Meet Portia: A woman searching for a sacred scent, healing, and hope.
I am excited to announce my upcoming novel, A Lotus to Love, the third book in the Places in the Heart series. This story has been a labor of love. It was written as a memorial tribute to my late brother-in-law, Robert William Kassian. Rob took his life at the age of 36. Even after twenty-six years, the pain of his passing still lingers deeply in my heart. Through this story, I aspired to offer a message of hope—that even in the most difficult circumstances, there is light. I can’t wait to share Portia and Nadir’s story with you. This book becomes available on January 7, 2025. It invites you on an international journey filled with the search for discovery, my love of perfume, and of course, passion. It’s my hope you’ll experience the transformative power of love.
Portia’s story begins in the shadows. She’s a talented perfumer with a refined nose for the world’s rarest scents. She has always been adept at finding beauty in the ephemeral. Yet, her personal life has been marked by a devastating loss. After her husband’s tragic passing, Portia was left grappling with the kind of pain that lingers in silence. It left her questioning her view of the world and her place in it. Grief is a heavy price to pay for the love she once knew. As Queen Elizabeth II so poignantly said, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” How does she carry on?
But Portia is more than her grief. She’s resilient. She’s a survivor. Though she’s unsure how to move forward, even how to find inspiration in her craft. She has always found solace in the art of creation. She pours her emotions into perfume scent trails that tell stories and evoke memories. Each blend is a piece of her heart. A way to process what she’s endured while sharing her unique perspective with others. Her work is her refuge, her strength—and now, it’s the reason she’s about to embark on a life-changing journey.
When Portia is asked to travel to Egypt to uncover the sacred scent of Queen Cleopatra VII, she hesitates. The project challenges her in ways she’s not prepared for: stepping out of her comfort zone, confronting her fears, and revisiting her sense of self-worth. The land of Egypt, especially the west bank of the Nile, which is known as the land of the dead, has a vibrant culture and rich history. It promises an adventure. This could either push her further into isolation or awaken something she thought she’d lost forever—hope. This sacred setting, where ancient Egyptians believed the journey into the afterlife began, becomes the perfect place for Portia to confront her own grief and reshape her feelings about loss and renewal.
This journey is more than a professional assignment. As Portia navigates the sensory delights and cultural differences of Egypt, she begins to confront the emotional walls she has built. The lotus flower, deeply significant to the pharaohs, symbolizes the breath of life and rebirth. Its ability to rise from murky waters each day mirrors Portia’s own journey to breathe again, to find light after darkness. With the guidance of a Bedouin man whose perspective on life is as foreign to her as the desert sands, Portia finds herself drawn to a connection she never anticipated. Together, they explore the timeless mysteries of pharaohs and their relation to ancient fragrance as well as the intricate dance of human connection, even as they face their own fears and vulnerabilities.
Portia’s story in A Lotus to Love is one of rediscovery: of her craft, her courage, and her capacity to love again. It’s a story of learning to live fully, even after life has broken you. It’s about finding beauty, not in spite of pain but because of it, and opening your heart to the possibility of happiness—and ultimately love—once more.
Will Portia’s journey lead her to the fragrance she seeks? And will it also guide her to something even more precious—a second chance to love again?
This story is more than just fiction for me; it’s a deeply personal tribute and a message to anyone who feels lost in their darkest moments. A Lotus to Love is a reminder that even when life feels unbearable, there is light to be found. Love—whether for ourselves, others, or the world around us—is too precious a gift to lose. Through Portia’s journey, I hope readers are inspired to seek their own light, embrace the breath of life like the lotus flower, and never give up on the possibility of happiness and love.
Discover Portia’s journey of healing, hope, and self-discovery in A Lotus to Love. Preorder now and be ready to embark on this unforgettable adventure on January 7, 2025.
Read an excerpt and learn more: https://shelleykassian.com/book/a-lotus-to-love/
Watch the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JLOLYSfUU0
Preorder the ebook:
Note: The Paperback edition will be released as well on release day!