The reason I am writing is to thank you very much for you copy of "Serenity Bay" that you sent to Dianna.  I am an avid novel reader so Dianna let me have the first shot at your book.  I devoured it in 3 days.  It kept me on the edge of my seat.  I was so impressed at the way you were able to capture so many emotions so aptly in your book.  Thank you for writing it, and for sharing it. I will be keeping my eyes out for other novels of yours for sure!

Kathy Johnson
Children's Volunteer Coordinator
(Minneapolis Minnesota)

Brother Chuck and Sister Bette ,

I've made it to the start of Chapter 8, already you writing is "Danger Close" to some old feelings and habits. [When the War is Over] My Prayer is "Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also." 2 Corinthians 8:6 Already I've recommended your book to several Vets and Pastors. 

Thank You Both!

Your servant in Christ,
Jack (AKA The Weeping Willow)

Anyway, back to your books.  I love them. I enjoy the inner conflicts the characters deal with and get through.  I specifically liked Pacific Hope and how you showed that not every couple is perfect, but the obstacles that are there can be worked through.

Well, I don't want to take too much of your time.  Heaven forbid I keep you from writing more.  I look forward to Thin Air.  Like many of my patrons I wish you could write faster. :)

Stephanie Hall, Topeka, KS

Hello:  I just finished your book, Pacific Hope.  I actually read it in just two nights as I could not put it down.  You indeed are a writer.  I have had some similar experiences in my life so it really spoke to me.  I guess I too am glad I stayed in the marriage and we are enjoying our grandchildren together now.

Thanks for a wonderful book, Noreen Cregg

Bette,
I recently finished Serenity Bay and I just had to send you a brief note to tell you how much I enjoyed it.  I couldn't put it down.  How refreshing to read a story that had all the elements of excellent fiction with none of the vulgarity, gratituous "sex" passages, or over-the-top violence.  And yet, nothing of the story was lost.   I have now started Pacific Hope and again, find myself not being able to put it down.  (I purchased both books through Crossings Book Club.)  Please count me in as one of your "new" loyal fans.

Bernice Renkawek,
Carnegie Library of Pittsburg.

Hi there.  I just discovered your work recently, and I enjoy it very much.  You have a wonderful writing style that's inspirational and entertaining.  Thanks, I'm looking forward to more.
David J.

I recently found your book, "Pacific Hope" by accident while searching for something else in the library.  What a blessed "accident."  It has kept me on the edge of my seat flipping those pages, anxious to see how it ends, but not wanting it to end!  How refreshing to read fiction that incorporates prayer and dependence upon our Lord and Savior to get us out of our messes.  (I've been in a few myself). 

Just wanted to let you how glad I am to have found you and am headed to the library to see if I can find "Serenity Bay" and "Thin Air."  Thank you for using your many talents so effectively in God's service. 
 
Thelma Ayers-Guendler

Hello, Bette:

I have just finished reading Serenity Bay.  What an amazing and powerful story!  I lived through this type of experience myself and was fully able to empathize with Patty.  You have a vivd, hard-hitting type of writing style that brings us right into Patty's life.  We feel the blows she takes, and share her agony when her children are taken.  We are uplifted and exalt God with her at the end, and we rejoice that she has come to know Him as her Savior and Lord.

Keep up the good work.  It is so wonderful to read a book that takes a terrible and ugly thing like domestic abuse, and shows us that God can and will shine His light into this and will deliver us.

Again, thank you for such a wonderful work.  This book moved me and I enjoy your writing.

In Christ, Celestine Lloyd

Anyway, I loved your book!  It was excellent!  I just bought Serenity Bay for my own library, and I bought Pacific Hope today.  Thank you for sharing your special gift of writing with me and everyone else who has read your books. So, I wanted to let you know about that and tell you that you are an excellent writer.

Sincerely, Sara Sacapanio

Dear Bette,

I am a twenty-five-year old mother of two.  I just read Serenity Bay today. I think that it gave me a greater understanding and more love for women in abusive relationships.  It was heart wrenching.  I cried several times (and I try not to cry very much).  I identified so much with the main character that I can't even remember her name right now and I really have nothing in my life that resembles hers.  Children, I guess.  I looked at my husband with different eyes today.  More appreciative eyes.  I liked the way you presented Jesus in your book.  Not overbearing or preachy.  If I ever write a book I would like to present Him like that.  I would love to take some of your classes on writing.  Too bad I live in Canada.  Maybe some day.  God bless you as you continue to write and touch people's lives.

Sincerely,
Treasa Breen

Dear Bette,

I finished Pacific Hope a few days ago and really enjoyed it as well.  I am anxious for your next book!  I do not generally read fiction because I have a hard time staying interested.  I read Serenity Bay because of the family connection and found myself totally engrossed!  After Pacific Hope, I picked a book by a popular author expecting the same excitement and gave up after about 40 pages.  I was bored stiff!   PLEASE write another book SOON!  :-)  Take care.

Sincerely,
Lisa

Dear Bette,  

WOW!  What a book!  I had to put it down after 5 hours to let my eyes recover long enough to read on. And I just finished it and rushed to turn on my computer to get back with you on this latest success.  When the front piece stated that this was a page-turner, it didn't lie.  I am anxiously awaiting your next book.

Thank you again for writing a book that is exciting and that leaves out profanity, (which seems to be common in today's literature), and including the power of God in everything.  
Again, Bette, thank you for sharing your gift--one that comes from God.

Sincerely,
Lola M. Stowe
Norfolk, Virginia

I just finished Thin Air.  What a wonderful work of fiction, so real it hurts, for those of us with Vietnam vets in our lives.  I'm always interested in "survival" stories and what the human spirit can accomplish, with the Grace of God. 

I knew, immediately upon introduction to Doyle, that he was a Vietnam survivor, still caught up in the horror of the war.  I know, because I have a brother (and a cousin) both of whom are casualties of Vietnam. Their bodies came back; their spirits perished.  My brother was a Marine.  Too young, too tender hearted for what he endured.  My cousin was a Green Beret, with two tours of duty, and wounded in body as well as soul. 

Jane W.