RRBC 2016 Book & Blog Party!

8/1/2016

Click on Mickey for some happy, dancing music!

WELCOME
to the Branson, MO

BOOK and BLOG PARTY!

Each day during the month of August,
you can visit one of 70+ Rave Reviews Book Club blogs to be eligible for prizes.

All you need to do is leave a comment,
even one word will do!

If you comment on my site, you'll be eligible for
one of SIX prizes:

2 - $10.00 Amazon Gift Cards,
2 - Autographed paperback copies of
Letting Go into Perfect Love
2 - SURPRISE gifts

AND

Anyone who leaves a comment is also eligible for GRAND PRIZES,
to be given away at the end of the Tour!

Grand Prizes include:
$100 Amazon Gift Card, 4 free Commercial ads on Rave Waves BlogTalkRadio shows, a 10-book bundle, a 7-day blog tour, and a live interview!
(Click here to check out all the details.)

♥

Now...a bit about my book:

LETTING GO into PERFECT LOVE

My book is a Memoir, and as such, it chronicles a journey. It’s about me, but truthfully, it is also about you.

There are ups and downs; there are tears and laughter; there is tragedy, but there is also bliss. Familiar, right?

Letting Go into Perfect Love begins when I’m a youngster, growing up on a desert farm in southern California. I was the eldest of nine.

The book walks the reader through the arrival of each of my four children - a span of 15 years. It crisscrosses the United States and parts of Canada, and takes the reader to various cities in Japan.

Sorrows deep and joys amazing emerge. Though some of these experiences may not be yours, pain and happiness are timeless and universal.

If you have ever struggled with the question WHY?, my book will be of interest. If you’ve discovered that life exists beyond that which we normally see, your experience will be affirmed.

In the final chapter, I write: "As I unravel the details of my life and look honestly at the consequences, I am left with only one conclusion: all of life has meaning, and through our tragedies and joys, we are lovingly guided to more profound realizations of that meaning."

Letting Go into Perfect Love was selected as Finalist for the Indie Book Awards in Religious Non Fiction, and it was the First Prize Winner for Memoir/Non-Fiction by the Red City Review Book Awards. If you'd like to know more, please go to "My Book" on this site or take a peek at the book trailer below.

Singer Karen Drucker accompanies this Trailer with her beautiful song:
"Sing My Songs For You."

If you have a moment, I invite you to listen. I suspect your heart will be singing too.

♥

Thank you for visiting my site! Please leave a comment to be eligible for today's prizes and the Grand Prizes at the end of the month.

CONGRATULATIONS to authors: Maretha Botha (Amazon Gift Card), Lizzie Chantree (Amazon Gift Card), Carmen Stefanescu (signed copy of my book), Patricia Green (signed copy of my book), Lori Soard (surprise gift) and Stephanie Collins (surprise gift). Thank you for visiting my Blog Party. Gifts are on their way!

112 Comments

D.L. Finn

8/3/2016 01:22:04

I loved watching your trailer, it was beautiful. Like I mentioned yesterday on a blog post that this is an incredible experience. I am going to have a very long reading list when this is all over. Your book is on my kindle to read. Thanks for sharing.

Gwen Plano

8/3/2016 03:31:35

Thank you very much! It's wonderful to meet you through RRBC, and I look forward to reading your book of poetry.

Maretha Botha link

8/3/2016 01:49:49

This is an incredible story and one which all of us moms, especially should read. "Letting Go Into Perfect Love" is on my watch list. Thanks Gwen and I wish you every success today. :-)

Gwen Plano

8/3/2016 03:25:33

Thank you for visiting, Maretha. And, thank you for your good wishes!

Suzanne Burke link

8/3/2016 02:06:37

Life certainly throws some curve balls at us. As a memoir writer (Amongst others) I am always fascinated by the journeys we undertake, and the ways we cope and go on from strength to strength
A lovely and inspiring post.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 03:23:36

Thank you, Suzanne. I love the image of "from strength to strength." So true...

Harmony Kent link

8/3/2016 03:03:32

Gwen, I read and adored LETTING GO INTO PERFECT LOVE, and it just adds to how much you inspire me. I love the pics and the video, and wish you all the very best in everything. :)

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 03:20:38

Thank you so much, Harmony. You inspire me as well. I'm so happy we met through RRBC.

Beth Hale link

8/3/2016 03:54:42

I love the book trailer, and the book sounds like a fantastic read. I'll be adding it to my TBR list. :)

Gwen Plano

8/3/2016 04:28:33

Thanks so much for visiting, Beth. And, thank you for mentioning the trailer; it was fun to create the trailer.

Nonnie Jules link

8/3/2016 05:04:31

Oh, Gwen... I love this! Thanks for sharing so much of you with us today. One of my all time favorite stops!

To all visitors, don't forget that there is another stop along today's tour and it is with Mae Clair. You can find a trail leading to her door by clicking here > http://wp.me/P49Fi9-2y5.

Good luck, everyone! Enjoy your day, Gwen!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 06:05:36

Thank you, Nonnie. The Blog Party is a great way to meet authors!

Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko link

8/3/2016 05:16:33

Gwen, I read and empathized with your story. The story of abuse to women is always a sad one. To survive it, and tell about it is victory.You sure were victorious! Enjoy the party. :).

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 06:08:15

Thanks so much, Joy. Your words warm my heart. Have a great day!

Craig Boyack link

8/3/2016 05:28:26

Great post. It must be difficult to write a memoir. They are so revealing.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 06:11:14

Thank you for stopping by, Craig. This is quite the Blog Party!

John Fioravanti link

8/3/2016 05:44:51

It is a very fitting trailer for a simply beautiful book. #LettingGoIntoPerfectLove has been a terrific reading experience for me, Gwen, and I unreservedly recommend it to all thoughtful readers!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 06:12:22

Thank you so much, John. I deeply appreciate your endorsement.

Mary L. Schmidt link

8/3/2016 05:49:19

Wow. You have such an amazing way with words and both the sorrows and joys of life. Thank you!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 06:13:34

Thank you, Mary. I so appreciate your kind words. I'm looking forward to visiting your site in just a few days. :)

Christy Nicholas link

8/3/2016 06:08:34

That's quite a journey... and eldest of 9??? Wow... makes me appreciate being an only child :D

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 08:02:52

Hi Christy, I've often explained my years of working at various colleges in Student Services as the result of my early "training". LOL. Have a fantastic day!

Michelle Abbott link

8/3/2016 06:16:58

Loved your trailer and your family photo's, Gwen. I will add Letting Go into Perfect Love to my TBR.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 12:12:59

Thank you, Michelle. I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit. Enjoy the month of RRBC activities! :)

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 06:17:38

Now you know the real reason I ended up becoming a college administrator. LOL Enjoy the Blog stops....

Mae Clair link

8/3/2016 06:19:24

The trailer is beautiful, Gwen, and the book indeed sounds like an incredible journey. Congratulations on all of the accolades Letting Go Into Perfect Love has received. They certainly seem well deserved. Wishing you a fabulous time with your stop today!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 07:01:54

Thanks so much, Mae. I enjoyed creating the trailer. Have a great day!

John Howell link

8/3/2016 06:41:01

A beautiful trailer, Gwen. Letting Go is in my Kindle and I need to move it up in the TBR sequence. Hugs to you.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 07:04:36

Thanks so much, John. Have a great day!

Linda Mims link

8/3/2016 06:57:48

Dear Gwen, I salute your courage in sharing this story with the world. Strength resides in all of us, We just have to choose strength and not hopelessness! Thank you!
As far as your blog, I love the sliding header—the Disney frame around the Blog and Book Party sign—Everything! Have a great day.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 07:09:00

Thank you, Linda. When I created my website, I searched for the simplest platform to maneuver and discovered Weebly. It's worked for me. Have a wonderful day.

Lincoln Cole link

8/3/2016 06:59:31

The trailer is awesome and I really think your blog post in general looks amazing! I'm going to check your books out and add to my TBR list and hopefully get to them soon! Well done and your books seem amazing!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 07:12:01

Thank you, Lincoln. I really appreciate the feedback. RRBC is pretty amazing, isn't it! Have a great day!

Tara Fairfield link

8/3/2016 07:28:38

Thank you for sharing your story, that takes courage. I look forward to reading it!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 07:55:44

Thank you for visiting, Tara. I hope you have an amazing day!

Carmen Stefanescu link

8/3/2016 07:30:27

Your book strengthens my belief that life, with its ups and downs, is our best source of inspiration.
A trailer perfectly matching the story. I added your book to my staggering TBR list. Best of luck with your release!
Carmen

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 07:54:46

Thank you for visiting, Carmen. Like you, my Kindle is bursting with incredible books to read! Enjoy the tour and have a great day.

Richie Gerber link

8/3/2016 07:39:29

Gwen~

Thanks for sharing your wonderful and brave story. I really like getting to know about fellow RRBC members and leaders such as you!

Richie Gerber

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 07:52:38

Thank you for visiting my site, Richie. This is a first for me. Like you, I love meeting fellow RRBC members. Have a fantastic day.

Renae Lucas-Hall link

8/3/2016 07:40:08

Hi Gwen, I'm interested in your book because I'd like to read about the time you spent in Japan and it also looks like you write from the heart.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 07:48:07

Hi Renae! The 5-years in Japan were particularly transformative for me. Thank you for stopping by; it's so good to meet you.

Staci Troilo link

8/3/2016 07:41:02

I love that... If you've ever struggled with the question of WHY. Who hasn't? What a perfect way to introduce your story. Great post.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 07:45:44

Thanks so much, Staci. Have a great day!

Stephanie Collins link

8/3/2016 08:35:41

Hi Gwen! What a beautiful site! I love the trailer; the song is absolutely beautiful! Take care and enjoy your day! :) ~Stephanie

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 08:47:48

Thanks so much for stopping by, Stephanie. I'm looking forward to visiting you on this Party tour next week! Have a fantastic day!

Robert Kimbrell link

8/3/2016 08:53:58

Wow Gwen, great video and great stop along the Blog Tour. Best Wishes...

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 12:15:25

Thanks so much, Robert. This is quite the Blog Tour, isn't it! The RRBC "Party" is really a fun way to meet authors. Thank you again...

Susan Joyce link

8/3/2016 09:56:39

Your trailer was inspirational! Kudos to you for sharing your story. Wishing you great success.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 12:16:31

Thanks so much, Susan. I'm so happy you stopped by my site today.

Beem Weeks link

8/3/2016 10:00:20

What a fantastic trailer, Gwen. I love the song's words. Such an uplifting message. Best wishes to you.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 12:19:07

Thank you, Beem. I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit, and I'm very pleased you liked my trailer. Have a wonderful evening....

Julie Hall link

8/3/2016 10:00:36

Hi Gwen! You're book sounds like it will be an encouragement to many! Thanks for bravely stepping up to the plate and sharing your story.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 12:11:00

Thank you, Julie! I so appreciate your visit. RRBC writers will be partying throughout the month of August. What fun!

Karen Ingalls link

8/3/2016 10:29:24

Gwen, your book was moving, spiritual, and inspiring. I empathized with your struggles and praise you for your strength and fortitude.
This is a book everyone should read. There are many life lessons there.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 12:08:37

Thank you so much, Karen. I want you to know that I'm enjoying Davida, and have Novy's son on my Kindle. You're a beautiful writer. I'm so happy you visited my site today!

Dawn Howard`

8/3/2016 10:47:32

Hi Gwen
Great post. It must be hard to open up your life to the world like that but I imagine very therapeutic too :)
Dawn x

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 12:03:51

Hi Dawn, thank you for stopping by my site. Writing a memoir can be very integrative, and as you mentioned "therapeutic". We all have an amazing story to tell, whether we write about it or not. Have a wonderful evening. :)

Rebecca Carter / Ronesa Aveela link

8/3/2016 10:55:26

I won an autographed copy of this in another RRBC party. It is a wonderful story, full of God's love for his people.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 11:54:53

Thank you, Rebecca. I'm so happy you stopped by for a visit. RRBC certainly has great Blog parties. Have a wonderful day! :)

Stephanie Taylor link

8/3/2016 11:18:03

I love a good memoir--it's amazing how much we learn through the journeys of other humans by reading about their lives. And, like the say, truth is usually stranger than fiction! :)

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 11:47:33

Hi Stephanie! Like you, I am moved by the journeys of others. It's amazing how much alike we all are! Thank you for visiting my site! :)

Jan Hawke link

8/3/2016 11:30:46

Gwen - you are amazing and THE poster-girl for how to transcend abuse with dignity and intelligence. Love, love, love your trailer :-D

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 11:45:31

Thanks so much, Jan! And, I'm so glad you like the trailer. Have a great day... Party on!

Jan Sikes link

8/3/2016 12:07:27

What a beautiful trailer, Gwen. You are a sweet soul and it shines through in all of your writing. Happy to make this stop on the #RRBC Back to school book and blog tour! Best wishes always!!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 12:32:46

Oh Jan, thank you for your kind comments. The sentiments are very mutual. I'm excited to visit all the blogs in this Party. Pretty amazing!!

P. H. Solomon link

8/3/2016 12:10:08

Happy to stop by on the block party. Very nice job with the book and congrats on the awards!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 12:28:53

Thank you very much, P.H. I'm so happy you visited today. Enjoy the month-long party!!

Shirley Harris-Slaughter link

8/3/2016 12:17:55

Gwen I love your blog. I especially like the backdrop for your banner. What a great idea. All the blogs so far are fantastic. Don't know if I can beat that but will try. lol

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 12:26:49

You are too funny, Shirley. Your blog will be amazing -- it always is! Thank you so much for visiting today. Much appreciated!

Natalie Ducey link

8/3/2016 12:22:04

Gwen, this is such a gentle, heartwarming reflection on life's journey. I've read Letting Go Into Perfect Love and applaud your strength and grace. Your story is a powerful one and is indeed inspiring. As a writer, it is my passion to share stories that touch the heart and awaken the soul. Our hearts are fragile, yet remarkably resilient. The majestic beauty of that is astounding.
The trailer is beautifully soothing. Thank you for sharing it with us. :)

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 12:41:20

Thank you, Natalie, for your lovely comments. I'm happy you liked the trailer. I've always appreciated Karen Drucker, and this particular song of hers seemed to capture the story well. Thank you again.... :)

Tracey Clark link

8/3/2016 12:56:41

wonderful post layout... everything just flowed... happy wordage, and thanks for sharing your books :P

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 13:09:18

Thanks so much, Tracey. This RRBC event is amazing, isn't it! I'm elated you stopped by for a visit. Enjoy the rest of the month-long Party.

Wendy Scott link

8/3/2016 13:20:20

Hi Gwen,
A beautifully presented blog. I'm a big fan of your radio shows - so insightful.
Thanks for all you do to make the world a better place.
Best Wishes,
Wendy

Michael Lynes link

8/3/2016 13:32:21

Hi Gwen - loved the pictures at the top of your page, did you take them? They are beautiful and scenic. Thanks very much for sharing your story with us all, "Letting Go into Perfect Love" sounds like a wonderful and heartfelt personal journey. Enjoy the rest of your RRBC Blog Block Party day! Cheers - MikeL

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 13:39:51

Hi Mike, Thanks so much for your encouragement and for stopping by. I wish I could claim the revolving photos, but they belong to weebly.com. Have a great afternoon!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 13:34:35

Wow, thank you Wendy! I was reading about J. K. Rowling recently, and you came to mind. The two of you have similar creative spirits. Anyone who can write a book off-grid, as you have, is simply amazing! :)

Yvette M Calleiro link

8/3/2016 13:37:37

I am always in awe of people who have the courage to share the experiences of their reality, and you are one of those people. I absolutely love your banner. Are those adventures that you take? And your trailer was fantastic! Thank you for sharing it with us. :-)

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 15:20:55

Thank you, Yvette. We travel quite a bit, but the banner photos are not mine. I'm so glad you visited today. Enjoy the rest of the day. :)

Jo Ann Wentzel link

8/3/2016 14:10:20

Beautiful book trailer and website. Will put you on my TBR list. It is wonderful how so many people find the strength to go on and even to heal themselves.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 15:17:16

Thank you for your kind thoughts, Jo Ann. I noticed that you're traveling the U.S. in a motorhome. How alluring! I'd love to hear more. Enjoy the Blog tour...

Janelle Jalbert

8/3/2016 14:22:37

Ah, some times the Universe sends you something right on time that speaks to you on both personal and professional levels. Your stop today did that. Enjoy the day!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 15:12:09

Thank you for visiting...and for sharing, Janelle. Much appreciated!

Brent Griffiths link

8/3/2016 15:22:43

Great book trailer and great post. Writing is so personal and revealing, and a memoir even more so.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 17:14:36

Thank you, Brent. I agree with you that writing is very personal, irrespective of the genre. Enjoy the month-long tour, and good luck in winning prizes!

Traci Kenworth link

8/3/2016 16:32:34

What a lovely wrap-up to your book!!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 17:12:58

Thank you for visiting, Traci. It's a busy month with 75 or so authors sharing their RRBC Party Blogs. Enjoy the tour...and good luck in winning prizes!

Patricia Green link

8/3/2016 16:34:28

What a wonderful blog, Gwen! Your book is incredible and I am so excited to have read it and I promise, I will get my review written while I'm recuperating!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 17:10:47

Thank you so much, Patricia. I'm hoping you are getting stronger by the day. You are missed...and loved by RRBC.

Kim Cox link

8/3/2016 18:08:08

Great post, Gwen! I highly recommend "Letting Go into Perfect Love"

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 18:41:02

Thanks so much, Kim! I really appreciate you stopping by. Have a great evening!

Lily Iona MacKenzie link

8/3/2016 18:20:44

Good luck with this giveaway!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 18:42:13

Thanks so much, Lily. I am so pleased you visited today. Enjoy the Blog Parties scheduled for the month.... :)

Micki Peluso link

8/3/2016 18:57:01

Gwen, I love the pictures and the video. Your book is jumping up and down on my book shelf, yelling,'Me, me, me, next!" I can hardly wait since I think I will find that our memoirs share a lot in common on many levels. I love the way you presented your work on this blog. too.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 19:26:42

Thanks so much, Micki! Even though our stories are different, we've had a very similar journey. Have a lovely evening my friend.

Lori Soard link

8/3/2016 19:29:31

Hi Gwen,

Your book sounds so good. I love true stories. I've added this one to my TBR list.

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 19:58:11

Hi Lori, thank you for visiting! I hope you have a wonderful evening.

Ernestine Rose link

8/3/2016 19:36:43

What a beautiful trailer! I loved the original music! Nothing speaks to the heart like universal themes of love, pain, and survival! I can't wait to read your book! We all need inspiration!

Gwen Plano link

8/3/2016 19:56:49

Thanks so much, Ernestine. I'm so glad you visited my blog today! Have a wonderful evening.

Christian Boustead

8/3/2016 21:43:26

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Good luck in what you do!

Gwen Plano link

8/4/2016 03:03:04

Thank you for visiting, Christian. I'm so happy you stopped by.

Bruce A. Borders link

8/3/2016 21:46:38

Great post that introduces a great book!

Gwen Plano link

8/4/2016 03:01:25

Thank you, Bruce! What a fun event RRBC is sponsoring - love it!

Miranda L.

8/3/2016 21:54:21

What a great blog post! Love the music!!

Gwen Plano link

8/4/2016 03:00:00

Thank you very much, Miranda. The RRBC Blog party is a great way to meet writers, and I'm so happy to meet you!

Lizzie Chantree link

8/4/2016 01:52:26

A really beautiful trailer. I'm going to add your book to my TBR list as it sounds amazing. Thank you for hosting such a great party!

Gwen Plano link

8/4/2016 02:55:15

Thanks so much, Lizzie. It's amazing to think that we have a whole month of RRBC parties; what fun!

Nikolaos C. Rossis link

8/4/2016 07:11:53

Great trailer, and thanks for sharing what looks like an amazing book. I particularly liked the photos! There's so much warmth and joy there :)

Gwen Plano link

8/4/2016 10:39:45

Thanks so much, Nikolaos. Old photos are fun, aren't they! LOL. Have a great day!

Rhani D'Chae link

8/4/2016 10:02:59

Hi Gwen. What an interesting post! I think we have all look back on the events of our lives at some point, and wondered why. I now have your book on my TBR list, & I look forward to reading it. 😀

Gwen Plano link

8/4/2016 10:40:46

Hi Rhani, thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastic day!

Linda Covella link

8/6/2016 13:43:16

I love the slideshow. Thanks for sharing!

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RRBC 2016 Book & Blog Party!

LETTING GO into PERFECT LOVE

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