Download Novels to your Kindle today

Download Novels to your Kindle today

Now that Santa has come and gone, leaving a new Kindle under your tree, we recommend that you download "Back to the Homeplace" and/or "The Homeplace Revisited" today, for a good family saga story to read on your new plaything. You will be glad you did! Have a great New Year!  ;-)

"The Trek to the Homeplace" in Anthology

"The Trek to the Homeplace" in Anthology

I have been notified that my short story: "The Trek to the Homeplace" has been included in the Ozarks Writers League Annual Anthology 2011: Echoes of the Ozarks, Volume VII.

Set in 1833 Missouri, shortly after statehood, an adaptation of this short story is expected to become the first chapter of the projected 'McDonald Family History' under the working title: "The First 25 Years of the Homeplace."

Continue to follow this blog for the latest information on 'The Homeplace' related items or The Homeplace Chronicles on Facebook.

Flora and Fauna Friday - Cardinal

Flora and Fauna Friday

Cardinal

The Cardinal is commonly found in the Ozarks, typically associated with open woodland areas. The sexes of Cardinals usually have distinctive appearances: the family is named for the red plumage of males.

Cardinals are robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. There is a broad list of Cardinal species.

For reference: http://www.city-data.com/states/Missouri-Flora-and-fauna.html

Review of "The Homeplace Revisited" by Julie at 'My Book Retreat'

Review of "The Homeplace Revisited"

by Julie at 'My Book Retreat'

Julie wrote:
The Homeplace Revisited is the second in a series by William Leverne Smith that began with Back to the Homeplace last year. (Click here to read my review) The series is the ongoing saga of the family of Mildred Bevins, who left her estate to her four children when she died, provided that they agree to return to the homeplace and work the land there for two years. All four children returned, and the first book in the series was all about their experience going back home and adjusting to their new lives.

In The Homeplace Revisited, ten years has passed, and the characters who were teens in the previous novel are now grown. This novel is focused on them as they build their careers and their families. Christopher has followed in his father, Carter's, footsteps and become a lawyer. Jennifer is now a veterinarian, and both are looking for love. Matt is also returning to town with his wife and their children to start a new Internet Service Provider (the novel takes place in 1996). They are also dealing with their parents' mortality. Karen's husband, Jason has died, and Carter has been given just six months to live.

While it was fun to revisit with the characters, I didn't enjoy this sequel as much as I had hoped. There just wasn't a lot of excitement. A few times it seemed like something interesting would happen, whether it be a conflict between two people or a natural disaster even, but it never really turned into anything. There are a couple love stories that progress throughout the book ~ and lots of business to be taken care of with the Bevins Trust ~ but mostly there's a lot of talking among the characters about their plans and their thoughts, and much of it seemed a bit unnatural. On the one hand it's refreshing to read about good people who are thoughtful and care about one another. On the other hand, a little conflict would have made for a more interesting book. Perhaps I've been reading too many thrillers lately!

If you've read Back to the Homeplace, you may enjoy revisiting with the characters and seeing where some of the teens have gone in their lives. There is a third book planned, and the author has some interesting things going on, including a Facebook page, blog and an interactive wiki. You can read about all of that on the author's blog.

Flora and Fauna Friday - White Oak

Flora and Fauna Friday

White Oak - Quercus alba

Quercus alba, the White Oak, is one of the pre-eminent hardwoods of eastern North America. It is a long-lived oak of the Fagaceae family. Specimens are known to have lived over 600 years. 

Although called a white oak, it is very unusual to find an individual specimen with white bark; the usual color is a light gray. In the forest it can reach a magnificent height and is the open it develops into a massive broad-topped tree with large branches striking out at wide angles.

Normally not a very tall tree, typically 65-85 feet at maturity, it nonetheless becomes quite massive and its lower branches are apt to extend far out laterally, parallel to the ground.

In the spring, the young leaves are of a delicate, silvery pink and covered with a soft, blanket-like down. The petioles are short, and the leaves which cluster close to the ends of the shoots are pale green and downy with the result that the entire tree  has a misty, frosty look. This condition continues for several day, passing through the opalescent changes of soft pink, silvery white and finally yellow green.

"The distinctive geodesic dome house became fully visible as Christopher passed the massive White Oak Tree that had long marked Peter’s chosen portion of the Bevins Trust land." 

Page 62, "The Homeplace Revisited"

 *********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Giveaway Posting

For any of my readers who may have missed the latest Giveaway Posting:

http://drbilltellsancestorstories.blogspot.com/2011/09/treasure-chest-thursday-my-memories.html

See a Snippet...

See a snippet of "The Homeplace Revisited" at:

http://indiesnippets.blogspot.com/2011/07/from-homeplace-revisited-by-william.html

Enjoy!  ;-)

Reviews of "Back to the Homeplace"

Comments from Reviews of 'Back to the Homeplace':

" ‘Back to the Homeplace’ is a beautiful story of family. I love family sagas and stories about family secrets. Hence this book was a perfect read for me... I could easily identify with the characters. If you've ever had a big family, you would totally relate to them. Every character was so real. Their emotions, their problems were very realistically presented. Each character was so well-defined that I felt like I knew them."

Misha Mathew, "My Love Affair With Books" blog

"This family tree has some branches that do not always seem to come from the same roots. When the limbs are shaken, some surprises fall out. But despite themselves, most members persevere, grow on their new home sites, or return to their former lives to reassess themselves or make peace."

Jack L. Kennedy, Joplin Independent

"This very intimate story of one family, and how they manage to stick together through the thick and thin of every day life, is one story you won't want to miss!”

Cyndi Beane Henry "Texicanwife" - from review on Amazon.com

"The characters seem very down to earth and real, with problems that we all face, I found it interesting that a few were addicted to Diet Coke, and would make trips to Walmart to purchase it, for me it doesn't get any more real than that! The descriptions of the birds, landscape and the Homestead in general were so vivid that it is easy to visualize it, and at one point when the author describes a vee of Canadian Geese flying overhead, I could just imagine hearing them honk."

Brenda Casto - from review on Amazon.com

"This is honestly one of the best stories about a family saga that I have read in some time. I also found out that there will be a sequel, which is going straight on my wish list. It's a high-ranking recommendation from me!"

Missy W - from review on Amazon.com

"The concept, the times, the settings were all intriguing."

Laurel-Rain Snow - from review on Amazon.com

"The families are realistic with normal family dynamics, and it is easy to care about what happens to them. The reader understands how each character's personality - the temperamental one, the team players, the loner - influences their role on the property."

L. Brandau - from review on Amazon.com

"I thought this book had an amazing storyline. I started reading it and really couldn't put it down. One of my favorite things about the book was the news blurbs at the beginning of each chapter. I was only 9 in 1987 so I loved seeing what t.v. shows were on and what music was big! It brought back a lot of memories from my youth… The characters were very real in this book. The way their lives all twisted together was captivating. The trials they faced were all very real."

Book Loving Mommy - from review on Amazon.com

OWL Contests for 2011 due Sept 1

OWL Contests for 2011 due Sept 1

The due date for the several OWL (Ozarks Writing League) [Writing] Contests is September 1, 2011. All entries must be postmarked no later than September 1.

This year, I was pleased to put an entry in contest #12. Best Book of the Year. with Back to the Homeplace that was published in 2010.

I also entered contest #8. Unpublished book. with the first three chapters and a synopsis of "The First 150 Years at the Homeplace" (working title), a book based on the family history 'research and development' about the families who first settled the Homeplace from 1833 through 1983 - prior to the Back to the Homeplace story [set in 1987].

Finally, I submitted a short story entry for consideration in the "Annual Echoes of the Ozarks Anthology Contest." This is a separate contest, but run on the same timetable. The short story I submitted, The Trek to the Homeplace, is actually Chapter One of the "The First 150 Years at the Homeplace." 

Best wishes to all participants in this year's contests.  ;-)

15 Years Ago - "The Homeplace Revisited" - Ch 4 ex

An excerpt from Chapter 4 of "The Homeplace Revisited" - 15 years ago:

CHAPTER 4

Saturday, August 17, 1996

In country music news…

Billboard.com top country song of the week: 

George Strait, 'Carried Away" off his Blue Clear Sky album

Christopher had talked to Doc Evans Friday, and agreed to come by his vet clinic mid-Saturday morning. Thinking back, Christopher realized that even having known Doc Evans as the local veterinary all of his life, he had never had a reason to visit the clinic. After extensive discussions with Jennifer, Christopher had agreed to get a dog, which he would keep at the stable at the Homeplace, as another way to get more personally involved with the farm environment, which he wanted to do. Doc Evans had said he had identified a well-trained, spayed female German Shepherd Dog, about four years old, that he felt would be a very good match for Christopher and for the farm environment. 

Christopher had gone by the stables earlier and picked up the farm-based GMC Yukon, so he could take the dog back there with him. As he entered the clinic building Nicole Evans, Doc’s granddaughter, greeted him. Nicole had been a cheerleader and a year behind Christopher, in Melanie’s class in high school, but Christopher had not seen her since he went off to college. “Do you remember me, Christopher? I’m Nicole.”

“Of course I do. It has been a long time, though. What brings you back to Oak Springs?” Apparently as perky as ever, Nicole had hardly changed in the nine years or so since Christopher had seen her. She was short, perhaps five feet four inches tall, with short-cropped strawberry-blonde hair, and had retained her athletic figure. Dressed in khaki pants and a bright orange blouse, Nicole presented a very professional but casual appearance. 

“I’ve been hired by the new Big Thunder Lodge, up north of town, in their hospitality department. My official start date is Monday, August 26th, with two weeks of orientation. It is a private club, just across the county line, but they seem to be hiring quite a few people. I’m staying with Gramps until I find a place of my own; helping out here some, to pay my keep!” she added with a big grin. 

“Very interesting. I’ll want to talk with you more about the Big Thunder Lodge, when we get a chance.” Christopher looked around the area. “But for now, I heard a story about a dog…” Christopher grinned.  

[Click on cover in left sidebar to order print or Kindle Edition copy]

 *********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

15 years ago: 'The Homeplace Revisited' begins

The opening page of "The Homeplace Revisited" took place just about 15 years ago:


CHAPTER 1

Thursday, August 15, 1996

In the news today…

Microsoft releases Internet
Explorer 3.0 (historyorb.com)

Bob Dole is nominated for
President of the United States,
and Jack Kemp for Vice
President, at the Republican
National Convention in San
Diego, California. (en.wikipedia.org)

Six months to live.
This was the prognosis the doctor had given his father.
Although Christopher had known his father was expecting bad
news regarding the tumor in his head, to hear the actual words
spoken was still stunning. Carter, his father, was only 61 years
old. It was not fair. How could this have happened? Christopher
had just joined his father's law firm in Oak Springs, in south
central Missouri, two years ago. He had expected at least ten
years working together with his father to learn the practice and
grow in his career. What would happen now?
Carter Ogden and his wife, Linda, were sharing the
information from their latest visit to the doctor with their adult
children, Christopher and Melanie. Melanie's husband, Richard
Stone, had taken their five-year-old, adopted Vietnamese
daughter, Kim, to the park to play to reduce distractions. The
Ogden house was quiet as the meaning of this latest information
sank in for each of them.

[From page 7, "The Homeplace Revisited" - click on sidebar to order, today.]

 *********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

The 'Not So' Square Arts Festival - Mt. Vernon, MO

The 'Not So' Square Arts Festival

Mt. Vernon, MO

Come visit my book signing and sales booth at the The 'Not So' Square Arts Festival on

Saturday, September 17, 2011, 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Historic Mr. Vernon Square, Mt. Vernon, Missouri

Artists and Author's booths open from 10 to 5

Entertainment throughout the day

Painters, Potters, Authors, Photographers, Jewelry and More

Writing Workshops and Children's Workshops

Sponsored by the Mt. Vernon Regional Arts Council, Mt. Vernon Community Betterment, and the Missouri Arts Council.

I will be selling and signing my two novels, Back to the Homeplace and The Homeplace Revisited, from The Homeplace Series, as well as my non-fiction family history books on the KINNICK and SCHWYHART families. I will also have copies of After Glow, a poetry tribute, by my wife, Nancy and daughter, Annette.

 *********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Good Day in Hardy, Arkansas

Good Day

Book Signing

Words and Afterwords

Hardy, Arkansas

Had a fun day at Words and Afterwords Bookstore and Cafe in Hardy, Arkansas, Saturday, 30 July 2011

Thanks to Vicki for the nice angle on this signing photo.

Is that a Halo over me - with my last sale couple? She has the book in her hand.

Thanks to Greg and Vicki and the gang at Words and Afterwords, and their string of afternoon customers for a neat day! Nice to meet you all - and, see you next year, I'm sure!  ;-)

See you in Hardy, Arkansas, at Words and Afterwords

See you in Hardy, Arkansas, 

at Words and Afterwords

I will see you in Hardy, Arkansas, for a booksigning on Saturday, July 30, 2011.

Stop by and see all the upgrades and changes since we were there last year. Greg has been working hard to make this a very distinctive experience in North Central Arkansas. See you there!  ;-)

See a Snippet...

See a snippet of "The Homeplace Revisited" at:
http://indiesnippets.blogspot.com/2011/07/from-homeplace-revisited-by-william.html

Enjoy!  ;-)

Vet Clinic Open House - 1996 - 15 years ago

News of 15 years ago in the Oak Springs Enterprise - July 1996

Bevins Vet Clinic holds Open House

Dr. Jennifer Bevins, DVM, hosted an Open House at the Bevins Veterinary Clinic on the grounds of The Bevins Stables and Trail Rides east of Oak Spring the afternoon of July 15th. Over one hundred people reportedly passed through the facility during the afternoon event. 

'Doc Evans,' long time Oak Springs veterinarian, was on hand to remind everyone that 'Doc Bevins' was now the veterinary in the area for large animals such as cattle and horses. As he moves closer to retirement, Doc Evans is taking only small animals as new patients. 

In her remarks, Doc Bevins made a point to thank those who were most instrumental in getting her to and starting her practice. These included her parents, Bart and Diane Bevins, The Bevins Trust, Doc Evans and her professors, fellow students, intern supervisors and others at the University of Missouri veterinary program.

*********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Texicanwife review posted on Amazon.com

Review of "The Homeplace Revisited" posted at Amazon.com:

 A Good Read, July 10, 2011

By 

Cyndi Beane Henry "Texicanwife"

This review is from: The Homeplace Revisited (Paperback)

The second book in the "Homeplace" series, I found the story intriguing. However, in comparison with the first book in the series, "Back to the Homeplace", I found it a bit more difficult to follow.


Smith brings characters to life easily enough, but tends to get more technical in the day-to-day job descriptions each character takes upon himself. Perhaps a little less of the job descriptions and a little more in the character build is called for.


Nonetheless, the story, as I have stated, is intriguing and pulls you along to find out what will happen around each bend and twist of the family's lives.


I did find editing to be lacking somewhat, when compared to his previous work. There were not only spelling, but grammatical errors in places.


And I was not impressed with the abrupt ending to the story, although it does leave one feeling like the old cliff-hanger movies of the '50's once did! You can't wait for the next in the series to come out to find out what will happen within the family Bevins next!


All in all, I give The Homeplace Revisited three stars and my Thumbs Up Award!


I highly recommend reading both Back to the Homeplace and The Homeplace Revisited.
Both books are suitable for readers of all ages.

****DISCLOSURE: A copy of this book was provided by the author for unbiased review.

Review of "Back to the Homeplace" - take a look

Review of "Back to the Homeplace" - take a look

[5 star rating review posted at Barnes & Noble.com; Back to the Homeplace

kittycrochettwo - WV Stitcher - http://kittycrochettwo.blogspot.com/]

This book shouldn't be missed!

Back to the Homeplace is a story of families and the ties that bind them together, and the lengths the matriarchs of the Bevins family went to in order to preserve the Homeplace! Upon the death of Mildred Bevins, the family was shocked to find the terms of the will that she and her husband Frank had devised fifteen years earlier. Their will stated that four Bevin's children had to live for two years on the homeplace, with each of the children being assigned 80 acres to manage and maintain, and at the end of the two years, if the minimum requirements set forth in the will aren't met then the Homeplace will be donated to the State University. Will the Bevin's children be able to work together and meet the terms of the will, or will they lose it? Each of the Bevin's siblings have their own set of problems that they bring with them. Bart had given up his job in real estate when his father Frank died, and he had always assumed that the farm would someday be his. Peter has always been a loner, but he has some secrets from his past that will surprise some, and jeopardize the lives of others.Karen and her husband Jason, moved from Arizona to fulfill the terms of the will, while things seem OK on the surface, they have problems back in Arizona that worry Jason. Beverly the youngest seems to really resent being forced to come back home. While her husband Paul and their two children Scott and Heather seem to thrive at the Homeplace, Beverly isn't happy and doesn't mind telling anyone that will listen. Sheila, Paul's daughter from a previous marriage has also come to the Ozarks, she makes poor choices that in the end not only affect her but others that have come in contact with her. The author does an amazing story of bringing these characters to life, you can easily see why Frank and Mildred wanted to keep the homeplace intact, it had been in Mildred's family since 1833, and was a legacy to be passed down, I think the plan wasn't only to preserve the land, but also to bring the Bevin's children back together. The characters seem very down to earth and real, with problems that we all face, I found it interesting that a few were addicted to Diet Coke, and would make trips to Walmart to purchase it, for me it doesn't get any more real than that! The descriptions of the birds, landscape and the Homestead in general were so vivid that it is easy to visualize it, and at one point when the author describes a vee of Canadian Geese flying overhead, I could just imagine hearing them honk. The author opens most of the chapters with a brief bits of actual news from 1987, really taking me back in time, a true trip down memory lane. A book that gives a true glimpse of how situations can cause some family members to draw together while others pull away. A story with several unexpected developments and a shocking twist near the end left me anxious to read the next book in this series titled The Homeplace Revisited due out in the late spring of 2011. Even though I was provided a copy of this book for review it in no way alters my opinion of this book.

A message for those who have already read The Homeplace Series books

A message for those who have already read The Homeplace Series books

This is a message for those who have already read either of the books in 'The Homeplace Series' - "Back to the Homeplace" and/or "The Homeplace Revisited." As promised in the epilogue of the latter book, you are now invited to participate in the future of this series. Working with Annette Lamb (eduscapes.com), we have created something new; that we would like to invite you to participate in with us:

The Homeplace Saga: Beyond the Books

This is a learning and collaborative joint-venture environment where you are encouraged to add your creative interests and talents, whatever that might be.

As this is July 2010, and the experiment is just beginning, let me introduce you to the first three sections for "Beyond the Books."

• Read: About this Wiki - some background, some instructions, some ideas, some procedures as to how to proceed.
• Look at Character Files - Each of the major characters are listed (as of 1996); their pages are not yet filled out, but you can be a part of this fun, if you wish.
• Check out the Town Directory - a full directory of Oak Springs businesses and locations - more even then are in the books (as of 1996) - how about writing up a story of one of these businesses? Perhaps a history? Create new characters around this business? Write a story set at one of these businesses with your characters? The possibilities are endless. NOTE: I'll bet you thought of some of these things as your were reading the book. Now is your chance to create them and tell a story about them! Go check it out.

If you would like to discuss this more, before 'jumping in' we have also created The Homeplace Series Book Club at the Reader's Inn website; including a good discussion area where I've already started a discussion. [This is also a free sign-in site, but you do need to sign-in with a user name and password to enter discusssions. Use the same one as the wiki, for best results. Write them down, so you don't forget them.]

NOTE: A part of this whole experience is that you can come at "Beyond the Books" from many different directions. On the wiki, read Annette's articles about 'transmedia storytelling' - it is the wave of the future. 


P.S. J.K.Rowlings and Sony just recently announced POTTERMORE which is, perhaps, the first advanced adventure of this kind. [Check this story here and here] 

We won't have this much, online games, etc., but we can work at our own level, with our talents, here and now. Come join us!  ;-)

Kindle Author interview on 'The Homeplace Revisited'

Kindle Author interview on 'The Homeplace Revisited'

A nice interview of the author was posted today on the Kindle Author site for 'The Homeplace Revisited' by William Leverne Smith. Please do read it, and, while you are there, you may want to sign up to follow, because there will be other postings you may want to read. We all need to help each other, don't we!  ;-)

*********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Kindle and Print edition of 'The Homeplace Revisited' on same page

Good news: Amazon.com now has Print Edition and Kindle Edition of 'The Homeplace Revisited' on the same page... they have both been there, a while, but on separate pages.

*********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Book Review at READER'S INN

Book Review at READER'S INN

[Click on THE SHELF, top navigation bar, then on Book Reviews]

Book Reviews

Back to the Homeplace

Written by Cheryl | June 10 2011 

Back to the Homestead Place by William Leverne Smith (ISBN: 978-1451560404 , CreateSpace March 25, 2010)

This book is an engaging drama, set in 1987, about a family of siblings who begin to learn about the unexpected and complex terms of their parents’ will, regarding the family farm, “The Homeplace”.   The initial term of the will that was disclosed to the siblings, required them to return to the Missouri Ozarks and live on the farm for a period of two years.   Each family was given stewardship over eighty acres.  This directive sets into motion different circumstances for each sibling and their families.   One family lived on the farm and had managed the farm for their aging parents.  The other siblings moved back home, with their families, after being gone for a number of years.  They each had their reasons to leave and, more importantly, reasons to return.  The remaining terms of the will was eventually disclosed to the siblings.  How each family member chooses to deal with the terms of the will and the relationships between the various family members, as well as, the other trustees, forms the basis for the plot.

I was intrigued with the characters throughout the story.  They must deal with joys and tragedies, successes and disappointments that all families face.   News clips are quoted at the beginning of each chapter to remind the reader of external pressures and cultural influences from 1987.  What stood out to me was how the characters bore the internal and external pressures admirably.  Most accepted the major changes in their lives and cooperated with each other for the greater good.  There were several tragedies in the book that could have defined this family differently.   While religion was not explicitly included in the book, the religious undertone of forgiveness was woven throughout the book.   This book was interesting and engaging and a joy to read.  I look forward to reading future books from this author.

Rated 4 on 5 point scale

*********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Both novels now available and selling well - get yours today!

'The Homeplace Revisited'

A summary

This is a feel-good, family saga novel set in a fictional southern Missouri Ozarks rural small town and surrounding country-side. We have returned to the site of 'Back to the Homeplace' - the first novel in the series - nine years later, in 1996, as the grandchildren of the original matriarch join their parents in the family business - the Bevins Trust. The family has survived death and conflict and there is more to come, but they are sustained by their faith, a positive world-view, and their dedication to family and community. The young ones still seek love and acceptance. The older family members seek peace and security. Are their dreams compatible in this day and time?

Christopher joined the law practice two years ago. Jennifer just opened her large animal veterinary practice near the remodeled stables on the Homeplace site. Matt has agreed to move his family from Boston to Oak Springs to head up the new Internet Service Provider firm formed jointly with the Bevins Trust. How will this new generation of young professionals mesh with the established older generation siblings of the Bevins Trust? What environmental and intergenerational challenges will they face? Join us as the family saga unfolds and continues.

In Print Edition

and in Kindle Edition

Back to the Homeplace, still going strong:

*********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Emporia Book Signing at the Town Crier Bookstore

Emporia Book Signing at the Town Crier Bookstore

One more look at the really neat book signing event last week in Emporia, KS, complements of the Town Crier website and Facebook page. Here is the long range view of the store as we were signing our books. Thanks to my daughter, Annette, for inserting the arrow for me, to show my location. THANKS!  ;-)

Another good location, this year. Support your local bookstore!  ;-)

Book Signing in Emporia, KS, June 18, 2011

Book Signing in Emporia, KS, June 18, 2011

[Photo Courtesy of Town Crier Bookstore]

I enjoyed going back to Emporia one more time, to sign copies of "The Homeplace Revisited." I was very pleased the Emporia Public Library bought a copy of the new book, as well as my first novel, "Back to the Homeplace." Very nice.

Both books are now available from Amazon.com in print and in Kindle Edition (for just $4.99) - links are in the sidebars and previous posts. I hope you will enjoy reading each of the books... good family stories!  ;-)

*********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Kindle Edition of 'The Homeplace Revisited' now available

Kindle Edition of 'The Homeplace Revisited' now available

http://www.amazon.com/Homeplace-Revisited-ebook/dp/B00571ATL2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1308616680&sr=1-2

*********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Click to Look Inside now on The Homeplace Revisited at Amazon.com

Click to Look Inside 

now on The Homeplace Revisited at Amazon.com

Amazon.com has now added the "Click to LOOK INSIDE" feature to 'The Homeplace Revisited' at:

http://www.amazon.com/Homeplace-Revisited-William-Leverne-Smith/dp/1463504926/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1308599910&sr=1-1

The Kindle Edition will soon be available at $4.99 [Back to the Homeplace Kindle Edition has also be re-priced to $4.99]. Check back in a day or two if not yet listed at these prices.

Thank you for reading The Homeplace Series of novels and this blog!

*********

"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

5th Annual Author Extravaganza - Sat, June 18, 2011

See you in Emporia on Saturday!!  ;-) 11 a.m.-1 p.m., usually starts earlier....  ;-)

5th Annual Author Extravaganza

Town Crier Bookstore, Emporia, Kansas

June 18, 2011

William Leverne Smith, otherwise known as Dr. Bill (William L.) Smith, has again been invited to return to Emporia, Kansas, where he was a university professor for 15 years to participate in the 5th Annual Author Extravaganza. This major book signing event will occur shortly after the release of Dr. Bill's second novel, 'The Homeplace Revisited.' Also available for sale and to be signed will be his first novel, 'Back to the Homeplace' (released Spring 2010). He will be accompanied by his wife, Nancy, who last summer published her book, with their daughter, Annette Lamb, through Visions to Action Publishing, 'After Glow: The Poetry of Laura Wilson Anderson.'

Book Signing in Hardy, Arkansas, on July 30

See the calendar at: http://www.calendarwiz.com/calendars/calendar.php?crd=eventcalendar1&op=cal&month=7&year=2011

Hope to see you in Hardy, Arkansas, on Saturday, July 30, 2011!

What it is all about! The Homeplace Revisited now available

The Homeplace Revisited - 2nd Novel in The Homeplace Series

by William Leverne Smith

This is a feel-good, family saga novel set in a fictional southern Missouri Ozarks rural small town and surrounding country-side. We have returned to the site of 'Back to the Homeplace' - the first novel in the series - nine years later, in 1996, as the grandchildren of the original matriarch join their parents in the family business - the Bevins Trust. The family has survived death and conflict and there is more to come, but they are sustained by their faith, a positive world-view, and their dedication to family and community. The young ones still seek love and acceptance. The older family members seek peace and security. Are their dreams compatible in this day and time?

Christopher joined the law practice two years ago. Jennifer just opened her large animal veterinary practice near the remodeled stables on the Homeplace site. Matt has agreed to move his family from Boston to Oak Springs to head up the new Internet Service Provider firm formed jointly with the Bevins Trust. How will this new generation of young professionals mesh with the established older generation siblings of the Bevins Trust? What environmental and intergenerational challenges will they face? Join us as the family saga unfolds and continues.

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"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

'The Homeplace Revisited' now listed on Amazon.com

'The Homeplace Revisited' now listed on Amazon.com

[Names on image are 'messed up' but the book is fine! Arrg!]

Enjoy the good read!  ;-)

Surname Saturday - MCDONALD 5

Surname Saturday

MCDONALD 5

This is a guest post by Karen BEVINS WINSLOW (a fictitious character in Back to the Homeplace). Karen is the oldest daughter of Frank and Mildred (MCDONALD) BEVINS, one of their four children. These four siblings and their families are the major characters of the novel: Back to the Homeplace. [This blogging exercise is a part of the research for the upcoming novel, "The Homeplace Revisited" by William Leverne Smith]

The Harry and Sarah (BALDRIDGE) MCDONALD Family

Harry was the son of Henry and Laura (STONE) MCDONALD. He was born in 1822, in Kentucky. Sarah was the daughter of Robert and Susannah BALDRIDGE. She was born in 1822 in Kentucky.

Harry and Sarah had the following children, perhaps others:

1. Caroline, b. 1843
2. Thomas, b. 1845
3. Patrick, b. 1847
4. Alex, b. 1849
5. Mahala, b. 1852
6. Rebecca, b. 1855

Families are Forever! ;-)







Families are Forever! ;-)

'The Homeplace Revisited' now available from printer

For those most anxious to get their print copy of 'The Homeplace Revisited' before it is available on Amazon.com in about a week, you can order it directly from the printer, an Amazona.com subsidiary:

https://www.createspace.com/3616113

Enjoy your read! ;-)

Memorial day in Oak Springs - 1996 - Fifteen Years Ago

Memorial day in Oak Springs - 1996

Fifteen Years Ago

Each year, for Memorial Day, in recent years, the Bevins bunch take turns being sure that flowers from The Homeplace garden are taken to and are properly arranged at the graves of Frank and Mildred Bevins, Jason Winslow, and Donnie Bevins. They also place a flower at each of the McDonald and Bevins grandparents and great-grandparents graves, as well.

The High School band and the local American Legion Post conduct a ceremony each Memorial Day Monday morning to remember those we have lost.

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"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

MCDONALD in the 1860 U.S. Census in Oak Springs, Missouri, area

This is a guest post by Karen BEVINS WINSLOW (a fictitious character in Back to the Homeplace). Karen is the oldest daughter of Frank and Mildred (MCDONALD) BEVINS, one of their four children. These four siblings and their families are the major characters of the novel: Back to the Homeplace. [This blogging exercise is a part of the research for the upcoming novel, "The Homeplace Revisited" by William Leverne Smith]

MCDONALD in the 1860 U.S. Census in Oak Springs, Missouri, area

There were two household entries, one after the other...

The first entry, all born in Missouri, except as noted:

Harry McDonald is 38, farmer, born in Kentucky

Sarah McDonald is 38, housewife, born in Kentucky

Caroline McDonald is 17

Thomas McDonald is 15

Patrick McDonald is 13

Alex McDonald is 11

Mahala McDonald is 8

Rebecca McDonald is 5

The second entry:

Henry McDonald is 59, farmer, born in Kentucky

Daniel McDonald is 22, farm worker, born in Missouri

Families are Forever!  ;-)

Flora and Fauna Friday - Hickory

Flora and Fauna Friday

Hickory

Trees in the genus Carya (from Ancient Greek 'nut') are commonly known as hickory, derived from the Powhatan language of Virginia.

Hickory flowers are small, yellow-green catkins produced in spring. They are wind-pollinated and self-incompatible. The fruit is a globose or oval nut.

Hickory wood is very hard, stiff, dense and shock resistant. It is highly prized for wood-burning stoves, because of its high energy content. Hickory is popular for cooking barbecue and adds flavor to the meat. Hickory is sometimes used for wood flooring due to its durability and character.

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"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Four generations at The Homeplace

Four generations at The Homeplace

The Homeplace Series, books one and two, so far, are dealing with the most recent four generations of our McDonald/Bevins family. Family history study has already revealed some of the earlier generations back into the early 1800s.

Today, we want to share a 'chart' of these four generations up to the start of 'The Homeplace Revisited" on 15 August 1996 (nearly 15 years ago):

1st generation (now both deceased)"

Frank and Mildred (McDonald) Bevins

2nd generation:

Karen Bevins and her late husband, Jason Winslow

Beverly Bevins and her first husband, now divorced, Paul Gates

Bart Bevins and his wife, Diane

Peter Bevins

3rd generation:

Matt Winslow and his wife, Susie (Susan)

Lori Winslow

Erin WInslow

Kevin Winslow

Donnie Bevins (deceased)

Jennifer Bevins

Christopher Ogden (biological son of Bart Bevins)

Scott Gates

Heather Gates

4th generation:

Tyler Winslow

Emily Winslow

Families are Forever!  ;-)

Book Trailer for 'The Homeplace Revisited' Released

Book Trailer

'The Homeplace Revisited'

With release of the 2nd novel in The Homeplace Series just a couple of weeks away,

Here is the Book Trailer, to further whet your appetite for the book:

Thanks to Annette Lamb with the 'eduscapes channel' on YouTube and Vision to Action Publishing for producing this book trailer.

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"May each of us have a Homeplace to hold onto, if only in our minds."

Bill ;-)

Tuesday Profiles - Bart Bevins

15 August 1996 Profile

Bart Bevins

54 years old

This Profile is the second of a series of weekly profiles of major characters in the "Back to the Homeplace" novel that also appear in "The Homeplace Revisited," as of the beginning of the second novel, 15 Aug 1996.

Bart Bevins was born May 13, 1942, to Frank and Mildred (McDonald) Bevins, at the Oak Springs hospital; the family lived at the Homeplace farmhouse near Oak Springs, Missouri. 

He attended Oak Creek School #4, a one-room school near the Homeplace, from kindergarten through the 8th grade, when he went to town for high school.

He graduated from Oak Springs High School in the Class of 1960.

(Diane Spencer and Linda Winters were classmates in high school.) All three went to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. Bart and Diane graduated in 1964; Linda graduated a year later.

Bart received his B.S. degree in Business Administration; Diane in Secondary Education - English; Linda started in Theater Arts but graduated in General Studies.

Bart Bevins and Diane Spencer were married on June 15, 1960, at the First United Methodist Church in Oak Springs. Bart joined Oak Springs Realty and Diane had accepted a position as High School English teacher at Oak Springs High School. Linda Winters joined Oak Springs Realty in the summer of 1965.

Children born to Bart and Diane in Oak Springs:

Donnie, born in 1968, died in 1987 

Jennifer, born August 3, 1971, 25 in 1996

Bart worked at Oak Springs Reality from the summer of 1965 until the summer of 1978 when his mother asked him to take over the farm operation after his father, Frank, died in the late spring. Bart and Diane build their new home shortly thereafter. He has continued with farm operations responsibilities to this date; working through the Bevins Trust since 1987.

Civil War Note - Alex, May 21, 1861

Civil War Note

Alex, May 21, 1861

This is a guest post by Karen BEVINS WINSLOW (a fictitious character in "Back to the Homeplace"). Karen is the oldest daughter of Frank and Mildred (MCDONALD) BEVINS, one of their four children. These four siblings and their families are the major characters of the novel: Back to the Homeplace. [This blogging exercise is a part of the research for the upcoming novel, "The Homeplace Revisited" by William Leverne Smith]

I found the following note on a yellowed piece of paper in among the notes I found of my mother, Mildred. Who do you suppose wrote it? Can it really be someone from the Civil War era? Who was this Alex?

Looking Back: 'Back to the Homeplace' Reviews, Part 2

As we look forward to the release of "The Homeplace Revisited" in less than a month, if you have not read "Back to the Homeplace," the first novel in the series, you may want to do so; available in print and on Kindle. Below are some additional quotes from Reviews of the book.

Comments from Reviews of 'Back to the Homeplace':

"This is honestly one of the best stories about a family saga that I have read in some time. I also found out that there will be a sequel, which is going straight on my wish list. It's a high-ranking recommendation from me!"

Missy W - from review on Amazon.com


"The concept, the times, the settings were all intriguing."

Laurel-Rain Snow - from review on Amazon.com


"The families are realistic with normal family dynamics, and it is easy to care about what happens to them. The reader understands how each character's personality - the temperamental one, the team players, the loner - influences their role on the property."

L. Brandau - from review on Amazon.com


"I thought this book had an amazing storyline. I started reading it and really couldn't put it down. One of my favorite things about the book was the news blurbs at the beginning of each chapter. I was only 9 in 1987 so I loved seeing what t.v. shows were on and what music was big! It brought back a lot of memories from my youth.,, The characaters were very real in this book. The way their lives all twisted together was captivating. The trials they faced were all very real."

Book Loving Mommy - from review on Amazon.com