TEEN NOVEL “SECRET SHAME” DEBUTS #2 ON BESTSELLERS LIST

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – To a standing room only crowd, Rhone shared

the successes and trials of her writing journey, followed by a reading of

“Secret Shame”.  The audience responded in book sales.

            In her sophomore novel, Rhone continues the journey of spirited Trek Baden, whose family has moved from the inner-city to the suburbs where her first observation is, “…the rich and poor are both raggedy like roaches; but the rich play in newer buildings.”

“Secret Shame” is the story about the most powerful influence in a young girl’s life – her best friend.  First introduced in “Premature Pleasures,” Trek is in her new environment trying to adjust to the new school and new neighborhood.  Her transition is made easier by her friend Rhodee, “…a lycra-clad, Chinese-shop outfit wearing hoodrat.”  But Rhodee is living with a secret.  “If I keep quiet, I’m the only one who hurts.”  Trek suspects Rhodee’s uncle Marcus is behind the secret since he, “...held my hand one second longer than was decent.”

In addition to worrying about Rhodee, Trek is dealt another blow - her abusive dad resurfaces.  Together, Trek and Rhodee attempt to navigate their lives out of seemingly hopeless situations.  They love each other dearly.  They never part.  But are their circumstances too much for young girls to try to handle on their own?

Because of the sensitive issues dealt with in "Secret Shame", the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by The R.A.I.N.N. Organization (www.rainn.org) is listed on the last page of the novel.  Rhone believes in offering hope and providing guidance to her readers who may be facing the same predicaments as her characters.

With her raw, rebellious voice, Rhone rewards her readers with a cast of outrageous characters facing intense situations you won't soon forget.  Honest and irreverent, "Secret Shame" is sure to captivate both avid and reluctant teen and pre-teen readers.  More than a storyteller, Rhone proves herself to be a "truth-teller".  Her first book, "Premature Pleasures", continues to be a favorite amongst teenagers.  She is in the middle of writing her third book in the Trek Baden series titled "Backseats and Bleachers:  A High School Love Story," due out Summer 2004.

"Secret Shame" will gradually be released in other cities throughout the country starting Summer 2003.  To preview the first four chapters of "Secret Shame", visit www.unshackledpublishing.com. 

Unshackled Publishing
P.O. Box 11773
Tempe,AZ 85284

http://www.unshackledpublishing.com