Wordcraft: December 2011

12/20/2011

Arkansas author honored for work

Southern Winds A' Changing, a novel, has received good reviews. The novel received the iUniverse's Editor's Choice award in 2013. It sports a new jacket cover in both hard and softcovers.
Follow Me: The Life and Adventures of a Military Family, a memoir, received an honorable mention award at the Military Writers Society of America convention in 2012. The organization honored me Author of the Month in their Dec. 2011 Dispatches publication.
MWSA Dispatches reviewer Charlene Rubush recommends "Follow Me: ... She wrote: "Her story will resonate with many who have lived a life in the military ... It is a testament to the bravery and courage of the distaff side of military life, and a validation of their many sacrifices."
Latest book, Musings, Mutterings, and Aw Shucks, is a collection of short stories.
The National Assn. of Professional Women's featured "Woman of the Year (2010-2011).
My books are available from iUniverse.com, Amazon.com, and Barnesnoble.com, That Bookstore in Blytheville, Trolley Line Books in Rogers, AR, and from me, hteb963@suddenlink.net.

Book Reviews / Follow Me and Southern Winds A' Changing

By Beth Schmidt

I enjoyed your book about the South and tenant farming. I grew up in a middle class suburb of Chicago. My life was so different from your characters. Also, Follow Me, I am enjoying that also.

By Patsy Pipkin

... I enjoyed your book, Southern Winds A' Changing. ... a wonderful read. I can see it as a film! It's as good as Gone With the Wind!

BY Jim Umphrey

Enjoyed following you two--and your four kids--during your Army careers. Reading Follow Me was a joy... Your adventures triggered memories of our adventure with dachshunds. Thank you for sharing your rich and wonderful life!

By Lois Jean Russell

My sisters and I couldn't put the book down. One sister was impressed with your writing.

By Karis Alderson

Sleep should occur at this early hour, but completing Follow Me was/is much more exciting! I just completed the last page and thinking, "Wow! What a story."

By Christine Henderson

Your book touched me. I was an Air Force Brat. Your life parelleled my mother's. Your adventures as young military wives raising families are so similar. I am passing your book on to her. ... she will get pleasure from it, and bask in shared recollections as one of many wives who 'suffered' the trials of a military not prepared to handle families.

By Kathy Nicely

Our book club, the Chocolate Chicks, read and discussed Southern Winds.... Favorite parts were the universal subject matter about a painful history which continues to haunt us. We loved the main character, a strong woman who never veered from her convictions and endured disapproval from her children, the community and church. The Epilogue was a favorite part, beautifully written and very moving. Dro was a favorite character for all of us. We enjoyed the focus on characters and their lives, and wanted more of that. We all agreed the time frame was distracting. A new chapter suddenly left us realizing that so much time had passed. Favorite parts were characters talking to each other as their lives unfolded. An example is pages 193-194--Allise talks to Dro from her heart about her feelings.

By Linda Lou

Although Southern Winds ... isn't a book I normally read, when it was discussed by friends I decided to purchase it. I was more than pleasantly surprised. It is well researched, well written and definitely holds interest. It is a ... timely novel and lends ... understanding and insight to many of our current problems.

By Bob McClesky

Foster did a masterful job of writing totally believable characters and plot. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about a time and era with which I am familiar.

Excellent Book, August 24, 2008

By Boyce Buckner

One of the best books I've read. Story accurately follows our history from the 30's to 70's, while telling a gripping story of two families dealing with racial prejudice in Arkansas. The novel grabs you from the start, and you don't want to put it down--highly recommended.

Great Book!, July 23, 2008
By A. B. (Arkansas)

This book is true to the history of racial tension over a 40 year period in a small town in the South. The characters are well developed and the story is compelling. I felt I knew these people and couldn't wait to see what happened next. A great book!

Great Read, July 16, 2008
By Barbara D. Chaplik, Grand Junction, CO

Southern Winds A' Changing A timely book, scholarly research on '50s & '60s Civil Rights activities; factual, gives background--even a Yankee can transport herself to the South; gentle understanding yet critical eye to southern segregation. Foster is talented at presenting social issues clothed in an interesting and entertaining novel. Excellent character development, a thoroughly enjoyable novel. I'm ordering two more copies for gifts.