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Belle A. DeCosta
 

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The Lesson
a novel
by Belle A. DeCosta

1800s: Tanna, a slave on a Jamaican sugarcane plantation, is forced to suffer years of brutality at the hands of a sadistic plantation owner to ensure the safety of her beloved son. What gives her the strength to endure? Will she be able to hold on, to see him to manhood and her predetermined destiny for him?

1960s: Sue-Ellen, a Savannah socialite whose Southern upbringing dictates she turn a blind eye to her powerful father’s and congressman husband’s character flaws, until a catastrophic event shatters her world and renders her acceptance intolerable.

1990s: Jeannette, a successful investment banker, resides in an affluent Connecticut town with her artist husband and teenage daughter. They lead a normal suburban life until blindsided by a happening that turns their lives upside down and sets off a series of life altering events. Will the family come together or dissolve?

2000s: Nina, born to a 9/11 widow, and raised by a loving family in Brooklyn, works her way to Broadway stardom, but suffers much loss throughout her life. How does she handle the disappointments and twists and turns? What becomes of her after she retires from the stage? Will she discover an important piece of life’s puzzle that eluded the others?

Four women, living in various times, with very different lifestyles. What connects them?

Follow Tanna, Sue-Ellen, Jeannette, and Nina on their unique journeys as they navigate through their fated ordeals. Will they survive?


What They're Saying About The Lesson

Compelling characters! This was a great read with strong female perspectives. The storyline is well written with each character having a unique, interesting story. I really enjoyed this book! ~ Erin B.

Hard to put down… I loved this book, totally engrossing. It's easy to feel involved with the characters… how the author pulls it all together in the end is remarkable. ~ Carol

This lesson is not to be missed! This book touched me in so many ways, right down to my core! The characters are wonderfully believable and real. Their struggles are universal. The prose is beautiful. Bravo! ~ P.K. Norton

Captivating story that I couldn't put down!
…. A story of four women from four different eras each facing unique challenges. The story and the characters are incredibly compelling… loved the way it all came together in the end. A fabulous read that will leave a lasting impression on its readers. ~ Kelly M.


The Heart of Addisen
Book Two of the Treading Water Series
by Belle A. DeCosta

Caroline has flourished in the years since her move to Addisen, strengthening her connections to those closest to her. Pragmatic events and personal growth have created a blissful existence for the previous win-at-all-costs Manhattanite. But will it remain enough? Is her driven ambition permanently slain or merely in hibernation? Is it possible to have it all, and at what cost?

Return to idyllic Addisen, tucked into the majestic bosom of rural Maine. Once again, breathe the crisp air infused with pine and earth scents as you intertwine with nature. Feel the nostalgic pull of Americana while you visit old friends and make new acquaintances in this quintessential small town. Witness them navigate through crucial changes and life’s challenges and feel its effect on their relationships. Can their marriages, friendships, and kinships survive? Or will the necessary adjustments and compromises prove too difficult?

Even the cardinal seems to fret…unsure of the outcome.


What They're Saying About The Heart of Addisen

Book 2 in the Series is a Winner! This book is the anticipated sequel to DeCosta's debut novel, Treading Water. While you don't have to read the first book first, I would recommend it. Familiarize yourself with the characters and you'll really enjoy this second novel. ~ Martha Reynolds

Excellent book. If you love reading, you'll love this book... it brought tears to my eyes more than once. Heartwarming. ~Deborah Sullivan

 

Treading Water
a novel
by Belle A. DeCosta

Meet Caroline McMerritt. Ambitious and driven, with a tongue as sharp as her mind, she is the top advertising executive for a prestigious Manhattan firm- until a particular circumstance takes a bite out of her edge, and she starts down a precipitous path.

Forced to take a hiatus or lose her job, and at the strong suggestion of a trusted brother, Caroline finds herself exiled to the abandoned family cabin in the backwoods of Maine.

Disgusted by her surroundings and enraged by the involuntary break, she vows to be unproductive and miserable, counting the days until she can return to the fast-paced life of her beloved NYC. But a telling moment brings Caroline face to face with her problem, and for the first time in her life, she feels out of control, lost. Panic ensues.

The discovery of a hidden treasure, buried in her deceased mother’s hope chest, helps her reset and restores her strong will. The unexpected gift not only provides the comfort of her mother’s presence but tells of secrets kept, past experiences lived, and lessons learned.

Join Caroline as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, hard truths, friendship, and love, guided by the advice and wisdom of her late mother.

Will it be enough to save her?


What They're Saying About Treading Water

Treading Water is a wonderful, engaging story. DeCosta has a gift for illustrating her characters' introspection, of portraying long established and developing relationships, as well as describing place. ~ Constance Ciampanelli

The beating heart of this story is its main character. Caroline leaps off the pages… She is an emotive character: readers will love her or hate her, but they will certainly continue reading on to find out more about her. The writing style was easy and fluid with a sharp sense of humor… Treading Water is a light, easy read that has enough substance to elevate it from the usual, run-of-the-mill beach fare reads. ~ The Book Review Directory

Truthfully, this is a very well written tale of redemption and second chances. DeCosta uses language in a beautiful way, painting with words… I look forward to reading more of DeCosta's work. ~ Martha Reynolds, award winning, Amazon bestselling author

This book touched my heart in so many ways. Just delightful. ~ P.K. Norton, author of the Amy Lynch Investigations Series



Also from Author Belle A. DeCosta

Echoes in the Mirror
a memoir of an ordinary woman
by Belle A. DeCosta

THIS STORY of an ORDINARY WOMAN is a STORY for ALL WOMEN. For many women the third chapter of life is a time to revisit their past and reflect on how life’s experiences have influenced the person they’ve become. Belle DeCosta’s journey down memory lane exposes a path laid bare, one filled with unexpected potholes, bumps, detours, and harrowing hairpin turns.

In her memoir Echoes in the Mirror, Belle reveals the story behind her astonishing journey. One of an unstable childhood with multiple family moves, an alcoholic father, and the drastic steps she took as a young teenager to escape it. It’s a story of secrets kept, failed marriages, single parenting, promises made, and dreams followed. Belle’s story of inner strength, and emotional survival will take you from the lowest valleys to the highest peaks, and finally, down the unique path she follows towards self-acceptance and peace.


What They're Saying About Echoes in the Mirror

Echoes in the Mirror reads like a novel and one that is difficult to put down. This is mainly due to DeCosta's writing style, which is incredibly free-flowing and personable. She has a knack for drawing the reader into her confidence without relying on self-indulgence or pity. A good memoir should incite readers' thoughts, interest, and debates in and about the author and their shared life experiences. Echoes in the Mirror certainly provokes all three. … a thoroughly engrossing memoir written by a woman whose resilient determination in the face of some overwhelming odds is humbling and inspiring… a wonderfully absorbing account of a life lived with positivity and integrity." -- The Book Review Directory

INSPIRING READ! Belle captures you from the first sentence of this beautifully written book of a courageous, determined woman. The strength the author shows through all of the ups and downs of her life is so inspiring and admirable. I couldn’t put the book down but was sad to see it finished. Loved the humor presented throughout the book! -- Laura

 


Get your copy of the Association of Rhode Island Author's anthologies Hope, Iconic Rhode Island, In a Dark Time, and Rhode Trip featuring the short works of Belle DeCosta.

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