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’…
Murders in the Lonely Graveyard Elizabeth Upton Independently Published (2024) ISBN: 979-8218546113 Reviewed by Terri Stepek for Reader Views (10/06/2025)
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.
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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.
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?
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 …
“READERS & REVIEWS of MEMOIRS ~ An Editorial 5-Star Awarded Book Review and More ‘High Praise’ on Amazon New Reviews” . . .
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.
“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.”
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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!
Welcome, Readers, Friends, and Visitors! Cat is excited you are here.
Are you a mom? If you’re a mom, you’ve come to the right place to find specials on books and Kindles!
Our award-winning authors are celebrating Mother’s Day with many ‘Catastic Books to Read’ that you can enjoy while you rest and relax. Treat yourself and have a relaxing time this Mother’s Day!
The Cat will list them below with book banners for each book, and the author is offering free Kindles, paperbacks, or Kindle special pricing for moms everywhere and for your reading pleasure. HERE WE GO! ~ CAT 😸📚💐🎈🎉
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New Kindle Book Series – By Cynthia Ulmer – Award-Winning Writer “Beyond Cedar Cove” Book 2 on Pre-Order Release Sale!
About The Two Book Series:
Cynthia Ulmer brings readers forward from her first book series, ‘The Cedar Cove Chronicles,’ which follows the Jansan family from the 1940s. It begins with Todd. Todd, a ten-year-old, and his family live on a tobacco farm in the small, rural community of Cedar Cove, North Carolina. Their closest neighbor is a cruel man who punishes his children by holding them over a well, threatening to drop them to their deaths. When this neighbor becomes more involved in their lives, the Jansans face things they never could have imagined.
In “The Cedar Cove Chronicles,” book one, Todd welcomes you into his family. You will travel back in time to the days of farm life, strong family ties, and one man’s unyielding cruelty, among other stories in books one through six. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3GRX4T3/ , , ,
Cynthia Ulmer presents her new book series, ‘Beyond Cedar Cove.‘ Be prepared to be captivated as the Jansan family and its new members and characters are tested with many unexpected twists and turns in the present day. Will the town of Cedar Cove find the strength to overcome the challenges that threaten to tear them apart, or will they succumb to the weight of their secrets? Read both to find out!
Let’s Celebrate Mother’s Day with Clara and Iris! I am offering moms everywhere a chance to read all three Kindle books in the mystery series at “Yard Sale Bargain Prices!
First, book one, titled “Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle,” Kindle will be FREE from May 9th through May 13th, 2024, from Amazon!
Book two, titled “Murder Among The Tombstones,” is now only .99 Cents on Amazon. AND? Book three, my brand new release, “The Root Of All Evil,” is only 2.99 on Amazon. Spend some time with Clara and Iris over Mother’s Day and enjoy some relaxing reading time.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! ~Kim Carter 💐📚🎉
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A romantic suspense historical fiction offered by multi-award-winning novelist A. Gavazzoni.
From Novelist Adriana Gavazzoni – Kindles on Sale
Acclaimed novelist Adriana Gavazzoni is excited to announce her latest novel series, “Where The Road Goes.” Books one and two are now available on Amazon Kindle for just $1.99 each through Mother’s Day. Don’t miss this chance to dive into a captivating story that will leave you wanting more.>> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J79KQ3S/
About the series: “Ninon is a survivor. Alone in the world, she works as an exotic dancer in a French cabaret called Le Passioné, where she moves her hips to put food on her plate until a new and dangerous opportunity is presented to her. Although Ninon has lost faith in love and God, life will show her surprises can be found around every corner.
France, the United States, Spain, Austria, and Argentina present the backdrops for an epic tale of people trying to adapt to a world in turmoil—one that’s filled with secrets and surprises…
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! ~A Gavazzoni 📚💐🎉
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PenCraft Award-Winner! Novelist Pavane Ravel Free Kindle Days!Readers will highly enjoy Book Two 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!https://www.amazon.com/Other-Shoes-Larry-Martin-Becoming-ebook/dp/B0BTWLDFH1/
From Ms. Pavane Ravel:
“Pavane, an award-winning writer, honors moms everywhere with free Kindle days to celebrate Mother’s Day with “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin,” book two”…
Do you enjoy reading realistic drama with romance, suspense, and social issues woven through intense fiction? You will want to download your copy to read! Free Kindle days begin May 9th and through May 12th, 2024, on Amazon, with book one Kindle for only .99 cents!
About Book 2: Larry Martin’s journey continues in The Other Shoes of Larry Martin. Follow his rise in progressive journalism amidst a backdrop of betrayal and danger. From homelessness to success, Larry Martin’s story will captivate readers! “
My way of celebrating with moms everywhere! ~Pavane Ravel 📚💐🎉
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Best-selling author Anthony Weathers Offers FREE Kindle Days: “Brace yourself for a captivating generational odyssey where a single event has the power to reshape destinies!”
From The Author:
Prepare to be captivated by this generational saga and gripping story, ‘Why Ruin Another Life,” where the consequences of one black woman’s choice reverberate through time. It is a poignant reminder of the ripple effects of abuse never spoken about to anyone…
‘Witness the gripping narrative unfolds as an unsuspecting Black woman ignites a chain reaction of profound consequences, forever altering the lives of her daughter, granddaughter, and all those caught in the tempestuous whirlwind. Prepare to be swept away by the thunderstorm of repercussions that echoes through generations, teaching valuable yet painfully expensive lessons along the way. . .
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! ~Anthony Weathers 📚💐🎉
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Award-winning author Debra Morgan Offers her books and Kindles for special pricing!
From Debra Morgan:
“In honor of all moms everywhere, I am now offering my two new Kindle books and softcovers on sale from Amazon through Mother’s Day. Both have been awarded 5-star editorial book reviews from Reader’s Favorite and Reader Views!
Follow the blitz HEREfor special content and a giveaway!
Author Candace Gish is a multi-award-winning anthologist with six published works and several #1 Amazon bestsellers.
Candace is an exceptional contributing writer and compiler of the series ‘Divas That Care Books,’ with three titles released in 2019 and 2020. She has also won awards for her two-book anthology series, ‘Divas That Care Collection,’ in 2022 and 2023.
Her latest book, ‘Podcast Journal,’ was released in 2024 and became a #1 bestseller on Amazon. All her books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Absolute Love Publishing Book Store.
Candace has hosted the podcast ‘Divas That Care’ on Blog Talk Radio for over 12 years. She is a motivator and an empowering change-maker who understands women’s challenges in their everyday lives and businesses. She is an advocate for mentorship and networking, and she believes in the power of supportive and creative collaborations. Her four beautiful daughters and her wonderful husband continue to inspire her to create a better world, leading her to begin the Divas That Care Network.
She enjoys connecting with goal-oriented women and is committed to making a difference. She believes that women can implement change by converging and working together. The ‘Divas That Care’ movement aims to quantify just that. Candace and her family reside in Canada.
The twin visions behind this anthology are inspiration and engagement. Read it to be inspired by other entrepreneurial women who share experiences that taught valuable business lessons and a successful mindset.
Discover how you can “pay it forward” by using your own business success to make positive changes in the world around you.
Let’s develop a community of committed women working together to make the world a better place for us and future generations.
That’s exactly what the seventeen young women in Young Divas That Care have done. Through personal struggles with family, bullying, depression, and life-threatening medical conditions and a desire to empower others, these young women combine their passions with volunteerism to make a difference in the world.
Today, they are impacting a variety of people across the globe—from young girls looking to enter the field of technology to the disabled people of Sri Lanka.
Just as these young women have overcome obstacles to help others, you will be inspired by their inspirational stories, poems, and essays to see the best in others and think big to become a changemaker.
“I loved reading all these stories of power and speaking from somewhere deep inside. This shows they have a power that comes from within. I don’t want to give anything away from these stories that need to be shared. The stories gave me good feelings and brightened my day! It shares hope.”
JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY is a compilation of short stories from women entrepreneurs, who have overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams. Read and be inspired by these amazing Divas as they share their personal stories of the good, bad, and the ugly, with a little helpful advice on the side.
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Follow the blitz HERE for special content and a giveaway!
"CAT'S BOOK LIBRARY 4 READERS" 