Awaken: A Novel by Denese Shelton

By Debi Lantzer @debiL1611

Awaken by Denese Shelton
Published by She Writes Press on July 10, 2018
Genres: Christian, Literature & Fiction
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
Goodreads
Buy on Amazon






Sierra is a successful real estate agent living a comfortable life. But she has a secret so painful that she has erected emotional walls around her heart that block anyone from getting close.

Then the dreams begin. In one, Sierra is running from the sound of dogs barking and men chasing her in the darkness; in another, she’s in a field, lashes coming down on her back; in many, she is a woman of faith named Dorothy, fighting for civil rights. Sierra tries to ignore the dreams and continue with life as usual—but the more she disregards them , the longer and deeper she sleeps, and soon the long nights begin to affect her work and sanity. Finally, she seeks the help she needs.

The more she works to understand the nature of and reason for her dreams, the more freedom Sierra feels in her own life. Doors to relationships with other people open. She meets a client that could be the love of her life. And soon, she has a decision to make: she can be who she has always been, living in fear; or she can be Dorothy, allow the dreams to show her who she really is, reconnect with God, and fill the void in her spirit.

The protagonist of Awaken is Sierra, who finds herself having these really intense dreams to another time where she is Dorothy, a slave.  The dreams leave Sierra asleep for days. In these dreams, Sierra finds herself in distressing situations, but she seems to be comforted by characters repeatedly coming back.  For all of her life, Sierra has kept a secret from everyone, causing her to push away from people, including her own family.   

Sierra’s dreams eventually lead her to seek help from a therapist, Dr. Cayden, who helps Sierra make a breakthrough from the dreams.  She also works through an event that happened to her during her childhood.  Dr. Cayden’s therapy, Sierra’s “love interest” Steve, and the dreams all allow Sierra to find her way back to God and she is able to regain her faith.  Sierra is also able to restore the strained family relationship. 

Readers follow Sierra’s journey to self discovery and “awakening” her inner spirit in her efforts to allow herself to love and open up to those around her.  The author has created a great book in Awaken, and I look forward to reading her future books.


About Denese Shelton:  Denese has been writing most of her life. She likes to read. She likes to travel. She has a bachelor of arts degree in English and a doctor of dental surgery degree. She currently resides in Georgia.

Find out more about Denese at shewritespress.com.


I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book from the publishers as part of a PopUp Blog Tour from BookSparks in exchange for this post.  A positive review was not required.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It would be great if you would stay connected with me!! You can follow me on Twitter @DebiL1611, like me on Facebook at 2014 and Beyond, circle me on Google+, follow me on Tumblr, Instagram and Bloglovin’, subscribe on YouTube, or connect with me on LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Please make sure to visit my homepage and subscribe to my blog for more great posts on running, fitness and lifestyle topics as well as food, product, music and book reviews, and more!