San Juan Author Publishes First Novel

Donna Friess drew from her personal life experiences of a tragic childhood to a life of fulfillment and happiness to create her first novel published earlier this month, The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest.

Friess rose to international attention in the early 90’s when she and her sisters’ intervention put a stop to their father’s ongoing molestation which included his four-year-old granddaughter at that time. Their actions resulted in the creation of several California and U.S. laws to bring safety to women and children. Friess’ autobiography published in 1993, Cry the Darkness, depicts the reality of growing up with their closely guarded secret and the difficult fifteen-month long trial to protect their youngest family member.

Throughout this journey, Friess became a spokesperson for children’s rights, obtained a Ph.D in Psychology, taught at Cypress College for 44 years (the last founding faculty member to retire) and now works with individuals as a life coach and grief counselor.

The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest follows six nonfictional publications authored by Friess. The psychological journey follows one woman’s experiences (Shelby Forrest) as she struggles to come to terms with her past choices and a looming secret. Set in 2005 against a backdrop of the war in Iraq, the dramatic story deals with Shelby’s loss of her child and the anxiety of moving forward. The story alternates between Shelby’s experiences in the late 60’s and highlights the 1950’s - 70’s controversy of adoptee’s right to know vs a mother’s right to privacy.

The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest is available at THE Bookstore supporting the SJC Library, through Kindle, Amazon.com in print or e-book (H.I.H. Publishing).

A special book launch is scheduled at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 29 at the San Juan Capistrano Library (La Sala Room) located at 31495 El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano. The complimentary event includes wine and appetizers, speaker presentation, book signing and live music. All book sale proceeds will benefit SJC Friends of the Library which built THE Bookstore in 2014 – San Juan’s only bookstore.

Reservations are required by calling 949.218.4512 or visit www.drdonnafriess.com.

About Donna Friess

Donna is an activist for children and a member of the U.S. Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime, TTAC, Consortium. As a grief counselor, Donna facilitates a free Loss of a Loved One support group at the Community Center in San Juan Capistrano.

She is an enthusiastic dog lover, world traveler, speed walker, half marathoner and portrait artist. As a life coach, she is inspired to help people live life to their fullest capacity. She enjoys a rural lifestyle in San Juan Capistrano with her husband, Ken, where they gather with their large family including eleven grandchildren.

A review by Rosemary Rudland, author of That Summer in Normandy

“It’s no surprise to learn that Donna’s debut novel has been selected as ‘Spirited Woman’s Pick of the Year.’ Having previously read her much acclaimed autobiography, Cry the Darkness, I expected another gut-grabbing story. But this poignant book unravels even more conflicting emotions: an adoptee’s right to know and a mother’s right to privacy. To turn psychological fiction into an intriguing plot through a meander of unexpected events requires in-depth knowledge of the subject. But Dr Donna Friess, life coach and grief counselor is no amateur at using key words to disentangle crippling emotions. The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest is a testimony to the power of love.”

For more information about Donna Friess or The Unraveling of Shelby Forrest visit www.drdonnafriess.com.

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