Delores Wardell, PhD
Delores Wardell is the author of the gripping and deeply moving novel Naomi's Place, its poignant sequel, The Charm Bracelet, My Sister's Keeper: Maude's Story. and her newest book, Shadows and Silhouettes: Reflections on Life's Adventures.
Honorable Mention Recipient in the 2021
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This collage of life events reflects shadows of places and silhouettes of people who touched her life in some way: imperfect professionals, scarred yet hopeful children in the juvenile court system, tense encounters with local authorities in foreign countries, a harrowing solo flight in a rented plane, and even a few ghost stories and other adventures.
"I do not think of myself as a murderer, even though I failed at one attempt and was tried in a court of law for another—for I would have to judge myself as evil and it was evil that I was trying to stop.” So Maude begins her heartbreaking story as she reminisces about the day she ran away from an orphanage after trying to poison one of the workers—leaving behind her little sister, Jamie. Fortunately for Maude, she is befriended by Eugene, who becomes her mentor, ally, and closest confidant.
Fulfilling a commitment to her sister to rescue her, give her a real home, and protect her from harm—things their mother had failed to do—Maude finds herself on the run with Jamie. Out of desperation, Maude marries Logan, a soldier just out of boot camp. After two tours of duty in Viet Nam, Logan returns a tormented man. His murder and Maude’s subsequent trial test the bonds of love and loyalty between the two sisters.
Many readers of Naomi's Place requested more information about the characters in the book. A number of years ago I started writing Sunny's story. However, numerous readers asked me about other characters in Naomi's Place, especially what happened to Jennifer after she left the orphanage. One fan suggested the specific characters I should include. After a conversation with him I returned to the unfinished manuscript. Another motivator was that my father, before his death, had urged me to write again and to complete the story. Hopefully, those who loved Naomi's Place will find answers to their questions within The Charm Bracelet.
