To the Beach: Cut Ties and Run

Shelly is forced to fight her way through life trying to fit in. From birth, she is seemingly unwanted. She is confused as to why her life is so difficult so as soon as she is able, she cuts ties and runs. She runs anywhere she can, without understanding the consequences of her actions. She doesn't care what happens, just that she can get away from the unfairness of her life. Shelly has no idea of how life works, other than she has to have a job (or two or three), she always must pay her car payment and insurance, and she is never allowed to pay credit card bills late. She is never taught to manage her money or her life, and just flies by the seat of her pants. Her good nature and naivety put her in situations she might have avoided if she didn't spend her life cutting ties and running. Shelly's always wanted to live in Florida. The beaches, the sun, and the beautiful ocean called to her, but there was no way she would be able to prepare for everything that beauty had in store for her. Florida is the ultimate test of Shelly's independence. Follow Shelly's adventures as she learns how to reinvent herself just to survive.

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!