Fantastic News For Our Author Elizabeth Upton and The Celebration of “Secrets of A Nun: My Own Story” Still Going Strong After 40 Years In Print!

Elizabeth Upton
Independently Published (2025)
ISBN:  979-8388248473

Official Website: https://authorelizabethupton.com/


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. 

“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’…

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Nun-My-Own-Story/dp/B0BZF76712/

A One-On-One Interview With Award-Winning Mystery, Suspense, & Thriller Novelist, Kim Carter.

“It may be a place that’s both beautiful and creepy, or it may be just something that a person says that triggers me,” she says. “I’ve been to the morgue, the medical examiner’s office, cemeteries in the middle of the night, just all kinds of places that inspire me.

Actor Woody Harrelson’s father, Charles Harrelson, and I became extraordinary pen pals when he was in a supermax (prison) in Florence, Colorado.” She also reaches out to people at the GBI, the Atlanta police department, and various homicide departments, which may inspire a new storyline.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:  FacebookTwitterInstagramGoodreadsAmazonYouTubeBlueSky,

Cat Announces Our Author Elizabeth Upton Has Been Awarded A New 5-Star Editorial Review For “Murders in the Lonely Graveyard” by Literary Titans Reader Views (dot)Com. . .















GENRES
Book Review Books Cozy Mystery Fiction Mystery/Thriller/Suspense Novella Romantic Suspense

“Murders in the Lonely Graveyard” by Elizabeth Upton


Murders in the Lonely Graveyard
Elizabeth Upton
Independently Published (2024)
ISBN: 979-8218546113
Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views (10/06/2025)


Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views
( https://readerviews.com/reviews/murders-in-the-lonely-graveyard-upton/ )

Murders in the Lonely Graveyard by Elizabeth Upton is not your average…anything. 
I want to call this flash fiction, but 124 pages fall into the short story or novella category more precisely.  But there are certainly similarities in the way Ms. Upton spins her tale.  Falling into the romantic suspense genre—sort of—Murders in the Lonely Graveyard reflects the sometimes-ironic nature of life as love blooms and grows in a derelict cemetery.

Let’s examine the suspected genre for a moment. There is certainly romance here, as Autumn comes to the graveyard with her elderly aunt for an annual graveside visit and finds herself trading business cards with a handsome man.  Bam!! insta-love at its finest. In fact, readers may begin to wonder if everyone in this tale is falling in love—even the dog. The cozy mystery also wants its place here as the man, Brien, stumbles moments later over two bodies and a squalling infant. 

But wait, there’s more! 

As Autumn and Brien strangely and quickly exchange business cards in the cemetery, then just moments later, as Brien (who we learn is a District Attorney), calls his sister to take custody of the infant at the crime scene without the knowledge of the police, we realize that farcical humor has earned a spot in the genre hierarchy.  This is reinforced as Autumn walks by the police chief in his car a few minutes later and admires his tall, good looks—something she had just done with her insta-love buddy Brien as they met and did their bizarre business card exchange.

Are you getting the idea here?  This novella is unique.  It flies by the seat of its pants at the speed of light, and the reader learns to hang on tight, go with the flow, and not take things too seriously. However, this doesn’t mean this short story doesn’t carry weight. Within these pages, Ms. Upton will provide you with a compelling mystery, miniature backstories of some key characters, budding romance, and all the clues you’ll need to solve this quirky puzzle. Dialogue-driven, every word moves the reader toward the satisfaction of the mysterious murders. 
I genuinely don’t know how she did it.

Murders in the Lonely Graveyard may be just your cup of tea if you prefer to read a book within one sitting. Readers who enjoy spoofs that can’t seem to take themselves seriously will also enjoy this madcap romance race.  Even traditional romantic suspense fans will find this unique piece worth a gander. However, given its speedster nature, it might be more appropriate to call it a romantic mystery since it could be argued that there is not enough time to build actual suspense.
 

Regardless of how one defines Elizabeth Upton’s Murders in the Lonely Graveyard, it is a love story born in a neglected cemetery that blooms with new life as love grows, symbolic of Autumn herself.


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

In celebrating her awarded 5-star editorial review, Elizabeth shares her ‘John Callahan’ series of Kindle books on sale for readers who enjoy romantic mystery suspense! All three Kindles are now $0.99 from Amazon and are available in print and audiobooks!
👇 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC4YP1Z7/



About The Series of John Callahan

John Callahan is a good man with a sinister past—and his past will not let him live in peace. Against the odds, he matures from a teenage Belfast street thug and an IRA killer to a happily married man and expectant father. Years later, just as he finds peace and serenity again as a monk in a rural Irish monastery, a vindictive superior banishes the handsome young priest to a derelict parish in New York City.

Father Callahan is forced back into dangerous filth, corruption, and crime. Can he remain a celibate priest, or will he abandon the life of faith for more sensual pleasures? Will he stay a good man or return to the dark criminal life he once knew so well?

Within each book of “The John Callahan Series,” Elizabeth Upton shares a gripping, thrilling, suspense-filled fictional story with lots of drama and intrigue. Books one through three are real page-turners for avid contemporary mystery readers.


HAPPY SPOOKTOBER READING!

New Release By Award-Winning Novelist ‘Pavane Ravel’ – Press Release & Editorial Book Review For “The Board Extraction” Book Three of ‘The Other Shoes of Larry Martin’. . .

“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. . .


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 at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F9V6J885.

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.

VISIT AUTHOR: WebsiteJoin Author’s NewsletterFacebookTwitterInstagramGoodreadsAmazonBlueSky,

Official Media Press Release: Novelist B. S. Daniels Releases His New Novel “Trail Of Fate: The Arduous Quest Western Adventure Series. . .



Step into the rugged world of the 1890s West in the debut novel, The Trail of Fate by B.S. Daniels.
Follow Reg, a man torn between his test of will in his quest for justice and the welfare of all he holds dear.
Will he find the cattle rustlers or lose everything he holds dear?
Will fate give him justice or despair?


Trail of Fate
Pages: 430
Buttercup Publishing (2024)
ISBN: 979-8218470081
https://www.amazon.com/Trail-Arduous-Western-Adventure-Novels-ebook/dp/B0DFVMRBZ9
~Novelist B. S. (Scott) Daniels


OFFICIAL MEDIA PRESS RELEASE ~ TRAIL OF FATE

Justice and Destiny Collide in B.S. Daniels’ Gritty Debut Western “Trail of Fate”

B.S. Daniels’ “Trail of Fate” kicks off The Arduous Quest series, reviving the classic Western genre for a new generation of readers.

This author should have been born 150 years ago. Daniels reflects the cowboy lifestyle in his choice of words and interaction.” — Amazon Reviewer

FORT LARAMIE, WY, UNITED STATES, October 14, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — As the Western genre experiences a resurgence in popularity, author B.S. Daniels steps into the literary arena with “Trail of Fate,” the first installment of his new series, The Arduous Quest. This novel blends classic Western action with philosophical underpinnings, offering readers a fresh take on a beloved genre.

Set against the rugged backdrop of the 1890s American West, “Trail of Fate” follows Reg, a man driven by an unyielding sense of honor on a quest for justice. As Reg navigates the unpredictable frontier in search of cattle rustlers, he faces a pivotal choice between his pursuit of justice and the safety of all he holds dear

Reflecting on his transition from bull riding to writing, B.S. Daniels states: “My experiences in the rodeo circuit taught me about grit, determination, and the unpredictable nature of life – themes that are central to ‘Trail of Fate.’ Through this series, I aim to capture the spirit of the Old West and share it with a new generation of readers.”

“Trail of Fate” stands out for its first-person narrative, providing an intimate view of the protagonist’s journey. The novel’s prologue sets a philosophical tone with poetic musings on fate, adding depth to the adventure that follows.

Early readers and critics have praised “Trail of Fate” for its authentic portrayal of the Old West and its compelling storyline:

• “… a riveting homage to the gritty and action-packed world of classic Westerns. From the very first page, Daniels immerses readers in the untamed landscapes and rugged lives that defined the Wild West, delivering a story that is as thrilling as it is evocative.
The timing is perfect as Westerns are making a comeback after a long lull. B. S. Daniels has crafted a story that is both a tribute to and a reinvention of Classic Westerns, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting series.
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or a newcomer to Westerns the Trail of Fate is a journey worth taking. – Carol Thompson for Reader’s Favorite

• “A gritty Western about an old-fashioned hero and his horse. You can tell by the author’s descriptions and prose that he is steeped in Western lore and the West itself… Besides entertaining sentences, his characters are well developed and his descriptions detailed.” – Sandra Cox, Amazon Reviewer

• “A great Western in the 1800s of Colorado ranching country. Daniels takes you on an imaginative, captivating ride that draws you in, with lots of colorful characters, and keeps you yearning for what’s coming next.” – William Kruse, Amazon Reviewer

Now available through major retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble,
“TRAIL OF FATE” (ASIN B0DFZ4J9RS) is positioned to appeal to new and long-time Western enthusiasts of the Wild West genre.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

B.S. Daniels is an American writer, novelist, and former professional bull rider from Gunnison, Colorado. He released his first book, “Trail of Fate,” in August 2024, which is the first installment of The Arduous Quest – Adventurous Western Novel Series. With over 40 years of experience as a successful business owner and creative entrepreneur, Daniels now turns his talents to writing, aiming to reignite the popularity of the old West and classic “Spaghetti Westerns” for a new generation of readers.

Bitten by the writing bug, Daniels plans to write and publish several novels in his Arduous Quest series following the release of “Trail of Fate.” When not crafting novels, he enjoys spending time with his cattle dog in the great outdoors while still working on entrepreneurial endeavors. Daniels has raised four wonderful children and now delights in spending time with his “little posse” of grandchildren, teaching them to appreciate the simple things in life. The author currently resides in Wyoming, USA.

For more about B.S. Daniels and his works, you can visit his official Amazon Author Page.
For more information or to request an interview or a review copy of the novel, please contact
Catherine Lyon, Publicist at lyonmedia@aol.com …


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.

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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.”


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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!


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HAPPY AUTUMN READING!