Where to Buy Heather’s Debut Novel, Velvet!
About 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.
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.
“‘VELVET is the story you might get if ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ cozied up with ‘Where the Crawdads Sing.’ Gorgeous writing.” —Jennifer Louden, national best-selling author of “The Woman’s Comfort Book.”
Praise for Velvet
“Heartwarming and charming. From the very beginning I could vividly picture Velvet, her surroundings and her heart. I read this book in one day and was anxious to follow her story and her relationships. This is a story that everyone can benefit from no matter what their struggles or challenges. A reminder that faith and love are the only things that truly matter, and that they’ll lead us exactly where we’re supposed to go.”
“I loved reading Velvet. Like any good book, it felt effortless to read. From the beginning, you are hooked. Velvet is such a sweet character; I found her sincerity adorable! One of my favorite things about this story was the strong, loving relationships the female characters (Velvet, her Mother, Mercy, and Ditty) had with each other. The journey Velvet and her mother go through is powerful and heartwarming. If you are looking for an uplifting book, I highly recommend Velvet!”
“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!!”
“With her debut novel, Strommen gifts us the town of Sack City, and the lovable Velvet, Mama, Diamond Jim, Mercy, and Ditty. Written with lyrical prose and hits of humor, this is a wonderful coming of age story. Come to be immersed in lovely, vivid writing. Stay to be lifted by love and forgiveness.”
Meet the Author
Heather Strommen is a straight-from-the-heart storyteller passionate about words, characters, and storied design. Her debut coming-of-age novel, "Velvet," began as a whisper, the characters dancing in and out of quiet moments, nudging at Heather to bring them to life. Her essays "Wake Up Call," "Making Christmas Perfect," "The Lies Anxiety Told," and "Catholic Mom Gone Wild" all highlight the humor and heartbreak of family and were featured at acclaimed Listen to Your Mother live storytelling events (watch them on YouTube.)
Also, the founder of the popular blog and Instagram account Sweet Shady Lane (@sweetshadylane), Heather is forever designing and refining the world around her and helping others build their storied design.
Heather is married to her high school sweetheart and lives in Minnesota in a house they lovingly call Little Oak. She and her husband refer to their four adult children as "our best friends."
If you would like to read more of Heather’s writings, check out previous blog posts here.
