WHO IS BERNADETTE?One of my favorite stories that Bernadette has shared with me in her heavy, still Brooklyn/Irish accent even after years of moving around the US, is how she fell in love with reading. The story shows a wee bit of insight into who is Bernadette Crepeau? I can answer as her friend. To me, Bernadette is one of those "Phenomenal Women" Maya Angelou talks about in her poem. Bernadette has the confidence to move forward despite her troubles while enjoying her journey as an author with stories to tell. You may have even heard this story but if not you’re in for a treat.Bernadette tells the story of how "My parents came from Ireland and had limited opportunity for education. My father and step-mother did not read, so we had no books or magazines in our home. The inner-city school I attended could not afford to allow children to take books home. When I was fourteen I attended Prospect Heights High School. For some reason that I can't remember, I was called to the dreaded ground floor which was home to the principal’s office, music rooms, and library. While walking past the library door, I glanced over and a lady behind the desk waved for me to come in. She asked if I wished to borrow a book. I told her I could not afford one. Growing up I had heard of libraries, but knew they were for the rich. The lady told me that if I promised to bring the book back in pristine condition, I could take it home for three days. All I could think about was that I did not want to appear greedy; I reached for the smallest book on a shelf. The book was half the size of a Kindle and about as thick. This spurred my love affair with books. I was working full time after school and read my book on the trains to work and home. I must have read my little book at least fifty times. My little book was a screenplay written by George Bernard Shaw, entitled, “Pygmalion.” Mr. Shaw introduced me to a street kid like myself who dreamt of living a better life. I realized then that if Liza could have her dreams come true, so could I."You get to know Bernadette intensely with this story leading to her love affair with reading. I believe this has sparked her diverse creativity for her variety of books as an author. And, reading is what she continues to do. She continued her education in Plainfield, Vermont where she received a bachelor's degree in Human Services Administration at Goddard College. Expanding on her education, she was accepted into the Master's Program at John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, CA to study Transpersonal Counseling.She has held many positions at fascinating locations including Oregon, where she worked for the Portland Police Bureau which provided her insight into the criminal, public service, and security issues. Later she expanded her knowledge by working in the technology industry.In 1996, she wrote and published her first non-fiction entitled, "City of Bargains," launching her career with an interview by Good Day Oregon, KPTV Channel 12. Bernadette has published a book-a year. Her first book, "The Brooklyn Leprechaun “was also written as a screenplay where it won 3rd place in a nationwide contest. In 2011 she published, "Royal Spirits" followed by, "Magical Scotland" in 2012. She moved away from the Mystery Trilogy to a paranormal series with, "Keep New England Weird" in 2013.2014 brings about new changes as Bernadette publishes, an action/drama entitled, “Turn Back Time.”I've had the pleasure to watch Bernadette grow as an author and she has taught me many lessons already in a short period of time, the main one to just be a "Phenomenal Woman" and do what you love. Natasha Parvey-Leskowich, Public Relations/MarketingRead more about this authorRead less about this author