But fate has other ideas, and as these two isolated girls are drawn together, a friendship born in high school evolves into a bond that promises to last a lifetime. Even as their paths diverge, and they clumsily marry and plow through raising families of their own, they remain true.
Even as they nurse their respective bruises, and carry their traumas from childhood into their own marriages, they always have each other’s backs. Even when a sordid secret from their past emerges to threaten their families, together…they remain a force to be reckoned with.
Until years later, when they’re enjoying the prime of their lives, a stunning rumor surfaces that threatens their lifelong connection. The allegation suggests that one has betrayed the other.
Truth? Lie? Does it matter? Sometimes just the hint of betrayal is enough to ruin a lifelong bond.
As their worlds collide, and old insecurities rise to the forefront, the layers of Desi and Robin’s legendary friendship begin to unravel.
Just when it seems they’ve lost everything, the truth brings them full circle…and in their brokenness they come to realize that there is only one true way to fill the emptiness inside, to quiet the lies…and to ultimately become…fearless.
“Lee’s prose is fluid and full of personality.” –Kirkus Reviews
“A standout novel for contemporary women from all walks of life.” –Readers’ Favorite
“Novelist explores themes of faith and lies; betrayal and redemption; and the unfathomable value of friendship when everything falls apart.” –Wordcrafts Press
BOOK EXCERPT
Coach motioned for us to gather close and form a circle. “What do y’all say we raise up a little prayer?” Everyone grabbed a hand, and since Claire turned out to be a traitor, I was left with only Coach Becky’s hand to hold.
And apparently Ms. Albuquerque’s, because just like the water, it appeared without my asking. I wasn’t thrilled, but what could I do?
“Désireé,” Coach asked. “You want to lead us?”
“Ma’am? No, I…uh…that’s okay.”
The Blue Room got quiet.
“Go ahead now. Lead us in the Lord’s Prayer,” Coach Becky encouraged.
“Uh…um…” Silence.
Bowed heads popped up one by one. I noticed Dolly giving Kendra and Ashley the eye.
“I don’t…” mumbled Mix Match.
Claire made a face. “Come on. It’s about to start.”
Ms. Albuquerque’s hand trembled in mine.
“Come on. It’s the Our Father,” Dolly snapped. “Everybody knows it.”
A lengthy and painfully awkward hush filled the room.
“Coach,” Dolly said. “Just let me do it.”
I didn’t know what came over me. I couldn’t explain it.
Was it the snotty way the Bouncy girls reveled in the new girl’s pain? Or was it Mix Match’s damp, shaky hand in mine?
“We’ll do it together,” I whispered.
I lowered my head. “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven—”
Eventually she mumbled after me, getting the hang of following my words. “Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil—”
As the prayer ended, her hand remained firm in mine. “For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.”
“Amen,” everyone said.
The new girl looked at me. “Good luck, Robin.”
I smiled. “Good luck, Desi.” And I meant it.
About the Author
Born and raised in Louisiana, most of Hallie Lee’s screenplays and novels are set in the south. Inspired by a landscape rich with cantankerous, salt of the earth folks, Hallie’s characters tend to be dramatic, but kind, and quirky, but smarter than they appear.
A move to the creative community of Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2005 gave her the opportunity to take up screenwriting. As her screenplays were recognized with awards and placements in various contests, she had the opportunity to learn from award winning talents like Kirk Ellis (The John Adams miniseries) and Ronnie Clemmer (A League of Their Own).
But alas, her heart is southern, and when she and her family made another move to Kentucky, it renewed her passion for writing novels. And southern story telling.
Paint Me Fearless is the first in The Shady Gully Series, a series which promises thought provoking, relatable journeys whose cast of characters tend to be ornery, but loveable.
It’s women’s literature. It’s book club fiction. It’s faith based. It’s Hallie Lee.
Tour Giveaway
Two audiobooks of Paint Me Fearless by Hallie Lee (US)
Two audiobooks of Paint Me Fearless by Hallie Lee (UK)
Ends October 6, 2021
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