• Born and lived most of her life in the state of Massachusetts
• Music educator for many years
• Worked as a literacy coordinator in the areas of English as a Second Language and Citizenship
  
• Married for 40 years to a sympathetic, understanding, devoted husband until the time of his passing
• Mother to two daughters, and one granddaughter
• Spends her leisure time writing, painting, teaching music, and giving talks about the Hawaiian Islands

  When I was a child, my mother imbued in me a love of Hawaii through the old radio and TV star Arthur Godfrey. Although Mr. Godfrey was not Hawaiian, he was one of the first entertainment personalities to introduce mainland America to what would become her 50th state. I grew up listening to and singing the music of the Hawaiian Islands.

  Al & Joyce Maui, Hawai'i has been my second home since1989 when I first visited there with my husband Al. Over the years we became more than tourists, visitors, or even part-time residents; we became Hawaiians at Heart. It would seem natural, then, that in my writing I would turn to what I loved best. The directive to write a book of spirit from a Hawaiian point of view that would be simple enough for young people to understand and interesting enough for adults to read came in the year 2001. Lei'ohu Ryder, my spiritual advisor, was the first to mention it. "You're going to write a book, you know," she said. Her most casual comment was quickly followed by one not so casual from the first Ascended Master. "All we want you to do is do it. The book will be your prayer, but remember that, more importantly, it will be a book for the world for healing and peace." The news that there would be two books came closely on the heels of the first message when the Master said, "This first book is just to break the ice. Later, you know, with the second one it will get easier. And remember that you are woven in the fabric of love in the heart of the Heavens." The entire idea that I should take on this responsibility was daunting, and from that time on, the kupuna angels kept up a campaign of nudgings and comments until I began to write the first book. Having taken two years off for personal reasons, In the Presence of angels took four years to complete and was published in March, 2008. Lei'ohu Ryder on Beach I began writing the second book shortly thereafter. I had the experience of the first book behind me, the second was easier to write. Since it's a sequel and formatted in the same way, I had all the information I needed in my journals, both personal and angelic, the correspondence between Maui and Massachusetts, and my own recollections at my fingertips, There Is No Veil took only an uninterrupted year to finish. Writing both books was a joyous experience of spirit, as were all those that included my angels, family spirits, star people, 'ohana Maui and Massachusetts friends and family. I wouldn't have missed them for any thing or changed them in any way. I've been many times blessed.

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  Testimonials from Reviewers

Red Hibiscus

Before submitting a manuscript for publication, it has been my practice to recruit several family members and friends to read through and comment, not on the content, but on the writing. These readers were of varying genders, ages, nationalities, cultural backgrounds, educations, and religious preferences. Some were readers for In the Presence of Angels. Some purchased and read the first book, and some either had not read or even knew that I write, making for some very interesting and helpful critiques.

Every reader provided a valuable service. All took time from their busy schedules to do this work for me. I wish to thank them here by name:

Julie Stearns, Linda Carter, Carolyn DeFranco, Barbara Urlage, Marion Sweeney,
Beverly Sawyer, Phil Sawyer, Alice Fitzgerald, Jack Fitzgerald, Emy Shepherd, Leslie Munn

Look for a mention of both books on Suzanne Strempek Shea's website: www.suzannestrempekshea.com

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"There Is No Veil plunges deeper into the spirituality of Ms. Carter's faith journey, her questions, and her commitment to the awakening of others and has many both startling and hauntingly beautiful passages. There is much to learn, much to remember, and much to be awed by in this small but meaty book."

"THERE IS NO VEIL, Aloha Is Forever invites each reader to reflect on the vastness of Life's journey. The spiritual depth of this book leads the reader to further cultivate his or her own personal understanding of the Great Source and helps to show how profoundly connected we are to the spiritual energy that is all around us."

"The author's first book In the Presence of Angels introduced readers to a world both mystical and mysterious, seldom visited yet open to all. As one unacquainted with Hawaii, its culture, customs, people and language, Angel became a learning experience made pleasurable by the writing style, superb reference section and a wonderful story delightfully narrated. There Is No Veil is equally rewarding and provides an opportunity to revisit old friends in their familiar, fascinating world."

"When you pick up this book, you will want to continue reading. Like Ms. Carter's first book, the text is clear, concise, and an easy read. The author captures the main characters so well that you can picture each one as you read. She also offers some wonderfully descriptive passages and uses the simile well. Her explanations of new terms within the reading and the glossary and pronunciation guide are very helpful."

"This book by author Joyce Carter is made up of well balanced writing that is truthful and believable. It shows a depth of emotion and feeling that brings out the heart and soul of the author and the reader. I couldn't put it down and read the book in two days. I truly believe in angels and envy Ms. Carter her experiences and closeness to them. The book is an uplifting story that touches the heart."

"Through this book, the reader learns that even when spiritual or personal events occur that are difficult, hard to understand, or not to be discussed, we can still come though feeling we're on the right path. It explains that life goes on, knowing that with faith we can get through anything."

"There Is No Veil is easy to read. Even if interrupted, the reader can pick up the story line easily and smoothly. The unique content captures the imagination and prompts you to continue reading. The author's feelings about her return to faith create the same emotions in the reader. Her writing shows heart, soul, and gut. This book is an excellent presentation of faith, spirituality, and hope for the future."

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Maui Waterfall

"There Is No Veil has a more specific focus than In the Presence of Angels - that of dealing with loss of a loved one. However, this book uses the principles of the first to deal with the issue in the second. The Red Book Addendum at the back of the book deals with something people don't want or like to think about until they need help. It gives them the specific pointers they'll need when that time comes, and it comes to everyone. Having this list gives people the time they need to begin healing."

"This little piece moves through a deeply personal journey with honesty and sensitivity. The balance of the sublime and the ordinary challenges the reader to engage life with like courage and steadfastness, wreathed with the notion of the "veil." The Red Book Addendum is a very useful tool."

"The author tells a beautiful story that made me laugh, cry, and ponder. She courageously opens herself fully as she describes personal struggles and joys. The book is a true testimony to her deep and ongoing faith that piqued a desire to explore more deeply my own spirituality."