Watching the late afternoon sun reflect upon earth and sky brought back memories of a hymn I learned as a child. ‘The glory of the beauty which over and around us lies’ rang rhythm through my mind as I ran outside to capture the majesty of today and yesterday memories. I invite you to enjoy the lyrics and take time to visit the website at the end of this post to listen in (link at the end of the post) and share one of my childhood memories. ~ Bette A. Stevens, a writer inspired by nature and human nature
For the Beauty of the Earth
Hymn by by Folliot S. Pierpoint (Hymn Number 092, United Methodist Hymnal)
For the beauty of the earth,
For the beauty of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our grateful hymn of praise.
For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale, and tree and flower, Sun and moon and stars of light, Lord of all, to thee we raise This our grateful hymn of praise.
For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child, Friends on earth, and friends above, Pleasures pure and undefiled, Lord of all, to thee we raise This our grateful hymn of praise.
For each perfect gift of thine, To our race so freely given, Graces human and divine, Flowers of earth and buds of heaven, Lord of all, to thee we raise This our grateful hymn of praise.
For thy Church which evermore Lifteth holy hands above, Offering up on every shore Her pure sacrifice of love, Lord of all, to thee we raise This our grateful hymn of praise.
Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie is the author of Jaded, a dystopian novel, as well as Even in Death, a short story collection.
Hi, Kristy. It’s great to have you at 4writersandreaders today. I absolutely love the cover for Jaded and can’t wait to find out more about you and your books. The floor (post) is yours.
I’ve written poems, plays, and short stories since elementary school. I published Jaded, a YA Thriller in February 2014 and Even In Death: A Short Story Collection in August.
BOOK REVIEWS:
Jaded: “Jaded is a great dystopian because it’s totally different from what I expected. Gillespie really hits home with originality. (In a dystopian? I know. Ridiculous idea, but she does.) The eye colors, all of Samsara, the struggle to figure out her future: I loved all of it. The fine details about wines, the school kids, the struggle, it was great truly.” –Katie Cross
Even In Death: A Short Story Collection: “Even in Death” is an insightful and captivating collection. I found that once I started the first story, I couldn’t wait to see what kind of twist the next story would offer. Kristy brings life to her characters through dialogue that is realistic and energetic. I really enjoy how the author brings humor to an otherwise dark scene. I would recommend this short story collection to anyone who enjoys reading stories that offer hope, “even in death.” –Gary Caruso
Synopsis of Jaded
Jade has spent her entire life within the confines of the eye-color-obsessed Nirvana commune. She dreams of experiencing freedom but travel to the Outside is forbidden. Besides, she’s a dutiful daughter who never breaks the rules. As her seventeenth birthday approaches, however, she realizes just how little she wants to follow the commune rules. She doesn’t want to undergo another eye color surgery, or immediately choose a life partner, or follow her parents’ life paths of teaching or wine making. In fact, her green eyes suit her just fine, she’s never even been on a date, and she’s passionate about photography. And yet she’s resigned to do as she’s told because it’s easier for her to close her eyes and follow orders.
Her Grandmother Ruby’s murder is the catalyst that causes Jade to open her eyes wide for the first time in her life. She’s devastated yet determined to find the killer and their motive. With help from her mysterious friend Tyrian, and Peaches, the commune leader’s sweet daughter, Jade unearths dark secrets which include her mother’s illicit affair, her maternal grandparents’ escape from Nirvana, and a plethora of murders. To make matters worse, someone is hell bent on ending Jade’s mission for the truth, and that someone is most likely the killer.
Jade can’t continue conforming to an evil society and yet she fears the Outside is just as corrupt. If she resolves to flee and is caught, the punishment is banishment to the slave cabins…and blinding.
Synopsis of Even In Death: A Short Story Collection
Even In Death, a collection of ten short stories, explores the thin line between love and hate; extreme emotions even death cannot destroy. Julie wants nothing more than to receive a flower bouquet from the hometown veterinarian. However, in “A Flower Story,” flowers are delivered long after a person is alive to smell them. After purchasing their dream home, Sara and David feel truly blessed. Unfortunately, the couple soon discover they’ve inherited a wicked curse. In fact, in “What’s Really There,” the former residents’ spirits refuse to move on. In the title story, on the anniversary of his fiancé’s death, Mark realizes that he can see and communicate with spirits, including Amy’s. Can Mark and Amy’s love survive even in death? “A Flower Story,” “What’s Really There,” and “Even In Death,” as well as the other seven stories in the collection are rife with emotion that will linger well after the last page.
Why did you write Jaded?
During a six-week writing class one of the assignments was to write a six word memoir. I thought of colors and what they represent and I thought of my parents and their dispositions. My father is often sad, my mother is often happy, and I’m somewhere in-between, a true combination of the two. So I came up with: Blue Father, Yellow Mother, Green Daughter. Then I starting thinking about writing a dystopian novel (which is the opposite of a utopian society) since that is my favorite YA genre. I imagined a society based on color, specifically eye color & that’s how Jaded came about.
What is your favorite line from Jaded?
“Like most babies born in Nirvana, my natural eye color is brown. Not hot chocolate brown or buttered biscuit brown, but brown like the Crayola crayon stuck in the original crayon box.”
How about your favorite character?
I would have to say that Jade is my favorite character since she’s a lot like me!
What was the hardest part about writing your novel?
The hardest part about writing Jaded was making sure that it was long enough to be considered a novel. I’m a brief writer which is why short stories are so appealing.
What do you do besides write?
Besides writing, I enjoy traveling, blogging, and reading. I work full-time as a middle school counselor, and am working toward my School Library Media Degree.
What’s next for you, Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie?
Right now I’m working on Hunted, the sequel to Jaded, as well as Blinded, the prequel.
It’s been a pleasure to have you on 4writersandreaders, Kristy. And readers, be sure to get your copy of Jaded (I’ve got mine!) and check out Kristy’s author sites. ~ Bette A. Stevens
Hello, and welcome to the 4th day of my BETTER PARENTING, BETTER KIDS Blog Tour! I’m so happy to be here today with Bette Stevens as she is a favorite of mine from Rave Reviews Book Club, where she serves as one of our most supportive members! Thanks for having me, Bette! I’m excited to be here!
My tour this week has been designed to bring more, desperately needed attention to the plight of today’s children. We have children killing children. We have children raping, joining gangs and blowing up buildings, at an alarming rate. This is our wake-up call! This is the moment that we must all stand and band together and say, “OK, enough’s enough!” If we want to make a positive change in society, which will make a huge impact on our children, we, as adults need to be willing to engage in a discussion for this change. We, as adults, must not be afraid to speak on that, which is destroying our society as we have known it. We must make this growing epidemic of “poorly parented” children our top priority as we work to make it a thing of the past. WE MUST BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THIS WORLD.
Today I’m going to do something a little differently from my other stops. I am going to answer the TWO questions I get asked the most as a Parenting Expert and it is my wish that it gives you a bit more insight as to why this mission is my top mission. Here goes:
1. What made you want to write a book about guiding parents who are raising kids?
My daughters are both so very well-behaved, kind and manner-able, the epitome of (almost) perfect daughters, and I pray that a world left behind by me would be filled with more people just like them. The only way that this will ever happen, is for each of us, parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, adults in general, to band together and work from the same blueprint. Only then can we build a world free of hatred, jealousy, greed, selfishness and just plain ugly. So, although my reasons initially were very selfish for writing this guide, I look around and the majority of the poor behavior that we see adults exhibiting today, is probably because there was a lack of proper parenting when they were kids. So for that reason, I’m glad this book is out there now. And I have to say, it’s doing very well on its own merit. Hopefully, we can get even more attention to it if we all just care enough to spread the word about it. There are so many parenting guides on the market, but we needed one that was easy to understand and one that has been actually PROVEN to be extremely effective. THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS,” 100 Tips On Raising Daughters Everyone Can’t Help But Love! is that guide.
2. Do you have parents contacting you for advice?
Parents contact me for advice ALL the time. I am so honored when they do and I am very humbled when parents expect that their kids behave in a certain manner around me. That to me says that they respect my opinions, but I think it’s more of the fact that they see my children and the way they are and behave, and on some level, as I have been told by many parents, they wish their kids could be more like mine. This is a top of the line compliment for me and I thank GOD that he has put me in the position to where my influence and opinion matters to parents who want the best for their kids, and who want THE BEST kids. I can say from my deepest place, that I love all children and it warms my heart immensely when I see or hear of some child excelling and doing well. We all have a purpose for being here, and GOD made children my purpose.
* Side note: Parents have asked for a forum where they can ask questions directly and so I’d like to invite you all to my blog called “ASK THE MOMMY”where parents are able to direct questions and have them answered. Do take a look around there once you land!
Enjoy this EXCERPT from the book:
“So many times, when our daughters take the wrong path, we wonder…”What is wrong with HER? What is SHE doing wrong?” We fail to look inside at our own parenting skills where sometimes, the majority of the blame just might lie. Have you ever stopped to think, “What did I do wrong?” “What could I have done better?” and going a step further, “Where did I fail her?” So many Moms are busy focusing on themselves these days, when what they should really be focused on, are their kids…especially their daughters. I was blessed enough to be a stay/work-at-home Mom for both of my Angel Daughters. They never had to attend daycare, they were never latch-key kids, and I was always, always there for them. But, even if I had not been there, even if I had no choice but to go out and become a part of the workforce again, I would have still made them my top priority. It is my deepest belief that if we spend more time nurturing, focusing and guiding our children, and less time trying to amass material things which will never be a direct reflection of us as parents, we would have more daughters and sons who are (“Almost”) perfect.”
Do the world a favor and pick up your copy of “THE GOOD MOMMIE’S GUIDE TO RAISING ALMOST (PERFECT) DAUGHTERS.” If your kids are grown and gone, gift it to them for their kids. If you don’t have kids, gift it to the young mom next door or down the hall who could use the wisdom between the covers of this life-changing little book. And, if you’re just in the mood for a really good read, I can guarantee, this one is a joy! It has been said over and over again, that the tips inside the covers of this guide work just as well for sons.
Thanks so much for stopping by. LET’S CHANGE THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT AND MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE!
AUTHOR BIO:
Nonnie Jules is the mother of two beautifully kind daughters, who along with the help of her husband, have turned out to be two of the greatest assets to this world. THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS is her first published piece of work and two weeks after publication, it hit Amazon’s Top 100 list, where it reached the #7 mark. With all the violence which is being exhibited by some children today, it is her vision and goal to get THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE…into the hands of everyone who breathes around a child. She feels the only way we can make this happen, is if we are all working from a common blueprint. Ms. Jules strongly believes that every opportunity we are given with a child, should be a teaching one for us and a learning one for them.
So far, Nonnie has authored two other books: a novel which she released in November of 2013, entitled “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND” and “SUGARCOATIN’ IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN’ IS FOR KIDS!” where she shares her no-holds-barred style of teaching us all about support and social media. Her second parenting guide {THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO BULLY-PROOF KIDS} is due for release the beginning of January, 2015 and the sequel to her debut novel, DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, shortly after. (Both have been delayed due to her extensive workload with RRBC).
She is a fan of the well-written word, and so along with 3 partners, she started 4WillsPublishing Co. in November, 2013 to assist other writers in putting out their best work ever. By December, 2013, she had founded the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB where in less than a year, the membership has rapidly grown to well over 500. If you’re not a member yet, this is your personal invitation to JOIN US!
As you can see, she is an Author on the move and if you’re interested in keeping up with her, here is her contact info (and a good pair of running shoes would help as well):
A few flitting monarch butterflies and my favorite fall asters will soon dissipate into grand memories awaiting reincarnation.
As we expect this dawn of change, shimmering monarchs are heading south to aggregate in the warmth of southern groves. Meanwhile, I’m settling in for the evening with wood stove ablaze—I think I hear autumn’s tendrils softly tapping at the door. I close my to dream of butterflies and dancing blooms.
Although summer is coming to an all-too-soon close here in Central Maine, fall is sure to welcome us anew with its shimmering colors too.
Blessings to you at the close of one grand season and the opening of another! ~ Bette A. Stevens
September 21st, 2016 celebrates International Day of Peace and I’m sharing a post from my blog featuring M.C.V. Egan that I shared with readers two years ago. Egan’s novel is one of my favorites. Wishing you peace and love.
Meet M.C.V. Egan, the author of The Bridge of Deaths. You’ll discover fascinating facts about history in her page-turning novel. And today, you’ll learn more about Egan, who is an advocate for world peace. Egan’s Spotlight Tour for The Bridge of Deaths commemorates the anniversary of the crash of the G-AESY two weeks before Hitler invaded Poland:
In 1939 two weeks before Hitler invaded Poland and spun the world into war, a plane crashed in Denmark went almost unnoticed. The characters in The Bridge of Deaths explore it meticulously, guiding the reader through little known and well-known facts leading up to WWII as well as dissecting the crash, from plane to autopsies.
The Bridge of Deaths is a culmination of almost two decades of research using traditional and unusual sources.
From the Reviewers
“M.C.V. Egan twists truth and fiction until you question your own perceptions…it is a story of real love, triumph and search for self.” ~ Beckah Boyd @ The Truthful Tarot
“Casablanca with a touch of the modern.” ~ Daryl Davis author and lecturer Klan-Destine Relationships
“Unusual Yet Much Recommended” ~ Midwest Book Review
MEET THE AUTHOR
Hi, Catalina (a.k.a. M.C.V.). It’s a privilege to be part of your Spotlight Tour and a pleasure to have you with us today. I’m a big fan of yours and The Bridge of Deaths is a favorite of mine—history, mystery and romance. Before we get to your novel, tell us a little about yourself.
I would first like to thank you for inviting me to 4writers and Readers. I visit often and I am always so impressed by the quality of your posts that I am truly honored to be here. My Bio is easy to find in cyberspace so I wish to share a little something different about myself here. I write under my initials M.C.V. Egan which stand for Maria Catalina Vergara Egan; thought my name was such a mouthful and now I realize that with the fame and popularity of Sofia Vergara, it may have been an asset.
I am absolutely passionate about world peace—as a mother I would so very much like to believe that we can give future generations a better world.
I hope to infuse an awareness of PEACE in things I write; and to me, respecting the environment is a huge aspect to promote world peace, as is anti-bullying. Peace after all begins with each and every one of us.
Always chatty and fortunately can be so in four languages—Spanish, English, French and Swedish. I am a mom, a wife and a dog owner. I love life and try to enjoy every day to the fullest.
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your book?
In 1939 two weeks before Hitler invaded Poland and spun the world into war, a plane crashed in Denmark went almost unnoticed. The characters in The Bridge of Deaths explore it meticulously, guiding the reader through little known and well-known facts leading up to WWII as well as dissecting the crash, from plane to autopsies.
It is a culmination of nearly two decades of research using traditional and unusual sources.
Do you have a favorite line from The Bridge of Deaths?
“They made love like the Gods.”
I do not write Erotica and I have had several readers ask me Which Gods?
Who is your favorite character and why?
I have to choose MAGGIE and she is my favorite because she is the only main character who was born and formed entirely in my mind. I also love that she strives for world peace and believes in it. I like that she believes that KNOWLEDGE is the key to an awareness that might help us prevent future wars. I am a ‘wanna be pacifist’. I am not as brave as Maggie or as full of conviction, but I learned a lot from her. I also love her wild friends in my new epilogue.
Her name was originally going to be OLIVIA which I believe means ‘harbinger of peace’ but it just did not feel right for her age and Danish roots. Can you imagine my shock when I came across the fact that the real pilot’s wife was a Margaret? The name had to be Maggie!
Maggie was my favorite, too. Can’t wait to read the new epilogue and meet Maggie’s wild friends. What’s next for you?
By mid-October, I hope to release DEFINED BY OTHERS, the first in a series of entertaining socially conscious Chick lit. I hope to have the courage to become more involved in Pacifist movements and to be the best wife and mother I can be. So cliché but fulfilling to me!
I would again like to thank you for participating in this September event and welcoming me to your wonderful blog.
It’s been our pleasure, Catalina. I love The Bridge of Deaths and can hardly wait to delve into your soon-to-be-released chick lit.
Readers, don’t miss the video clip and read on to find out why M.C.V. Egan is celebrating. As for me, I can’t wait to get my Revised 75th copy of The Bridge of Deaths. ~ Bette A. Stevens
Can’t wait to get my Revised 75th Anniversary copy. ~~ Bette A. Stevens
About the Book
“M.C.V. Egan twists truth and fiction until you question your perceptions…it is a story of real love, triumph and search for self.”– Beckah Boyd @ The Truthful Tarot
5 out of 5 stars:“An unusual yet much recommended read.”– Midwest Book Review
On August 15th, 1939, an English passenger plane from British Airways Ltd. crashed in Danish waters between the towns of Nykøbing Falster and Vordingborg. There were five casualties reported and one survivor. Just two weeks before, Hitler invaded Poland.
With the world at the brink of war, how this incident was investigated left much open to doubt. The jurisdiction battle between the two towns and the newly formed Danish secret police created an atmosphere of intrigue and distrust.
The Bridge of Deaths is a love story and a mystery. Fictional characters travel through the world of past life regression and information acquired from psychics as well as archives and historical sources to solve “one of those mysteries that never get solved.” Based on true events and real people, The Bridge of Deaths is the culmination of 18 years of sifting through conventional and unconventional sources in Denmark, England, Mexico and the United States. The story finds a way to help the reader feel that s/he is also sifting through data and forming their own conclusions.
Cross The Bridge of Deaths into 1939, and dive into cold Danish waters to uncover the secrets of the G-AESY.
Get the revised 75th anniversary of The Bridge of Deaths on Amazon in ebook and paperback.
My dear friend Michelle has honored me with a Field of Flowers Award. I invite you to stop by Michelle’s blog http://michelleclementsjames.com/where you’ll find outstanding book reviews on Book Chats. Books for reading or gifting that you won’t want to miss!
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement, Michelle. Can’t wait to find out about your latest read.
THE FIELD OF FLOWERS AWARD
This is a fairly new award meant to show appreciation or say thank you or just to brighten someone’s day. You can read about it here or share the love and pass on your own field of flowers.
Rules :
Thank the blogger who nominated you
Place the award on your blog
Nominate 7 other bloggers and write a little something about why you would give these bloggers “A Field Of Flowers”
Let your nominees know that you nominated them
I would like to give a FIELD OF FLOWERS TO MY BLOGGING FRIENDS, Because…
I would like to give this award to all of my blogging friends because you are all so wonderful and have been so supportive of my blogging efforts. However, I am supposed to choose just seven (this is the really tough part) to nominate for this award. Here are seven of the many great blogs I follow to inspire you! ~ Bette A. Stevens
1) Serendipity. Marilyn Armstrong is the author of The 12-Foot Teepee and blogger extraordinaire. She always leaves me with a smile and posts and photos that I can’t wait to share.
2) http://cindyknoke.com/ Love to travel? Tour the globe with Cindy and find out all about her Homestead Holler too. Photos and posts will leave you wanting more!
“Shawn Daniels and his siblings shake off extreme poverty, hunger, a dilapidated homestead and a drunken father, to somehow embark upon an idyllic childhood. Bette Stevens has crafted a remarkable tale of hope and happiness in the face of despair.” ~ Charles Bray (author/editor/reviewer)
I invite you to sign up for my email updates for news on pre-release orders, specials, freebies and more at http://eepurl.com/t-7JP
Looking for adventure, romance and hope for the future?
AND THE MOUNTAINS ECHOED is the third novel I’ve read from author Khaled Hosseini. An epic novel transcends cultures as it takes the reader from Afghanistan to America with poignant tales of a family whose root are in the Middle East. Looking for adventure, romance and hope for the future? Khaled Hosseini doesn’t disappoint!~ Bette A. Stevens, author of award-winning picture book Amazing Matilda, The Tangram Zoo (hands-on learning and fun) and PURE TRASH, a boomer boy’s short story adventure and prequel to upcoming debut novel DOG BONE SOUP.
Welcome to 4writersandreaders
I’m a writer inspired by nature and human nature. You’ll find great books, authors, writing tips and more right here. I advocate for kids & families, childhood literacy and the protection of monarch butterflies and their habitat.Happy reading & writing!~Bette A. Stevens, Maine author
Watching the late afternoon sun reflect upon earth and sky brought back memories of a hymn I learned as a child. ‘The glory of the beauty which over and around us lies’ rang rhythm through my mind as I ran outside to capture the majesty of today and yesterday memories. I invite you to enjoy the lyrics and take time to visit the website at the end of this post to listen in (link at the end of the post) and share one of my childhood memories. ~ Bette A. Stevens, a writer inspired by nature and human nature
Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author 
Written
on 10/10/2014