Honest and resourceful Shelly just wants to feel loved.  Her older sister’s bullying, which is condoned by her parents, coupled with the birth of her younger brother cause Shelly to learn independence early.
Shelly’s first job helps her find self worth and her first love.  When he eventually breaks her heart, it sends Shelly into a tailspin of being used and abused.  She changes jobs and lovers often.
Shelly develops a cocaine addiction, gets married and experiences the beating of her life.  Just when she feels like her life is over, she finds an opportunity to leave it all behind and move to the beach.
Shelly’s new roommate gets drunk and steals her car, almost killing himself and another man.  With little money and no job, she deals with bail bondsmen, aggressive attorneys, and telling her father about the new claim on his insurance policy.
Shelly endures Hurricane Erin, becomes homeless, and survives by reinventing herself.  She buys her first home, loses her business, then Hurricane Irene ruins her wedding.  She learns enough about herself to survive the divorce and start over again after a bus trip lands her in the Florida Keys.  Believe it or not, it’s real, and just wait until you read the sequel!