"Beautiful Ashes will grab your heart and your eyeballs—good luck putting it down! It is almost unbelievable that one person could go through so much, and yet because she experienced so much, her eventual triumph over her struggles is that much more exquisite. Anyone trying to get over just about any type hardship will identify with and find comfort in her incredible story.
I was often moved to tears and also would yell out in disbelief at certain points in the narrative. I found myself cheering when good prevailed and was deeply grateful for the angels in her life (earthly and other-worldly). I am an avid reader, and this book is definitely one of my all-time favorites."
"I just finished reading this awe-inspiring book, Beautiful Ashes. I could not put it down until the end. I have no words to express my thoughts right now. I’m lost in Shelly’s life story and how incredibly strong she is and how much her faith in God kept her going throughout it all. All the miracles ….
It’s amazing how strong, faith inspired, determined, conquering whatever life has thrown her way, forced to grow up at a tender young age, surrounded by strong women who never left her side, gaining an amazing career, fighting a terrible disease, having miracles lovingly sent to her from God, and through it all, finding the one true love and family she so deserved.
I know I will be reading this amazing life story many times over. All our love to you Shelly and your beautiful family. May you have a long healthy and Blessed life."
"If you liked the books, “Glass Castles” by Jeanette Walls or “Educated” by Tara Westover, you will be drawn and compelled to read “Beautiful Ashes”. There’s so much to unpack " in this narrative, please do yourself a favor and keep a box of tissues handy, and plan to call in sick for work because you won’t be going to bed or doing much of anything except reading all day and night.
Beautiful Ashes reminds us that no one is immune from pain, no one lives fairy tale lives free of sorrow and challenge, and there are no time limits on healing and happiness."
"This book will pull you in and leave you feeling more resolve to find joy in the midst of trial. Shelly’s story is gripping and devastating, but even more amazing is her raw, authentic voice. She demonstrates incredible bravery in sharing her story, leaving you feeling inspired to be stronger. The story is so beautiful because of how she has learned to find beauty in the sorrow in her life. She is an incredible example of looking for God’s hand in everything. After reading this book, I feel more able to look at my trials with gratitude. I would recommend to anyone who has been through hard things and wants to look at life through a new lens"
"Beautiful Ashes is a story of loss, but more essentially a story of resilience, and hope. In it you will find Shelly's powerful history of overcoming the most unimaginable circumstances, rebuilding a life of fullness in the truest sense of the word."
"This book will take your breath away…it certainly stole mine. This is one of those unforgettable stories, but it is more than just that. While painful at times to read what the author had endure, her strength and resilience were so inspiring. It puts life into perspective and gives hope to those overcoming any trial or difficulty. It also provides an eye-opening account into domestic abuse which helps bring this issue into the forefront where we can continue to learn more about how it affects so many lives and how we can help others suffering. This was by no means an easy read; however, it is critical we understand better the world of domestic violence and how it impacts families. And of course, how all struggles can be overcome through faith and hope..
"Beautiful Ashes is riveting, horrific, and hopeful. Shelly has taken the awful experiences she has had throughout her life and shown how she has used them to become better and not bitter - which would have been much easier. This heart-rending book will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next and will have you pulling for Shelly to make it through. It is a story of resilience and ultimately triumph, and, oh, what a ride! Kudos to Shelly for sharing her story to give hope to others who suffer injustices and long for peace."
Truly moving story! So proud of Shelly for coping so well along a very difficult journey and coming out the other side triumphant. Very inspiring to others in similar situations!"
I was completely invested in Shelly's story from the first chapter of the book. She tells her story in such a way that I had a difficult time putting it down once I started. Every so often I would find myself closing the book but then immediately returning to it only a few minutes later. The story never felt like it dragged and had me full of anticipation what crazy thing would happen next. Beautiful Ashes is a story of overcoming time and time again. It was amazing to see how much Shelly went through and still chose faith and happiness when it would have been easy to give into the darkness that surrounded her. There are many lessons that can be learned from Shelly's story, and I will refer back to her mindset time and time again in my future. I can't wait for the book to be published and I can share it with my friends and family.
An amazing story of strength, courage and faith! I felt like Shelly was talking to me. So many emotions - sad, hurt, lonely and tears while reading. Beautiful Ashes will make you evaluate your relationships and think of those close to you. I was inspired by Shelly’s ability to move forward in life with God and her mom guiding her. I will be reading Beautiful Ashes again to get inspired, to lean on my faith and to advocate for those in tough situations. I am truly Blessed to know Shelly and witness her strength and miracles.
I read this amazing book last weekend, and out of 10 stars, it is a 20! So many things of what the author wrote resonated with many of my own personal traumas and tragedies in my life, and I immediately felt a kinship with this wonderful woman. Her resilience and courage are awe inspiring and inspirational. Please make sure you read this book when it becomes available. You will love it! Warning: you WILL miss out on some sleep because you won't be able to put it down, so be well rested when you begin! Thank you, Shelly, for your courage and your kindness to share with others the deepest recesses of your heart. God Bless you always.
Shelly, it was an absolute pleasure and privilege to review Beautiful Ashes; your life story. I knew only a little about your traumatic childhood and the murder of your beloved mother when I started to read. I started hesitantly as I am aware of being triggered by like situations (having a brother murdered who also was a victim of domestic violence but this was not the reason for his murder). I also wanted to fully understand your situation and process ALL of your history.
Wow your story blew me away with just how much you have overcome - your genuine ability to see the positive far outshines the horror and trauma. Your depth of knowledge about yourself and others around you was raw and comforting at the same time. Your memoir is so descriptive and beautifully written. I knew your story had a happy ending, and as I progressed I found myself not wanting to put the book down.
You took me on a very personal journey as well. I wept when your hubby proposed, so pleased for the both of you that there is happily ever after. It has taken me a few days after reading the last page to collect my thoughts. It is a book and a story that will stay with me forever. And as a co-thriver and unpublished draft memoir writer, thank you from the bottom of my heart. This book is inspirational as are you - and will definitely help others who are faced with the unthinkable.
"Beautiful Ashes," is the type of book that grabs you by the collar, pulls you in close, and then dares you to put her down. Good luck if you have to work, sleep, or take care of your family! Also be prepared to gasp out-loud a few times, and make sure to have a Kleenex box handy for the tears that will inevitably come.
There were a few times I had to put the book down, solely because of the intensity, but those times only lasted in five-minute increments, until I needed to pick it up again and see what happened next.
The story is riveting, sad, inspiring, horrific and hopeful all in one. Shelly vulnerably shares herself and her honest story. I can't fathom all she had to go through. I love that she continues to trust in God, despite her hardships. Truly, she is as a modern-day Job. I give this book 5-star review and would recommend it to a mature audience.
An intensely emotional and page-turning memoir, Beautiful Ashes is a tale of the restorative powers of faith, perseverance, and love, reminding us that family is not defined by blood and we, as human beings, are not defined by our circumstances. In a world where so many people search for a way to survive their trauma, Shelly’s incredible story provides hope that you can not only survive, but thrive despite whatever life throws your way.
An intensely emotional and page-turning memoir, Beautiful Ashes is a tale of the restorative powers of faith, perseverance, and love, reminding us that family is not defined by blood and we, as human beings, are not defined by our circumstances. In a world where so many people search for a way to survive their trauma, Shelly’s incredible story provides hope that you can not only survive, but thrive despite whatever life throws your way.
