Braver Than My Strands

Lyrah Mae Cruz used to be so proud of her long thick healthy hair. It was her favorite thing about herself. But everything changed when she turned thirteen. Her hair started falling out more each day until one day it was completely gone. The doctor told her she has alopecia. It was hard to accept. For years she hid behind a wig and lived with fear and insecurity. She was bullied for it all through high school. She thought college would be a fresh start. But when people from her past recognize her and pull off her wig in front of everyone her worst nightmare comes true. Until a boy named Jaxon Reeves Santos steps in to defend her. He does not see what is missing. He sees who she really is. As they become close friends and eventually fall in love Lyrah learns that her worth was never in her hair. This is a story about losing yourself finding courage and loving someone for exactly who they are.