Devin Dewees

Abandoned but Not Lost: a Young Woman?s Journey to Independence Devin Dewees

Sheteka, one of six girls in a family headed by a single mother, is fifteen when she gives birth to her first daughter, Quionna. Having quit school, Sheteka works at Wendy's to earn a living but encounters obstacle after obstacle in her journey to care for herself and her growing family. Ridiculed, shamed, and ultimately kicked out of the house by her mother, Sheteka finds life by herself difficult despite support from her sisters and friends. She ends up in a relationship with a boyfriend who repeatedly brutalizes her and uses what little money she makes to support his addictions. In addition, she has four more children. But with the steadfast love of her close friends, Sheteka finds the strength to leave the abusive environment she's endured. Sheteka has two more children with another man, but because he loves his freedom more than he loves her, she finds herself alone once again. Ultimately, Sheteka realizes that each hurdle she jumps makes her stronger and stronger. With heart-wrenching but triumphant moments, Abandoned but Not Lost is written by promising young author Devin E. DeWees. You'll be inspired by the resolve, determination, and insight Devin brings to all of his characters.