Her desperate decision during World War II changed everything. Now, almost 70 years later, her secret is unraveling.
At ninety years old, Audrey Thorpe still lives in a historic mansion on palm-tree-lined Victory Drive, determined to retain her independence. But when her health begins to fade, her family hires a part-time caretaker, Laurel. The two women seem to bond—until Audrey disappears.
As the story moves between the verdant jungles of the war-torn Philippines, where Audrey served as a nurse, and glittering modern-day Savannah, friendships new and old are tested. Along the way, Audrey grapples with one of life’s heart-wrenching truths: You can only outrun your secrets for so long.
Published by Haywire Books
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Winner, Best Historical Novel post-1900, Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Winner, Carrie McCray Literary Award (first chapter)
Winner, Grassic Short Novel Prize (in slightly different format)
Workshopped with Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley
Finalist, Faulkner-Wisdom Competition, Porter Fleming Literary Competition, Ron Rash Fiction Award (excerpts)
“Heather Bell Adams is a fresh voice in upmarket women’s fiction. In The Good Luck Stone, she has crafted a plot-perfect page turner, all while delivering both intriguing character development and emotional depth. She has hit the sweet spot, mastering a literary tone with commercial pacing. If you’re looking for the next screen-worthy winner and a book club bullseye, this is your story, an ideal read for fans of Sue Meissner and Lisa Wingate. I was honored to play a small role in the shaping of this tale.” Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, previous editor-in-chief Southern Literary Review
“The Good Luck Stone is a taut and lyrical literary thriller that I found difficult to put down. This novel immerses us expertly in the high society world of modern Savannah and the tropical heat of the Philippines during World War II, both anchored by an endearing character you’ll never forget, caught up in an intricate plot that will keep the pages turning long into the night. Heather Bell Adams is a truly gifted novelist.” Silas House, author of Southernmost
“Telling a story from the heart is Heather Bell Adams’ specialty. Her deft use of detail paints the beauty of modern-day Savannah with breathtaking clarity, and brings to light the horrors faced in the Pacific during WWII. But it is her tender portrayal of the desperate journey of Audrey and Laurel that will grab the reader from the first page … ” Kimberly Brock, author of The River Witch
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“A riveting and intimate novel about singular friendships, courage, sacrifice, and the remarkable lives of the Greatest Generation.” Meg Nola, Foreword Reviews
“An enthralling journey that is difficult to put down … the perfect balance of tenderness and adventure” Staff Pick, Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, Virginia
“A story of excruciating loss and noble sacrifice. A story of the guilt survivors often bury deep within their hearts. A story well worth reading.” Donna Meredith, Southern Literary Review
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“Solid sophomore effort … offers vivid settings and authentic characterizations” Library Journal
“A profoundly affecting story … with a storyline at once poignant and stirring, characters drawn with such intensity and plausibility that they seem like folks we know, and a prose style so effortless that it belies its quiet, seamless power … Do not miss this novel, a fountain of tenderness and wisdom.” Jay Strafford, The Free Lance-Star
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“A totally captivating story … with enough suspense to keep you turning pages long past your bedtime” Staff Pick, Fiction Addiction, Greenville, SC
“A gripping dual timeline tale of heartbreak, courage, long-kept secrets, and friendships that transcend age and time … A compelling and beautifully written story” Alison Ragsdale, author of Dignity and Grace
“Heather Bell Adams’ descriptions of the locations — both stateside and in the Philippines — will transport you …” Weekend Getaway Pick, Strong Sense of Place
“An extremely touching story of friendship … Five stars.” Sue’s Reading Neighborhood
“My friends drawn to powerful historical fiction narratives should not miss this book. It’s a treasure.” Tarheel Reader