Vegas to Varanasi (Fortytude Series Book 1) (24 page)

BELIEVE

“There is hope in this book, there is a positive message of remembering those who have crossed on and those who are still living, finding a reason to draw breath each day and welcoming the sun. And when you need a good reminder of that message, this book will give it to you.”

—Jesse Coffey, Lexington Literature Examiner

Believe. A message that still taunts her years after the passing of her daughter. In the days of her daughter's illness, she considered herself a seeker, open to the possibilities of prayer and faith. Now cynical and guarded, she is forced to reexamine her beliefs and relive her past when an old love resurfaces, with a sick child of his own. Believe is a story that examines fractures to our foundations in the face of tragedy. It is a story that asks if prayers are always answered, but often in ways we do not see.

Despite the spiritual tone of this work, please be aware it contains strong language.

A note from Shelly about
Believe
:

Believe
is my first published work and is quite different than my current style. I began writing it after my daughter completed thirteen months of chemotherapy, thinking that way of life was behind us forever. She relapsed a little over a year later, and the manuscript was tucked away as we fought once again. When she eventually lost her battle, I came back to the story as a way to work through my anger and grief, and to figure out what I believed. The prose is bare and direct. The plot is metaphysical. I think some have read the description and expected something entirely different because of the mention of prayer. The story isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve ever lost someone close to you, especially a child, I hope you will find it a worthwhile read.

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE

"The magic, depth and beautiful messages woven throughout the story make it such a feel-good novel...I will think about the many important issues raised in this book for a long time." —
Samantha Stroh Bailey, Author of
Finding Lucas

"A heartwarming and entertaining story that has a sweet romance and thoughtful life message."
 —Jersey Girl Book Reviews

"I loved the wit in this novel!"
 —Storm Goddess Book Reviews

When approaching life's problems, Sophie sees in black and white. That is, when they're someone else's problems. So when it comes to her sister, Sophie is sure she has all the answers, and offers them without hesitation. If only her sister would listen.

Then, through a series of chance encounters, she meets Sam, who is witty, kind, and downright unflappable. Sophie has the overwhelming sense that she's known him before, and as a relationship builds between them, odd visions invade her mind. Though she tries to dismiss them, their persistence will not allow it.
 

As someone who is quick to judge others, she is intrigued by Sam's ability to accept people as they are. She begins to see him as a role model, but try as she may, his accepting nature is difficult to emulate. 
 

Will Sophie ever be able to put her hasty judgments aside and realize not every problem has a simple solution?