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Velvet
Velvet Underwood doesn’t know much about her father, Diamond Jim, other than Mama’s relentless bragging that every woman in town desired him, he smelled like hard work and pine, and she was conceived in the back of his Cadillac. She knows Mama’s heart and confidence were shattered when he disappeared in the middle of the night all those years ago. But Velvet was just a baby then. She’s 15 going on 16 now and wants to know what Mama’s not telling her.
Velvet is changed forever when she stumbles upon Mama’s secret journal. She learns more than she cared to about her mother’s sexual escapades with Diamond Jim and brawls with the town hussy. She discovers the heartache of betrayal as she trips over her parents’ painful past in search of clues to help Mama heal and bring Diamond Jim back home. Along the way, she leans on her best friend, Mercy, her grandma, Ditty, and the yard sale Virgin Mary who’s crumbling toes are planted firmly in the garden outside their double wide.
Velvet is an old soul whose coming-of-age story takes readers back to a time when phone calls happened in the kitchen, sunsets meant suppertime, Thursdays were for bingo, and Sundays were meant for church. Throughout her journey, Velvet navigates a heap of small-town gossip, quarrels at the local pie shop, and the disappearance of the local bowling legend. And she does so with wit, grit, and grace.
Heather Strommen’s debut novel, “Velvet,” is a comfort call for anyone in need of a dose of hope and humor. It illustrates how the retelling of the stories we’ve long told ourselves can unravel the past and make way for the future. Ultimately, “Velvet” is a reminder of the power of love and forgiveness.
PRAISE FOR “VELVET”
“‘Velvet’ is the story you might get if ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ cozied up with ‘Where the Crawdads Sing.’ Gorgeous writing and a gripping story you could stay up all night reading, Velvet is the kind of character you wish would come alive so you could be friends with her. What a wonderful read—I loved it!”
—Jennifer Louden, national best-selling author of “The Woman’s Comfort Book” and “Why Bother? Discover the Desire for What’s Next”
Velvet is changed forever when she stumbles upon Mama’s secret journal. She learns more than she cared to about her mother’s sexual escapades with Diamond Jim and brawls with the town hussy. She discovers the heartache of betrayal as she trips over her parents’ painful past in search of clues to help Mama heal and bring Diamond Jim back home. Along the way, she leans on her best friend, Mercy, her grandma, Ditty, and the yard sale Virgin Mary who’s crumbling toes are planted firmly in the garden outside their double wide.
Velvet is an old soul whose coming-of-age story takes readers back to a time when phone calls happened in the kitchen, sunsets meant suppertime, Thursdays were for bingo, and Sundays were meant for church. Throughout her journey, Velvet navigates a heap of small-town gossip, quarrels at the local pie shop, and the disappearance of the local bowling legend. And she does so with wit, grit, and grace.
Heather Strommen’s debut novel, “Velvet,” is a comfort call for anyone in need of a dose of hope and humor. It illustrates how the retelling of the stories we’ve long told ourselves can unravel the past and make way for the future. Ultimately, “Velvet” is a reminder of the power of love and forgiveness.
PRAISE FOR “VELVET”
“‘Velvet’ is the story you might get if ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ cozied up with ‘Where the Crawdads Sing.’ Gorgeous writing and a gripping story you could stay up all night reading, Velvet is the kind of character you wish would come alive so you could be friends with her. What a wonderful read—I loved it!”
—Jennifer Louden, national best-selling author of “The Woman’s Comfort Book” and “Why Bother? Discover the Desire for What’s Next”
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
7 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 13, 2023
This coming-of-age story is beautifully written and keeps you coming back for more. It leaves you with a full heart and encapsulates the, sometimes uncomfortable, feeling of growing older with the people you love most. I absolutely adored the main character and each female relationships she had. I can’t wait for the authors next book!!
April 30, 2023
I am in love with this book!!! Even just after the first few chapters, I ordered a second book for my daughter's 17th birthday as I immediately knew she would love it, too. This is what I call a Forever Kind of Book because, like the "Secret Garden" which I've kept at my bedside forever since it was given to me as a gift when I was a young girl, "Velvet" is one I will keep near me forever, too, literally and figuratively. At a time when the world feels so unsettling and unkind, reading "Velvet" pierced me. Velvet's personal dialogue with God and the sweet relationships she has with Ditty, Mama, Marcy, and Bobby felt like sunshine on my face. Plus, there are so many funny nuances and scenes. The scene at the pie shop had me in tears. Best book I've read in a very long time!
September 20, 2023
I was drawn into Velvet immediately and deeply moved by the struggle and tenderness of the character and her story. I was completely absorbed following Velvet on her quest to understand the loving and complex relationships in her life through the lens of her deep spirituality. Velvet is a beautiful and hopeful story that is relatable and comforting. Absolutely loved it!
May 21, 2024
If a book could feel like a warm hug, Velvet is that book. The author has a special way of writing that captivates you from page one. Just when you think you know how Velvet’s story is going to end, you’ll be left speechless. Please read this book - you’ll be happy you did! 🥧❣️
October 30, 2023
Recommend from a friend and so glad they shared this book with me. Quick, easy read and a story that will make you laugh and cry.
May 12, 2024
This is such a heartwarming story. I was able to feel like I was part of it as well because it’s written in such detail and beautifully!
October 30, 2025
Great book!!!!!! I fell in LOVE with every character! I loved Mama, and Mercy (everyone needs a Mercy), and Ditty (loved her), and let's not forget Mary (everyone needs a Mary too)!
Well written, I couldn't put it down, finished it over a weekend, and laughed out loud many times and shed a tear or two along the way!
Heather Strommen is an amazing written and hope she continues her writing!
Well written, I couldn't put it down, finished it over a weekend, and laughed out loud many times and shed a tear or two along the way!
Heather Strommen is an amazing written and hope she continues her writing!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews