Having grown up and considered it my home base in Alexandria, LA from 1938 until 23 years ago, I laughed and remembered much when I read your delightful books about the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. Thank you.

FzDLj

WOW! I just finished reading Crowning Glory, and I must say you have outdone yourself-what a wonderful story! I didn't want it to end so I am hoping for a sequel. I read the Ya-Ya books too and it was the same with them, didn't want them to end... Thank you for writing, and giving me lovely stories to dive into!

Just finished reading The Crowning glory of Calla Lilly Ponder. Wonderful! Took me through all emotions. I love all your books,brings back memories of my own wonderful family and my lovely Louisiana. Keep laughing,dancing and enjoying life. My God bless you with good health. My God bless Louisiana and gulf waters from this awful oil spill.

I just finished The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder and absolutely loved it. It will join the ranks as one of my favorite books, among with are the Ya-Ya books : )

Keep writing, your words touch me!!

Hi, Rebecca, just finished your book, Ya-Yas In Bloom, LOVE IT, ESPECIALLY SINCE I AM FROM NEW ORLEANS, brought back special memories. I hope God has BLESSED YOU WITH IMPROVED HEALTH. Will be reading more of your work. Thank You

I love all your books Rebecca. The common bond is family and childhood memories and friendships. Do you think a group of women not growing up together can create a Ya Ya environment or have the love of one another like Calla and Sukey? Can these strangers ever grasp the love that these other women have. Being an only child who has moved extensively I have many acquaintances but few day to day bosom buddy friends. Perhaps an area in my life to ponder can it be done. I am looking forward to your next creation and love what you have done so far.

I was surprised when I read this book. It was an uncomfortable book to read. The dialog was stilted and stiff. The story line was predictable and childish. This book was a disappointment after the Ya Ya's. I rarely bother to give negative feedback on anything, there's plenty of other people to do that. However, I was so excited to read this book and had a hard time finishing it. I kept waiting for it to get better and had difficult time believing that it wasn't going to.

I am just now reading your wonderful works. Even though I am later than most other readers, I find that your words, feelings and characters have found a safe home with me. I'm sharing the books with my adult daughter and she has also claimed the Ya-Ya sisterhood as her own. Thank you for this gift that I am able to pass on with my daughter.

Dear Ms. Wells;
I just finished "The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder". For 30 years I felt that "something" pass from me to my dear clients, as I cared for them and made them beautiful. Thank you SO very much for recognizing what happens with a lot of us..and thank you for the Moon Lady. This novel spoke to me on so many levels.
I hope this finds you on a good day.

Hi Ms. Wells!

I just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder. I actually listened to it on CD while I was driving from Louisville, KY to Eugene, MO a few months back. It made my trip so much more enjoyable. I loved it so much that I purchased the book upon my return home. Normally I read and don't listen to books but since this was an especially long trip that I was making by myself I thought a book on tape was just what I needed. I am so glad I chose your book. The setting, characters and the actual reading just kept me spellbound. Truly it is one of my all-time favorite books. I laughed, I cried and I laughed some more.

I keep very few books once I read them but I have about 25 all time favorties and Calla Lily is now included in my "must keeps". Thanks for writing such a wonderful book!

I will keep you and Louisiana in my prayers. The oil spill is just awful and we must all do more to keep our environment and the wetlands safe.

Ciao!
Lana

I just finished reading The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder. I had difficulties putting it down. I enjoyed every single word, and fell in love with all the characters. I cried, oh boy I cried, but I was happy a lot too. What a great, great book. Thank you so much for your wonderful stories. Keep writing I would love to read more. I look forward to more from you.

Thank you so much for your books.
Sincerely, and grateful,
Marianne Fetter

Dear Rebecca,

I read your story online about your battle with Lyme Disease. I would like your permission to reprint it in a new blog about Lyme.

I’m assistant to Brandilyn Collins, a suspense novelist writing her 22nd book—a novel based on Lyme and the Lyme Wars. It’s the book she was meant to write, as she has suffered from Lyme herself.

This Lyme Awareness Month Brandilyn is launching a blog where people can tell their Lyme stories for encouragement and education about the disease. All whose stories run on the blog will receive a free copy of her novel, Over the Edge, when it releases next year (either print or download form). She would love to include your story on the blog. All we would need from you is your permission to run the story as it appeared here:

http://www.rebeccawellsbooks.com/
And we ask that you include a street address in case a print version of Over the Edge is sent to you. Also what would you like us to link to your story? We can add any link you wish to include.

If you’d like to read Brandilyn’s blog post that includes more details about her novel and the new blog, please go here: http://forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/2010/04/do-you-have-lyme-story-to-tell.html At the moment we are gathering people’s Lyme stories. The blog launched today.

If you have any questions, please email me. Blessings on your continued journey to health,

Sandy Sheppard

My name is Wendy Willey and my daughter, Megan, has recently won the title Miss Teen North Carolina International. This was her first pageant and we are very excited about the opportunity. This pageant is focused on a platform and her's is Lyme Disease. Myself and both of my daughters have Chronic LD. She is excited about the chance to help educate others about this awful disease. We own two boutiques in Waynesville, NC and Asheville, NC. and one of our customers is a writer and has offered to write a children's book about LD awareness and Megan's journey with LD. All the proceeds will be going back to "The Clinc of Angels" who she is the spokes person for. This is our Dr who helped us through this journey and now he has started a non profit that helps patients with funding for the meds that people can not afford. We are hoping to get this completed by the pageant in July. We are looking for a publisher and a Illustrator that would be willing to do this at a very low cost or as a donation. I believe that this is a great chance to help her share her battle and how she has battled it. She is so excited since she wants to be a teacher. If you have any suggestions for us we would greatly appreciate it!

Is your husband, Tom Schworer, the one who grew up in Alhambra, CA? I was best friends with his sister, Becky, who lived on Cordova Street. I just wondered since the Schworer name is not too common. Thanks!

I am enjoying the latest book, ''The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder''. Just as much as the Ya-Ya books actually.

Your experiences with Lyme Disease mirror my own. I don't have that but I have another autoimmune disorder, and have experienced the way you are made to feel shame for something you are expected to control or at least be stoical about. The way it is not possible to maintain a wider circle of friends because of guilt of letting them down, and just plain not being able to give time to people especially if they ask you to events or functions that are just not suited to a person who is unwell or in pain.....it causes links to community to break down. Without those links, you start to feel less of a person and more of a walking (or 'not walking') bundle of medical symptoms living for the next set of doctors appointments.

Also, people dread to ask you how you are,and you dread them asking if there is no news or improvement and so then they stop asking you instead.....and stop calling altogether. The fact you cannot tolerate the same sorts of foods or environments, makes it look like you are making unreasonable demands on friends....so you feel it is best to turn down invitations to dinner or any place that might make you look out of place or demanding.

Or you find that the best friends you gave so much time to in their times of trouble, now only drop the odd email....something perfunctory and adequate enough to maintain they kept their duty as a friend, but still not enough to call true friendship.

I really hope that with writing Rebecca, it can take away some of the loneliness and isolation you felt at first with the experience of illness. It becomes more manageable with time, if not cured, and you become better at hiding it and behaving like a normal person....in order to nurture proper ties to the community.

Anyway, whatever happens, just keep on writing......

Dear Rebecca,

Thank you so much for sponsoring the film Under Our Skin at Lynnwood theater.

I had suspected I had Lymes after talking with someone else on Bainbridge who also has Lymes. With the information I received that night I was able to get tested and do have chronic late stage Lymes.

I had just been at UCLA and didn't have a next step until that night.
So thanks for your work in bringing awareness to Lymes.

Do you have recommendations for a Lymes doc in this area?

Thanks;
Dana Rosenfeld

Hi Rebecca,
I just finished reading "Calla" and loved it just as I love every book you have written. My sorority sister, roommate and partner in crime introduced me to Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood in 1998 while at the University of Kentucky and it became our thing. Every single one of my mother's girlfriends read my copy and then christened themselves "The Ya-Yas." I love that my book is ready to fall apart but still holds up every year when I open it and read it again. After reading your letter on having Lyme Disease, I felt I needed to write you. I have a chronic type of cancer and today is my anniversary. I have been living with it for nine years now. I related to your feelings in your letter and I am on a similar journey with amazing friends at my side. God bless you.
Kerrie Kaiser
Alexandria, Kentucky
Kappa Delta Ya-Ya

I just finished The Crowing Glory of Cala Lily Ponder and I LOVED IT. I've never read one of your books before, but I certainly will be now. Your characters pop alive. I've been so happy over the last couple of days getting to know them and was sorry when the story ended.

Rebecca. thank you for sharing your story about having lyme disease. I have late stage lyme and have several relatives with lyme. We all came to the same conclusion-that most doctors have no knowledge about lyme disease but then put down the few doctors that have devoted their lives to and finally successfully treat us with lyme. It is a common scenerio and when is it going to change. I think well known people telling their story really helps the lyme community as a whole For that i thank you Rebecca. I pray that you feel well and happy .Thanks for putting the word out there. It really helps

Rebecca,

I just finished listening to the Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder and I want to thank you for bringing such wonderful characters to life and for providing me with much needed entertainment. When I read your books, I'm transported directly to Lousiana where I laugh and cry along with the wonderful people you brought to life. Thank you for sharing your amazing gift. Kristen

It was very interesting reading your story about Lyme disease.

thank u

I think our group was just short of winning one of the cakes. Please tell me I'm wrong. If I hadn't spent so much time reading on your site (not your fault!) I would've noticed the contest sooner and maybe would've submitted in time. Wait til I tell my book group tonight! thanks for doing it -such a thoughtful and fun way to celebrate the book and NO while discussing it.

I was stunned to find out you suffered with Lyme disease. I have late-stage/chronic Lyme, whatever you want to call it. This has been going on for more than 10 years, I am 29 yrs old now. I suffer many of the symptoms you describe. I am now awaiting the test results for my 4 yr old daughter.

My fellow "lymies" at my doctor's office and I discussed you having Lyme. You have our support!! It's a very difficult disease to live with because there doesn't seem to be a lot of support in the public and in the medical field. I commend you for writing, I know it must not be easy. I just want you to know that you are not alone and you will remain in my thoughts.

hi rebecca, i have really enjoyed your books . i am going to be in new york for book expo in may, are you going to be there

Hi Rebecca,
I have read and enjoyed all your books. They have struck me at a very deep level, especially Calla Lily. Tonight I am leading the discussion of this book in my library book group.

I want to let you know I appreciate the effort, time, and energy required to write these amazing novels - more so because of your Lyme Disease. I applaud you and hope this encourages you in some small way. To write of love, forgiveness, and the joy of life while dealing with such an illness speaks volumes of you spirit, determination, and courage. So thank you. (As a person with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia I can sympathize to some extent.)

I can't wait to read your next book.

I saw your new book on Goodreads and was intrigued by it. So, now at your website. I have been tested for Lyme Disease about four times and it always came out negative. I hope that new research will help with the prevention and treatment of it. I have many of your other problems like PN along with sarcoidosis and MGUS etc. I just want to say the I am very glad that you write!!!!

Dear Rebecca,
My name is Teresa and I am 21. Just wanted to tell you that I discovered the Ya Yas when I was just 17. It has become my favorite series and I am now along with my sister Emily (19) and my cousin Aly (21) in the process of creating our own sisterhood. When we have it all up and going we will register here and post pictures.
Much Love Bebe,
Emperess Happy Mama

Thank you for your inspiring message. I, too, have gone from doctor to doctor, dragging with me an entire series of illnesses such as Fibro., CFS, Interstitial Cystitis, Myasthenia Gravis, and so on. I have often wondered what the root cause of all these illnesses was. I am also feeling very isolated, because I'm finding that very few people, in general, want to hear about illness or death (or one's fears regarding those topics). A long time ago, I stepped on a deer tick nest, and received a significant rash (not a bull's eye). I immediately went to a dermatologist, who "pooh poohed" the idea of Lyme. All my Western blot tests have been negative. What this all boils down to, is: I would love to know who Dr. B is. I am willing to travel anywhere in the continental US but am not willing to spend scads of money, as I am basically living in poverty. If you know of any other LL doctors, that info. would be fine as well. If you do read my website (not required!) realize that my poems are still in the rough. So maybe you'd better not read it! Thank you so much (assuming you're able and willing to read these comments). And thank you for the Ya-Ya sisters!

I am reading The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder, I absolutely love her, she is so kind and funny. I hate to put it down and can't wait to get back to it. I have read your other books but this is my favorite.

Rebecca,

I wondered for a long time where you had gone, and why you hadn't wrtten anything new. Then, I became unable to even read anything, so I wasn't aware of your battle with Lyme.

I, too, have been diagnosed after far too long. I think I am on the road to recovery, but know that it won't be easy.

Thank you for your wonderful writing, and courage to continue in the face of such a debilitating disease.

Sandie Weinrauch

Becky, So happy to see your smiling face. You look simply gorgeous. Dad, "Tic-Toc" had a stroke in October and is declining daily. He is in a nursing home with around the clock sitters. I am so proud of you! I have such found memories of my time on Lodi. My mother just loved you! I pray the Lord will bless your life abundantly!

Just to say hello and also to tell you how much I have enjoyed your books. Being from Savannah, Ga., I can almost imagine what it was like to grow up in Louisiana (the bugs, the heat, the humidity). It was wonderful. Iam really looking forward to your next book. Your friend, Anne (from Facebook also).

Hi Rebecca,

I'm loving this book and the characters!

I grew up in Metairie, a suburb of
New Orleans. All your memories of Louisiana are so true to my own.
The only thing that's different is we call those frozen summer treats "snow balls" and you call them "snow cones".

You take me to a place I didn't even know I wanted to go. Your Yayas and Calla Lily are the beautiful women inside us all.

i LOVE your books!ive read all of the ya-ya series and will definately read ur new one. i love how they all take place in louisiana, u make living here sound alot funner than it is(: but maybe its all about perspective. when i get older i hope my friends and i are as close as the ya-yas ... my friends havent read ur book yet but im workin on it!

PS - It's not fair - you look fabulous!!!!

Dear Becky,
Stumbled across Little Alters in the Bookstore on the Square in Oxford, MS years ago. I was in awe of the book as it took me back to so many childhood memories at your home, Fishville and with our parents. I felt honored to know you, and was not surprised at all at your wonderful book. I always but knew you had that sort of creativity in you. When you visit LA, (I'm in Baton Rouge) would love to meet up and talk about old times. I believe only your Mom and mine are still around. There's definitely a story in my family.

Love to you and your Mom!

Alice Lee (Daniel)

I have a similar story and I have just started advanced within the last 2 years.

Hi dahlin,
Just finished watching the Ya-Yas in action... thank you for reflecting my friendship with my best friends.. I never knew how much they meant to me until I learned of the Ya-Yas.

84,000 Blessings.

I am a long time fan. I read little alters everywhere in 1995. I just happened to find in on a shelf in a library in Canada! I am a Texas girl, but married a Canadian and if it was not for many good books, I do not think I would have survived those first few years here. Anyway, I just finished reading Calla Lily Ponder and would like to know if there will be more books about her life? I would love to read a series, so please spin us fans a yarn if you will....

Regards,
Amber

HEY REBECCA, I LIVE IN ALEXANDRIA, LA. I LOVE ALL OF YOUR BOOKS SO FAR THEY ARE GREAT AND MAKE ME PROUD TO BE FROM HERE. I AM CURIOUS OF THE PLANTATION YOU GREW UP ON HERE. YOUR STORIES ARE SO REAL AND VERY VIVID WHEN YOU WRITE ABOUT THEM.

I have read all of the Rebecca Wells books and, previously, to reading the "Crowning Glory" book have TOTALLY enjoyed each and every one of them. I must say, being born in Louisiana and currently living in Louisiana for 51 years.... I was a little disappointed in the Crowning Glory book - a tat bit hockie for our area.... First of all, we do not call our mother's Ma'Dea - unless you are of the African American Culture - not cajun, not Louisianian white - I did LOVE the way she incorporated the black and white culture of a small town in the book and that was true - there may have been lines, but those that loved one another crossed them... But, Becky make it real, not for the Northern parts of America, that think we are so backwards.... Get back to YOUR ROOTS... tell stories that your previous books .. the real stories... don't make us sound sooooo hokie - The news does that enough - Be a True Character of your book and Stand UP for your LOUISIANA!

I tried to set up a Ya Ya chapter on your website but it failed. So I want to tell you that I am a resident of an assisted living facility for those with various disabilities. I set up The Desert Sky Chapter (Desert Sky Asisted Living facility)of The Ya ya Sisterhood to encourage all of to help each other. It has been met with resounding accolades and enthusiasim. Thank You for the idea as it is so wonderfull.

Jessica Brooks

I love your books! I so want to be a Ya-Ya myself one day! I am looking forward to reading "The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder" & was wondering if there was a date yet as to when it would be available in paperback. Whenever I am reading a book, I carry it around with me EVERYWHERE & prefer paperback - to put in my purse, of course!
I'm originally from Portland, Oregon & am a Southern transplant - 28 years & counting here in Birmingham, Alabama. I truly feel like a Southern & reading your books has made me feel more like I belong here.
Thank You!

Have read your books and always loved them BUT The Crowning Glory is absolutely knocking my socks off. I have laughed, cried, sighed, giggled, nodded my head in agreement and am only on page 118. I have lived in Louisiana for the past 40 years and consider it home. I grew up in Iowa and can relate to many of the things you talk about. You are Great!!!!!!!

Rebecca, I LOVE YOU so much. You make me proud to be a Southern woman. I was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. I went to high school at Misses Howards Girl for Girls in Birmingham. Sally Ann, and I are starting a Ya-Ya group, and our name is "Purple and Golden Girls". Our school colors are purple and gold. We want to honor Miss Bonnie and Miss Pearl Howard who founded and ran our school from the 1930s until the 1970s. Love from, Linda Caroline,Countess Loves To Cook, and Sally Ann, Countess Giggles a Lot. Linda Caroline class of 1960, Sally Ann class of 1961
6jLbU

Hello
I love happy people and want to make you aware of my property in Niagara Falls, Canada which could be simply a wonderful home for YaYa group gatherings - anywhere from 2 to 10 people. A real rustic and private place.
Please visit: vrbo.com/111703

Great to hear from you.
Orly (Noble) 404-899-1800

Hello
I love happy people and want to make you aware of my property in Niagara Falls, Canada which could be simply a wonderful home for YaYa group gatherings - anywhere from 2 to 10 people. A real rustic and private place.
Please visit: vrbo.com/111703

Great to hear from you.
Orly (Noble) 404-899-1800

Ms. Wells,

I found "Ya-Yas in Bloom" at a book store yesterday and have already finished it. I found this website on the book jacket; I just have to tell you that your stories make me laugh, they make me cry, they transport me, they make me long for things I can't name, I identify with them on such a deep level ... as a southerner, as a woman, as a lover of the written word, as a flawed but hopeful human being ... "MAGIC" is the most appropriate word I can think of for your writing. I was thrilled to learn you have a new book out and will be buying it tomorrow. I am sure I will read it in one sitting and then many times over and over, as I have all of your others. You are a gift from the Holy Mother, and I beg of you, PLEASE keep your stories coming, I have an addiction!

My prayers are with you. I am the mother of a "LYMIE". We have been through our own Hell. This is a horrific disease that wipes out not only your life but you life savings and mental and emotional health. I have heard this called a "end of time disease" and to a certain extent I believe this. But I also believe this is a man made disease which came from"Plum Island". But what does an old lady know. I pray also for this disease to finally be accepted by the medical community and insurance. It is bad enough being sick 24/7 but to loose everything you own to pay your medical bills is an injustice. May God be with you and give you Grace and Strength