“Heather Strommen has written a beautiful coming-of-age story with unforgettable characters. This book will enthrall readers of all ages. Do not sleep on this gem”
~Christie Tate, NYT Bestselling Author
Where to Buy Heather’s Debut Novel, Velvet!
About Velvet
Velvet Underwood doesn’t know much about her father, Diamond Jim, other than Mama’s relentless bragging that every woman in town desired him, he smelled like hard work and pine, and she was conceived in the back of his Cadillac. She knows Mama’s heart and confidence were shattered when he disappeared in the middle of the night all those years ago. But Velvet was just a baby then. She’s 15 going on 16 now and wants to know what Mama’s not telling her.
Velvet is changed forever when she stumbles upon Mama’s secret journal. She learns more than she cared to about her mother’s sexual escapades with Diamond Jim and brawls with the town hussy. She discovers the heartache of betrayal as she trips over her parents’ painful past in search of clues to help Mama heal and bring Diamond Jim back home. Along the way, she leans on her best friend, Mercy, her grandma, Ditty, and the yard sale Virgin Mary who’s crumbling toes are planted firmly in the garden outside their double wide.
Heather Strommen’s debut novel, “Velvet,” is a comfort call for anyone in need of a dose of hope and humor. It illustrates how the retelling of the stories we’ve long told ourselves can unravel the past and make way for the future. Ultimately, “Velvet” is a reminder of the power of love and forgiveness.
Professional Praise for Velvet
"A novel overflowing with love, faith, and grace ... Notes of humor and sweetness [add] to the achingly poignant plot, crafted with a lyrical touch."
— Publishers Weekly (BookLife EDITOR’S PICK)
'Velvet' is the story you might get if "The Secret Life of Bees' cozied up with 'Where the Crawdads Sing.' Gorgeous writing."
—Jennifer Louden, national best-selling author of "The Woman's Comfort Book"
'Velvet' will warm your heart and wrap you in hope. A beautiful and timeless novel."
—Jennifer Cramer-Miller, author of "Incurable Optimist"
"A sincere, endearing coming-of-age tale about a daughter and her single mom."
—Kirkus Reviews - “Indie Worth Discovering”
"A forever kind of book!"
— Julie Jo Severson, author of "Here in the Middle" and "Secret Twin Cities"
More Reader Reviews
“Heartwarming and charming. From the very beginning I could vividly picture Velvet, her surroundings and her heart. I read this book in one day and was anxious to follow her story and her relationships. This is a story that everyone can benefit from no matter what their struggles or challenges. A reminder that faith and love are the only things that truly matter, and that they’ll lead us exactly where we’re supposed to go.”
“I loved reading Velvet. Like any good book, it felt effortless to read. From the beginning, you are hooked. Velvet is such a sweet character; I found her sincerity adorable! One of my favorite things about this story was the strong, loving relationships the female characters (Velvet, her Mother, Mercy, and Ditty) had with each other. The journey Velvet and her mother go through is powerful and heartwarming. If you are looking for an uplifting book, I highly recommend Velvet!”
“This coming-of-age story is beautifully written and keeps you coming back for more. It leaves you with a full heart and encapsulates the, sometimes uncomfortable, feeling of growing older with the people you love most. I absolutely adored the main character and each female relationships she had. I can’t wait for the authors next book!!”
“With her debut novel, Strommen gifts us the town of Sack City, and the lovable Velvet, Mama, Diamond Jim, Mercy, and Ditty. Written with lyrical prose and hits of humor, this is a wonderful coming of age story. Come to be immersed in lovely, vivid writing. Stay to be lifted by love and forgiveness.”
Velvet Book Club Questions
Place & Time:
How well do you think the author crafted the setting of Sack City?
What area of the country did you imagine Sack City to be located in? Which state?
Was it easy to picture Mama & Velvet’s mobile home on Tender Vine Lane?
The author never shares the exact year the story takes place. What years did you imagine while reading?
Were you transported to a simpler time?
Did you notice there were no cell phones, or technology?
Were you aware of the economic standing of the families?
Characters:
Did Mama remind you of anyone? Or, Who did Mama remind you of?
Did Velvet remind you of anyone? Or, Who did Velvet remind you of?
Did Diamond Jim remind you of anyone? Or, Who did Diamond Jim remind you of?
Did Ditty remind you of anyone? Or, Who did Ditty remind you of?
Did Joan Evans remind you of anyone? Or, Who did Joan Evans remind you of?
Who was your favorite character? Why?
Who was your least favorite character? Why?
Which character would you most like to meet? Why?
What would you like to ask that character?
Velvet demonstrates wisdom beyond her years. Did it seem she was 15, going on 16? Or, did she seem younger or older?
How old do you think Mama was when she conceived Velvet?
How old do you think Diamond Jim was when he died?
Story:
Did you find the story believable?
What was your favorite scene?
Do you have a favorite quote?
Velvet has a cast of strong women characters – did this matter to you?
Did you wonder if Mama was a stripper?
What kind of dancing do you think Mama did at the Hip Joint?
Why do you think Mama kept the birthdays cards from Diamond Jim hidden from Velvet?
Diamond Jim said he did not feel worthy of Mama and Velvet’s love. Why do you think he felt that way?
What were the first signs of Lynette coming out of her misery?
Did you think Lynette was capable of killing Diamond Jim?
Did you find it believable that Diamond Jim was struck by lightning?
Why do you think the author chose that method of dying?
If Diamond Jim had lived, do you think Mama would continue to live in the past?
Do you have a favorite quote from the story?
Did the story stay with you after you finished reading the book?
What was your favorite scene?
What feelings did the story stir for you?
What did you remember as a result of reading Velvet?
Did you learn or re-learn anything as a result of reading Velvet?
Messages & Themes:
Do you think the author had a purpose for sharing this story?
Velvet includes themes of heartbreak, forgiveness, friendship, grace, religion, relationships, jealousy, and envy. Which theme was most relatable for you?
The garden and tending to it was integral to the story in many ways – what did it symbolize?
The statue of Mary played a meaningful role – what was it?
Relationships:
What part did Bobby play in the story?
What role did Ditty play in the story?
What role did Pops play in the story?
What did you think about Velvet’s relationship with God?
Do you think God can only be found in church, like Pops believed?
Lynette & Joan Evan had a volatile relationship. In what way did their relationship influence Velvet’s relationship with Janet Evans?
Velvet was granted little time with Diamond Jim. If she had more time with him, do you think they could have forged a more meaningful relationship?
Why do you think Mikey Sullivan waited so long for Lynette?
Future:
Do you think Lynette and Mikey Sullivan can have a future together?
If you could ask the author one question, what would it be?
Can you imagine Velvet as a major motion picture?
If so, who would you cast as Velvet, and why?
If so, who would you cast as Mama, and why?
If so, who would you cast as Diamond Jim, and why?
If so, who would you cast as Ditty, and why?
If so, who would you cast as Joan Evans, and why?
Could Velvet have a sequel?
Meet the Author
Heather Strommen is a straight-from-the-heart storyteller passionate about words, characters, and storied design. Her debut coming-of-age novel, "Velvet," began as a whisper, the characters dancing in and out of quiet moments, nudging at Heather to bring them to life. Her essays "Wake Up Call," "Making Christmas Perfect," "The Lies Anxiety Told," and "Catholic Mom Gone Wild" all highlight the humor and heartbreak of family and were featured at acclaimed Listen to Your Mother live storytelling events (watch them on YouTube.)
Also, the founder of the popular blog and Instagram account Sweet Shady Lane (@sweetshadylane), Heather is forever designing and refining the world around her and helping others build their storied design.
Heather is married to her high school sweetheart and lives in Minnesota in a house they lovingly call Little Oak. She and her husband refer to their four adult children as "our best friends."
If you would like to read more of Heather’s writings, check out previous blog posts here.
