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A Nun's Story, Hypocrisy in the Catholic Church, Indie-Author Rosaliene Bacchus, Northwest Rain Forest Region of Guyana, Praise for The Twisted Circle: A Novel by Rosaliene Bacchus (USA 2021), Sexual Harassment & Abuse
Apart from the joy of the creative writing process, my greatest joy as an author is hearing from a reader who so loved my novel that he took the time to write a review. And what a review!
Edward Ortiz, a retired American Army Lieutenant Colonel who blogs about leadership, history, and more, surprised me on Tuesday morning with his amazing review of my novel, The Twisted Circle. It warmed my heart that he highlighted the three layers or perspectives of Sister Barbara’s story.
A big thank you to Edward and for all the kind comments made about his engaging review.
Engaging from the start, with plenty of suspense and tension to keep me guessing until the end
The Twisted Circle by Rosaliene Bacchus tells the story of Sister Barbara Lovell, a Guyanese nun who joins a convent in the village of Santa Cruz, where she also serves the community as a schoolteacher and acting principal.
Rosaliene does a wonderful job of narrating the story through three perspectives: the inner lives of the sisters as they live in community and interact with local priests; the heinous events surrounding the abuse of children; and, in the background, a country trying to move forward as a republic after centuries of colonialism.
Sister Barbara is the main character, and through her, we learn about the horrible things that happen when religious vows and high moral standards are established but not upheld as they should be. The novel also explores the dynamics of a republic as it tries to find its footing, with corruption and retribution serving as stumbling blocks to progress….
Read more at Edward’s blog where he shares thoughts about leadership, history, and more.
With a thankful heart, I’ve added Edward’s review to my page “Novel The Twisted Circle” on my Author Website.


The Twisted Circle touched me quite a lot, Rosaliene!
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Thanks very much, Martina.
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A wonderful review to receive, Rosaliene. There’s something rewarding about a reader recognizing the layers you’ve woven into a story, beyond the plot itself. Congratulations!
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Thanks very much, Randall. As readers, we often get so caught up in the plot that we may miss the forces behind the scenes. Much like what happens in our real lives.
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It’s a fine review of a provocative novel I enjoyed reading some time ago. Much deserved congratulations, Rosaliene.
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Thanks very much, Dr. Stein. It’s a blessing to see new readers keep my novel alive.
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An amazing review, congrats.
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Thanks very much, Diana. So glad that you dropped by.
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well deserved praise Rosaliene. Both Pat and I enjoyed your novel. Have a great Sunday. Allan
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Thanks very much, Allan. How wonderful that you and Pat both enjoyed The Twisted Circle!
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Congratulations! Well deserved!
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Thanks very much, Tamara!
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A superb review. You must be thrilled 🤗❤️🤗
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I’m indeed thrilled, Ashley 😀 Every review means a lot for indie authors who don’t have a great publishing company to promote their books and boost sales.
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So great! What a way to make your day, Rosaliene! Congratulations! ❤
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It sure did, Ilsa! Thanks very much ❤
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Edward’s review is wonderful…and I agree with you! He writes thoughtful, engaging reviews. So happy for you, Rosaliene! 💝
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Edward sure does right wonderful reviews, Vicki. It’s a skill I’ve yet to master. Thanks very much ❤
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I feel the same…he’s always so insightful…so much depth. ❤️😉❤️
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So true, Vicki 🙂 ❤
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Kudos Rosaliene on Edward’s glowing review.
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Thanks very much, Brian.
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Congratulations, Rosaliene, on Edward’s wonderful review!
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Thanks very much, Dave! I’m still basking in the limelight 😀
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Well done. I am so impressed at your dedication to sharing these amazing stories.
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Thanks very much, Kim. Sharing these stories give meaning to my life as a writer.
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A well written and well-deserved review. I’m remembering the Sister Barbara’s courage.
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Thanks very much, JoAnna. I’m glad that her courage stood out.
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I’m so impressed by how devoted you are to bringing these amazing stories to others. Keep up the wonderful work
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Thanks very much, Ravindra.
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A great review, Rosaline! And well deserved. Your articles stand out. Congrats! 👍🌞
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Thanks very much for your kind comments, Friedrich 🙂
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That is a really great review, Rosaliene! It’s so well written I’m going to have to check out Edward’s blog.
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It is so touching that the colonel wrote such a wonderful review, and that you are so happy about it. It must be very moving for you to see how deeply he understood the perspective of the nun, especially given your own background and what you experienced back then.
I haven’t read the book completely yet, but it’s not available in German, so I plan to order it in English. It will be a great way for me to keep practicing my English, and I really want to read all of it.
Wishing you a wonderful week!
Warmly,
Nicole
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Nicole, every positive review is cause for celebration. I appreciate your support. A wonderful week to you, too 🙂
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Thanks very much, Mara. Do check out his blog. He brings a lot to our blogging community.
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And well deserved. It’s a story that stays within.
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Thanks very much, Dawn. Your review highlighted yet another aspect of the story.
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my pleasure.
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Congratulations on the great review!
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Thanks very much, Rebecca!
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What a great review by Edward that was truly compelling, Rosaliene. I’m going to buy it for our Spiritual Rap founder that is a sister as well. It’s also on my list when/ if time ever catches a break.. xx
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Thanks very much, Cindy. I appreciate your support 🙂 ❤
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You’re so very welcome, always, Rosaliene! xx
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🙂 ❤
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It was a real pleasure, Rosaliene. I truly enjoyed reading The Twisted Circle, and the story was very moving. Like I said in my post, Barbara will stay with me for a long time. I’m looking forward to reading Under the Tamarind Tree.
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Edward, it’s such a joy when a reader is moved by my storytelling. Thanks again for your wonderful support. I hope that you also enjoy reading Under the Tamarind Tree.
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You’re so welcome, Rosaliene. I’m sure I will enjoy it.
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🙂 ❤
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Congratulations on your fantastic review, Rosaliene. You’re the best, my friend.
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Thanks very much, my friend 🙂 ❤
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Nice one, Rosaliene!
And Edward too 😉
J
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Thanks very much, James 🙂
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