The Key Is in Your Heart

By Shelley Denney

Amethyst is an inquisitive child whose life quickly changes after she asks a very simple question: What is heaven?

As she is swept up in a profound and magical adventure, Amethyst receives a golden key that unlocks the petals of her heart and takes her to a beautiful place where she befriends a wise old owl, escapes the jaws of a hungry lion, soars with an eagle, experiences the venomous wrath of a snake, and flies on a Pegasus. It is not long before Amethyst realises she is on a journey of awakening to learn what it means to be conscious, create her own heaven on Earth, and live the life of her dreams.

Unlock your imagination in this enchanting tale, as you journey with Amethyst to a place where anything is possible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Sep 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781504308304

Shelley Denney

Shelley Denney has a Bachelor’s Degree in education. She has a vivid imagination and relishes in the opportunity to share her stories with children so they may be inspired to pursue their dreams. Shelley currently resides in Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia. The Key Is In Your Heart is her first book.

Book preview

Chapter 1

DOLPHIN DREAMING

Mum, what is heaven? I asked.

Well, you see, Amethyst, heaven is in our hearts, she answered. It is in all of us, waiting to be discovered.

But Mum, how will I know when I have found it?

You will. Now, please get some rest. Blissful dreams, my sweet girl, Mum said as she kissed my cheek.

Good night, Mum, I whispered and rolled over onto my side. The sound of the rain tapping against the windowpane slowly faded out, and the night began its magic.

Where am I? a part of me questioned. I found myself immersed in a stream of tranquil, turquoise water. I gazed around at my surroundings, and I noticed several golden diamonds, which appeared to be dancing on top of the layers of liquid turquoise blue. My face felt hot from breathing in the warm rays of the sun that shone directly from high above. The rest of my body, however, was surprisingly cool, and my skin felt soft and clean from the velvet waters.

The birds screeched their calls to each other, and amongst their friendly chatter, a string of harmonious chants emerged. A white petal from a nearby lily plant somersaulted in mid-air and then landed ever so gracefully on my outstretched hands. Everything felt so alive.

Could this be heaven? I whispered out loud.

"This is my heaven," a gentle voice said.

I couldn’t see anything at first except a few ripples close by. Who said that? I called.

As I spoke, a dolphin popped her head up to the surface and said, Hi! My name is Delphina.

Hi, my name is Amethyst, and I wish to find heaven. Do you think you could help me? I blurted out.

Well, you see, my dear child, Delphina said, it is a journey you must take yourself. I hope this will help, though. She began to tell me: Our hearts pump blood to all areas of our bodies, just as water flows through rivers on its way out into the ocean. The heart is the guardian of universal love, and this love is like the petal of a flower. It floats with the current, completely in harmony with every cycle, which begins at the very core of the universe.

I thought about this. I must be very beautiful if love can come from the centre of the universe and flow through me, I said.

Believe me, you are! Delphina replied. We all are, much more than we know.

Oh! Thank you, thank you. I like talking to you, Delphina. Hey, stop it, stop it, Delphina! I said with a laugh. You’re tickling me.

It isn’t me, Delphina said as she swished her tail.

A large butterfly with brilliant blue wings and black splotches fluttered from beneath my armpit. No, it’s me—Zoe, she said. In between giggles, she hinted that she might know someone who could help me. I eagerly jumped out of the water as she playfully nudged me to follow her lead. She began whispering her secrets about the realms of transformation in my ear.

Bye, Delphina! I yelled as I ran forward effortlessly through the luscious strands of grass to keep up with Zoe.

Chapter 2

BUTTERFLY MAGIC

Zoe and I ran into the forest.

Where are you taking me? I called, panting. I