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Earlysville, VA 22936-9998
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You Can Preview the first THREE chapters for free!
Or you may obtain an AUTOGRAPHED COPY with PERSONAL inscription from the author.
Send payment in the amount of $22* to:
Ella Murphy,
PO Box 581,
Earlysville, VA 22936-9998
*(Postage Included within the Continental United States ONLY)
Maria's Awakening: Do You Remember Your First Love?
ISBN 978-1505425239; paperback, 6 x 9; 440 pages; $17.00 pbk; $2.99 ebook
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It's the late 1940s, WWII is a memory, prosperity continues, and the baby boom is underway. Meet Maria--nineteen, innocent, naive, and ready to taste her new found freedom. She has just begun her freshman year at the predominately male Iowa State University. Suddenly, her life swirls around classes, new friends, and fraternity parties--so many men.
When Maria meets Bill, he becomes her first serious love--a butterflies-in-the stomach type of love. The excitement is indescribable, and her heart and body awaken to all the passion that love brings. But, of course, complications arise--Bill has a girlfriend, and Maria bumps into an old crush who is now very interested in her after having ignored her back in their hometown. Suddenly, Maria, haunted by her troubling past, finds herself juggling her strong feelings for both men while wrestling with her own demons of self-doubt and the need to please everyone. Return to a more innocent time as Maria--coming into her own--makes new friends, finds new love, and awakens to all that life has to offer. |
Maria's Awakening Is Available In Paperback (423 Pgs. $17.00) And In E-Book Format On Kindle ($2.99) At Amazon.com You Can Also Preview The First Three Chapters For Free! Or, To Obtain An Autographed Copy With Inscription: Make A Check Payable To ELLA MURPHY In The Amount Of $22 (Postage Included Within The US ONLY) And Send To: Ella Murphy, PO Box 581, Earlysville, VA 22936-9998
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AMAZON BOOK REVIEW: MARIA'S AWAKENING
Real relationships, witty dialogue, lots of twists and turns-a fun ride!
“I am so glad a friend recommended this book; feisty Maria and her friends were great entertainment in MARIA'S AWAKENING. Not everything is perfect in Maria's life, she has her struggles just like everyone, but it is her wit, positive attitude and determination that help her navigate those challenges. This was definitely a great read and I can't wait for the next book but guess I will have to.
Remembering one's first love has no age limits. I consider myself a young person and loved reading this book because it rekindled all those wondrous feelings of my first kiss with my first love not so long ago. The author captured my own feelings of anticipation and the delightful stages of building real intimacy and trust between two people. It was so refreshing to read such a tastefully written, timeless book about young adults having real relationships; women developing friendships with each other and men and women exploring their developing feelings. Family relationships are intertwined with those relationships, just like in real life.
Warning: don't start reading this book very late at night as all of a sudden I noticed I was so hooked on the characters I couldn't stop reading; I had to know what happened next! There were so many twists and turns it kept me guessing.
I laughed out loud in sections and I like that I can share this book with others and not be embarrassed. I especially enjoyed the way the author uses words and phrases to express the thoughts and feelings of the characters. At one point Maria said she had a "eureka moment" when something became very clear to her. One example of the many ways the author expressed the feelings of the characters was this description of a kiss "he put his lips on hers and kissed her into next week" Don't we all want that? I've marked so many pages of my book with all these good sayings by Maria and the other characters-I want to use them in my own life! Plus, each chapter has a seemingly very carefully chosen quote that relates to the main theme of that chapter. After reading a chapter I'd go back and re-read its quote and think about how it applied to my own life. That's why I enjoyed reading this book so much; I could relate to the characters much more so than many books I've read recently. Give yourself a treat and read this book.”
Real relationships, witty dialogue, lots of twists and turns-a fun ride!
“I am so glad a friend recommended this book; feisty Maria and her friends were great entertainment in MARIA'S AWAKENING. Not everything is perfect in Maria's life, she has her struggles just like everyone, but it is her wit, positive attitude and determination that help her navigate those challenges. This was definitely a great read and I can't wait for the next book but guess I will have to.
Remembering one's first love has no age limits. I consider myself a young person and loved reading this book because it rekindled all those wondrous feelings of my first kiss with my first love not so long ago. The author captured my own feelings of anticipation and the delightful stages of building real intimacy and trust between two people. It was so refreshing to read such a tastefully written, timeless book about young adults having real relationships; women developing friendships with each other and men and women exploring their developing feelings. Family relationships are intertwined with those relationships, just like in real life.
Warning: don't start reading this book very late at night as all of a sudden I noticed I was so hooked on the characters I couldn't stop reading; I had to know what happened next! There were so many twists and turns it kept me guessing.
I laughed out loud in sections and I like that I can share this book with others and not be embarrassed. I especially enjoyed the way the author uses words and phrases to express the thoughts and feelings of the characters. At one point Maria said she had a "eureka moment" when something became very clear to her. One example of the many ways the author expressed the feelings of the characters was this description of a kiss "he put his lips on hers and kissed her into next week" Don't we all want that? I've marked so many pages of my book with all these good sayings by Maria and the other characters-I want to use them in my own life! Plus, each chapter has a seemingly very carefully chosen quote that relates to the main theme of that chapter. After reading a chapter I'd go back and re-read its quote and think about how it applied to my own life. That's why I enjoyed reading this book so much; I could relate to the characters much more so than many books I've read recently. Give yourself a treat and read this book.”
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AMAZON BOOK REVIEW: MARIA'S AWAKENING
A comfy summer’s read. Author Ella Rea Murphy studied scientific subjects in her college experience at Iowa State University under the cloud of her physician’s father’s influence, but she has always been a writer at heart. She served as a teacher for children with special needs and doubtless encountered the humanism she demonstrates so comfortably in her novel. Being raised in a situation where the Midwestern farm life played a major role also added to her repertoire of experiences she has elected to incorporate in her homespun novels. Where Murphy excels is in her ability to remain grounded in real life types of stories, a refreshing step-up from the plethora of apocalyptic city destroying alien monster tales that flood the book shelves, today. In essence, Maria’s Awakening is a female coming-of-age story; while the number of males coming-of-age stories is burgeoning, similar incidents do indeed happen to girls and this is a refreshing take on the subject. Maria is 19, entering Iowa State with all the fears that accompanied that status in post WWII where interrelationships between boys and girls were not as open as they are today. We accompany her through her first love with the magnetic attraction and blossoming of hopes somewhat dashed by discovering that the source of her attraction is committed to another girl. But Maria has a past, too, and it is the reconciliation of her past with her hope for the future that drives the story. It is set in a time when dating was a function of beginnings and bonding more genteel than perhaps, today. It is good to reflect on that time and Ella Rea Murphy is a fine tour guide to memories of a different period in our history. ~ Grady Harp, July 14, 2014 |
A Matter of Choice
ISBN: 978-1502540065, paperback, 6 x 9; 440 pages; $17.00 pbk; $2.99 ebook
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In A Matter of Choice it is now Christmas vacation; Maria has just left Bill, her first love, on a snow-covered train platform in Iowa and is traveling to Miami hoping to reconnect with her estranged mother who recently remarried. It is a bittersweet parting as Maria will miss Bill but is looking forward to improving her relationship with her mother.
Soon after arriving in Miami, Maria meets George—a mysterious man who works for her stepfather in the State Department. He is worldly, passionate, handsome, and so exciting. Suddenly her thoughts of Bill are as far away as he is. All too soon Maria’s Christmas break comes to an end and she must leave the warm, gentle breezes and beautiful beaches of Florida to return to the frozen Midwest. Maria must make her choice. Who will she choose? Preview the first three chapters free on Amazon.com Today! |
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A Matter of Choice is now available in paperback (440 pgs. $17.00) and in e-book format on Kindle ($2.99) at Amazon.com You can preview the first three chapters for free!
Or, to obtain an autographed copy with inscription: Make a check payable to:
ELLA MURPHY in the amount of $22 (postage included within the US ONLY) and send to: Ella Murphy, PO Box 581, Earlysville, VA 22936-9998 |
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AMAZON BOOK REVIEW: A MATTER OF CHOICE
By Grady Harp HALL OF FAME TOP 100 REVIEWER VINE VOICE on November 27, 2014 Format: Paperback Ella Rea Murphy is a writer of the heart and soul of the Midwest. Raised in Wyoming and Chicago and trained at Iowa State University her writing skills were honed over her twenty years as a teacher of special needs children, chronicling her students' emotional and educational development for their parents, teachers and administration. This simplicity of purpose and dedication to understanding the stages of growth and maturation is what she brings to this sentimental and warmly traditional novel. `Instead of memoirs, I chose to write, Maria's Awakening, which was much more fun and still incorporates some of the history of that very challenging time, along with experiences of people I have known in my life.' She understands coming of age experiences and that is evident in the security of her writing here. This is the second book in a series she calls the Maria Series, the first being MARIA'S AWAKENING. For those who had the privilege of reading that novel first then characters are well established. Not that this book does not stand alone - it does. The story of Maria simply grows with the years of her maturation. A MATTER OF CHIOCE is a timeless tale of love, friendships and family relationships during the coming of age story of a young woman named Maria in the 1940s. `It is now Christmas vacation; Maria has just left Bill, her first love, on a snow-covered train platform in Iowa and is traveling to Miami hoping to reconnect with her estranged mother who recently remarried. It is a bittersweet parting as Maria will miss Bill but is looking forward to improving her relationship with her mother. Soon after arriving in Miami, Maria meets George a mysterious man who works for her stepfather in the State Department. He is worldly, passionate, handsome, and so exciting. Suddenly her thoughts of Bill are as far away as he is. All too soon Maria's Christmas break comes to an end and she must leave the warm, gentle breezes and beautiful beaches of Florida to return to the frozen Midwest. Maria must make her choice. Who will she choose?' Richly human stories such as this are much missed these days. For those who long for gentler times, read this novel. ~ Grady Harp, November 14 |
All About Hope
ISBN: 978-1496004987, paperback, 6 x 9; 440 pages; $17.00 pbk; $2.99 ebook
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All About Hope BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS |
Join our heroine, Maria, as she faces an emotional roller-coaster ride trying to balance her own needs and desires with the three different men in her life.
Overwhelmed with the sudden departure of her mysterious, new fiancé, George, how will she cope with her loss and demanding college classes? Added to her dilemma, out of the blue, Ed, an old crush, draws her into a noncommittal brief interlude with him. What does he expect from her? To further complicate her life, Bill, her former sweetheart from college surprises her at the fraternity party with his appearance. How will Maria unravel her heart strings she feels for each of the men in her life and where will they lead her? All About Hope is now available in paperback (440 pgs. $17.00) and in e-book format on Kindle ($2.99) at Amazon.com You can preview the first three chapters for free!
Or, to obtain an autographed copy with inscription: Make a check payable to ELLA MURPHY in the amount of $22 (postage included within the US ONLY) and send to:
Ella Murphy, PO Box 581, Earlysville, VA 22936-9998 |
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Grady Harp Review for ALL ABOUT HOPE
April 15, 2015 If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins. ~ Benjamin Franklin Author Ella Rea Murphy studied scientific subjects in her college experience at Iowa State University under the cloud of her physician father’s influence, but she has always been a writer at heart. She served as a teacher for children with special needs chronicling her students’ emotional and educational development for their parents, teachers and administration, and doubtless encountered the humanism she demonstrates so comfortably in her novels. Being raised in a situation where the Midwestern (Wyoming) farm life played a major role also added to her repertoire of experiences she has elected to incorporate in her homespun novels. Where Murphy excels, is in her ability to remain grounded in real life types of stories, a refreshing step-up from the plethora of apocalyptic city destroying alien monster tales that flood the book shelves these days. The simplicity of purpose and dedication to understand the stages of growth and maturation is what she brings to this sentimental and warmly traditional novel. ‘Instead of memoirs, I chose to write, Maria’s Awakening, which was much more fun and still incorporate some of the history of that very challenging time, along with experiences of people I have known in my life.’ That first novel of the Maria Series was followed by A Matter of Choice, and now Book Three – All about Hope. To detail the plot of the third installment seems impossible and while this book is a fine standalone novel knowing the progress of the characters from the first books in the series helps. Sufficient is the synopsis of Book Three that the author provides. Join our heroine as she faces an emotional roller-coaster ride trying to balance her own needs and desires with the three different men in her life. Overwhelmed with the sudden departure of her mysterious, new fiancé, George, how will she cope with her loss and demanding college classes? Added to her dilemma, out of the blue, Ed, an old crush draws her into a noncommittal interlude with him. What does he expect of her? To further complicate her life, Bill, her former sweetheart from college surprises her at a fraternity party with his appearance. How will Maria unravel her heart strings she feels for each of the men in her life and where will they lead her? And if that brief summary doesn’t draw you into the book, then trust the popularity of her other books and prepare for a wonderful experience in reminiscing the way the world used to be. Ella Rea Murphy triumphs again. |
Promises
ISBN: 978-1511654852, paperback, 6 x 9; 440 pages; $17.00 pbk; $2.99 ebook
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Promises BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS |
When is a promise an illusion, and when is it real? In Promises, the fourth book in the Maria series, we find there is a lot going on with Maria. Her life is changing again. It s the summer of 1949, and she has left college and academia behind for a summer job. She has reconnected with Bill; they are engaged and very much in love.
Maria wants to get married, but Bill is called to serve and begins his flight training as US tensions with Korea increase. Before he leaves, is he ready to commit to Maria? And what about George the man who swept Maria off her feet in a whirlwind romance, then disappeared? There is so much more to his story, which sounds like a spy thriller a possible mole in the State Department, undercover agents, and more. Plus don t forget Ed now fully established as a veterinarian with his own clinic. He can finally focus on Maria. Kicking himself for letting Maria get away before, he reminds her that, now, he is the only game in town. Through all this turmoil, Maria is Maria just a girl who loves life and wants to be loved in return. She doesn't know what will come next, but she expects it will be an adventure! Preview the first three chapters free on Amazon.com Today! |
Lost and Found: Do You Ever Really Know the Person You Are Marrying?
ISBN: 978-1536943177; paperback, 6 x 9; 490 pages; $17.00 pbk; $2.99 ebook
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It’s the late 1940s, an exciting time in America. Maria is exploring a new free-dom as women are discovering that they are no longer bound by the rules that made men superior. Thoughts of a career outside the home are exciting. But this exploration is accompanied by her anxiety for George and Bill: two men whom she loves but who are missing from her life, whereabouts unknown.
George has been kidnapped and is in great danger. Unless he fi nds a way to escape an unbalanced drug lord and his henchmen, he may not survive. Only the thought of getting back to Maria keeps him going. And what of Bill? Having enlisted for training as a navy pilot, he is half a world away, and Maria hasn’t heard from him in a long time. Maria is frustrated, angry, and feeling abandoned. On top of that, her current job as a waitress is demand-ing and not very glamorous. Then there is Ed. Now a well-estab-lished veterinarian, he is right there and ardently pursuing Maria. In her lonely and vulnerable state, Maria is beginning to allow him into her life. Can handsome, charming Ed convince her to forget about Bill and George? Maria is discovering that the grown-up world is a bit more compli-cated than she thought. Marriage is in her future, but which of these intriguing men will win her hand? Preview the first three chapters free on Amazon.com Today! |
Rebound: Can Marriage Work the Second Time Around?
ISBN: 978-1974476473; paperback, 6 x 9; 478 pages; $17.00 pbk; $2.99 ebook
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Rebound BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS (coming soon) |
When we last left Maria, the phenomenal decade of the 60s was just beginning. The economy was booming and Maria was caught up in the culture, balancing an exciting career as an assistant editor for a popular women's magazine but living in a loveless marriage to George.
As we learned in book 5, Maria's life was shattered when her husband George died in a plane crash. She was suddenly widowed at thirty-two with two children: Christopher, twelve and Amanda, nine. * * * Still a young woman, Maria wonders, will she find love again? Against this turmoil of emotions, Bill shows up and one thing leads to another. . . . This gives Maria hope, but will Bill really come back to her; do they have a future together? And the surprises keep coming as another old flame, Ed, returns and the complications multiply. With two beautiful children to consider in all her decisions, Maria is full of questions. . . and hope. Preview the first three chapters free on Amazon.com Today! |
Forgiveness: What is the Magic of Forgiveness?
ISBN: 978-1797803319; paperback, 6 x 9; 356 pages; $17.00 pbk; $2.99 ebook
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Forgiveness BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS (coming soon) |
Where has the time gone? It’s the mid-60s, and the war in Vietnam is heating up. Maria is living an idyllic marriage with her wonderful husband, Ed—it couldn’t be better. He has adopted her children, Amanda and Chris, and they are living in the lovely small town of St. Charles, Illinois, where Ed is the town veterinarian. They are both part of the community there, and the memories of Maria’s first husband, George, and his death are fading away. But, of course, we’re talking about Maria, and there are storms on the horizon.
Maria wants to spend Christmas with her folks in Florida; Ed is struggling with leaving his practice for vacation; and Bill, Ed’s old nemesis and Maria’s first love, will be there with his girlfriend, Elena. To top it all off, that spring a woman claiming to be George’s mistress shows up ready to wreak havoc with Maria’s life. Will Bill and Maria become close again? Will Ed slip away, or is Maria now committed to her husband? Will outside forces tear the family apart? Through it all, Maria will always keep love in her heart and find a way. Preview the first three chapters free on Amazon.com Today! |
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For AUTOGRAPHED COPIES with INSCRIPTION: Make a check payable to:
ELLA MURPHY in the amount of $22/book (postage included within the US ONLY) and send to: Ella Murphy, PO Box 581, Earlysville, VA 22936-9998 |
Free and Clear
ISBN: 978-8643516187, paperback, 6 x 9; 376 pages; $17.00 pbk; $2.99 ebook
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Free and Clear BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS (coming soon) |
It’s December 1964, an exciting time for Maria. Bill, her old college sweetheart, is coming to see her! How long has it been since they spent time together? Will their trip to visit her parents for the holidays rekindle their love, or is it too late?
Out of the blue, Maria’s ex-husband, Ed, disrupts her vacation with his own devastating news. He involves Maria in an outlandish scheme that she can’t ignore. Does it destroy any chance for Maria and Bill’s love for each other? Adding to Maria’s unsettled life are her two teenage girls, who have discovered boys and are engaging in secret escapades. Can Maria and Bill’s love for each other survive the stress of his developing new business and an old nemesis of Maria’s who becomes involved in their world? Only time will tell. |
For AUTOGRAPHED COPIES with INSCRIPTION: Make a check payable to:
ELLA MURPHY in the amount of $22/book (postage included within the US ONLY) and send to:
Ella Murphy, PO Box 581, Earlysville, VA 22936-9998
ELLA MURPHY in the amount of $22/book (postage included within the US ONLY) and send to:
Ella Murphy, PO Box 581, Earlysville, VA 22936-9998