In the early seventies, the anti-establishment counterculture evolved into a new movement of health and agricultural purists. Rebelling against the politics and pollution of the U.S., these young people sought to create their own natural paradise outside its borders. This is the story of one such expatriated American, a starry-eyed wild child who searches for a fantasy lifestyle and gets more than she bargains for. The storyline, a colorful tapestry of romantic adventure set in the jungles of Belize, Central America, is flavored with vivid imagery, picturesque characters, wild animals, and Mayan archaeological intrigue. But it is also a compelling story of a maturing young woman and her battle with the darker side of human nature, of innocence lost, deception, infidelity, and heartbreaking exile. Full of poignant moral dilemma, it is a story of one woman's survival, of exceptional courage, strength in overcoming adversity, spiritual growth, and eventual triumph.
Nancy R. Koerner is a gifted writer, columnist, and public speaker, currently residing in Naples, FL.
In 1976, Nancy moved to the rainforests of Central America as an expatriate, a modern-day pioneer, seeking what should have been a utopian jungle paradise. But instead, she experienced the gritty reality of a primitive lifestyle: earthquake, flood, fire, and hurricane, as well as unspeakable domestic violence at the hands of her husband. Caught in a paradox of terror and tropical beauty, Koerner was isolated in a foreign culture with no option for escape. Only her inner spiritual strength, courage, and exceptional resourcefulness would get her through. "Belize Survivor: Darker Side of Paradise" is a novel based on her true story. Uniquely inspiring and empowering, it is a story for anyone who has faced, and triumphed, over impossible odds.
Ms. Koerner is an advocate for the Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples, and donates a portion of her book proceeds to the organization. She engages in motivational speaking presentations on Women's Empowerment for book clubs, country clubs, civic organizations, colleges, and universities, offering hope and encouragement to women making the courageous decisions that will ultimately lead to their own redemption and autonomy.
As a freelance writer for the Examiner, Koerner, "Domestic Violence Examiner" for the National Edition, lends her expertise on a variety of DV-related subjects, such as: gender oppression, maternal instinct, child custody, human-trafficking, paternal instinct, women's empowerment, maternal mortality, bride-burning, misogyny, and many others.
A screenplay adaptation of "Belize Survivor: Darker Side of Paradise" has also sparked movie interest in Hollywood. In May of 2009, Emmy Award Winning writer/producer, Jonathan Stark, and author, Nancy R. Koerner, established a liaison for collaboration on a potential Belize Survivor cinematic effort.
The book sequel, "Belize Survivor: Redemption" is now in progress and is eagerly awaited by fans.
