Shell Stories

Gracepoint

by Gayle Adams Bell

Six young women form an unlikely sisterhood during their freshman year at a southern university. Decades later, five of them still continue the tradition of reuniting yearly for a beach vacation, sometimes with joy and laughter at the remembrance of things past, sometimes with the angst of old conflicts and issues unresolved. During their 2013 girls’ getaway that turns so sour it could be their last, they question their relationships as they review the changes in their lives, uncovering secrets and truths, and finally delving into the mystery behind the absence of their missing member. Shell Stories: a Novel explores coming of age themes in the cycles of women’s lives with insight, humor and spirituality, celebrating that which abides in any age. It is a lyrical book, written with a southern accent, overlaid with images of redemption, mercy, and the glory of feminine wisdom.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2014

Reviews

[Sandi Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Six young women form a sisterhood during their freshman year 1974 at a southern university taking the first inital of each one forming the name DICKYS (Dana, Isa, Cass, Kim, Yo, Salem). Decades later five of them still continue the tradition of reuniting yearly for a beach vacation at Cass's Beach house on Oak Island, North Carolina. Sometimes with joy and laughter at the remembrance of things past, sometimes with the dread of old conflicts and issues unresolved. During their 2013 girls’ getaway turns so sour it could be their last as they question their relationships as they review the changes in their lives, uncovering secrets and truths, and finally searching into the mystery behind the absence of their missing member Kim.

[Julie Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in a series about friendships that started in college and continued during the effects of life has had on each of them. I truly enjoyed this book.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written story about friendship and how it evolves over time...makes you want to stay in touch with those who are important to you!