THE ABANDONMENT:
A Hollywood Bombshell
In this book, James Larry offers a bold, deeply personal, and unapologetically honest reflection on resilience, growth, and self-belief. This isn’t a sugar-coated self-help guide. It’s a journey through the mess, the mistakes, and the miracles of a life still unfolding.
Chill Vibes, Clear Mind
A soothing mix of dance and ambient sound to ease tension, lift mood, and bring you back to center.
Let relaxed movement and warm tones hush the noise. Breathe deeper and feel the day soften.
Featured Authors
James Larry Holmes Jr.
Author • Investigator • Spiritual Guide
Born in Brooklyn, New York at Kings County Hospital, James Larry Holmes Jr. attended Grover Cleveland High School (1983–1987) and later continued his studies at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) in Pennsylvania. His adult life has spanned security, bounty hunting, and private investigations—work that sharpened his eye for detail and truth. He believes God has led him through an extraordinary journey so he can tell stories that help people spiritually.
Co-created with Shirley Velázquez. Drawn from a real case involving a young woman’s Hollywood star mother—key discoveries surfaced only four years ago. The story expands into a forthcoming documentary and possibly another book.
View details →A true-life testimony—his spiritual bond with his mother, and a gritty coming-of-age in New York. Candid, raw, and ultimately redemptive.
View details →Shirley Velázquez
Storyteller • Filmmaker • Advocate
Shirley is a storyteller and filmmaker on a lifelong journey to uncover heritage and roots—retracing places and memories that shape identity. Drawn to the unheard voices of the unnoticed, especially children, she brings their stories to life from behind the lens, honoring their experiences and connecting them to her own search for belonging. She is a creative force behind THE ABANDONMENT: A Hollywood Bombshell, contributing her vision to the work’s narrative depth.
What Readers Are Saying...
"Opening with a powerful and unsettling moment, The Abandonment: A Hollywood Bombshell is filled with vivid imagery, intense emotion, and unexpected insights into church life. James Larry Holmes Jr.'s account of spiritual disillusionment and transformation is authentic, compelling, and deeply affecting—taking readers through a journey that is honest, courageous, and unforgettable."
— Lon Otto
Prize-winning author and professor emeritus of literature at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Teaches at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival.
"James Larry Holmes Jr. was once a devoted church member and respected figure in his community. In The Abandonment: A Hollywood Bombshell, he shares his heartfelt experiences and painful reflections with clarity and purpose. This honest narrative explores the emotional weight of religious disillusionment and the search for spiritual identity outside of tradition. The book is insightful and thought-provoking, connecting deeply with anyone who has questioned their beliefs. This is a multi-layered account that will resonate with those interested in personal transformation, modern spirituality, and anyone seeking to turn adversity into a path toward freedom."
— Terry Seward
Past Grand Master of Masons in Illinois
"La Lucha Por Mi Almas captures the personal story of an individual confronting long-standing religious tradition in a small-town church setting. At a time when questioning faith is often stigmatized, James Larry Holmes Jr. courageously explores the reasons behind his departure. Loosely based on real experiences, this powerful narrative blends spiritual conflict, societal pressure, and the quest for truth. A compelling read for those interested in modern faith journeys and thoughtful religious critique."
— Jonathan Bean, Ph.D
Research Fellow at the Independent Institute and Professor of History at Southern Illinois University
"Growing up, I knew James had deep roots in the church—but I never understood the full weight of his story until he shared it in La Lucha Por Mi Almas. His journey is eye-opening and deeply personal. Stories like his remind us how courageously people have walked away from comfort to live in alignment with their truth."
— Vicky Turl
Niece of Dora and Rex. Director of Dual Credit & Partnerships at John A. Logan College Carbondale, Illinois