Blindsided

What you don't know can hurt you. For the high school student, summertime holds expectations of freedom, relaxation, and experiences unlike anything that happens during the school year. Marlena Jenkins, a rising sophomore, spends her time in a summer program at the University of Pittsburgh, practicing for a summer production, and wondering if she'll attract the attention of any young men. She piques the interest of Jason Dobbs, a very mature rising freshman who has an underlying secret. His attention has the potential to rock her world with no sudden warning, including the possibility of ending a firm friendship. Marlena's family support should be enough to stabilize her, but when unexpected drama catches her off guard, the combination of a dormant illness, guidance from a trusted confidant, and the audible voice of God bring her back to her solid foundation of obedience and openness. Though her initial thoughts push her to rebel, Marlena learns who she can depend on, whom she needs to let go, and to whom she should listen. This is E. Marie's second published novel, maintaining her desire to grab the reader, youth and adults alike, in the very beginning and continues to build momentum throughout the story in order to make the reading experience a joy for those who frown upon the pastime. For more information on E. Marie, visit www.emariesanders.com.

Having been born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA, and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, E. Marie Sanders claims to be a mixture of southern hospitality with northern know-how. She taught in the public school system for 12 years and has served as a youth pastor for the past 13 years, observing the habits of the age group she hoped to write for one day. The stories she told in classroom grabbed her reluctant readers’ attention and guided her toward putting the stories on paper. Her story lines and ideas develop by combining a dash of urban real life with great storytelling fiction and imagination. E. Marie seeks to grab the reader, youth and adults alike, in the very beginning and continues to build momentum throughout the story in order to make the reading experience a joy for those who frown upon the pastime. Her first book, To K(no)w Avail, won the 2011 Favorite Book of the Year honors with From a Writer’s POV Magazine. E. Marie is a National Board Certified Teacher and a member of the National Education Association and Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development. She and her husband Eric reside in Lumberton, North Carolina.