Loss doesn't erase love. It carves it deeper.
MAGNOLIA, TX, April 22, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Debut author Susan Appel announces the release of her novel, What the Heart Carries: One Secret, Two Lives, a deeply moving story inspired by her own family's journey through grief, faith, and healing.
Driven by a lifelong passion for writing, Appel brings a story to life that is both personal and universally relatable. "I believe I have a story worth sharing—one that can touch hearts and spark connection," she shares. That belief is evident in a narrative shaped by real-life experiences of loss, love, and redemption.
From an early age, Appel discovered her love for writing, a passion that has remained a steady thread throughout her life. Her debut novel reflects not only her creative voice but also her commitment to authenticity. One of her greatest challenges, she explains, was "telling my story as authentically as possible while placing it within a fictional context"—a balance she achieves with emotional depth and sincerity.
What the Heart Carries stands apart in its genre through its rich emotional landscape and strong sense of place. With ties to Brooklyn and Fort Lauderdale, the novel offers readers a grounded and immersive experience, drawing them into a story that feels both intimate and expansive.
Appel credits life itself as her greatest inspiration. "The experiences of loss, love, and redemption have shaped me," she says. "Writing allows me to transform those moments into something that connects with others." Through her work, she hopes readers will discover healing, meaningful connection, and a renewed sense of hope—even in life's most difficult seasons.
Her writing journey, which she describes in three words—"Grief, God, and Goodness"—is reflected in every page of her debut. She writes with honesty and heart, exploring themes of identity, grief, and the enduring bonds of family. Susan believes deeply in the power of words to heal, to connect, and to remind us that even in life's darkest seasons, hope can be found.
When she's not writing, Appel enjoys cooking, listening to live music, and walking near the ocean, where she finds peace and inspiration. She also values time spent with her husband and two children at the Jersey Shore, embracing simple traditions and meaningful connections.
ABOUT LUCID BOOKS
Lucid Books is an independent, hybrid publisher in the Houston area. As a partnership publisher, Lucid Books offers the connections and expertise of a traditional publisher with the author involvement of a self-publisher. We exist to help authors inspire, inform, and enrich the lives of their readers. For more information on Lucid Books, visit lucidbookspublishing.com.
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