Peace begins with loving thoughts. Peace has the power to heal the minds and hearts of people worldwide. The enemy of peace is violence. War is the exterior manifestation of people’s attitudes and emotions. Change these and we can change the world. . .
~Elizabeth Upton Author
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In our constantly changing and evolving world, this is a time for prayers of peace. We can seek peace from within ourselves to soothe the fears and stress that come with the many changes happening like a new incoming president, as well as to support the hopeful ceasefire and the release of hostages in the agreement between Hamas, Palestinians, and Israel, the seemingly constant shootings, the New Orleans and Las Vegas explosions.
We may not be able to control these events; however, we can turn to prayer and peace to help our hearts and the hearts of others feel they are not alone. Supporting one another in unity is the essence of our humanity, capable of overcoming the struggles of war, alleviating our fears of the unknown, and revealing the love we share at our best.
May you find peace and hope by sharing this excerpt from my new book project, which will be my next non-fiction book release coming in the next few months. . .
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God’s Light in a Broken World: The Lighthouse of Hope
Book Project Excerpt:
“Peace begins with loving thoughts. Peace has the power to heal the minds and hearts of people throughout the world. The enemy of peace is violence. War is the exterior manifestation of people’s attitudes and emotions. Change these and we change the world.
Years ago, Costa Rica’s president, a former general, made the courageous decision to dissolve the country’s military because he believed in the power of peace. Since then Costa Rica has been blessed with a productive economy, with most of their resources directed toward education and preserving the rainforest. When I visited this beautiful country, its vibrant energy offered hope that all nations can live with hope and peace.
There have been many times in my life when I’ve had to confront anger in issues of social justice; the mistreatment of elders and helpless people. I’ve been upset about people’s disregard for our planet and the abuse of its creatures. What is good, right, and fair always burns inside me.
Particularly, when I was a nun, I learned that anger can serve as an engine when it’s directed toward positive social action. Anger is emotional energy and how we direct it is in our control. Every form of violence is anger out of control. Peace is not passivity. Peace is purposeful. Peace achieves more because it is reflection. It takes perseverance.
Anger is the master of deception. It hides behind social acceptability, justification, and rationalism.
Peace expands from your heart through the power of love. Peace is transformational. Peace affects everyone and everything. Only peace can dissolve anger. Negative feelings and attitudes are in your control to change. Choose peace. Choose joy. Choose goodwill and you will know what it is to live with grace”. . .
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A universal prayer for peace
“Master of Peace, Creator of all things. May it be thy will to put an end to war and bloodshed on earth, and to spread a great and wonderful peace over the whole world”
“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!
Releasing Soon & Will Be Available From Amazon In Kindle & Paperback TRAIL Of FATE by B. S. Daniels…
WELCOME Western Adventure Readers!
Cat has a short but sweet treat with sharing this great news for our newest novelist B. S. Daniels. Early book reviews are coming in! The Book Cover Reveal WIll be Coming Soon! So we wanted to share this review with readers! It is exciting for him to begin garnishing early reviews before his new book and novel series has even been released titled; TRAIL OF FATE…
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Some About Trail of Fate:
LATE 1800s – COLORADO FOOTHILLS
REG
“The air was crisp and cool, carrying a hint of sage and the constant feel of prairie dust. I slept as all men on horseback do, using their well-worn saddle as a pillow and the stars as trail companions. The morning light began to show in a cloudless blue sky.
The small fire I built helped keep the morning chill at bay, and the smell of wood smoke and fresh coffee was a pleasant aroma.
I had a hundred memories of times gone by sitting around a fire with a pot of hot coffee, enjoying the fire by myself or with companions. New or old timers, ones from just over the hill or miles away in this vast country, we all had a story to share.
The one thing we had in common was the stories. We kept a few to ourselves, but there were others we gladly shared. Coffee and a campfire were the best ways to gather information, or maybe just by listening to a tall tale that would be passed on for many years. It was the cowboy way to keep a person’s memory and legacy alive.”
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Early Editorial Book Review Reviewed by Readers’ Favorite
Trail of Fate, the first book in B. S. Daniels’ The Arduous Quest Western Adventure series, is 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 protagonist, Reg, is a man whose unyielding sense of honor drives him on a quest for justice. His journey is fraught with danger, and the narrative expertly balances moments of intense action with deeper, more reflective passages that add a layer of depth to the story. Daniels crafts a tale where every encounter and decision could lead to redemption or ruin, capturing the unpredictable nature of life on the frontier.
The prologue sets the tone with poetic musings on fate, questioning the forces that shape our paths. This philosophical undercurrent, which runs throughout the novel, adds depth and a thought-provoking element to the otherwise straightforward adventure.
Trail of Fate is written in the first person POV, which gives readers a more intimate view of the protagonist. B. S. Daniels cleverly weaves a tale with many interesting characters in a way that’s easy to follow who’s who. The timing is perfect, as Westerns have been experiencing a revival after a long lull.
B. S. Daniels has crafted a story that is both a tribute to and a reinvention of the Old West Westerns, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting series. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or a newcomer to Westerns, ”Trail of Fate’ is an adventurous journey worth taking. . .
************** “Wow, what an amazing early editorial book review! I want to congratulate B. S. on a fantastic job with the first book. Cat hopes that by sharing the review, readers will get excited about the upcoming release of the new novel.”
Have you met Candace Gish? She is this fabulous diva who wears many hats as an award-winning author, writer, compiler, podcast host, anthologist and so much more?
Here is what Candace shares about who she is & Cat will share more! 💞😺
“My name is Candace Gish, I’m a motivator and empowering change agent who understands the challenges women face while finding success in their everyday lives and businesses. I am an advocate for mentorship and strong, supportive networks.
My four daughters and wonderful husband have inspired me to create a better world, thus the Divas That Care Network was born. I enjoy connecting with goal-oriented women and a commitment to make a difference. I believe in the power of women converging to implement change and have ensured that the purpose of the Divas That Care movement quantifies just that.
I created the Divas That Care Network because I am the mother of four beautiful girls who look to me to model the hope and countless opportunities that lie in their futures. I recognize and salute the power that a true DIVA holds. A strong, informed, and empowered woman is a force to be reckoned with and admired”. . . ~Candace Gish
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.
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.
Young Women Think big and follow your passion!! 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.
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MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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.
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MORE AMAZING BOOKS By CANDACE GISH That Make Great Summer Reads & Gifts!
Now introducing “The Arduous Quest Western Adventure” Novel Series by author B. S. Daniels. Book One, titled “Trail of Fate,” is a knee-slapping captivating tribute to the action-packed adventures of the wild, wild west, and a must-read for fans and buffs of the old classic Westerns!
The Fantastic Intro To “Trail of Fate” ~ B. S. Daniels
Reg is a man of honor, but his quest for justice may result in bloodshed. Will the fate he faces prove to be a turning point in his life? Justice or despair? ******
From The Author: “This book isdedicated to all thosewho have crossed my path.In one way or another, they helpedcreate who and what I am today.” ~B. S. Daniels
“If there is no will,There is no way. If there is the will,There is always a way.“
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PROLOGUE
THE TRAIL OF FATE ******
The sun rises. Is it fate?
The moon rises. Is it fate?
The people we meet and the placeswhere we travel.
Is it fate?
All the many roads, twists, and turns, the peoplewho come and go in our lives.
Fate … What does it have in store for you?
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First Sneak Peek Of Trail of Fate~And so it begins!
LATE 1800s – COLORADO FOOTHILLS
REG
The air was crisp and cool, carrying a hint of sage and the constant feel of prairie dust. I slept as all men on horseback do, using their well-worn saddle as a pillow and the stars as trail companions. The morning light began to show in a cloudless blue sky.
The small fire I built helped keep the morning chill at bay, and the smell of wood smoke and fresh coffee was a pleasant aroma.
I had a hundred memories of times gone by sitting around a fire with a pot of hot coffee, enjoying the fire by myself or with companions. New or old timers, ones from just over the hill or miles away in this vast country, we all had a story to share.
The one thing we had in common was the stories. We kept a few to ourselves, but there were others we gladly shared. Coffee and a campfire were the best ways to gather information, or maybe just by listening to a tall tale that would be passed on for many years. It was the cowboy way to keep a person’s memory and legacy alive.
All my senses snapped into full alert when I heard the report of a gunshot in the distance. Another shot rang out as I strained to look through the early morning’s dim light. Instantly, I determined it was shots from two separate guns.
Every gun carried a specific tune; some were short and snappy, while others played a smoother ring. The shots split the air only seconds apart and rang from what seemed south of my location. I figured the shots echoed up from the valley floor below me, and with the sound traveling uphill, I estimated it to be about two miles down the adjacent draw.
The air and the surrounding area were now as ghostly quiet as a graveyard. I thought about why the shots had occurred. I was in the middle of no man’s land. . .
*****
WHO IS Novelist B. S. Daniels?
B. S. Daniels is an American writer, novelist, and former professional bull rider from Gunnison, CO.
Daniels will soon release his first book in The Arduous Quest – Adventurous Western Novel Series and aims to revive the popularity of the classic “Spaghetti Westerns” for a new generation of readers with “Trail of Fate,” which will be book one of the series and will be available in late summer 2024 from Amazon and Barnes and Noble and featured in various online magazines and book sites in paperback and Kindle formats.
Raised in Colorado, Daniels has been a successful business owner and creative entrepreneur for 40+ years. Now, bitten by the writing bug, he plans to write and publish several novels in his Arduous Quest series after the release of Trail of Fate. When Daniels is not writing, he enjoys spending time with his cattle dog in the great outdoors while still working on entrepreneurial endeavors.
He has raised four wonderful children and now delights in spending time with his “little posse” of grandkids, teaching them to appreciate the simple things in life. The author and novelist currently resides in Wyoming, USA.
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(Western Photos Courtesy of Freepic)
~ Now Another Special Sneak Peek Excerpt Read Of Trial of Fate ~ Enjoy! 🌵🐎🌵📚🤠
Just as the bounty hunters left town, the stagecoach filled with passengers and luggage rolled to a stop directly in front of the ladies. The make-shift station inside the café was the regular drop-off point in Two Forks.
A clean-cut gentleman stepped out of the coach, waving away the road dust, and greeted the proprietor.
“Hello, I would like to introduce myself, my dear lady. My name is Mr. Asher Lionel,” he said as he leaned on a black walking stick topped by a cut glass knob.
“My charges and I are passing through, and I hope to find a suitable establishment to settle in and rest our weary bones for a few days. Would you be kind enough to direct me and point out a fine eatery, as well?”
“Uncle, have we finally arrived after being delayed an extra day? And for a baby, no less!” said a young lady inside the coach. “I am parched and disheveled from riding in this awful conveyance.”
“That would be my niece, Jaida,” he said. “Well, then, alight and enjoy nature’s bounty.”
Mr. Asher put his hand forward to help Jaida out of the carriage. The teenage lass wore finery that suggested she was on her way to the debutant’s ball in New York City. She flapped her arms and flounced her dress, fussing over the dust on her delicate slipper shoes.
Jetta covered her mouth so the girl wouldn’t see her giggle while Sara poked her in the ribs.
“Oh, my goodness,” Sara whispered.
“Uncle, may I get out of this cage, also?” said a boy looking out of the side window of the coach. “I don’t want to miss watching a cowboy in a gunfight while stuck inside this box.”
“And that voice belongs to her younger brother and my nephew, Chase,” said the impeccable Mr. Asher.
And out of the carriage shot a young boy in a beige linen traveling suit smeared with sweat-dried dust around the collar and handprints on the trousers.
“Nephew, a bath for you before we dine!”
“Welcome to Two Forks,” Maggie said. “My goodness, the dust is thick today,” she continued, blaming her choking voice on the ever-present street dust. “Please step up onto the boardwalk and out of the street.”
“Street? You call this a street?” said Jaida in the most sarcastic tone. “This looks more like a back alley in the slums.”
“Jaida, your manners!”
Maggie stepped off the boardwalk to glance inside the coach to unload the baby, but no one seemed willing to help. Baby, what baby? I thought I heard her say they were delayed because of a baby.
Wanting to assure herself that it was empty, she glanced again and stepped away from the coach, wide-eyed but saying nothing.
She recognized the famous Mr. Scott sitting inside and thought it best to keep quiet until he revealed his presence.
* * * * * *
“Watch yourselves! This here stuff ain’t gonna unload its own self. Dern! Whacha totin’ in them bags, rocks? Look out under me,” said Bailey, Zeke’s newly hired driver, as luggage pieces rained down off the coach.
“Missy, you best get ya some boots for stompin’ here abouts. Ya getting’ me, ya heah me? Rattlers and such bite mitey hard.”
“My carpetbags are ruined!” Jaida moaned as she saw one had landed in a horse’s road apple.
Interrupting the grumbling, Maggie welcomed the newcomers again and invited them inside the café for a meal.
Sara served Zeke and Bailey a glass of lemonade before they scrambled out the door to hit the trail.
“Ready to giddyap, Zeke?” Bailey asked.
“I believe I am ready to leave these city slickers in our dust, Bailey,” replied Zeke with a shake of his head.
“Well, don’t leave me here with this bunch,” grumbled the unknown man from inside the coach, who obviously preferred to remain unidentified. “I will take my chances to unload elsewhere if you don’t mind.”
“Hiya, you girls! Giddyap, there!” Bailey called to the team.
Sara stood in the corner, gaping at the three sitting in the dining room. She had never witnessed people act like this anywhere, especially in Two Forks.
Gazing through the oversized café windows, Jaida’smouth worked like a guppy gasping for air as she watched Bailey’s hat fly off her head, landing on her shoulders. Luckily, Bailey wore a rawhide tie on her hat, or she would have lost it in her rush to get the team away from the depot.
“Why, Uncle, that was a girl who drove our stagecoach. How utterly uncivilized,” remarked Jaida.
“What? A girl! Now this I gotta see,” echoed Chase, knowing if this were true, he would have the first of many stories to tell his friends when they returned home.
“Looks like the town could have some excitement coming our way in the near future,” Maggie said, nodding her head with a spring in her step.
No sooner were those words out of Maggie’s mouth than Jaida became even more astonished.
“Here comes some sort of wagon with another girl driving it. Surely you DO NOT expect me to learn the ways of the dust-eating, uneducated, backwoods mountain girls while we are staying here?” she yelped while Maggie’s customers stared in awe.
Maggie looked out the window and said, “Oh, look. It’s Nancy back with the girls, and she let Caty drive. I wonder if they have any news from the ranch?”
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CAT knows that for all my readers who enjoy reading Western action and adventures with splashes of Western humor, you will want to read B. S. Daniels’ new novel “Trail of Fate” and “The Arduous Quest” series! The Cat had heard a rumor that he was hard at work writing book two of the series.
I hope you enjoyed meeting B. S. and the sneak peek excerpts. Book one will be released sometime next month. So Y’all come back as I will be sharing a cover reveal and more! 📚🌵🤠🐎 🪢🌵
"CAT'S BOOK LIBRARY 4 READERS" 