Rebecca Wells Phillips has devoted eight months to writing the nonfiction historical book, Hurricane Helene Resiliency After the Storm, Part One. The book provides gripping survivor accounts and color photographs, with actionable insights for future storms includes An Ocean in the Mountains, Local Heroes, and One Disaster from Homelessness. Writing to honor the victims, she strives to raise awareness about future storms and the housing crisis in America. "Nobody expected this. It wasn't just the hurricane, it was all the rainwater two days before." - Stan Sutrich "There are victims who will never be found." - Laurrell Jackson Smith From the bestselling author of Hating Self by Boo Black comes an emotionally charged narration of the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, which struck the area on September 27, 2024. Read as victims recount their experiences dealing with no power, no Internet, and no way out. An example of a disaster memoir focusing on community and resilience, the author has created something profound and inspirational at the same time. Experience the massive power of the storm through the eyes of the victims who took photographs recording the unbelievable tragedy that destroyed the lives of so many. A portion of the proceeds will be shared with the victims of the storm and the author's charity of choice, BeLoved Asheville. Bamidele Daniel Hurricane Helene is a powerful, emotionally charged read that sweeps you up like its title. Rebecca Wills Philips delivers strong character depth and a gripping plot, balancing heartbreak and hope with beautiful prose. A memorable story that lingers after the last page. Peggy Ellis On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene-downsized to tropical storm status-left devastation in her wake as she swept up from Florida and into the mountains of Western North Carolina. I experienced considerable damage to my home, but not nearly the damage that occurred throughout the area. Because I experienced the horrible devastation, I can speak firsthand to the thoroughness of Ms. Phillips' coverage in her book. Through her personal experience, interviews with others throughout the various affected counties, pictures, and research, she gives a clear account of the devastation. Reading Hurricane Helene Resiliency After the Storm was disturbing even a year afterwards. One excellent part of her storm coverage is that the government did an excellent job helping us, in view of other disasters throughout the nation in the same period. However, as Ms. Phillips points out, the immediate and ongoing help centers on communities and individuals working together. Since this is Part One, I expect Ms. Phillips is hard at work writing Part Two. I look forward to reading it. Mary Olar This is a powerful and deeply moving story about survival, rebuilding, and the human spirit's capacity for resilience in the face of devastation. Phillips draws readers into a vivid portrait of life after a catastrophic hurricane, where loss and hope collide. For anyone drawn to stories of survival, rebuilding, and the triumph of hope over hardship, Hurricane Helene - Part One is an inspiring and unforgettable read that honors the strength of the human spirit. Shelly D 5.0 out of 5 stars A touching account of survival This book is a poignant account of a catastrophic flood and how a community was able to band together to both survive and heal in the aftermath. The author has done a superb job with the heartfelt interviews and pictures that depict the very real devastation. I am grateful for the tips and recommendations on how to prepare in the face of a storm. I continue to pray for the communities in western NC that have been scarred from hurricane Helene. I purchased 2 copies, as a portion of the proceeds is going to the survivors. Rebecca Wells Phillips has now published four books, which also introduce you to her pen names Boo Black and Rachel Bleu. Hating Self and Loving Self by Boo Black are memoirs of the author's life growing up in a predominantly white town in Tennessee. Butterfly Blossoms by Rachel Bleu is adult LGBTQ fiction which has pieces of truth from the author's life.