PENNGROVE, Calif., Jan. 16, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Julia Parks, an independent, self-made woman, disappeared after the sudden death of her husband. The reader meets her in the sweltering heat of Mexico, where an old psychic says she will remarry within the year. An ardent believer in the cosmos, Julia mails wedding invitations without a name for the groom. In C.K. Veale's new novel, The Reluctant Bride (now available through 1stBooks), Julia finds herself back at home with a needy sister and an abusive mother, following the cosmos' plan for her life, however strange it may be.
Upon hearing the news that the psychic gives her, Julia is far from enthusiastic about the prospect of getting married. She vows to let fate take her where it may, so the invitations are sent out for Dec. 31 with the name of the groom as a glaring omission.
Fate pulls this talented artist back to her hometown in Sonoma County, Calif. She re-enters the life of her troubled sister Shelly and Nora, her mother. This rekindled connection between Nora and Julia sparks hurtful memories in Julia's past when Nora was abusive. Her mother's dreams of becoming a star were shattered by a "new daddy," who also shattered the bond between mother and daughter.
Julia turns to her best friend for help. Paula Knapp and Julia met in college, and Julia was always Paula's mentor. Now Julia needs Paula, a psychologist, to help her work through her painful childhood memories and the circumstances surrounding her late husband's death.
As the two are led through a minefield of memories, the cosmos unveils its plan for Julia.
With complex, interesting characters and a touching storyline, Veale's debut work is an unforgettable novel about one woman's struggle to rise above life's hurdles.
Veale is a chiropractic physician and the founder of the Women of Power Manifesting Workshops. She is a Court-Appointed Special Advocate for abused children (C.A.S.A.) and is donating 10 percent of the proceeds of The Reluctant Bride to that organization. A member of the International Women's Writing Guild and Left Coast Writers, she resides in Sonoma County, Calif.
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