NEW!
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The
Lesson
a novel
by Belle A. DeCosta
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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?
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What
They're Saying About The Lesson
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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.
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The
Heart of Addisen
Book Two of the Treading Water Series
by Belle A. DeCosta
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| 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.
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What
They're Saying About The Heart of Addisen
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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
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Treading
Water
a novel
by Belle A. DeCosta
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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?
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What
They're Saying About Treading Water
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| 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
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Also from Author Belle A. DeCosta
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Echoes
in the Mirror
a memoir of an ordinary woman
by Belle A. DeCosta
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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.
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What
They're Saying About Echoes in the Mirror
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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
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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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