Orchid Unbound

After the success of her first starring role in a movie, good things keep coming Marissa's way. At least, they seem like good things...

For one thing, Marissa catches the attention of an agent who's confident she has what it takes to make it in Hollywood. For another, her ex-fiancé, Jack, is showing interest in her again, along with a great deal of remorse for cheating on her during their engagement. Though she's unquestionably flattered by his show of repentance, and moved by an outpouring of romantic gestures, Marissa knows in her heart that she no longer loves him, and cannot love him after the heartache he caused her. At last, she proves to herself that the naiveté of her heart has submitted to the wisdom in her head.

But Marissa is about to discover she possesses another naiveté, this one regarding the world of acting, which isn't as professional a place as she'd hoped. After an uncomfortable audition, and a discouraging conversation with her agent that leaves Marissa both disappointed and appalled, she asks God to show her what to do with her love and talent for acting. Behind the scenes, her wise, kind-hearted mentor, Poppy, intercedes in prayer on Marissa's behalf, and journals about pursuing one's passion, finding one's purpose, and staying the course when sinister storm winds blow.

When Marissa feels led to start an acting class for the youth at her church, a former classmate of hers, Cameron, makes it clear that he doesn't approve. She later discovers that the reason for his antagonism is tied to his little sister's eating disorder, and Marissa's part in instigating it.

Overcome with guilt, as well as the gut-wrenching realization that others were affected by her unhealthy behavior - her spiritual bondage - Marissa reaches out to Cameron's sister, and in doing so, begins a friendship which affirms Marissa's desire to start a drama ministry with a heart for telling stories about the love, grace, and healing power of Jesus Christ. What she doesn't plan on starting is a relationship with Cameron. But then again, who can predict God's plan for us, or the wondrous ways in which he works all things together for the good of those who love him?