HOME GROWN

A lifetime of stories. A thousand memories. A little mischief along the way.

What if the memories that stay with us aren't always the biggest moments-but the funny, unexpected, ordinary, and sometimes heartbreaking ones we never forgot?

In Home Grown, Valerie Shelley opens the door to a lifetime of memories filled with family, friendship, childhood adventures, laughter, love, loss, and the people and places that helped shape who she became.

From growing up in Nebraska and Kansas to life in Florida and beyond, Valerie shares stories of family traditions, childhood mischief, school days, friendships, music, travel, military-family life, motherhood, and the unexpected adventures that make life memorable.

Some stories are funny. Some are tender. Some carry the weight of loss. And some simply remind us of a time when life seemed a little simpler.

Along the way, Valerie remembers the people who left lasting impressions-from parents and grandparents to friends, relatives, and others whose presence became part of her story. Through humor and honesty, she reflects on both the imperfections of family life and the gratitude that comes from having people and memories worth holding onto.

Home Grown is more than a collection of personal memories. It is a celebration of where we come from, the people who shape us, and the stories we carry with us as we grow older.

For readers who enjoy heartfelt memoirs, nostalgic childhood memories, humorous family stories, and true-life reflections, Home Grown offers an invitation to laugh, remember, and perhaps see pieces of your own story along the way.