The Art of Redemption

“I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a book more. It has all the pieces. A bit of mysticism, a wonderful plot that challenges you to think, and excellent character development.”

—J.E. Major

Bryce Elliott is a morally bankrupt, world-renowned attorney who has one goal in life: he wants to make one hundred million dollars by his fortieth birthday. Bryce believes that money alone has the power to emancipate a man from the shackles of a powerless and meaningless life. His life is evolving as planned: he is rich and powerful, living on Fifth Avenue in New York City, and master of a universe that he has carefully and meticulously cultivated. Just when Bryce is about to reach his goal, his life takes a dramatic and very unexpected turn. An ancient and mysterious book, Art and Artists, is indirectly passed on to Bryce by The Keeper of the Royal Academy in London.

The unique plot structures juxtapose intriguing characters with real-life high-stakes challenges interlaced with an undercurrent of mysticism, intermingling a financial thriller with a spiritual inquiry through the medium of art.

The novel was inspired by an encounter with a former investment-banking colleague, who told the author that he was going to make one hundred million by the time he was forty and he would do whatever he needed to do to get there. (Incidentally, he came close!)

The book received a 5/5 review from the 28th Annual Writers Digest Books Awards.

A medley of pictures portraying scenes and characters from THE ART OF REDEMPTION follows below.

“Art is eternal, for it reveals the inner landscape, which is the soul of a man.”

—Martha Graham

"A beautifully crafted story that grabs you from the first several chapters.She is a talented writer, both extremely knowledgeable with her subject matter of the corporate world while spinning a story that has an emotional morality lesson that will touch each reader personally. As an author of three books, I was impressed with the subtle ways she allowed us to experience the art of redemption right along with those in the story. "

-Chuck Coburn
" 'Bonfire of the Vanities' meets 'The Goldfinch.' True to its title, in 'Art of Redemption', Bell delivers two exciting stories woven into one. The first half sets the stage for the redemption of greedy Wall Street attorney Bryce who steps on his competition as he climbs the corporate ladder. After a nemesis exacts revenge, he suffers a reversal of fortune that paves his way to expiation. The second half unfurls the magical realism of the mysterious 'Art and Artists' book of letters between famous painters that influences Bryce to paint under the name Calvin. He paints masterworks as if guided by the hand of God while he ponders predestination, existentialism, and the contrast between wealth vs. poverty- beyond money to include richness of the soul. In particular, I enjoyed references to musical anthems by The Rolling Stones, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and Bob Dylan. There’s something for everyone in this novel. Read it today, you’ll be 'richer’ for it!"

—Art Deco 1930
"With her debut novel, author S.B.Bell delivers a gripping tale that challenges our beliefs, touches our souls and enlightens the purpose with which we greet each day. Filled with enough suspense to warrant page turning into the wee hours, one reaches the final passage with renewed appreciation for how the wisdom of the ages lives within each of us - should we choose to open our minds and hearts."

—M.B. Tedesco