Book Signing with Ashlie Hand: ‘Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit’
October 3 @ 11:00 am
Loras College will welcome author Ashlie (Fultz) Hand (’98) on Friday, October 3 at 11 a.m. for a book signing of her debut novel, Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit. This Christian mystery marks the first installment in an eight-part series exploring the Beatitudes through a timeless story of faith, hope, and transformation.
Hand, a Des Moines native and Loras College Alumna now residing in Kansas City, has spent more than four decades honing her craft as a writer and storyteller. With a background in communications and public relations, she has written across genres including journalism, speeches, short stories, and social media. Currently serving as the Director of Communications for the Diocese of Kansas City–St. Joseph, she will also be honored by Loras College with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award for Humanitarian of the Year.
Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit introduces readers to Cate Elliot, a woman grappling with loss, abandonment, and the challenges of raising her young autistic son. A desperate return to her Iowa roots leads Cate to the mysterious town of Graypourt, where she must navigate captivity, spiritual awakening, and the transformative grace needed to heal her soul. The novel weaves together elements of suspense and spirituality, offering readers both an engaging narrative and a message of mercy and renewal.
“This story has been with me for years,” said Hand. “It’s about surrender when it feels impossible, the way grace shows up in unexpected ways and how faith can carry us through when it feels we’ve lost everything. It’s a story for our souls just when we need it most.”
The October 3 signing will take place outside of Dewey’s Perch from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit will also be available for sale on campus soon. Learn more at ashliehand.my.canva.site or @AshlieHandAuthor on Facebook and Instagram.