fatigue/pain; as heart-tugging as the downside can be, it is one of pure perseverance.
The author has been happily married to her soulmate and is a mother of two grown, successful children. She enjoys reading, painting, and traveling when not advocating, speaking, or writing. Her “#1 happy place” is spending time with all the grandchildren she adores. Deb and her husband continue to reside in Chandler, Arizona.
Breaking The Silence by Deborah Morgan is aptly sub-titled Confronting Guilt and Shame in The Chronic Pain World. Deb, who has written her memoir about living with chronic pain, identifies that many chronic pain sufferers deal with a large amount of shame and guilt due to childhood experiences and the way society at large and family view and treat those who suffer from chronic pain. She provides thought-through techniques and advice to overcome these feelings and live a successful and fulfilling life.
Being a chronic pain sufferer herself, Deb shows insight and understanding of the difficulties faced by sufferers, be it how to cope with the emotions and feelings that can lead to isolation or how to deal with family members who minimize or negate their condition. The aim of this book is to set chronic pain sufferers free from guilt and shame and cultivate open and honest communication between those affected.
Deborah Morgan has written an easy-to-read book concerning chronic pain and how to break through the silence and stigma that chronic pain sufferers face. She has first-hand experience with the topics she addresses and the tips and advice she provides. The book is written in clear and accessible language, and repetition is helpful, especially as many who suffer from chronic pain also have difficulty concentrating.
I found the chapter about the psychology behind dismissal very helpful as I am a fibromyalgia sufferer and have had much trouble understanding the way that others reacted and still react to my diagnosis. This book can be of use to any sufferer of chronic pain as well as those who want to understand their loved one who is in constant pain.
Breaking The Silence: Confronting Guilt and Shame in The Chronic Pain World does what the title implies. It helps you learn how to love yourself and communicate your feelings to those who need to understand what a pain sufferer endures to become more supportive in a healing way. Highly recommend!
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"CAT'S BOOK LIBRARY 4 READERS" 