Up From The Ashes
A Story of Healing, Hope, and Second Chances
by Steve Ranni

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JP Morris seems to have the ideal life. After growing up in Hampton County, South Carolina, he married his high school sweetheart, Clara, became a successful doctor, and now leads a luxurious life in New York. Shortly before his wedding, however, JP lost his mother, which shook his Christian faith and his interest in family, whether that meant parenthood with Clara or staying connected to his father, brother, and home in the South. After years of a faithless life in New York, JP finds himself woken night after night at 3:16 a.m. by a recurring dream. Following the message he sees in the dream, JP once again becomes open to being a father, connecting with family, and even tries returning to church with Clara, whose faith remained steady. But just as JP’s life seems to be getting better, a shocking twist during the birth of his child causes him to forsake his family and begin an odyssey into sin and oblivion. Trapped in the grip of pain and hurt, JP succumbs to denial, making devastating choices that threaten to incinerate all he has achieved. Spiralling into self-destruction he faces a journey that will force him to confront himself, his marriage, his faith, intolerance, and family secrets spanning back to the Civil War. Will JP remain lost and allow the flames of pain and anger to consume him? Or will he surrender to divine cleansing, rise up from the ashes, and embrace redemption, reconciliation, and a fresh start?

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Steve Ranni was born on Cape Breton Island in Sydney Nova Scotia, and currently lives on Davidson Lake in Dumfries, New Brunswick, with his wife, Denise. He has served in the Canadian Forces, for nearly two decades, serving one NATO tour in Bosnia in 2003. Transitioning from the military, Steve embarked on a new chapter of learning and spiritual growth. He holds a degree in theology as well as diplomas in Lay Ministry and Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies. Following his studies Steve has served as a Pastor for close to a decade. Inspired by his own life experience and his faith in the guidance of God, Steve wrote Up from the Ashes to show that reconciliation and resolving family problems is possible and to spread hope for a better today and tomorrow. It is his first novel. In addition to writing, Steve enjoys golfing, boating, travel, and, most of all, spending time with his precious children and first grandchild.

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Contributors

Author

Steve Ranni

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