The Habit of Keeping Secrets
Although Avalon Foster’s life ended unexpectedly soon, her letters continued to influence the people who found them for years after the accident. Among the beneficiaries of her words were her children, her husband, an old college friend and the town lawyer. However, she left behind more than thoughtful strokes of a pen. It took one man with a past of his own to uncover enough secrets to bring about good for some and ruin for others, though no one could see either coming.
A Habit of Keeping Secrets is the second book of The Travel Letters series. It winds through The Travel Letters and slides the reader into the lives of both familiar and unfamiliar characters with attentive navigation. It is brimming with unexpected connections, surprising outcomes and vibrant characters crafted to either love or loath. Set in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, this stand-alone story is best as a companion book to TJ Hassell’s debut novel The Travel Letters.
The Travel Letters
Distressed by her neglected and tragic childhood, Avalon Foster was determined to turn her life around. “It could always be worse.” These were words she came to live by at an early age. She was unable to predict that the worst was yet to come.
Abandoned as a child, Avalon vowed never to leave her own children without words of substance from her. So, she wrote letters for her children each time she was away from home for her archaeological work. Crafted by love and thoughtfully penned, they were then kept, unread, upon her safe return. Her well-intentioned writings would ultimately neutralize a family mystery, guide the return of an old college friend and reveal a past to possibly everyone but her, the very woman who had been committed enough to record them.
The course of her life would ebb and flow as she lived it, but her travel letters would provide documentation, direction, inspiration, and a chain of unexpected revelations for those she loved. Would Avalon be able to witness the good life she had worked to create? Or would everything spiral in another direction — one in which she was not allowed to go?
The Travel Letters is a great choice for readers who value carefully selected words and wisdom that can reveal itself in the lives of everyday people who, in spite of their surroundings, continue their efforts to improve.
“I was hooked after reading the first chapter. The Travel Letters is filled with wisdom, the reality of life, and familiar characters. It’s a comforting read.”
-AJ
“If you are looking for a good quality book full of wisdom and good moral decision making in everyday life this is it! I just finished it and didn’t want the story to end. It is on Amazon for purchase. I think anyone teenage and up would like this book. … Give it a try !!”
-Sonya H.
“I always knew that [TJ Hassell] was an amazingly talented musician. She has a beautiful singing voice and is beautiful inside and out. She is a country girl and loves the simple things in life. I did not, however, know that she is also a talented author now. This is truly one of the best books I have ever read. [T]he plot will draw you in. It is hard to put down once you get started. I highly recommend this book. “
-Annette G. M.