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The Believer within You
Twelve-year-old Brenda Sue Bellamy uncovers a fraudulent real estate scheme in her friend’s neighborhood and documents it all in her trusty notebook.
82 pages, ebook
First published March 17, 2024
About the author
Tyrone Burnett
1 book
Charting New Waters: ‘The Believer within You’ by a Veteran U.S. Navy Master Chief
My name is Tyrone Burnett, and I am a retired Master Chief Petty Officer from the U.S. Navy. I am excited to unveil my multi-award-winning debut work, The Believer within You, a unique blend of young adult realistic fiction and picture book. I am proud to present this new addition to your esteemed collection.
In the story, Brenda Sue Bellamy, an ordinary 12-year-old girl, has extraordinary gifts. Her keen observation skills and deep love for her community lead her to uncover a potential threat of displacement. Armed with her trusty notebook and guided by her mother Ida Jean’s wisdom, Brenda investigates fraudulent real estate schemes. Her efforts not only save her community but also help avert a nationwide financial crisis.
After 29 years of honorable Navy service, culminating in the rank of Master Chief, I find it a privilege to share The Believer within You. Initiated in 2008 and completed in early 2022, this book represents a journey through my experiences and broader societal challenges. It highlights the trials, successes, and hopes of veterans, service members, their families, and communities worldwide. More than just my story, this book echoes the collective challenges and dreams that unite us. My aim is to touch hearts, spark reflection, and foster unity and understanding. Connect through the publisher’s website: https://www.thebelieverwithinyou.com/.
I became aware of mortgage origination and refinance fraud in 2009. This type of fraud has affected tens of millions of potential home buyers and property owners across the United States. Despite reporting these widespread and systematic problems to federal, state, and local government watchdog authorities, my warnings were repeatedly ignored for sixteen years. This persistent neglect motivated me to write The Believer within You in early 2022, before its publication in late February 2024.
Recent events, such as the halted illegal foreclosure based on fake documents at Graceland in May 2024 and the investigation by the FBI and Tennessee’s attorney general into the attempted fraudulent sale of Graceland, underscore the relevance of my work. These incidents are just the tip of the iceberg, revealing broader issues that often remain hidden. Fraudulent real estate schemes threaten families across America. By understanding these threats, safeguards can be implemented.
The fraud at Graceland is not isolated—it is a stark example of widespread issues affecting communities across America. Every county faces similar threats, where fraudulent schemes endanger livelihoods and legacies. Much of this fraud is preventable by understanding its origins and implementing vigilant safeguards.
The judge’s concerns about the authenticity of the notary’s signature, and the statement from a Florida notary denying any involvement, mirror the kind of deceit my character Brenda Sue encounters. These real-life incidents serve to emphasize the importance of vigilance, courage, and self-belief—central themes in my book.
The Believer within You underscores the critical need to protect these rights and offers insights into the root causes of these problems. The granddaughter of the legendary musician has taken a stand to defend her grandfather’s property rights many decades after his death. Her efforts to safeguard her family’s legacy mirror the themes in The Believer within You. Brenda Sue’s story emphasizes the importance of vigilance, courage, and belief in oneself to overcome adversities and protect what we hold dear.
The Believer within You is timely and timeless, offering a story with significant economic implications for millions of children in the United States and worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 25, 2024
In Tyrone Burnett’s “The Believer within You,” Brenda Sue is a twelve-year-old girl and a beacon of curiosity. Her mother, Ida Jean, a Quality Control Auditor at the county government’s Tax Commissioner office, often finds herself amused by Brenda Sue’s inquisitiveness. Brenda Sue, who aspires to be a lawyer or an investigative journalist, is growing up in the fictional town of Northern Gainsville, Pamunkey County, FL, during the devastating financial crisis of 2007-2009. This was a time when over six million children lost their homes to foreclosure due to predatory loans, and the impact of the crisis was deeply felt in their community.
One afternoon, while at a friend’s house, Brenda Sue overheard the adults discussing deeply unethical activities in the mortgage market system. Unable to comprehend everything, she sought her mother’s help to decipher what she had heard. It was then revealed that they were orchestrating a bait-and-switch Ponzi scheme for home buyers, a fraudulent investment operation where the returns to investors are paid from their own money or the money paid by subsequent investors rather than from profit earned by the individual or organization running the operation. This scheme would eventually lead to their eviction, and Brenda Sue was deeply troubled by the injustice of it all.
Ida Jean, knowledgeable about financial matters, believes the foreclosures would have been preventable if the United States government had focused on regulating foreign mortgage loans more effectively. She also suspects there are irregularities in the real estate parcel and tax map identifiers, which may have contributed to the widespread fraudulent activities during that time. She is passionate about holding those responsible for the crisis accountable and believes that justice can be achieved for the families affected by thorough audits and background checks.
Brenda Sue’s character is an inspiring role model for young teens, encouraging them to trust their instincts and demonstrating that individuals can enact positive change. Burnett’s book tackles a complex topic and tailors it specifically for younger readers, transforming it into an invaluable educational resource for students and schools alike. The book is rich with information and statistics about the banking and real estate systems, offering a detailed account of how history was influenced for the better. Its unique educational perspective is sure to captivate readers and spark their interest.
“The Believer within You” by Tyrone Burnett is a well-written fictional account of a financially dark historical period. The short story sheds light on the intricacies of the crisis and how it affected ordinary families, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of financial transparency and ethical practices. I appreciated the inclusion of a glossary in the book, which provided definitions for all the financial terms. This feature made it convenient to look up terms and learn quickly. Additionally, a QR code can be scanned to watch a trailer and meet the author.
One afternoon, while at a friend’s house, Brenda Sue overheard the adults discussing deeply unethical activities in the mortgage market system. Unable to comprehend everything, she sought her mother’s help to decipher what she had heard. It was then revealed that they were orchestrating a bait-and-switch Ponzi scheme for home buyers, a fraudulent investment operation where the returns to investors are paid from their own money or the money paid by subsequent investors rather than from profit earned by the individual or organization running the operation. This scheme would eventually lead to their eviction, and Brenda Sue was deeply troubled by the injustice of it all.
Ida Jean, knowledgeable about financial matters, believes the foreclosures would have been preventable if the United States government had focused on regulating foreign mortgage loans more effectively. She also suspects there are irregularities in the real estate parcel and tax map identifiers, which may have contributed to the widespread fraudulent activities during that time. She is passionate about holding those responsible for the crisis accountable and believes that justice can be achieved for the families affected by thorough audits and background checks.
Brenda Sue’s character is an inspiring role model for young teens, encouraging them to trust their instincts and demonstrating that individuals can enact positive change. Burnett’s book tackles a complex topic and tailors it specifically for younger readers, transforming it into an invaluable educational resource for students and schools alike. The book is rich with information and statistics about the banking and real estate systems, offering a detailed account of how history was influenced for the better. Its unique educational perspective is sure to captivate readers and spark their interest.
“The Believer within You” by Tyrone Burnett is a well-written fictional account of a financially dark historical period. The short story sheds light on the intricacies of the crisis and how it affected ordinary families, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of financial transparency and ethical practices. I appreciated the inclusion of a glossary in the book, which provided definitions for all the financial terms. This feature made it convenient to look up terms and learn quickly. Additionally, a QR code can be scanned to watch a trailer and meet the author.
March 14, 2024
The Believer within You, by Tyrone Burnett, artfully combines a sense of realism with the innocence and determination of youth. Readers are introduced to Brenda Sue Bellamy, a twelve-year-old unexpectedly drawn into the complex world of local politics and societal challenges. Burnett's protagonist embodies a unique juxtaposition of youthful naivety and a mature understanding of social and economic issues, providing a fresh perspective on the intricacies of life.
Set against a backdrop of poverty and homelessness in Pamunkey County, Florida, the story explores deep societal issues through Brenda Sue's eyes. Her journey transcends the traditional boundaries of storytelling, offering not just an engaging plot but also serving as a catalyst for a societal awakening. Themes of homelessness, economic disparity, and the power of individual belief are woven seamlessly into the narrative, urging readers to reconsider their understanding of social responsibility. Burnett's writing is both informative and emotionally resonant, creating a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is heart-touching.
The addition of vivid illustrations throughout Burnett's book further enriches the reader's experience, providing a tangible connection to the characters and their environment. This approach not only enhances the storytelling but also underscores the book's themes, making The Believer within You a compelling and insightful read for those interested in social issues and the impact of individual agency.
The Believer within You stands out as a poignant and impactful narrative that skillfully blends youthful perspective with complex societal themes. Tyrone Burnett has crafted a story that is not only engaging but also serves as a powerful commentary on social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Set against a backdrop of poverty and homelessness in Pamunkey County, Florida, the story explores deep societal issues through Brenda Sue's eyes. Her journey transcends the traditional boundaries of storytelling, offering not just an engaging plot but also serving as a catalyst for a societal awakening. Themes of homelessness, economic disparity, and the power of individual belief are woven seamlessly into the narrative, urging readers to reconsider their understanding of social responsibility. Burnett's writing is both informative and emotionally resonant, creating a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is heart-touching.
The addition of vivid illustrations throughout Burnett's book further enriches the reader's experience, providing a tangible connection to the characters and their environment. This approach not only enhances the storytelling but also underscores the book's themes, making The Believer within You a compelling and insightful read for those interested in social issues and the impact of individual agency.
The Believer within You stands out as a poignant and impactful narrative that skillfully blends youthful perspective with complex societal themes. Tyrone Burnett has crafted a story that is not only engaging but also serves as a powerful commentary on social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and the resilience of the human spirit.
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June 18, 2024MWSA Review
The Believer within You by Tyrone Burnett focuses on the issue of homelessness of children due to unjust eviction. The plot centers around a fraudulent scam in a local community with dishonest people in the banking and real estate industries as well as local government, who put financial gain above all other principles.
Burnett introduces a 12-year-old girl, Brenda Sue, who overhears a conversation that doesn’t sit right with her. Eventually, she shares it with her mother, Ida Jean, who works for the county’s tax commissioner’s office. Ida Jean takes the information Brenda told her to federal, state, and local authorities, and an investigation begins.
While the subject matter is relevant, serious, and a topic for discussion, I found the language to be far above the level of young adults. However, The Believer within You is illustrated throughout with brilliant depictions of the major plot events, and the quality of the book shines through on every page. The main storyline shows that young people can affect real change in their communities.
Review by Nancy Panko (June 2024)
The Believer within You by Tyrone Burnett focuses on the issue of homelessness of children due to unjust eviction. The plot centers around a fraudulent scam in a local community with dishonest people in the banking and real estate industries as well as local government, who put financial gain above all other principles.
Burnett introduces a 12-year-old girl, Brenda Sue, who overhears a conversation that doesn’t sit right with her. Eventually, she shares it with her mother, Ida Jean, who works for the county’s tax commissioner’s office. Ida Jean takes the information Brenda told her to federal, state, and local authorities, and an investigation begins.
While the subject matter is relevant, serious, and a topic for discussion, I found the language to be far above the level of young adults. However, The Believer within You is illustrated throughout with brilliant depictions of the major plot events, and the quality of the book shines through on every page. The main storyline shows that young people can affect real change in their communities.
Review by Nancy Panko (June 2024)
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews