When I was 13, my mom was diagnosed with advanced stage ovarian cancer. Despite the odds, she fought for nearly 17 years.
In that time, she began writing a novel - Bird of Paradise - one she would not live to finish.
When she passed away, she left it in my hands, along with a letter that read:
“I know now that this is where my story ends, so I hope you will begin where I left off.”
She asked me to finish what she had started. To carry her voice forward. A gift of a lifetime - one I am forever honored to receive and share with you.
Arianna Heywood has always been surrounded by the warmth of family. Though her family has lived all over the world, the island has always been their anchor - a place of laughter, lifelong friendships, unbreakable family bonds, and the comforting rhythm of a close-knit community.
During her senior year of high school, Ari begins to discover that life isn't always as simple as it seems. First love, friendships, and difficult lessons begin to shape the young woman she will become.
When a spring break visit to the island brings her closer to the childhood friend who has always been part of her life, Ari begins to believe her future may be unfolding just as she once imagined.
But in a single devastating moment, everything changes.
Forced to face unimaginable loss, Ari must find the strength to rebuild her life and discover the woman she is meant to be.
Her journey will take her far from her island-but the path ahead will lead her toward a love she never expected.
Bird of Paradise is a heartfelt story about family, loss, resilience, and the winding paths life takes before leading us home.
Bird of Paradise