Helen Nardecchia is a native of Chicago, IL. Born in the hub of a fast-moving metropolis, she found comfort and excitement in her younger years writing stories about people. In her trips to Italy and Venice, she envisioned the different lives of tourists and documented fictional stories as she traveled, not only taking in the luxurious homes but shacks and farmland. People and sites were filed in her memory for future writings.

 In 2001, Helen submitted her first short story Duchess and Friends to a contest and won the Katherine Anne Porter Award in Wimberley, TX. With this encouragement, she continued to submit short stories to contests, winning a second prize in Byline magazine and an Honorable Mention in Hamilton Writers Guild. Since then, she has published articles in Good Old Days and Town Square magazines. In 2007, Winter Wonderland in Chicago  was included in The Nobel Generation, Volume III.

 The energy she received from these recognitions encouraged Helen to begin her first memoir. After relocating to Austin, TX, Helen spent numerous Sundays visiting her 84-year-old mother-in-law, who would tell her life story to anyone who would listen. As Sophie talked, Helen decided to document her life. Thus, Sophie and Ben was born. Not long afterward, Helen published what she called “a labor of love,” her mother’s story, illustrating through words and pictures the laughter and tears of a loving family.

 In 2009, Helen became Treasurer of the San Gabriel Writers League. In addition, she is a member of the Hill Country Book Festival and the Story Spinners Critique Group. Last January, Helen instructed a Memoir class at the Wesleyan Retirement Center in Georgetown. She continues to write, with novels in progress.

To learn more about Helen, visit her website HelenNardecchia.wordpress.com

Helen’s New Mystery

Life stirred and hearts thumped in Mary and Grace Bryant’s world, as they faced a tragedy head onwhere either life or death might be the decision. Weeks of anticipation and longing dragged on causing Reed Lowell to neglect his local newspaper, The Lowell Report, to support Grace in her grief and protect Mary in her sufferings. Never, in any part of the story, does he relinquish his loyalty to either. When Inspector Adams investigates the burglary of a precious brooch desired by a couple of criminals, all are suspect. Join the Bryant family in this heart warming tale as the author leads us through mystery and intrique to a happy ending.

Sophie and Ben

This is the real life story of two young people who met, fell in love, and built a life together. Nardecchia has taken Sophie’s words and added her unique voice to bring this story to life. While Sophie and Ben tells one family’s story, it portrays the ups and downs, the tragedies and triumphs we all experience. Readers who know Sophie will recognize her within the pages of this book. Those who don’t know her will wish they did.
“A marvelous read. One that will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next.”-Author, Joan R. Neubauer

“I have started your book, “Sophie and Ben.”  I am so impressed.  It is difficult to find a book like this on which is so easy to read.  Not only the font selection but you have such detail that it makes me feel like I am there.  I hope you are working on other books because you have such a unique talent and I know people will enjoy your work for many years.  I appreciate your sharing your books with us.” -Bob Priddy

(Word Wright International, www.WordWright.biz)
ISBN #: 0-9700615-6-0
Retail $12.95
Genre: Memoir/Biography
Available at: Hill Country Book Store, and usual online stores

Remembering The Early Years

Set in the unhurried atmosphere of New Orleans and rapid action of Chicago, this book chronicles actual events and challenges of a family struggling to build a life. Augustine Eiler, born in a southern family and the youngest of five sisters and one brother meets tragedies and triumphs head on. Augustine’s love for a man strong in dignity, religion, and morals is tested beyond reason, causing her to find avenues of change that bring her to a healing offered by a new acquaintance.

A wonderful read about individuals who endure for the sake of love and loyalty to one another.

Winner of the Katherine Anne Porter Award    

(Word Wright International,www.WordWright.biz)
ISBN: 1-932196-587
Retail: $16.95                                             
Genre:Memoir/Biography 
Available at: bookstores, usual online stores, and publisher’s website