Under the Awning Local Author Series
Melanie Kieley - August 23, 2026

Melanie Kieley
Melanie Kieley is a 9/11 survivor, Christian writer, and founder of Ashes To Light Publishing. Her book,
Beauty From Ashes: A 9/11 Memoir
shares her powerful firsthand account of that tragic day and the miraculous ways God showed up, not only for her, but especially for her husband, Joe.
Originally from Minnesota, Melanie is passionate about helping others find purpose, healing, and hope in the midst of life's hardest trials. She hopes to encourage others through faith-based storytelling.
A 9/11 Memoir
​A YOUNG COUPLE FROM THE MIDWEST, TOOK THEIR FIRST TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY IN SEPTEMBER OF 2001. IT WOULD BE AN EXPERIENCE THEY'D NEVER FORGET. A RIVETING TRUE STORY OF HOW THEIR LIVES WERE FOREVER CHANGED ON THAT FATEFUL AUTUMN MORNING.
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"EVIL PLUMMETED UPON THIS NATION AND ATTEMPTED TO RUIN THE LIVES AND BREAK THE SPIRITS OF MANY. HOWEVER, WHAT EVIL SET OUTTO DESTROY, GOD SET OUT TO RESTORE."-Melanie kieley
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THIS BOOK WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH AN EMOTIONAL JOURNEY THAT IS GRIPPING, HEART-FELT, AT TIMES HUMOROUS, AND AT THE SAME TIME, HEARTBREAKING. BUT JUST WHEN THINGS LOOKED LIKE THEY WERE GOING BE DESTROYED FROM THE FLAMES, SMOKE AND MAYHEM, IT ALSO WAS A TIME WHERE GOD MADE BEAUTY FROM ASHES.

