Beauty Out of Ashes

This book is about a family of ten, beginning in southern California, in the 1950s. It is a riveting story, told in the third person by the youngest daughter, Lela’s point of view. The author shares with you pertinent events. As the main character, she recalls, play by play, the cold, hard truth, of times past. You will find each page turned is like rounding another corner. It holds the reader captive and keeps his interest on high alert! The story focuses on the hardships of a poor, uneducated family. The content will strum on the heartstrings of most, with an undeniable stirring of emotion. However, the author has a way of causing you to momentarily forget the sadness of previous pages. There are sporadic places in the book where Lela recalls a humorous event.

The object of the book is an attempt to reach out to those folks who have experienced some of the things Lela and her family endured. With ink and paper, she strives to wipe out the shameful feelings and negative stigma of molestation and poverty. Finally, the ultimate reason for writing the book is to encourage others to bring their secret to the surface. Perhaps shed some light on it and share their feelings with another. Then with head held high, walk away from the burden as a survivor! Above all, put your trust in God the Father, who promised to never leave you or forsake you.

-- Lela Holt