The Heart Decided to Move
A poignant exploration of self-discovery, The Heart Decided to Move captures the author’s transformative journey as she takes the life-changing step of relocating to a new country. Through letters, poetry, and reflective prose, the work weaves together a tapestry of language, emotion, and identity. Each piece invites readers to explore the complexity of what it means to leave behind one’s homeland in search of a true sense of belonging. Follow Melanie Bell as she experiences moments of culture shock, surviving a pandemic in her new home, and joyful moments of worldly travel, all told in snapshots filled with humor and heart.
Available from Read Furiously and wherever books are sold.
Chasing Harmony
What happens when the music stops?
A refreshing YA debut from Canadian author Melanie Bell, perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Becky Albertalli, and Nina LaCour. A CLMP Children’s and YA Books of 2022.
Melanie Bell has created a compelling coming-of-age story, featuring a bisexual protagonist, for those that can relate to the search for untapped potential. Told in alternating timelines on Prince Edward Island and Vancouver, Chasing Harmony reminds us of the exhilarating feeling that comes with hearing your heart’s song.
Piano prodigy Anna Stern is used to having all eyes on her. As she becomes a teenager, Anna struggles to find her identity without the soundtrack of sonatas and concertos. There’s also the worry that comes with the crushing expectations of her musical gift and her parents’ imploding marriage.
Anna finds refuge in her best friend, Liss, who is full of magic and escape plans. However, now their relationship is changing and Anna is starting to fall for her. Adding to the complicated status is new kid Darien, who is always vying for Anna’s attention.
As the haunting spectre of burnout lurks close by, an upcoming performance with Liss will determine both of their futures. With everything building to a crescendo, what follows is an authentic life in the making.
Praise for Chasing Harmony
This was a beautiful coming of age story, with a relatable teen at the epicenter. Anna has been under so much pressure, and with her personal life in upheaval with teen hormones raging, she has a lot to navigate.
…this book does an excellent job of conveying what it’s like to be a teenage girl discovering certain adult things in life and learning to find balance between that and other responsibilities.
The writing is very lyrical, making it so relaxing to read and just sink into. It’s weirder than I expected – mostly in a good way, I think – and wasn’t afraid to embrace the emotional, physical, and spiritual turbulence of teenage-hood.
Available from Read Furiously and wherever books are sold.
Dream Signs
Two students investigate what may be a ghost. Sisters find themselves recruited by opposite sides in a battle between nature spirits. A jaded banker gets caught up in an online romance.
Dream Signs is a collection of short stories that takes you on multiple journeys through multiple worlds, all unified by the common cause of realizing one’s dreams. Alternating between realism and fantasy, romanticism and domestic complexity, actions taken and words left unsaid, these stories show that the tragedies of life are inevitably outweighed by the triumph of landing where one’s heart desires.
Featuring short stories and a novella that have appeared in several literary publications, this collection offers insight into the integral part of life that is dreaming and guides us through the challenges one may face to make their dreams a reality. Adventure abounds within the souls of these characters as well as outside of them to form a complete picture of what it means to see one’s footsteps ahead and follow them.
The Modern Enneagram: Discover Who You Are and Who You Can Be
By Kacie Berghoef & Melanie Bell
Celebrate your true self and find real world success with the Enneagram.
The Enneagram is a popular model of the human psyche that includes 9 different personality types. Find out which type you are, and the way it can influence your habits, your growth, and your personal and professional interactions.
The Modern Enneagram is a fresh, easy-to-read entry point into the system. With detailed sections about each personality type as well as a holistic overview of the entire model, this book will show you how to use the Enneagram to discover your authentic self and better manage your emotions, develop your career, and understand the people around you.
In The Modern Enneagram, you’ll find:
- A fresh new take-this is an updated, condensed introduction to the Enneagram. It’s specifically tailored to beginners, and to account for today’s fast-paced social landscape.
- Real world examples-read through a range of hypothetical scenarios, and learn how your new Enneagram knowledge can help you navigate them.
- Simplicity-this comprehensive breakdown of the Enneagram doesn’t overwhelm with history, theory, or dense language.
Empower yourself with the ability to recognize your own beliefs and behavior-and make them work for you.
Other Books
My short story “Ghost Ships Passing in the Night” was included in the illustrated anthology Whispers in the Earth: World Folklore Reimagined and my novella “The Cliffman” was included in the literary horror collection Hard for Hope to Flourish.
You must be logged in to post a comment.