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Beautiful Ashes: A True Story of Murder, Betrayal, and One Woman's Search for Peace
When fifteen-year-old Shelly Edwards’s mother is murdered by her alcoholic father, she loses her home, her family, and the only life she’s ever known.
Abandoned, broken from abuse and assault, facing poverty, and gripped with fear for her life, Shelly struggles to dismantle decades of lies.
But into the deepening darkness that follows, God sends heavenly gifts, leading Shelly to a newfound faith. There she finds a peace she’s never thought possible.
When Shelly eventually meets the man she will marry, she thinks her life will finally be everything she’s ever dreamed of, but the lingering wounds of her past—and new, devastating medical complications—shake her faith. After all she’s endured, can she rise from the ashes and trust God once more?
You'll be transformed by Shelly's riveting memoir about how love, forgiveness, courage, determination—and the guidance of angels—can overcome even the greatest anguish.
Abandoned, broken from abuse and assault, facing poverty, and gripped with fear for her life, Shelly struggles to dismantle decades of lies.
But into the deepening darkness that follows, God sends heavenly gifts, leading Shelly to a newfound faith. There she finds a peace she’s never thought possible.
When Shelly eventually meets the man she will marry, she thinks her life will finally be everything she’s ever dreamed of, but the lingering wounds of her past—and new, devastating medical complications—shake her faith. After all she’s endured, can she rise from the ashes and trust God once more?
You'll be transformed by Shelly's riveting memoir about how love, forgiveness, courage, determination—and the guidance of angels—can overcome even the greatest anguish.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2022
22 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 25, 2022
Reading this memoir made me realize how fortunate I have been. For Shelly Edwards the tragedies, the traumas, and the hurt kept on coming without a let up. From her experience of living with her sister, Lisa, in a household where her father was a raging alcoholic who eventually murdered his mother, to rape trauma, and a catastrophic illness, Shelly lived more than a lifetime.
Watching her mother being beaten, hearing the raging arguments, and trying to make it seem that all was well in her home, for a child who was only in her early teens seemed like a burden too heavy to bear.
Shelly found solace eventually in the Mormon faith who a friend had introduced her to. She had many experiences of seeing her dead mother encouraging her that all would be well. However, the years went by and relief seemed beyond her grasp. She and her sister were always frightened and numerous times had to pull their father off their mother. So afraid to leave her mother alone with her father, and the one time she does thinking her sister, Lisa, would be home soon, is the time her father killed her mother and burnt their home down. Carrying this guilt was a lifelong burden.
The girls were young teens. How could they recover and lead normal lives after living under the roof with a vile, hate filled father? Yet, somehow with God's help, Shelly did. She attended college, became an engineer, and was successful at her job.
She even met a man who valued her and life seemed to be moving forward. They married, he having four children from his first marriage, so Shelly now became a step mother in her late thirties. However, bad fate or karma or whatever you might want to call it was not finished with her yet. On her honeymoon, Shelly became ill with stomach pains and later she could not shake the intense pain and nausea that met her on a daily basis. She had a number of life and death surgeries but still the pain persisted going on for years at a time.
Finally, through another celestial visit from her mother, through the laying of hands, Shelly was made better. A miracle that was so justly deserved. She survived to see her three of her stepchildren marry and now has two beautiful granddaughters.
This story was amazing and made one realize that the human spirit with a firm belief system can conquer the very worst that life can be. Truly an amazing story and an inspiration, Shelly believes it is love of family and God that carried her through.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this most memorable story.
Watching her mother being beaten, hearing the raging arguments, and trying to make it seem that all was well in her home, for a child who was only in her early teens seemed like a burden too heavy to bear.
Shelly found solace eventually in the Mormon faith who a friend had introduced her to. She had many experiences of seeing her dead mother encouraging her that all would be well. However, the years went by and relief seemed beyond her grasp. She and her sister were always frightened and numerous times had to pull their father off their mother. So afraid to leave her mother alone with her father, and the one time she does thinking her sister, Lisa, would be home soon, is the time her father killed her mother and burnt their home down. Carrying this guilt was a lifelong burden.
The girls were young teens. How could they recover and lead normal lives after living under the roof with a vile, hate filled father? Yet, somehow with God's help, Shelly did. She attended college, became an engineer, and was successful at her job.
She even met a man who valued her and life seemed to be moving forward. They married, he having four children from his first marriage, so Shelly now became a step mother in her late thirties. However, bad fate or karma or whatever you might want to call it was not finished with her yet. On her honeymoon, Shelly became ill with stomach pains and later she could not shake the intense pain and nausea that met her on a daily basis. She had a number of life and death surgeries but still the pain persisted going on for years at a time.
Finally, through another celestial visit from her mother, through the laying of hands, Shelly was made better. A miracle that was so justly deserved. She survived to see her three of her stepchildren marry and now has two beautiful granddaughters.
This story was amazing and made one realize that the human spirit with a firm belief system can conquer the very worst that life can be. Truly an amazing story and an inspiration, Shelly believes it is love of family and God that carried her through.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this most memorable story.
November 24, 2021
This is such an incredible story, a memoir about daunting loss and trials in life. A struggle to hold onto hope and faith after Shelly lost her mother in a house fire at age 15. But that wasn’t the end of her challenges by far. Her story is inspiring and can give us all hope. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2021
"Beautiful Ashes" follows in the same vein as your Glass Castles and your Educateds -- it is a narrative memoir about how the trauma in one's childhood shapes our identity, and how one recovers from it.
Shelly's childhood was fraught with domestic abuse; despite living a comfortable life in terms of finances, Shelly's father was an alcoholic who abused her mom physically and verbally. When their house burns down one night and Shelly's mother's body is discovered, her father is immediately suspected. As the story unravels, Shelly must grapple with her guilt for not admitting to her father's abuse and threats towards her mother; her fear of being orphaned by her mother to her murder and her father to his potential imprisonment; and her terror of continuing to live with her abusive father. As the reader watches her grow through her young adult life into college and finally into a woman with an established career and future, it seems like something is always waiting around the corner for her -- sickness, death, sexual assault, financial stress, among too many other things.
I generally read nonfiction quite slowly in small doses; however, the focus on the larger themes and not simply the crime central to the story helped me remain engaged. I ended up reading this book in three sessions, including the last 40% in one sitting! The prose throughout is engaging, but in the early chapters there were moments I felt the intentionality of capturing the reader's attention and interest with descriptive details. I was almost ready to have to give up on it after reading the first chapter, but I'm glad I kept going. The prose evened out as the book continued, with a healthy mix of reflective, figurative sections combined with the cold hard facts.
One of the main beats in this book is Shelly's religion. As an obedient Catholic in her teen years, attending church mainly because of her mother, Shelly turns to Mormonism after discussing the concept of prayer with her friend, Sabrina. I really enjoyed this section, and most of Shelly's early descriptions of finding her identity through her religion. I enjoyed seeing how religion helped her cope and overcome some of her trauma. But towards the end the religious messages were too overt for me that it felt almost preachy (which feels trite saying, but that's how I felt as a non-religious reader). There are similar books that tackle the religious piece much more effectively without making me feel like I'm trying to be persuaded into feeling the same way about God or religion. While I don't believe that was the intention of the author, it felt like a byproduct of the amount of air time that gets towards the last half of the book.
If you enjoy true crime, but also need some character development, this is the book for you. The amount of trauma Shelly faces is heavy to read at times, so make sure you're prepared for that kind of content. But I highly recommend reading this one!
Shelly's childhood was fraught with domestic abuse; despite living a comfortable life in terms of finances, Shelly's father was an alcoholic who abused her mom physically and verbally. When their house burns down one night and Shelly's mother's body is discovered, her father is immediately suspected. As the story unravels, Shelly must grapple with her guilt for not admitting to her father's abuse and threats towards her mother; her fear of being orphaned by her mother to her murder and her father to his potential imprisonment; and her terror of continuing to live with her abusive father. As the reader watches her grow through her young adult life into college and finally into a woman with an established career and future, it seems like something is always waiting around the corner for her -- sickness, death, sexual assault, financial stress, among too many other things.
I generally read nonfiction quite slowly in small doses; however, the focus on the larger themes and not simply the crime central to the story helped me remain engaged. I ended up reading this book in three sessions, including the last 40% in one sitting! The prose throughout is engaging, but in the early chapters there were moments I felt the intentionality of capturing the reader's attention and interest with descriptive details. I was almost ready to have to give up on it after reading the first chapter, but I'm glad I kept going. The prose evened out as the book continued, with a healthy mix of reflective, figurative sections combined with the cold hard facts.
One of the main beats in this book is Shelly's religion. As an obedient Catholic in her teen years, attending church mainly because of her mother, Shelly turns to Mormonism after discussing the concept of prayer with her friend, Sabrina. I really enjoyed this section, and most of Shelly's early descriptions of finding her identity through her religion. I enjoyed seeing how religion helped her cope and overcome some of her trauma. But towards the end the religious messages were too overt for me that it felt almost preachy (which feels trite saying, but that's how I felt as a non-religious reader). There are similar books that tackle the religious piece much more effectively without making me feel like I'm trying to be persuaded into feeling the same way about God or religion. While I don't believe that was the intention of the author, it felt like a byproduct of the amount of air time that gets towards the last half of the book.
If you enjoy true crime, but also need some character development, this is the book for you. The amount of trauma Shelly faces is heavy to read at times, so make sure you're prepared for that kind of content. But I highly recommend reading this one!
April 6, 2022
“Beautiful Ashes” is a moving testament to the power of faith and love. Her story is a gripping one and I found it hard to put down after I started reading it. The pain and abuse she experienced is difficult to process but as I read about her struggles and her drive to find answers and find peace it inspired me and filled me with hope. I think the big takeaway for me is that we all experience sadness, hopelessness, trauma, and grief but there are still moments of joy that make life worth living. Too often we forget about the good times and only focus on the bad. Shelly’s story is a blueprint for navigating the harsh realities life throws our way. Not everyone experiences the level of trauma that she did, but she shows us that there is a way to a better place in this life. All of our paths will be different and I think this book demonstrates it masterfully. I feel grateful for Shelly’s courage in sharing her story with the world. Highly recommended!
April 5, 2022
I am still wiping the tears from my eyes as I write this review.
This is a true story of tragedy, heart break, and a family torn apart. Shelly Edwards Jorgensen's true testament of her childhood at the hands of an alcoholic father who murdered her mother.
Think back to when you were 15 years old. As a woman, I know at that time I needed my mother more than anything. I can not imagine having had her ripped away from me with zero explanation. A father is supposed to love and nurture you. Teach you how a man is supposed to treat a woman. A woman he vowed to love.
Not only did Shelly's father murder her mother but he also set fire to their home to cover up his crime. So within hours, Shelly lost her mother and the only home she ever knew.
This is a very difficult book to read however it is also a story of overcoming obstacles and coming out on top .
Loss, guilt, grief, and ultimately, forgiveness.
What Shelly went through, no human should ever have to withstand. This story is gripping and beautiful.
Not only was the book an emotional roller coaster but it was also extremely well written. Shelly Edwards Jorgensen knows how to conduct an audience and is a force to be reckoned with, on and off the paper.
This is a true story of tragedy, heart break, and a family torn apart. Shelly Edwards Jorgensen's true testament of her childhood at the hands of an alcoholic father who murdered her mother.
Think back to when you were 15 years old. As a woman, I know at that time I needed my mother more than anything. I can not imagine having had her ripped away from me with zero explanation. A father is supposed to love and nurture you. Teach you how a man is supposed to treat a woman. A woman he vowed to love.
Not only did Shelly's father murder her mother but he also set fire to their home to cover up his crime. So within hours, Shelly lost her mother and the only home she ever knew.
This is a very difficult book to read however it is also a story of overcoming obstacles and coming out on top .
Loss, guilt, grief, and ultimately, forgiveness.
What Shelly went through, no human should ever have to withstand. This story is gripping and beautiful.
Not only was the book an emotional roller coaster but it was also extremely well written. Shelly Edwards Jorgensen knows how to conduct an audience and is a force to be reckoned with, on and off the paper.
November 28, 2021
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.
December 5, 2021
Gosh. My thoughts on this memoir, where to start. It was devastating, eloquent, and desperately sad. What an exceptional story and an incomprehensible thing to endure. I knew from the first page that I would be unable to put this book down and I stayed up late into the night reading, as the author navigated the turmoil and dysfunction leading up to an unspeakable event, and the heartache and chaos that was left behind as she tried to pick up the pieces.
It was haunting, thought-provoking, yet often heartwarming as it chronicled the author’s spiritual journey, wrestling with a belief in God in the face of trauma and violence. I felt I gained so much from this book. Beautiful ashes, as it was so aptly titled, couldn’t have captured the essence any better. 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this incredible book.
It was haunting, thought-provoking, yet often heartwarming as it chronicled the author’s spiritual journey, wrestling with a belief in God in the face of trauma and violence. I felt I gained so much from this book. Beautiful ashes, as it was so aptly titled, couldn’t have captured the essence any better. 5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this incredible book.
December 2, 2021
A very emotive story and excellently written.
My only critique would be that there is too much emphasis on religion in this, and although it is important to know that this has helped the author to cope with her very difficult life, I feel it is an unnecessary addition to what is already a gripping and tragic story.
My only critique would be that there is too much emphasis on religion in this, and although it is important to know that this has helped the author to cope with her very difficult life, I feel it is an unnecessary addition to what is already a gripping and tragic story.
February 1, 2022
I encourage everyone to read this amazing true story. It is Shelly Edwards Jorgensen's testament of overcoming life's toughest adversaries. Trust me, you don't want to miss it!
Shelly Edwards life was forever changed at 15-years-old when her alcoholic father (James Arnold Edwards) killed her mom (Marlene Edwards), then set fire to their home in an attempt to cover the crime. The immediate shock of a homicide is beyond difficult to cope with. However, victim's families are equally affected by years of ripple effects resulting from the misdeed. In this heart-wrenching account, Shelly shares her journey.
This book is a difficult topic, but so worthy of high praise. For Shelly, it represents a lifetime of loss, grief, guilt, love and forgiveness. Shelly has my utmost respect for having the courage to share her deepest pain with the public. Plus, she is a fantastic author and the book is really well-written.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Standing Ovation Shelly Edwards Jorgensen!!
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial, for sharing this outstanding book with me for review. It really touched my heart! "Beautiful Ashes" will be published April 6, 2022.
Shelly Edwards life was forever changed at 15-years-old when her alcoholic father (James Arnold Edwards) killed her mom (Marlene Edwards), then set fire to their home in an attempt to cover the crime. The immediate shock of a homicide is beyond difficult to cope with. However, victim's families are equally affected by years of ripple effects resulting from the misdeed. In this heart-wrenching account, Shelly shares her journey.
This book is a difficult topic, but so worthy of high praise. For Shelly, it represents a lifetime of loss, grief, guilt, love and forgiveness. Shelly has my utmost respect for having the courage to share her deepest pain with the public. Plus, she is a fantastic author and the book is really well-written.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Standing Ovation Shelly Edwards Jorgensen!!
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial, for sharing this outstanding book with me for review. It really touched my heart! "Beautiful Ashes" will be published April 6, 2022.
March 2, 2025
Absolutely stunning. I'm going to be reflecting on this one for a long time.
"Nature trusted in rebirth. God held the boundaries of every season. Winter would never last forever. I turned my face to the sun and closed my eyes, smiling in the new warmth."
"Nature trusted in rebirth. God held the boundaries of every season. Winter would never last forever. I turned my face to the sun and closed my eyes, smiling in the new warmth."
March 27, 2022
Shelly loses her home and her precious mom in a fire that destroyed her home when she was fifteen. Her violently abusive father tries to cover up her murder. Shelly recalls fights between her parents in vivid detail and snippets of conversations between her father and others and realizes something about her mom's death is very unnatural. Not only that but what she sees in her house after the fire haunts her. So do memories. Imagine knowing your father killed your mother. What she survives aside from these atrocities is also miraculous...the list of trauma and challenges is painfully long. Though the details and stories written in this book are excruciating to read at times, there are glimpses of hope and faith and moments of joy which can only be found in God.
Shelly's story is told in various times as a teenager and adult with many flashbacks to when she was a child. She describes her familial relationships with her parents, sister and extended family. She later becomes a manufacturing engineer. But I could almost feel the despairing helplessness in her words at times.
True Crime readers ought to read this harrowing book. Do know that there are numerous abuse triggers. What the writer went through is beyond description so it is not easy to read. Her faith in God does not make her perfect but enables her to let go.
My sincere thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the honour of reading this incredibly difficult and sobering true story, one which fills me anew with gratitude for what I have.
Shelly's story is told in various times as a teenager and adult with many flashbacks to when she was a child. She describes her familial relationships with her parents, sister and extended family. She later becomes a manufacturing engineer. But I could almost feel the despairing helplessness in her words at times.
True Crime readers ought to read this harrowing book. Do know that there are numerous abuse triggers. What the writer went through is beyond description so it is not easy to read. Her faith in God does not make her perfect but enables her to let go.
My sincere thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the honour of reading this incredibly difficult and sobering true story, one which fills me anew with gratitude for what I have.
February 21, 2022
“My trust, my innocence, my wholeness, my family, my home. It was all gone. Every shattering memory punctured me with feelings of worthlessness.”
Beautiful Ashes is a memoir that begins with Shelly losing her mother in a tragic house fire/possible murder by her father that then continues to follow her journey through life as she continues to fight each new battle that is thrown her way. The story will pull at your heart strings if you have ever lost a parent as she explains her grief and the moments of learning what it means her mother is dead. You will learn of the stories of growing up in a household with abuse from an alcoholic father and later be brought back to the early days of starting out and trying to get through college. Afterwards, you go through heartbreak of love lost and health woes. Throughout this story one word continued to come to mind, resilience. This girl had the world against her over and over again and she struggled but she always found a way to show grace, to show she is a fighter, to find her faith and lean on it with everything she had.
Beautiful ashes is not only a story of tragedy but a story of hope and finding the resilience to get your happy ending to the life you want.
*
*
Did not like that this was pitched as a true crime read. Yes, it had true crime in it but felt it should be classified more as a religious memoir.
Beautiful Ashes is a memoir that begins with Shelly losing her mother in a tragic house fire/possible murder by her father that then continues to follow her journey through life as she continues to fight each new battle that is thrown her way. The story will pull at your heart strings if you have ever lost a parent as she explains her grief and the moments of learning what it means her mother is dead. You will learn of the stories of growing up in a household with abuse from an alcoholic father and later be brought back to the early days of starting out and trying to get through college. Afterwards, you go through heartbreak of love lost and health woes. Throughout this story one word continued to come to mind, resilience. This girl had the world against her over and over again and she struggled but she always found a way to show grace, to show she is a fighter, to find her faith and lean on it with everything she had.
Beautiful ashes is not only a story of tragedy but a story of hope and finding the resilience to get your happy ending to the life you want.
*
*
Did not like that this was pitched as a true crime read. Yes, it had true crime in it but felt it should be classified more as a religious memoir.
January 24, 2022
I loved this book. It is a story that is written with alot of heart and brings inspiration to a life that seems nothing is good anymore. This is my first book by this author which I really enjoyed and look forward to reading more from her in the future. I enjoyed this author's writing style as well as her attention to details throughout the story. Her characters are not only engaging but also bring twists and turns to a new level. This is a fast paced story that was hard to put down and kept me turning pages to the end. I found this book hard to put down and left me wanting to know more. Shelly is a great, strong character that pulled me in from the beginning. Her story is one that is not the prettiest but is certainly is inspirational.. She has not had the best of life but will she find the most important thing in life? I really enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. She pulled at my heart strings in parts and is my favorite of the story. This is worth the pick up and I highly recommend it.
March 10, 2022
There are stories that wreck you, tear your heart out, and yet, in the midst of all the tragedy, you still find a glimmer of hope. This is one of those stories. Shelly, precious precious Shelly, is someone who was dealt a horrible set of circumstances. Not once. Not twice. Quite honestly, I stopped counting in disbelief as I continued to read her horrendous life in excruciating detail, told in snippets of memories during certain important horrifying segments, as well as flashbacks to memories snatched out of the depths of startling realizations, as well as the glimmer of hope that not only kept growing, but kept Shelly going as well. Hurt people hurt people, unless, and until, you decide enough is enough and that circle is broken with you. Shelly, your story is so very tragic, and yet, thank you for having the courage to share it with the world. The fact you are still standing speaks volumes.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
March 30, 2022
Beautiful Ashes by Shelly Edwards Jorgensen is an intriguing heart wrenching and heartwarming story all wrapped into one. This is an emotional account of a young woman’s tumultuous life and how her spiritual beliefs got her through it. This is an intense and horrific story with such amazing details you will feel you are part of all it all! A fast paced and well written story that you won’t be able to put down, the pages can’t turn fast enough to find out what happens next. It is an amazing and inspirational story that will show that with a little faith and hope you can survive anything.
Thank you Shelly Edwards Jorgensen and The Edgeworth Group for an advanced copy of this incredible book in exchange for my honest review.
#beautifulashes #shellyedwardsjorgensen #theedgeworthgroup #arc
Thank you Shelly Edwards Jorgensen and The Edgeworth Group for an advanced copy of this incredible book in exchange for my honest review.
#beautifulashes #shellyedwardsjorgensen #theedgeworthgroup #arc
December 7, 2021
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.
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.
January 12, 2022
Wow thank you Shelly, publisher and netgalley for giving me an e-arc in exchange for a review. This is such a heartbreaking, yet beautiful story of survival. Shelly just could not catch a break from losing her mother to being very sick. And yet she is so strong and her faith in the Lord is really inspiring. I will definitely think about this one for a long time.
April 19, 2022
A must read for those who are struggling and losing hope. While I do not share the same religious beliefs, her faith is extremely touching and beautiful. And her strength to continue fighting against everything is incredible!
February 5, 2025
I could not put this book down. It was heartbreaking and also so beautiful. So much of what she's able to put into words of her thought patterns from trauma were so relatable. I found myself crying quite often as I walked her journey with her through this book. It was great. Highly recommend.
December 19, 2021
“Everyone ignored the finger marks on Mom’s throat and smiled as we ate.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shelly brings her past to life in this book. It’s true-crime meets memoir. The very first chapter is about her mothers death in a house fire, and is so well written to capture all her emotions and thoughts in the moment. The book goes on to detail the history between her family over the years, and how from the age of just three or four she knew her father was abusive. He gets charged with arson and murder, and it goes to trial. During and after the trial, so many events occur within Shelly’s life, but especially her link to religion.
I feel like this book isn’t what I was sold. It is true-crime, but only until approximately the half way mark. Afterwards Shelly goes on to detail her life years past the fire and the abuse, but I had such a massive connection to this book. Especially towards the end when Shelly fell really ill. I’ve been there, obviously not the same situation, but similar enough that I connected to the writing on a truly, personal level.
All I can say is…. Shelly I am so, so sorry that you had to experience all of that in your life. There were so many moments when I genuinely thought that surely everything you’ve experienced couldn’t get worse. But, d*mn was I wrong. Nobody deserves to experience all of that, you really deserve happiness now.
I recommend this to everyone, and I will be getting my hands on a few copies after release!
Thank you to BooksGoSocial, Shelly Edwards Jorgensen and @netgalley for providing me with a copy!
Pub date: 6th April 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shelly brings her past to life in this book. It’s true-crime meets memoir. The very first chapter is about her mothers death in a house fire, and is so well written to capture all her emotions and thoughts in the moment. The book goes on to detail the history between her family over the years, and how from the age of just three or four she knew her father was abusive. He gets charged with arson and murder, and it goes to trial. During and after the trial, so many events occur within Shelly’s life, but especially her link to religion.
I feel like this book isn’t what I was sold. It is true-crime, but only until approximately the half way mark. Afterwards Shelly goes on to detail her life years past the fire and the abuse, but I had such a massive connection to this book. Especially towards the end when Shelly fell really ill. I’ve been there, obviously not the same situation, but similar enough that I connected to the writing on a truly, personal level.
All I can say is…. Shelly I am so, so sorry that you had to experience all of that in your life. There were so many moments when I genuinely thought that surely everything you’ve experienced couldn’t get worse. But, d*mn was I wrong. Nobody deserves to experience all of that, you really deserve happiness now.
I recommend this to everyone, and I will be getting my hands on a few copies after release!
Thank you to BooksGoSocial, Shelly Edwards Jorgensen and @netgalley for providing me with a copy!
Pub date: 6th April 2022
April 2, 2022
I love "Beautiful Ashes" in a way I know I can't adequately describe, but I'll try. The author, Shelly, did such an incredible job bringing us through the unbelievable details of her life. I listened to the audible book. The narrator did a fantastic job! But more than that, I felt like I was truly there in Shelly's story. I've also witnessed horrific things in my life, but the way that Shelly explained the trauma she went through, was the most sensitive way I've experienced through all of the memoirs I've ever read/listened to.
I felt like it didn't matter if I had gone through the same traumas as Shelly, but I sure felt her pain, and her peace.
I was worried at first that this book might trigger me, but it didn't trigger my own trauma. Instead, it triggered my own peace, and my own healing.
I can easily say that "Beautiful Ashes" is a book I'll never forget. It's a book I'll recommend to anyone that has ever known or loved someone that's been through trauma; whether it was their trauma, or someone else's. We ALL need to read this book.
Just because a family or a person looks like everything is perfect, doesn't mean it's true. This book is a reminder of how important it is to be a good friend. When someone opens up to you, believe them. Chances are, they've hidden that pain for a long time, before they felt safe enough to share it.
Learn how to be kind, how to be loving, and how to be a good friend. Even if you don't agree with someone's faith, be respectful and love them. These are the type of things that make a lasting difference in the world.
I felt like it didn't matter if I had gone through the same traumas as Shelly, but I sure felt her pain, and her peace.
I was worried at first that this book might trigger me, but it didn't trigger my own trauma. Instead, it triggered my own peace, and my own healing.
I can easily say that "Beautiful Ashes" is a book I'll never forget. It's a book I'll recommend to anyone that has ever known or loved someone that's been through trauma; whether it was their trauma, or someone else's. We ALL need to read this book.
Just because a family or a person looks like everything is perfect, doesn't mean it's true. This book is a reminder of how important it is to be a good friend. When someone opens up to you, believe them. Chances are, they've hidden that pain for a long time, before they felt safe enough to share it.
Learn how to be kind, how to be loving, and how to be a good friend. Even if you don't agree with someone's faith, be respectful and love them. These are the type of things that make a lasting difference in the world.
April 15, 2022
I am deeply sorry for the tragedies that happened in this woman’s life. What a horrifying childhood she had and young adult life as well. I am sorry for her and what she suffered through. I’m glad she was able to find the comfort she needed in her faith.
I have nothing else nice to say and will not write a review out of respect for the tragic life of the author.
On another note, I chose this book because it was recommended in a segment on Good Things Utah. Had I only known that the segment was a “paid for content“! That makes me so mad. Here I thought I was purchasing a book based on a trusted recommendation and it was all paid for baloney. Shame on ABC4 for actually having paid for content and Melissa Dalton Martinez for your gross money grubbing.
Unfortunately I bought two of the three books “recommended” so look for my review of Even The Dog Knows next…: 😤
I have nothing else nice to say and will not write a review out of respect for the tragic life of the author.
On another note, I chose this book because it was recommended in a segment on Good Things Utah. Had I only known that the segment was a “paid for content“! That makes me so mad. Here I thought I was purchasing a book based on a trusted recommendation and it was all paid for baloney. Shame on ABC4 for actually having paid for content and Melissa Dalton Martinez for your gross money grubbing.
Unfortunately I bought two of the three books “recommended” so look for my review of Even The Dog Knows next…: 😤
April 6, 2022
Shelly's book is real, honest, raw, painful, and wrenching. It is also full of hope, beauty and redemption. I so much wish that this book had been available to me early on in my own healing journey, as I was seeking to relate to others who have experienced extreme trauma and trying to find a way out of my own darkness and pain. This book is a gift, and shines a ray of light in the darkness for those who are struggling to navigate similar experiences, which can be so isolating. God bless you, Shelly, for having the courage to share this with the world, and for offering other survivors hope.
December 9, 2021
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.
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.
December 10, 2021
I can only compare the books, “Glass Castles” by Jeanette Walls or “Educated” by Tara Westover to “Beautiful Ashes” by Shelly Edwards Jorgensen! Shelly is the most amazing woman, able to overcome anything that has come her way. To read this story is to open your heart and mind to the brutal realities of this world and learn from it. You will find yourself applying the lessons taught by Shelly into your own life and find additional strength, conviction and faith to make it through anything. A true classic on how to handle adversity and come out smiling on the other side!
January 31, 2022
Beautiful Ashes is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it!
Shelly Jorgensen shares her incredible true story of loss, love, survival, and faith in this moving memoir. She shows us that no matter what you go through in life, you can get through it and you get to choose the kind of person you're going to be.
This book has mystery, intrigue, heart-wrenching situations, evil, love, kindness, goodness, and faith in it. You just can't go wrong with reading this book. I highly recommend Beautiful Ashes.
Shelly Jorgensen shares her incredible true story of loss, love, survival, and faith in this moving memoir. She shows us that no matter what you go through in life, you can get through it and you get to choose the kind of person you're going to be.
This book has mystery, intrigue, heart-wrenching situations, evil, love, kindness, goodness, and faith in it. You just can't go wrong with reading this book. I highly recommend Beautiful Ashes.
February 4, 2022
Reading "Beautiful Ashes" was a deeply moving experience. Shelly's story came to life within my mind and touched my heart as I flipped through pages filled with intricately crafted, poetic imagery of horror, contrasted with beauty, strength and resilience found amidst the rubble of trauma, abuse and arduous circumstances. Her story radiates glimmers of hope to anyone discouraged by grueling hardships and difficult challenges. It was truly inspiring!"
September 10, 2023
Please read this book! You won't regret it. A beautiful, almost unbelievable, true story that teaches through its every word. As each chapter began, I thought I knew how it would go. I was thrilled to realize that it only got better and better. I have been filled with the knowledge of God's love through Shelly's story. Seeming unbelievable at times, each truth she was given touched my life as well. I'm grateful this book was recommended to me by my dear friend. I listened to the whole thing in one Saturday while cleaning. Awesome!
December 15, 2021
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.
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.
December 8, 2021
This book was very compelling and emotional. It was so sad reading about all of the trauma that Shelley went through. It is inspiring to read how she overcame so many trials in her life and overcame them through her faith.
Thank you to Netgalley & BooksGoSocial for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley & BooksGoSocial for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review.
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