Like a Lily Among the Thorns

5 Stars “A well-written fantasy/women’s lit novel that combines real-world events with myths and magic. Karen Bell’s writing style is engaging, the characters are well-developed and relatable. The book tackles the important issue of climate change and serves as a call to action for readers. ” Pro Book Review 2023 Honorable Mention BooksShelf Writing Contest 2022 Silver Medal Winner Global Book Award RECOMMENDED by the US Review of Books 2022 NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite Literary Titan Gold Book Award In a world teetering on the edge of ecological collapse, one woman discovers that the power to heal the Earth might lie within her own soul. Such a woman is Gabrielle Bernstein. At a local small library in New York City, one such family was born. And just like so many capricious happenstances in life, this family unit embraced newcomers and grew exponentially. But this clan was also charged with far more than spreading love and joy and a sense of belonging. This clan was formed by divine Providence to help save the planet. Gabrielle Bernstein, the MC of Like a Lily Among the Thorns, a woman in her twenties, has started her career as a librarian at a NYC public library. Abandoned by her father as a young girl and now orphaned by her deranged mother, Gabby longs for a family connection. Coincidentally, she finds this connection at the same time she inherits a B&B in Vermont from her estranged and now-deceased father. This enchanted inn is under the watchful eye of goddesses of myth and legend who have been tasked to save mankind from destroying itself and this planet. These goddesses will use their powers to try and stall the onslaught of the effects of droughts, floods, and rising temperatures. But as a safety net, they have collected human saviors all over the planet to erect safe havens at high altitudes away from flood waters and blistering temperatures. Woven through this tale is Gabrielle’s inherent understanding that she must be grateful, mindful, and present in this journey called life.