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Lying Down with Dogs
Lying Down with Dogs is a collection of deeply moving and beautifully crafted personal essays that serve as an inspiring beacon for anyone standing at the crossroads of life, hesitant to take the plunge toward an unconventional dream. The author, shaped by a childhood devoid of affection as the daughter of a German war bride in the 1950s, weaves vivid flashbacks of trauma and resilience. Yet, she is quick to clarify: while her life experiences inform the narrative, this is not a memoir in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a heartfelt tribute to the animals that shaped her journey and a testament to their transformative, healing power.
The narrative unfolds as a poignant, non-linear exploration of her adventures. The author recounts rescuing pregnant dogs in desperate need of care, kittens abandoned at construction sites, and even pigs—all while battling her own inner turmoil. She juggled the demands of caring for her aging parents and raising her daughter, all while building her animal rescue organization from the ground up. Through it all, her unwavering determination shines, driven by her love for the creatures she saved. Her stories of “foster failures” brim with warmth and humor. In one particularly memorable account, she likens a paraplegic Chihuahua to Scarlet O’Hara from Gone with the Wind, using the dog’s indomitable spirit as a lens through which to view resilience. These moments are both tender and vivid, drawing the reader into her world with startling intimacy. Grief and loss also permeate the pages. The deaths of three close friends to cancer could have easily overwhelmed her. Instead, she channeled that sorrow into her rescue efforts, finding solace and purpose in her work. The animals, it seems, saved her just as much as she saved them. Despite addressing weighty themes, childhood trauma, grief, and personal struggle the author employs dry humor and a light-hearted tone. Her deliberate avoidance of melodrama keeps the focus on the animals and their stories, making the narrative both accessible and deeply impactful. This restraint lends the book its emotional power, allowing readers to connect with the experiences without feeling overwhelmed.
Lying Down with Dogs contains tales of resilience and hope that inspire readers to see the world through a more compassionate lens, cultivating a deeper appreciation not only for animals but for the richness of life itself. This book is far more than a collection of essays; it is a celebration of the human-animal bond, a testament to perseverance, and an ode to the healing power of love and compassion.
Pages: 163 | ASIN : B0CSKLZ1SX
Sharing Their Journeys
Working Mothers Inspiring Others is a collection of stories from 18 working mothers from many walks of life in which they share both their parenting challenges and triumphs. Why was this an important book for you to write?
When I returned to work after having my own children, I found myself questioning how others were managing it all the time. The struggle is real when you have young children and still want to have a thriving career, and I couldn’t find anything that shared the raw honesty of what it is really like. So, I decided to create the resource myself. I am all about supporting and uplifting others, and this book does exactly that.
You have pulled together a wonderful collection of inspiring stories. What was the collaboration process like with the co-authors?
It has been amazing. There have been lots of relationships and collaborations created from the co-authors in the book. They have all been very supportive and equally as passionate about the messages we are delivering from chapters.
I appreciated the candid nature with which these stories were told. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I think I speak for all the co-authors when I say–it’s always hard to share the deepest insights of ourselves. The fear of judgment, of loved ones or others reading what we really think and feel and that causing any form of criticism or misunderstanding. A feeling that mothers are all too familiar with, and I am incredibly proud of all the co-authors for pushing themselves out of their comfort zone and sharing their journeys in such an honest and vulnerable way.
What do you hope readers take away from this collection?
I hope that mothers take away the confidence to make what they want and need to happen. There is no easy way to juggle a career and motherhood, but there are always ways we can operate better. I hope mothers know they are not alone in whatever stage of the motherhood journey they are in, and this book creates the support and understanding that many mothers need.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
How do they handle the endless demands, the societal pressures to ‘do it all,’ and the guilt of feeling stretched too thin?
Here’s the truth: You’re not alone.
Author Sarah Maconachie shares her own journey and the stories of 17 other remarkable women who’ve faced these exact challenges. When Sarah returned to work as a mum of three, she was hit hard by the push-and-pull of wanting a fulfilling career while also being present for her children. She’s now the founder and CEO of Work Hard Parent Hard, a platform dedicated to supporting parents in redefining their purpose and finding fulfillment without losing themselves to exhaustion and guilt.
If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed, wondering if it’s possible to balance a career you love with the joy of motherhood, this book is your lifeline. Through the personal and powerful stories of career-driven mums—CEOs, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and more—you’ll see just how possible it is to flourish in both your professional life and your role as a mother.
Meet the inspiring women: Sarah Maconachie, Vicky Wren, Tracey Vermaak, Stacey Webb, Cheryl Edwardes, Tania Gomez, Sarah Coleman, Kerry McNamee, Carla Lombardo, Lisa Younger, Ashley McGrath, Nicola Veal, Leisa Van Geest, Fiona Yue, Kate O’Hara, Sandra Morell, Alicia White, and Michelle Travis.
From navigating challenging childhoods and single parenthood to overcoming career transitions and realising that personal development can be the most essential aspect to success as a working mum – these women have each found ways to create balance. They have challenged societal norms and the status Quo, realising what they feel they ‘should’ do isn’t always the right way for them, and they have created their version of balance that works to thrive in their careers without sacrificing their role as a mother.
What you’ll take away from Working Mothers Inspiring Others:Raw, Real Stories: This isn’t your typical ‘how-to’ parenting book. It’s filled with the honest truths of working mums who’ve been through the highs and lows, offering a look into what worked well, what didn’t, and what they’d do differently.
Relatability & Support: Finally, feel truly seen and heard. These stories reflect your own struggles and victories. You’ll walk away feeling less alone, with a new sense of belonging to a community.
Balance Strategies That Work: These mums have tried, tested, and honed approaches that have allowed them to thrive at work and at home. Each story is packed with tips and strategies you can try.
Empowering Takeaways & Worksheets: You’ll find actionable advice, hands-on worksheets, and steps you can use to make positive changes in both your work and home life.
Inspiration to Embrace Both Roles: This isn’t about just getting through the chaos—it’s about flourishing. This book is for mums who want to feel empowered, balanced, and confident in their dual roles as dedicated mothers and driven professionals.
Are you ready to feel seen, to gain new strategies for creating balance, and to be inspired to redefine what ‘having it all’ looks like for you? Working Mothers Inspiring Others is here to support and uplift you through every twist and turn of your own journey as a working mum.
Plus! Check out the companion book, Working Dads and Balancing Acts, where 20 dads share their own real and honest journeys.
Working Mothers Inspiring Others
Working Mothers Inspiring Others, by Sarah Maconachie, is a heartfelt collection of stories from 18 working mothers who share their journeys of balancing parenthood and professional ambitions. The book highlights themes of resilience, empowerment, and adaptability, offering readers an intimate look at the challenges and triumphs that come with being a working mom. Each chapter is a window into a different experience, ranging from corporate climbers to entrepreneurs, all tied together by their unwavering commitment to their families and careers. It’s a celebration of motherhood in all its forms, underscored by practical advice and inspiration for navigating life’s complex intersections.
The stories felt personal right from the start. Sarah Maconachie’s story about finding herself after years of self-doubt hit me hard. Her openness about the guilt and exhaustion so many of us face was raw and relatable. I found her emphasis on prioritizing mental health particularly powerful. Her journey to rediscover purpose and balance through mindset work felt like a reminder to invest in myself. Her story about asking for work flexibility, knowing what she wanted, and unapologetically making it happen was a wake-up call to all of us hesitant to advocate for our needs.
Another standout chapter for me was Vicky Wren’s. Her candid reflection on the pressures of being a “career-driven mum” and the struggles of breaking away from societal expectations felt like I was reading my own thoughts. I laughed and nodded along as she described balancing work and motherhood while battling inner critics. Her acknowledgment of ADHD and how it shaped her approach to work and parenting was refreshingly honest. She found joy and productivity by outsourcing tasks and embracing her strengths, which reminded me that sometimes it’s okay to ask for help.
The interviews added depth and variety to the book. Cheryl Edwardes’ conversation on workplace flexibility and Lisa Younger’s reflections on evolving workplace dynamics were both eye-opening. These stories illuminated the structural challenges mothers face and gave practical ideas on how to advocate for change in our workplaces. The book’s inclusion of these perspectives made it feel like more than just a personal narrative.
Working Mothers Inspiring Others is a gem for any mom trying to juggle the chaos of kids, careers, and self-discovery. It’s perfect for working mothers looking for validation, inspiration, and practical advice, but I’d also recommend it to anyone interested in understanding the realities of modern parenting. The mix of humor, heartbreak, and hope makes it a compelling read that I’ll be coming back to whenever I need a reminder that I’m not alone in this wild ride.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B0DPJR37F4
Suffering and Joy
The Heartbreak of Time Travel follows a woman as she travels through time to the past and the future while caring for her husband, who is slowly losing his faculties due to dementia. What was the inspiration for the setup of this novel?
The story is considered a nonfiction novel or literary memoir. The inspiration arises from my husband’s ordeal with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The events within are either actual events or “adorned” through time travel and sprinkles of fancy as literary devices.
What was the most challenging part of writing your “memoir,” and what was the most rewarding?
Writing a memoir is a person’s own written account of her life and is the retelling of an event or time that impacted the person in such a way that it stands out for her. The most difficult and challenging moments writing this story is how I wish I was writing about someone else’s story and not my own. Remembering how we got here causes me to reminisce into places that will never be and can never be. A future looks daunting because his life expectation is very short now. Thus, I make up a future through time travel into a better future for both of us.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
Writing this story is a compilation of both our stories at this point in our lives. It’s an account of the suffering and joy of living through hardship.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I just got edits back from an agent friend who also does content editing. That story should be finished by the end of the year and then it’s off to the publishers. It’s a story about a man whose life was filled with amazing experiences and how each experience impacts the end of his life. I love this story. I’m so excited about seeing this one in readers’ hands. I only hope they love it as much as I do.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Snuffy Cod (Wingate’s alter ego) is the sole caregiver for her dying husband… okay… stop. He does die but sometime in the future—a future she visits on and off through popovers to past and present. Snuffy’s visits occur in fits and starts via some perceived time travel portal. She embarks on these excursions several times throughout the day, hour, minute, second—sometimes simply during a thought. Nothing more. Nothing less. Is it escapism? Of course not. Don’t be silly. Pshaw! Meanwhile, her husband lays flat, unmoving in a hospital bed upstairs on an excruciatingly slow slide toward death—death by molasses slick. Or is he? If Snuffy Cod can remain in the past, even the present, might she be able to prevent a future and, thusly, his impending death?
THE HEARTBREAK OF TIME TRAVEL is a brutally honest deep dive into dementia, caregiving, grief, hope, and love.
The Significance of Curly Hair: A Loving Memoir of Life and Loss
The Significance of Curly Hair: A Loving Memoir of Life and Loss, by Kara Zajac, is an intimate and emotionally rich memoir that delves into the author’s family history, filled with poignant moments of grief, reflection, and self-discovery. At the heart of this memoir is Zajac’s deep bond with her grandmother, Gram, and the flood of memories and revelations that surface after her passing. As Zajac reflects on her grandmother’s life, the complexities of family, and her own process of healing, the story weaves together a beautiful and thoughtful narrative about love, loss, and legacy.
What really struck me was the depth of Zajac’s emotional connection with her grandmother. She brings Gram to life through vivid, heartfelt memories—whether it’s tender moments from childhood or the gut-wrenching reality of saying goodbye. One moment that resonated with me was the sheer vulnerability Kara shows when describing the whirlwind of emotions after learning Gram was dying. Her raw honesty is palpable, and it’s that openness that makes the book so relatable to anyone who has faced the loss of a loved one. You can almost feel her pain leap off the page, making her journey all the more profound. Zajac’s ability to use everyday objects to tell a much larger story also stands out. Simple things like old photographs, carefully tucked-away mementos, and letters between family members serve as keys to unlock hidden stories from Gram’s past. These tangible pieces of her grandmother’s life offer a layered, intimate view of who she was, reminding us of how much we can learn from the possessions left behind. The way Kara reveals her grandmother’s history through these small treasures adds richness and depth to the narrative.
What I loved most, though, was the balance between heartache and humor. There are lighter moments sprinkled throughout the memoir that offer relief from the weight of grief, and they beautifully capture the spirit of a family who, despite their pain, still find ways to laugh together. The laughter, alongside the sorrow, gives the book a sense of wholeness, an honest portrayal of how we remember those we love. Kara effortlessly brings to life the warmth and closeness that her family shares, even in the face of deep sadness.
The Significance of Curly Hair is a tender, reflective exploration of family, memory, and the complex emotions that come with loss. Kara Zajac has written a memoir that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. I’d recommend it to anyone who has lost someone they love or is interested in the way family legacies shape who we are. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after you’ve closed the final page, and it’s perfect for readers who appreciate a heartfelt, reflective narrative about the power of love and memory.
Pages: 402 | ASIN : B0D2FBXRXR
The Importance of Perspectives
You Are Allowed: A Story of Finding Where You Belong, Not Where You Began shares your story of searching for your birth mom while exploring your own emotions and memories of growing up and how it has impacted your personal identity. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It was an incredibly important book to write because I was feeling lost and without a true sense of belonging. Living that way, without roots or a solid foundation, is incredibly difficult. Writing this book helped me process those feelings and begin to find my own place in the world. Ultimately, I found my sense of belonging within the pages of my memoir—within myself.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I think the whole book was difficult to write. Initially, I started writing from the perspective of a victim—being adopted made me feel like I had been abandoned. But as I wrote, the manuscript led me to face some of the hardest stories of my life. When I began, I never imagined I would share such intimate parts of my journey, but doing so allowed me to forgive and release. By the time I finished, I was grateful for my adoption. I let go of judgment and found internal peace and freedom.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the most important ideas I wanted to share is the importance of perspectives. We all see things differently, and I believe this is an opportunity for connection between people. I’m sure my parents, my birth mom, and my sister all have very different views of what really happened with my adoption. But that’s the beauty and freedom that writing gives us—space to explore our own perspectives. Another key theme for me was the complexity of the relationship between a mother and her daughter, particularly being both a daughter and a mother myself. That dual experience really shaped my writing.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope readers understand that they have the power to reflect on their own lives, release past hurts, and experience rebirth. But most importantly, I want them to take away that it’s essential to forgive themselves first, love themselves first, and respect themselves first.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Freegiftfromodelia | Amazon
Esther, a young woman living in a kibbutz in the south of Israel, undertakes a journey to find her biological mother who abandoned her at birth in Paris. She is fueled with the belief that reuniting with her birth mother will provide the answers she’s been searching for and will fill the void she’s been feeling her entire life.
In careful and precise writing, You ARE Allowed takes the reader through turbulent pieces of Esther’s life journey: her childhood in France, a relationship with an Israeli woman that exposes her to a world of crime and danger, an unplanned pregnancy, and a seemingly routine life in Israel filled with secrets and old wounds.
Encouragement and Solidarity
My Mother Only Had Me for the Check shares your story of survival and overcoming a childhood of abuse and neglect to become the strong woman you are today. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing this book was important because I wanted other women to know they were not alone in their struggles. Life can be incredibly tough, and sometimes, it feels like the challenges we face are insurmountable. But we have the strength to make it through no matter what life throws at us.
In sharing my struggles, I wanted to speak from a place of love and lived experience. I’ve been there, and I understand how it feels to be overwhelmed and underestimated. By opening up about my journey, I hope to offer encouragement and solidarity to other women who might feel isolated, defeated, and unloved.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest thing for me to write about was being raped by my uncle. For years, I carried the shame and guilt of that day. It felt like a dark cloud, constantly hovering over me, shadowing every moment of my life. I struggled for years, blaming myself for that incident, feeling like maybe if I had fought harder or screamed louder, then perhaps I could have changed my circumstances. But that’s the cruel trick of trauma—it distorts reality and makes you believe lies about yourself.
I was just a child, innocent and trusting, unable to comprehend the betrayal of someone who was supposed to protect and care for me. I remember the confusion, the fear, and the overwhelming sense of powerlessness. In the years that followed, those feelings morphed into a deep-seated guilt. I thought I was at fault, that somehow, I had invited or deserved what happened. I became my harshest critic, convinced that I was weak and unworthy.
It took decades for me to unpack the trauma of that day. Writing about this part of my life was excruciating but I knew it was necessary. I discovered the power of self-compassion. I forgave myself for all the times I thought I should have done more. I realized that a child should never have to fight or scream to be safe. The responsibility lay solely with my uncle, and his choices led to that dark day, not mine. Sharing that chapter was a way to reclaim my voice and break the silence that had imprisoned me for so long. I also hoped that other women who had suffered similar experiences might find solace in knowing they were not alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the main ideas I’ve been passionate about sharing is encouraging women to embrace the importance of therapy.
As women, we often juggle countless roles—mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, professionals, and so much more. With all these responsibilities, putting our needs on the back burner is easy. But we need to take care of ourselves, too. And sometimes, taking care of ourselves means seeking help when we need it.
For decades, I used to think therapy was only for people facing a major crisis. But I’ve learned that therapy can benefit everyone. It’s a safe space where you can talk about anything without judgment. It’s a place to unpack your feelings, process your experiences, and develop healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges and trauma. I know the idea of going to therapy can be daunting, and it can feel vulnerable to admit we need help. But I’ve found that being open and sharing my traumatic experiences with my psychologist has helped me tremendously, and I hope it also encourages other women to seek the support they need.
Therapy isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. It’s about recognizing that we all have areas where we can grow and improve. It’s about permitting ourselves to prioritize our mental and emotional well-being.
I encourage women to take that step. Reach out, talk to a therapist, and see how it feels. It might be one of the most empowering decisions you ever make.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
The one thing I hope readers, primarily women, take away from my story is to never give up on hope or themselves.
I want every woman reading this to know you are strong, beautiful, and capable. Your value isn’t determined by anyone else’s opinions or standards. Embrace your unique journey, celebrate your accomplishments, and be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned.
Remember, hope is a powerful force. It keeps us moving forward, even when the path is uncertain. So, hold onto it tightly. Believe in yourself, cherish your dreams, and never give up on the beautiful person you have the right to become.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Growing up in a world where safety and love were scarce commodities, she learned to navigate a landscape fraught with pain and uncertainty. Yet, amidst the darkness, she clung to the flicker of hope, determined to carve out a better future for herself.
Through the ups and downs, rejections, and setbacks, she never lost sight of her dreams. With unwavering determination, she pursued her passion for writing, turning her pain into purpose and her struggles into stories. Each word is a testament to her resilience, a defiant declaration that her past or illness would not define her.
Today, her autobiography is a beacon of hope for women who have walked similar paths. Her journey serves as a reminder that no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem, there is always light at the end of the tunnel for those who refuse to give up.
My Mother Only Had Me For The Check
My Mother Only Had Me for the Check by Crystal Bass is a poignant and compelling memoir that explores the author’s journey through childhood abuse, mental health challenges, and the pursuit of her dreams. Crystal Bass’s candid recounting of her experiences with depression and anxiety, borne from a traumatic upbringing, paints a vivid picture of resilience in the face of adversity. Her narrative doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of her life but instead showcases her unwavering determination to build a better future.
The autobiography is structured around a moment of reflection when Bass’s second daughter is born, prompting her to look back on the significant events that have shaped her life. The story unfolds chronologically, interspersed with flashbacks that provide deeper insights into her struggles and triumphs. Bass’s storytelling prowess shines through her vivid and evocative writing style, immersing readers in her world and allowing them to feel her pain and perseverance. One of the standout aspects is Bass’s ability to convey the emotional depth of her experiences. The detailed accounts of her battles with rape, domestic violence, anxiety, and depression are not just tales of suffering but also of survival and hope. Through her honest and heartfelt narrative, Bass becomes a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, encouraging them to remain passionate about their dreams despite the obstacles. It is important to note that the book contains explicit depictions of mental and physical abuse, which could be triggering for some readers. Despite this, Bass’s courage in sharing her story is nothing short of remarkable. Her strength and resilience serve as an inspiration to women everywhere, reminding them that it is possible to overcome even the darkest of times.
In My Mother Only Had Me for the Check, Crystal Bass has created a powerful testament to hope and resilience. Her memoir is a must-read for those seeking an inspirational story of survival and the relentless pursuit of dreams. This book is especially resonant for women who have faced similar adversities, offering solace and strength through Bass’s extraordinary journey.
Pages: 150 | ASIN : B0CVZ4ZXKD
