FULL CIRCLE / Patch Dimple and the Purple Heart (c) 2006 (Book) - 4/11/2007 4:52:15 PM
Full Circle is a book about many things.
It is a love story; about the blossoming love between a man and a woman, the unconditional love between a mother and her son, and a young boy's hero-worship of the father he barely knew. It is a ghost story; dealing with the hard truths of the Vietnam War, and the men who sacrificed their lives, their emotional and physical well being, and sometimes, even their very souls. Though the subject matter was not always easy to read, Ms. Rapier is to be commended for writing this story with the honesty, grace and dignity it deserves.
Jean Pike
Whisper My Name in The House on Talbert Street (Book) - 9/30/2004 1:40:49 PM
Whisper My Name on Talbert Street
PublishAmerica
ISBN 1-4137-39474
Get ready for a combination rollercoaster, water slide and Tilt-a-Whirl with emotions. Joyce Rapier has switched gears three hundred sixty degrees from Windy John and her collection of mountain stories.
Whisper My Name on Talbert Street is a saucy, sexy little number in which slick, grainy Detective Say Hey Taylor of the 1930's Chicago Police Department winds the reader along a trail of murders that all have one thing in common: a small-town innocent named Sam Willis.
When it is discovered that the first victim is a brutally murdered
transvestite, the reader might conclude the story was about to take a dip into bondage and sado-masochism. But Rapier takes a sharp right with another murder. Author Rapier has dropped clues on every page, in every paragraph, leading her readers seemingly down the same path Hansel and Gretel took to the witches house. And we all remember what almost happened to them! Even something as simple as the electricity working in a house where it hadn't twenty four hours before is something the reader should pack away for further review.
Sam Willis, as Taylor reports, was raised by a devoted aunt after the girl's parents were murdered. Simple enough. But then the questions like popcorn in a bag in the microwave. Ratatat-tat. Taylor and his ever-present sidekick, Calvin Glass of the Tribune try to find the answers before the bag explodes. Why did the first victim have a picture of Sam in his/her wallet? Why, at each murder scene, does the scent of gardenias appear? What do the residents
of Vernon Banks boarding house have in common with the murder victims? Why does old man Banks still hold title to the first house owned by his late wife and him? Does his half-brother have anything to do with the murders? And how did Banks dead wife's jewels end up in the possession of another of Sam Willis' aunts? Rapier answers all those questions with a generous portion of suspense, a smidge of the netherworld, a dash of sex, and as always a dash of wit that
has become Rapier's trademark. Once again Joyce Rapier has given her readers what they crave: a good, sexy, humorous read.
Sue Curran, author of Blood Dreams and White Lies
Whisper My Name in The House on Talbert Street (Book) - 8/7/2003 8:22:08 AM
Joyce, my my, I agree with trina, get the ice bag. Good luck on your new book
Whisper My Name in The House on Talbert Street (Book) - 8/5/2003 10:16:00 AM
Okay, let me get some ice water first, whew. Sounds interesting and very provocative. I believe this book will sell millions!
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 7/17/2003 2:19:10 PM
Who says lightning doesn't strike twice? This sequel promises to be every bit as good as the first Windy John's book. Eveyone should read Ms. Rapier's wonderful works. It is not often that a book can make you cry as well as laugh, but these do. Four thumbs up!
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 6/15/2003 9:39:47 PM
Joyce Rapier-you are a delight. Your book on Windy John is the slices of laughter and Americana that we need in our troubled world today. As we see families drifting apart and nations at war how we need more writers like you with your wit and way of painting with words. As a writer you have inspired me. Your short story of your beloved grandson Beau touched my family deeply and made an impact.I emjoyed your poetry and songs. Such a multi-facted writer you are shining on a world that needs your brightness. Can't wait for my copy of Rainbow and The Pot of Gold. When will it be out for so many of us to read and enjoy. A fan who is keeping up with you and cheering your sucess, Barbara Rogers
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 6/12/2003 7:12:18 AM
Thank you Harry and Quimby for your honest opinion of my book. I am certainly not thin skinned and enjoy reading the barbs from other authors or wantabees. It doesn't shake my enthusiam for writing nor will your reviews make lose any sleep. I found it quite amusing in the fact that you read the above excerpt. Now aren't you glad you didn't purchase the book? Tsk, Tsk, hope you enjoyed the sour grapes you had for breakfast cause you just made other people want to read my book. Thanks!
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 6/11/2003 10:26:51 AM
Jiminy Cricket. Based solely on this excerpt, which one hopes would be the author's best (given that she chose to present it to us for consideration), I'd sooner amputate my fingers at the knuckles than turn the page.
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 6/11/2003 9:17:12 AM
I thought it wasn't very good. The author's prose is highly convoluted when it isn't downright bad. Someone needs a serious copyedit before going out into the world. The premise was trite, but trite sells well these days, I suppose. I can't imagine, though, that this book sold well at all.
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 5/31/2003 7:52:52 PM
Loved it. Took me back to my childhood. My mother and I made lots of quilts and I still sleep under one. Best wishes for a huge success and Please tell us more.
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 4/29/2003 5:30:57 AM
Suddenly I was transposed to a country world where life was easier and time stood still. I though of my granny's farm in Ireland, where we had no electricity, gas or running water but so much fun. Reminiscent of Twain's journey's.
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 4/28/2003 5:39:39 PM
Oops! I left a review at Amazon.com after I read this fabulous BOOK but forgot to leave one here...everyone buy a copy...you will fall in love with these stories Joyce listened to and so brilliantly recorded in this earthy, darkly humorous book...I even read some of the stories out loud to the family as we were driving along...TWO THUMBS UP!
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 4/28/2003 5:18:35 PM
There is a lyricism to your prose that quickens the senses, immersing the reader in a bubbling stew of impressions. I emerge wanting more.
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 4/27/2003 5:16:32 PM
Reminded me of my young childhood in Marion County, Arkansas. Feather beds and homemade quilts were the standard. My grandmother had a quilting frame suspended from the ceiling of the living room. Good luck with your book ----John
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 4/27/2003 4:28:40 PM
I love your descriptions -- I closed my eyes and felt like I was in that old feather bed, getting a whiff of that ol' polecat outside. I remember those nights, those warm nights, and the cool air kissing the orange trees -- I was raised in California and we always slept with the windows open because there wasn't any air-conditioning back then. I wish you all the best with this book.
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 4/27/2003 3:59:47 PM
Hmm…Grandma’s house, I'll never forget it. There was so much adventure in her back yard. It was there that I was anyone from a Knight on a quest to rid the kingdom of strange creatures, to Buck Rogers saving the galaxy from merciless invaders. You have such magical reflections Joyce…magically magical indeed.
Tim Johnson
Author of Twisted Oak: Eyes of Discernment
Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot of Gold (Book) - 4/27/2003 3:43:22 PM
Anyone who has known the love and warmth of a handmade quilt or a visit to Gramma's house should feel right a home. And anyone who has experienced skunk can't help but be transported into the meley of this nocturnal, odiferous visitation. I can't wait to find out what happens next. Tell me more, Joyce!
Windy John's me 'n tut (Book) - 1/31/2003 12:41:13 PM
I love books that pull you into the past. I fell in love with the boys and all their antics. The characters come alive and before you know it, you're sitting beside them having tea. A great story for all age groups.
Windy John's me 'n tut (Book) - 1/30/2003 7:56:25 PM
In the waning years in the life of the author’s father, he would tell her stories of his recollections from his childhood and younger days. She would listen avidly and write them down, promising herself that these wonderful stories would live on. This book is the result of that endeavor. It is a very well written collection on anecdotal remembrances told with rich country dialog, wit, and wisdom. The hilarious antics will make you laugh and soon you find yourself yearning for more. This is a terrific book for anyone, especially those who remember, and long for, simpler times. Mrs. Rapier has captured the spirit of the man, and the times. You can almost feel as though you were sitting there talking to Windy in person. Two thumbs up!
Windy John's me 'n tut (Book) - 12/12/2002 6:35:29 PM
I read and read and felt so let down when there was no more here to read! The sounds wonderful and the added tribute to your Dad is wonderful. Not often we get to read a wonderful collection so packed full of love!
Windy John's me 'n tut (Book) - 11/30/2002 8:13:03 PM
What a great title! This book appears to immortalize a father's memories. Great job indeed! What a treat to visit 'Old America' through the eyes of one who really lived it!
Windy John's me 'n tut (Book) - 11/13/2002 9:15:47 PM
Joyce, having been raised in Northwest Arkansas, I felt nostalgia and laughter for the above words. I look forward to reading it in its entirety. Wonderful!
Windy John's me 'n tut (Book) - 9/10/2002 10:11:33 AM
Joyce, I thought the book was wonderful. One of the few books I actually got to enjoy reading in the past several years.
Windy John's me 'n tut (Book) - 6/20/2002 1:53:50 PM
I love this kind of story...homespun, warm, engaging, well-told...this is what good writing is all about! Good luck, Joyce!
Larry
Windy John's me 'n tut (Book) - 6/10/2002 8:33:59 AM
The title itself makes one want to investigate this book. Good going!
MEMORY LANE (Short Story) - 3/15/2008 6:06:15 AM
Hello Karen and Charlie!
I haven't been here for awhile other than to post an occasional poem or story because of finishing up additional novels, writing short stories to submit to various areas, and tending to my company business. Today, in our local newspaper, my story, MEMORY LANE was printed. Thank you for your comments as I do appreciate them, and I know your memories of days past are probably just as mine.
It is sad to know all the lovely places we once knew are gone by the wayside, replaced by fast food stores and commercial buildings. Long gone are the special smiles from the store owners, playing with their dog and running around in the asiles, or picking out a large "sour" pickle from the keg next to the old fashioned register. I still remember the ka-ching--ka-ching of the bells ringing up a sale, and the question, after I gave them my three pennies for the pickle, "Will that be all, little girl?" There was always a smile!
Oh, alas, it is all gone but nothing can erase the memories.
(((HUGS))) to you,
Joyce :)
MEMORY LANE (Short Story) - 3/11/2008 2:21:48 PM
Wonderful nostalgic write, Joyce; brava!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. ;D
MEMORY LANE (Short Story) - 3/9/2008 9:35:57 PM
So sad, isn't it, that many of those old stores have closed down-- that things are much more impersonal these days...
Makes you wonder what our kids are going to look fondly back upon. Isles at Walmart, and I-90? --Charlie
Salute to the Heroes of September 11, 2001 (Short Story) - 10/8/2007 12:31:49 AM
Your writing relives the day. God Bless!
Salute to the Heroes of September 11, 2001 (Short Story) - 3/2/2007 12:15:45 PM
Joyce, dear friend and colleague, you brought me to tears, with this incredible piece, as a New Yorker, I’ll never forget the horror of that day, it’s forever etched in my mind and there will always be a sadness when I pass that hollowed ground…you’ve captured a moment in time, it’s a powerful story, and you make me proud to be an American…well done!
Amo
Salute to the Heroes of September 11, 2001 (Short Story) - 2/5/2006 6:07:48 PM
Joyce,
Too many have forgotten already; your tribute reminds them to always remember. Thank you--a powerful tribute, very well penned.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
I can't forget 9/11--that's the day I received my gift for writing. One life was saved that day: mine. I have an outlet to express myself, when before, I kept everything locked behind walls of rage and bitterness.
Salute to the Heroes of September 11, 2001 (Short Story) - 2/5/2006 5:40:40 PM
Beautiful tribute to those who truly CAN be called heroew, those who risk their lives every day to help us in our time of need, and also the brave survivors and kin of those who died so senselssly! NEVER FORGET, and thanks for the reminder! Well done, Joyce!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your Tx. friend, Karen Lynn. :( >tears <
Guaranteed (Short Story) - 3/24/2004 9:56:39 AM
pantyhose MUST have been invented by a man is all I can say! funny write, joyce, about an all too common problem we women face in trying to put on pantyhose! i'd much rather wear SOCKS, thank you very much! LOL enjoyed~
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :D
Treasures of the Heart (c) 2002 (Short Story) - 4/29/2003 11:12:03 AM
Joyce, you carried us along as in a boat down a river of gentle, warm, peaceful and beautiful waters; then in the last paragraph you seemed to be thrust suddenly along, with your readers, into the treacherous, wrenching turbulance of abrupt discovery. Painful to write, I know, but a loving tribute we all need to read.
Thank you for sharing it.
Treasures of the Heart (c) 2002 (Short Story) - 4/28/2003 4:35:26 PM
Joyce, your words leave me speechless. I have never been through this kind of thing. I have been very blessed, but I hear your pain and sorrow in your beautiful words and I pray that getting those feelings out is helping a little bit. But on this piece itself, great job, very well written.
- J -
Treasures of the Heart (c) 2002 (Short Story) - 4/28/2003 3:39:25 PM
Joyce, this is beautiful. I share your pain, I know what the treasures of the heart mean since I lost my two daughters. Your Beau is now watching over you, as you had watched over him. Another beautiful Angel. God bless you and your family.
LindaP
Treasures of the Heart (c) 2002 (Short Story) - 4/27/2003 5:07:28 PM
Joyce, what a way with words. Every thought of being a writer? LOL. I lost my son at 35 so this piece had a lot of meaning for me. I can feel your pain.
Whose Life Is It Anyway? "Blues In the Night" (Short Story) - 4/27/2003 4:14:20 PM
Reading this brought back an incident that I had with my father years ago. The first time I every tried to drive a stick shift the both of us were sitting nose first in an orange grove. My dad said, "Okay son, just ease on the clutch, give it a little gas, and back out." I did just that. I eased on the clutch and before we knew it, I had kicked it in turbo and we ended up making a backward u-turn into the very next middle. It wasn't funny then, but it is now.
Tim Johnson
Author of Twisted Oak: Eyes of Discernment
Treasures of the Heart (c) 2002 (Short Story) - 4/27/2003 2:04:34 PM
beautiful tribute to beau! god bless you, joyce! :( (((HUGS)))
Treasures of the Heart (c) 2002 (Short Story) - 4/27/2003 1:35:42 PM
Joyce, what a beautiful tribute to your precious Beau. And what beautiful treasures you hold in your heart.
God be with you and your family,
Marcyle
http://mtaliaferro
My Heart Is Heavy (Poetry) - 8/28/2007 8:11:28 AM
(((HUGS))) and prayer: I'm sorry for your loss, Joyce.
Love, Karla. :(
My Heart Is Heavy (Poetry) - 8/28/2007 5:06:37 AM
Sorry for the loss of your little friend, a pet can capture the heart and become a part of not only ones life but one's family and this tribute to him is special.
fee
My Heart Is Heavy (Poetry) - 8/27/2007 9:25:10 PM
Awwww! A most heartwrenching tribute to such a beautiful companion. I am so truely sorry for your loss and know how heavy your heart is feeling. Will keep you and Smokie in my prayers.....
Be safe,
Karen
My Heart Is Heavy (Poetry) - 8/27/2007 7:45:43 PM
They become like children to us, and when they pass it's just sooo terrible...Sorry for your loss dear Joyce.
I have quite an extensive grave yard on this property here too.
Love n hugs
Ch'erie
My Heart Is Heavy (Poetry) - 8/27/2007 2:20:28 PM
Sad. I have already written the sneryu I will post when Nipper passes . . . My dog died today / Nothing left for me to say / My dog died today . . .
My Heart Is Heavy (Poetry) - 8/27/2007 1:14:32 PM
Angels on a journey to the future where lions shall lay down with lambs. Beautiful tribute.
AuthorsDen! (Poetry) - 7/24/2007 8:33:20 PM
Excellent expression. Your heart is golden.
Amor
Buttercup and Pansy (c) (Poetry) - 7/24/2007 8:31:48 PM
Beautifully written piece of work. I have not painted flowers in such a long time...but it inspires me to produce the colors you have portrayed.
Amor
Did You Say...Magazine (Poetry) - 6/6/2007 9:09:43 PM
Cute and enjoyed this much.....Lovely home you have there!
Be safe,
Karen
Did You Say...Magazine (Poetry) - 6/6/2007 3:16:47 AM
Joyce,
I loved it. My yard could use a good swift kick in the grass also. Very beautiful picture.
Did You Say...Magazine (Poetry) - 6/5/2007 4:25:26 PM
i scanned beautifully, joyce and i promise i never doubted it, i just enjoy seeing others flowers since i have no place for them.thanks
On This Memorial Day (Poetry) - 6/3/2007 10:41:54 AM
A powerful write, heartfelt and sincere...enjoyed this wonderful write!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
On This Memorial Day (Poetry) - 5/28/2007 6:07:03 PM
Written from the heart, a mighty powerful rejoice to all. God Bless America!
Be safe,
Karen
On This Memorial Day (Poetry) - 5/28/2007 7:16:05 AM
Our men displayed courageous souls, there on foreign soil.
They always have, and you honor them well, Joyce.
Dear Mother (Poetry) - 5/14/2007 6:43:06 PM
Loved this write, as I too have Cherokee blood flowing within me and am very passionate about my ancestors, my great grandmother was Cherokee. I don't really remember her very well, but my grandfather told wonderful stories about her to help keep her memory alive. This write is my favorite thus far, it is beautifully written and from the heart! Enjoyed this so much!
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
Dear Mother (Poetry) - 5/14/2007 8:11:32 AM
Thanks, EVERYONE! I could have written forever about my Mother as she was the best person I could have had for a mother. She always spoke in metaphors: About the deer telling me to run swift, to watch the birds as they would speak to you [letting you know when a predator was in sight], to talk softly as the tongue is prong on a gate, and to be mindful about my worst enemy...me. She was a jewel and shined brighter than the Hope diamond. Hugs to all of you, Joyce
YOUR Poem Titles #3 (Poetry) - 5/14/2007 5:36:01 AM
Enjoyed this creative and clever write!
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
Dear Mother (Poetry) - 5/13/2007 8:03:31 PM
Passing on all that you have learned to your children, now that is a tribute to withstand the test of time. Beautifully written.
Be safe,
Karen
Dear Mother (Poetry) - 5/13/2007 1:23:54 PM
Heartfelt.
Ron
Dear Mother (Poetry) - 5/13/2007 9:05:55 AM
Beautiful, Joyce; she lives on in your memory and in these lines; well done.
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
I miss my Mom, too, she passed away 17 years ago. :(
Dear Mother (Poetry) - 5/13/2007 8:24:11 AM
BEautiuful memories and sentiments that echo inside my own heart. Thank you for sharing.
Fee
Dear Mother (Poetry) - 5/13/2007 8:22:44 AM
O, Joyce, this is beautiful! Your mama is looking down on you with Love from her Heavenly Home; she lives on in this beautiful, heartfelt tribute. Happy Mother's Day to you and to all the moms here at the Den! God bless you, (((Dear)))!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :D
Your Poem Titles #4 (Poetry) - 5/12/2007 7:58:41 PM
Just too good! Keep up the great work, really enjoy!
Be safe,
Karen
YOUR Titles! (Poetry) - 5/12/2007 7:09:46 PM
Very creative my friend, enjoyed this much!
Blessings,
Joyce Bowling
Your Poem Titles #4 (Poetry) - 5/12/2007 3:14:20 PM
Beautifully done Joyce!
Hugs, Laura
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