Category: Drama Type: Fiction
Copyright: Jul 1, 2001
In this first book of the Atherton Saga, the foundations are laid for the lives of those who will live in this community. Elizabeth struggles to find a balance between dream & reality—ideals & economics, values & socio-economic restrictions, gratitude for blessings & desire to achieve potential—while giving birth to her dream.
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26
Summary The story is told by an amazing young career woman who is going about her business and dealing fairly with her fellow humans. A lunch discussion with coworkers about what to do with copious amounts of money leads to an invitation to meet with a philanthropist. Realizing all the lives she could enhance convinces her to accept the offer for funding, despite caution from her suspicious father’s advice against it. The plan for a residential village for budding artists to create and sell their craft is going to become a reality. As land is purchased and permits secured for the project, the press spreads a message of hope to the local community. There are a few stumbling blocks in the process, not the least of which is a growing throng of objectors fearing a drug-infested commune. Finding innovative ways to jump through the red tape builds the young entrepreneurs ego to overwhelming proportions. As she continues to toot her own horn at the groundbreaking ceremony, the press begins to turn against her and the project she has undertaken. As the land has been scared by the intrusion of the construction, so is the motive to do good works that attracted the benevolent benefactor. A request for an accounting of how the money has been used to help people brings the off-course visionary to self-reflection and re-affirmation. The struggle of good intentions is almost lost to the beguiling nature of wealth when a drastic change of direction is made. While re-focusing attention on those in need, Elizabeth is disillusioned by the corruption of many individuals in the world and begins to wonder if anyone is worthy of this great effort. When Elizabeth remembers the girl form her old office and accepts her as the first beneficiary, the press turns on the project full force and makes the planned community out to be a cult for degenerates. The bad press and father saying, “I told you so!” bring about overwhelming self-doubt. The contractors halt construction and the massive walkout threatens to pull the plug on the whole project. A local do-gooder who has joined the project is able to rally community support form among those willing to ignore the press and rumors. The publicity has gone regional and has attracted Good Samaritans from far a field. A retired couple has joined the crusade to create a safe haven for artisans and will lend their expertise in accommodations management to the project. The dowdy office girl has successfully completed her first professional graphics design project—promotional brochures for the community. The greatest coupe for the coop is the application of one of the most renowned Chefs in [big city] whose contributions in reputation alone will attract business to the village. Once the floodgates are opened, Atherton begins to receive inquiries from some of the most wonderful & talented people in the world. A Grand Opening craft bazaar and good old-fashioned Barn Dance assure everyone that the project will continue to be a success.
Excerpt
The great and dreadful responsibility of wealth is the true test of ones character. --Alethea Drake
My date book greeted me with the Daily Quote. I barely take time to read these, but today’s message seamed to catch my attention. I wonder what that means, anyway, “great and dreadful”. It sounds like something out of the Bible. What could be so dreadful about having wealth?
As I rush out the door I scroll through my appointments for the day. Looks like I will be in the office for the morning, but the afternoon is a total crunch. During lunch, I will be reporting on the open forum with the new Superintendent of Education regarding her views on Home School as an alternative to traditional education [or maybe, they are debating cutting “arts” from the curriculum???]. That will barely finish in time to drive across town to the City Planning Board’s hearing for zone changes to add another Reception Hall [another name for a “Bar for Rent”] [maybe speak here about family and tradition] to the cities ever-growing list. I may not even hear the end of that debate before the meeting of the Entrepreneur Business Women Association Annual Regional Conference begins.
I am not going to miss the Conference Opening Keynote address just to listen to the debate at the Zoning Commission. One of the perks of being with the press is attending these things at no charge, and I didn’t fight to get this assignment just to miss the best part. [Speak out load to self to give some dialog—“I wont miss that!” and others]
The forecast predicts this will be the coldest week of the year, glad to get it out of the way in January. I wish I had a house with and attached garage instead of this apartment and curbside parking. I could live without the shivering while I wait for the car to warm up on these dark winter mornings. The Daily Quote comes to mind—a bit of wealth would save me from the cold. How great it could be not to brave the elements to earn a measly salary?
I was born to be an Entrepreneur. I may be fresh out of college without a track record, but I don’t intend to be with this small town paper forever. This is just the first rung on the latter to my business future. I was raised to believe the true path to the American dream is through business ownership, not punching a clock to for the privilege of lining someone else’s pockets.
At the autonomous age of twenty-three, most of my girlfriends are measuring the attributes of a man to see if he is Mr. Right. It is as if they have need of master and protector. I sometimes wonder if this behavior speaks of what they want for their life or of society’s expectations. Is this freedom or just another face of oppression? Conversely, I am looking at every opportunity to find my authentic path. I plan to be independent, emotionally and financially, before I settle into a domestic partnership. I will remain liberated as long as it takes to reach my true potential as an individual. It is the right, even obligation, of every man, and woman, in America to exercise the freedoms of this nation, and to pursue the American Dream, the opportunity for anyone, regardless of circumstance of birth, to attain “the good life” whatever it may be for them.
Suspenseful and close to home, Rain of Deception 2 will leave you in Tears. Much like Part 1, this will shocking sequel will keep you on the edge of your fingertips.
A page-turning novel about a relationship between best friends that is interrupted because of betrayal , deceit, sexual promiscuity and pregnancy happens!
