It has been not only humbling, but also gratifying to receive so many wonderful calls, letters, e-mails, and comments on my book, "Murder on False River." Since so many have sent me e-mails, I would like to share some of them with you here in addition to any other comments you would like to post:
(Dern, I did it again. Lost all the e-mails I had posted. I'll try to get them back - may not have the right dates on them, but it's all in a 36 hour day!)
ReplyDeleteReader's Comments10/28/12 - Hi Marty, I bought your book last Sunday at Harvest Fest. I started it yesterday because I'd just started another book when I bought yours. Murder on False River is so good, I can hardly put it down! This is the 86th book I've read this year and I have to say one of my favorites so far. Congratulations on your first novel! I'll be looking for more in the future! Sincerely, Gerry Brown
Reader's Comments 10/28/12 - Marty: I bought your book Sat afternoon at the Harvest Fest, started reading it last night and finished it within 24 hours of purchasing it. It was awesome! My favorite thing was recognizing places and even people I know. And I was "...on the edge of my seat until the very last page." Great job! I hope another one is in the works. Thanks. Karen Russo, Rosedale, La.
ReplyDeleteReader's Comments 10/31/12 - Hey Martha! I just finished Murder on False River! It was so good! Can't wait for your next novel! You will probably be hearing from me again! I'm a friend of Pam Schexnayder's and called her yesterday and told her I'd seen her name in your book. She said she knew you and knew she was in it. I said the funny thing is that I know she only works the noon shift except during the holidays! Anyway, good luck with all of the book signings and sales! I'll be promoting it. Where is it on sale here in town? Take care, Gerry
ReplyDeleteReply: Thanks so much Gerry! I have it on sale at Bee Still in Nelda's Place. In fact, I will be doing a book signing there on Saturday, Nov. 24th. I have another book signing scheduled at the New Roads Book Festival at the Julien Poydras Center on Nov. 17th. Other places that it is on sale are listed on my web site at http://www.marthamanuel.com/ Your support means so much to me. - Martha
ReplyDeleteFew things in life have touched my heart like the hand written letter I received in the mail yesterday. I wanted to share it with you. (Posted below.) Thanks Dot for taking the time to write!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteReader's Comments 10/31/12
Dear Martha,
Thought I’d drop you a note to let you know how much I enjoyed your book “Murder on False River.”
My mother passed away two weeks ago and my sisters and I have been going to her home in Port Allen almost daily to clean out about seventy years of her “treasures.” She was quite the collector, had owned a ceramic shop and was an excellent seamstress and cook. So we’ve got rooms of sewing notions, finished ceramic pieces, clothes, photos, etc. I doubt if we get through by Christmas.
Anyway, upon leaving the other day one of the girls asked what I was going to do the rest of the day. I said I’m going home, bathe and read more of my book. The next day same question and I replied, “Read my book.”Well, yesterday when we quit for the day one sister said, “We know what Dot’s doing this evening.” But of course, reading my book.
Today is Sunday and I'm alone now, as my husband passed away in June, so I get up at all times of the morning. This morning it was 4 a.m., made a pot of cofee, and settled in with my book. I just finished it and thought you needed to know how much I enjoyed it. I couldn't wait to read more and more.
The love story was there but it wasn't all about sex as so many books lately are. The suspense and intrigue compelled you to want to read on.
Look, I could go on, perhaps I should have been an author. Ha!
Keep writing, and look forward to your next one.
Dot
P.S. I've never written a fan letter before.
Reader's Comments 11/9/12 - I tried to go on your website to comment on how wonderful your book was but after about 10 attempts I couldn't pass the security! I couldn't read ANY of the letters correctly. And it wasn't just me, Ed couldn't either.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I did finish it and LOVED it. Sharon
Reply: I am so sorry Sharon. I will have to work on this! I confess I don't know much about websites, blogs, Facebook, etc. They just told me I needed to have them, so I created them. How they work ... well that's a different matter! You are not the first person to have problems with posting a comment. I'll try to get help soon. :-) Thanks for the e-mail and thanks for the comment. Both were greatly appreciated!!!
ReplyDeleteOkay gang ... my wonderful little sister may have come up with the answer to my problems as to why some of you could not post your comments. Hopefully it has now been fixed. If you continue to have problems, please let me know at martygmanuel@yahoo.com
Thanks! Martha a/k/a Marty 1/9/12
Reader's Comments 12/5/5 - Hi Mrs. Manuel. Well this past month got busy for me and I got behind on reading the book but finally was able to finish it tonight! I LOVED IT! Do you plan on writing more books over the years? If so you got a fan! I love mystery novels! I like how you ended the book with ... (Sorry I couldn't put the whole e-mail, Mitch, but we have to keep some things a surprise for our readers!)
ReplyDeleteMitch
ReplyDeleteReader's Comments 12/13/12 - Ms. Manuel, I've just finished reading your book, "Murder on False River", and loved it! Having visited False River and New Roads numerous times over the years, it was a treat to be able to "see" where the characters lived and frequented.
The reason for my e-mail is to inquire if you are open to having a book talk and signing at our library during the month of February 2013? I look forward to being in touch with you soon.
Thank you,
Melinda R. Newman, Branch Manager
Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library
9200 Bluebonnet Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70810
(225) 763-2280
Reply: Melinda - I am delighted you liked my book, and am certainly looking forward to a visit to the Bluebonnet Library on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 1:30 - 3 p.m. - Martha
ReplyDeleteDate: 12/20/2012
ReplyDeleteSubject: hi!
Hi Martha! I bought another of your books to give to my best friend who lives in Hot Springs, AR. She's loving it. She was here this week so I got to show her some of the places in the book.
I've also loaned it to 2 friends who really like it. One of their husbands even read it and liked it a lot!
Merry Christmas!
Gerry Brown
Thanks for your note Gerry! You made my day!!! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and a New Year filled with happiness. Martha
To: martygmanuel@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteSent: Thursday, January 17, 2013 9:18 PM
Subject: "Murder on False River"
Dear Marty: I have just finished your book, "Murder on False Riv er" = it was just wonderful = I knew from the begnning of opening the book, I was going to like it.
Thank you for signing it for Dathene and me = I especially liked the short chapters, and I never seemed to get lost like I usually do most of the time = and it was so refreshing to read a book that was not full of sex.
Thank you so much and good luck in your future writings..
Peggy Lou
From: Lana Poston
ReplyDeleteTo: martygmanuel@yahoo.com
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2013 1:13 PM
Subject: book signing
Hi Mrs. Manuel - my name is Lana and I was at your book signing. I loved your book. It was spectacular. Once I got started I couldn't put it down,the suspense that was in it grabbed a hold of me and I kept going. I look forward to reading more of your books. Murder on False River should definitely be made into a movie. I would be there on opening night just to see it. I really did love reading it.
Letter from: Cecile of Ventress
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter!
Dearest Martha,
Wow! What a book! What's next? What happens to Dylan? Byron? Macy? Savannah? Mike?
It was so good. Many people I knew, many I didn't, but it kept me quite interested. I wouldn't have imagined it would be so good. I'm sorry it's about all I can say.
I enjoyed it thoroughly and anticipate your next. Thank you - it was intriguing but clean!
I'm so glad our lives crossed, if only for a moment.
Cecile of Ventress
Dear Martha - it was great seeing you last weekend at the Melrose Festival Book Signing and recognizing you even though I hadn't seen you in 45 years or so. I'm so glad I bought your book and you autographed it. I must tell you that I'm not an avid reader, but I began reading the book on Sunday afternoon and COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I've already read about 3/4 of the book. It is such easy reading, and I love recognizing many of the places mentioned and the people (Deputy Victor Vead . . . hahaha!!) So, thank you for writing this novel - GREAT JOB, MARTY!!! I must go now - "gotta" go finish my book!
ReplyDeleteLucy Alonso Rivero
P.S. I posted our picture on FB and sent you a Friend Request.
Thanks, Lucy! It's such a thrill for me to hear from friends that I haven't seen in a long time. It was so good to see you at the Melrose Festival - and your kinds words about my book made my day!
DeleteThanks also for the "shout out" to our classmates. You are really something!
Letter from: Mr. Houston Labbie, Baton Rouge, LA
ReplyDeleteMrs. Manuel,
Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed reading your book and really liked it. I just could not put it down.
I was curious if you have any other books out and if you could send me a list.
The book was interesting because of the familiarity of all the places you mention - especially Our Lady of the Lake as I retired from there.
Again thanks - Houston
Dear Houston,
DeleteI can't begin to tell you how much I appreciated your letter and kind words about my book!
Murder on False River is the first novel I have ever written. Because of the enthusiastic response I have received from so many wonderful people - like yourself - I am already well into my second novel. I had hoped to have it out by the end of this year, but with all the book signings I have been doing, it may be closer to the first of next year before it is finished.
I will try to keep everyone updated on my website - www.marthamanuel.com
Thank you again for taking the time to write such a nice letter. I will keep it in my "file of treasures."
Martha
Martha,
DeleteIt was so good to see you again at the Melrose Art Festival. I have to tell you how much I enjoyed your novel. Lots of action and suspense. I had a hard time putting it down so that I could get some sleep! My mother is reading it next and then off it goes to my daughter in New York.
I'm eagerly awaiting your next novel. Keep up the great work. I can't wait to tell people that I'm a friend of a successful author
Congratulations on a great book.
Carol Pousson
Carol,
DeleteThanks so much for your encouragement and support. You can't imagine how wonderful it makes me feel to hear from good friends like you. I hope your mom enjoys the book, and your daughter as well. By the way - if I am a successful author it is because of people like you. Thanks!!!!
Another wonderful e-mail I received and thought I'd post. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteDear Martha,
It was lovely to meet you in the murder section of Zachary Library. (Now that sounds like a plot set-up, all by itsel!:-) ) I checked the waiting list, found 27 holds in front of me. That could be next year, and I'm not one for patience. Yippee - was able to purchase your book from Amazon for my Kindle. Now I just have to finish my current read, and then on to New Roads!
Best wishes,
Barbara Seiver
From: Mary Davis
ReplyDeleteTo Martha Manuel
Oct 31 at 8:55 AM
Good morning Ms. Martha, just had to let you know that I just finished your book "Murder on False River" and it was fabulous . I thoroughly enjoyed it . Thanks for a really great book - could not put it down. Also thanks very much for the kind words in regards to the e-mail on behalf of your mother. Hope she is doing well as you too. Again thanks for an enjoyable book. Have a blessed day. Mary Alice