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Helen Swain Stine

@helensstine

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Author of the award-winning novel THE TRUTHFUL STORY

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🎉 The Truthful Story has been named RECOMMENDED by US Review of Books! “There is a mysterious, magical tone that underlies the book, a spiritual sense that doesn’t even have to be stated. The stories of grief and loss, love and laughter, are told with compassion. In the end, this is a story of mystery, love, and the connection between family and friends, where friendship becomes family.”- US Review of Books
This is exactly what I hoped readers would feel. Full review linked in bio.
#TheTruthfulStory #HelenStine #USReview #SouthernFiction #LowcountryFiction #BookRecommendation #IndieAuthor #CharlestonSC #BookishCommunity by @helensstine

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a month ago

Ever since I first met award-winning author Susan Beckham Zurenda at our Carrollton BookFest—where she captivated the room discussing The Girl From the Red Rose Motel—I’ve been completely hooked. I’m so excited to share that her latest novel NO WAY OUT BUT THROUGH has arrived, so if you love rich, character-driven Southern fiction, add this to your reading stack immediately! Congratulations, Susie!
#BookCommunity #SouthernLit #SusanBeckhamZurenda #NewRelease by @helensstine

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2 months ago

Shouting for joy out here in the literary world! Robert Gwaltney joins the Pat Conroy Literary Center as the new Executive Director! I will never forget October 2016, when the Center first opened its doors — coinciding with the launch of the first annual Pat Conroy Literary Festival. Being there to celebrate the legacy of such a gifted writer, and to introduce my first novel at the very same time, is a memory I will treasure forever. Congratulations, Robert — the Center is in wonderful hands! by @helensstine

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2 months ago

These two stay very busy! Congratulations to Rachel (starring as Lorelai) and Daniel (Director) on the premiere of their latest movie, now streaming on Lifetime! Entertainment website Hotchka hails it as a “wildly entertaining, expertly crafted, and superbly acted thriller,” declaring, “The real standout here is Rachel Hendrix as Lorelai. She is fantastic, giving a totally honest performance. Every emotion she delivers feels authentic. Every tear is real … Everything about Hendrix’s performance is perfection.” That says it all—enjoy!
@racheldrix @danielstine #lifetimemovies #dynamicduo by @helensstine

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2 months ago

I’ve been holding onto some exciting news... THE TRUTHFUL STORY just received the 2026 Eric Hoffer Finalist Award! This award is one of the most prestigious honors for independent books, with less than 10% of thousands of annual registrants receiving this distinction. I am incredibly grateful to the judges and, most importantly, to my readers!Thank you all for being part of this story’s success! #hofferaward #thetruthfulstory #awardwinningauthor #indiepub #2026awards #bookawards by @helensstine

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5 months ago

BIG NEWS! THE TRUTHFUL STORY has just won 2nd place in the 2025 North Street Book Prize! 🏆📚
From 1,734 entries across eight categories, it is a huge honor to be recognized in the Middle Grade (tweens) category this year. ✨
The judges noted that “…with lyrical writing and a strong sense of place, this book stands out for its sympathetic representation of people of different abilities and social classes.” While THE TRUTHFUL STORY has been fortunate to win awards in literary fiction over the years, this Middle School space recognition is incredibly special!

📖 Full review and an exclusive excerpt are linked in bio
#NorthStreetBookPrize #MiddleGradeBooks #BookAward #MiddleGradeAuthor #thetruthfulstory #Kidlit #BookNews #winningwriters2025 by @helensstine

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8 months ago

“There is a kind of strength that doesn’t make a sound. It doesn’t demand attention or take up space in the room. It simply runs underneath everything...”
These lines from my new work-in-progress have been on my mind. Today is my mother’s birthday, and while she’s been gone 19 years, she remains the very definition of that “invisible strength.”
She was the inspiration for Louisa in THE TRUTHFUL STORY, and as I return to the Lowcountry in my writing, I feel her right beside me.
On my blog today, I’m sharing a tribute to her and this beautiful sketch— a cherished gift from my daughter-in-law, Rachel.
Happy Birthday, Mama. [Link in Bio] …#TheTruthfulStory #familytribute #SouthernLiterature #SouthernWritingCommunity #Legacy #InvisibleStrength #Lowcountry by @helensstine

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9 months ago

So proud of Rachel and @risingactfilms! Tonight [b]REACH screens at @gozofilmfestival in Malta against the stunning backdrop of the ancient fortified city of Cittadella (Victoria). Congratulations! by @helensstine

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a year ago

No matter how many years go by, the special memories of my father become more and more powerful, and I sense him with me still. Feeling so grateful for all the selfless ways he demonstrated his love for us and those around him. That love carries on. Happy Father’s Day! by @helensstine

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a year ago

Working on a new book and breathing some life into my blog. Go to my bio, and check out my website (helenstine.com) & the 2 latest additions to my blog-“Thoughts Along the Way.” by @helensstine

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a year ago

The place I go to when I want to feel inspired. My “Gibson Island.” #TheTruthfulStory by @helensstine

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a year ago

The results of the 2025 American Legacy Book Awards have just been announced, and THE TRUTHFUL STORY has been honored with the Finalist Award for Literary Fiction! Awards were presented for titles published between 2010-2024. This novel has deep, personal meaning to me, and I’m happy to see it is still being so well-received. There were many notable contributors to this special competition, including Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Hachette Book Group, Scholastic, Forge Books, She Writes Press, Duke University Press, Carnegie Mellon University Press, University of Wisconsin Press and hundreds of national and international Independent Houses. ❤️ by @helensstine

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a year ago