Shelly Hickman
Hello there! A little about me. A long-time Las Vegas native, I spend my days teaching computer technology to hormonal middle schoolers. I live with my husband of 20+ years and have a teenage daughter, grown son, and child of the furry persuasion.
I'm a huge fan of The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, as well as movies with stupid humor. Zoolander, Austin Powers, and Monty Python are some of my faves. And if you asked me where the best place in the world is, it would have to be Disneyland. I mean, it is the happiest place on Earth. I love to write about relationships, family as well as romantic, and my aim is to explore life's challenges with honesty and humor. Hearing from readers is such a treat, so please feel free to visit me on Facebook or Twitter, or both! |
Somewhere Between Black and White
Women's Fiction
Romance, humor, family drama, with a touch of Buddhism. Sound interesting? When approaching life's problems, Sophie sees in black and white. That is, when they're someone else's problems. So when it comes to her sister, Sophie is sure she has all the answers, and offers them without hesitation. If only her sister would listen. Then, through a series of chance encounters, she meets Sam, who is witty, kind, and downright unflappable. Sophie has the overwhelming sense that she's known him before, and as a relationship builds between them, odd visions invade her mind. Though she tries to dismiss them, their persistence will not allow it. As someone who is quick to judge others, she is intrigued by Sam's ability to accept people as they are. She begins to see him as a role model, but try as she may, his accepting nature is difficult to emulate. Will Sophie ever be able to put her hasty judgments aside and realize not every problem has a simple solution? |
Believe
Contemporary Fiction/Spiritual
There is hope in this book, there is a positive message of remembering those who have crossed on and those who are still living, finding a reason to draw breath each day and welcoming the sun. And when you need a good reminder of that message, this book will give it to you. -- Jesse Coffey, Lexington Literature Examiner Believe. A message that still taunts her years after the passing of her daughter. In the days of her daughter's illness, she considered herself a seeker, open to the possibilities of prayer and faith. Now cynical and guarded, she is forced to reexamine her beliefs and relive her past when an old love resurfaces, with a sick child of his own. Believe is a story that examines fractures to our foundations in the face of tragedy. It is a story that asks if prayers are always answered, but often in ways we do not see. NOTE: Despite the spiritual tone of this work, please be aware it contains strong language. |
Vegas to Varanasi
Romantic Comedy
"Insanely realistic. I think I have found a new author I need to stalk for the rest of her career." -- Big Girls *Heart* Books "This book had a bit of everything in it - drama, tears, a bundle of giggles, some sexiness and a sweet romance. But most of all it was, well...real." -- Bookworm Betties "A story that depicts the reality of life and the complexity of relationships...full of depth and emotion that will leave a smile on your face." -- Jersey Girl Book Reviews Anna has never been the beautiful one; she’s always been the nice one. So when the gorgeous man sitting across the table at a wedding reception remembers her from high school—and quite fondly at that—she’s taken off guard. Formerly overweight and unpopular, Kiran has never forgotten Anna, the one person who was kind to him when no one else could be bothered, and Anna’s a bit flustered as she slowly comes to grips with his intense attraction for her. In what feels like a romantic dream come true, all-grown-up, hunky Kiran invites Anna on a trip to Varanasi. But her troubled, whack-a-do ex-boyfriend starts interfering, creating drama at every turn, which begs the question, “Can nice girls really finish first?” |
Menopause to Matrimony
Romantic Comedy
*Although this is a sequel, it may be read as a stand alone novel.* The sequel to "Vegas to Varanasi" catches up with Anna and Kiran a couple of years after the event that brought the once “ugly duckling” high school acquaintances together. But will their romance continue to flourish in the face of a whole new set of insecurities brought on by middle age? First, there’s Kiran, who has an unexpected health scare. While his doctors assure no permanent damage has been done, there seems to have been some damage to his personality, as the normally respectful and reserved Kiran begins behaving erratically and overtly. Anna wants to hope that this is temporary, sparked by the visit of Kiran’s womanizing, free-spirited cousin, Seth. But is this just the midlife Kiran surfacing? Anna has midlife issues of her own. Now forty-eight, she’s navigating the onset of perimenopause and all the delights that come with it, from facial hair to mood swings to body temperature issues. On top of that, her two-year-old granddaughter is starting to show signs of a behavior disorder, bringing with it a whole other level of stress and worry. Will Anna and Kiran finally find their happily ever after? Or end up stuck in a midlife mess in this romantic comedy of accepting change, and “the change.” |
Harmony to Heartburn
Romantic Comedy
2017 RONE Awards Finalist "Hickman's novel takes a lighthearted approach to serious issues, including illnesses, body image, and sexuality. Harmony to Heartburn is the ideal book for fans of contemporary fiction about characters who are believable, funny, honest, imperfect, and a joy to spend time with." --Self-Publishing Review "Poignant and funny. Ms. Hickman weaves love, laughter and hope into her story and makes this family one's own." --InD'tale Magazine "Hickman peers deeply into the soul of family and brilliantly pens the struggles of life's adversities." --Readers' Favorite It’s safe to say Anna’s path to wedded bliss was strewn with craziness, so the last three years of relative tranquility have been a welcome diversion. As she and Kiran embark on their new journey together, Anna’s hopes are high. However, family issues come bubbling to the surface. First, her parents’ marriage is falling apart. After more than fifty years together, they’re bickering like kids and decide to take a break. And when her father moves in with Kiran’s cousin, Anna worries about her dad’s increasing impetuous behavior. Then there’s Luke — Anna’s ex-husband. His long-term relationship has hit a rocky patch and he’s struggling to cope. As Luke turns to Anna for emotional support, Kiran is reluctant to express his own growing anxieties. When a huge misunderstanding arises, can harmony be restored? |