Blog Archives
A Passion To Inspire Others
One Man’s Journey is a personal memoir chronicling your trials, resilience, and quest for meaning through love, loss, and redemption. Why was this an important book for you to write?
After enduring all of the trials and tribulations and loss of loved ones, I gained a new perspective on life, I came to understand that my story being told could be used to help others who as well have suffered from some of life’s greatest tragedies. I was given a passion to inspire others by sharing with them that they are not alone as my dedication was given:
To every one who suffers loss and endures trials, tribulations, and tragedy—both great and small.
To all those who feel alone and misunderstood, thinking that there is nobody who truly cares.
What was the most challenging part of revisiting painful moments during the writing process?
The most challenging part of recounting the painful memories is my photographic memory, it was like I was actually there in person revisiting each and every scene from my life which brought many tears to my eyes as I wrote it.
Were there any moments in the memoir you found especially cathartic or transformative to write?
My conclusion, “Matters Of The Heart” brought forth a transformation of healing, knowing I had now taken the worst and used it for an even greater purpose than I could ever imagine. I had accomplished revisiting my past in efforts to help others all over the world. Writing a Memoir from my heart with words full of understanding, love and compassion. A story written from my heart to yours!
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
One thing I hope readers take away from my book is to know that they are not alone and that there are so many others who love and cherish them while looking up to them, ever if your not aware of it! Life is a special gift and we were all born with a purpose. You’re Not Alone!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Substack
Hope is Our Story
In Seeking Clarity in the Labyrinth: A Daughter’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s, you share your family’s experiences following your mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, how you navigated her care, and the grief of losing her to this disease. Why was this an important book for you to share?
When it was clear we were well into our journey with Alzheimer’s, and my Uncle and Aunt passed (complications with Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s) I started writing to heal myself. As I shared it with my Dad, it became clear our story may be able to help others. The journey of losing a loved one includes so many emotions–fear, anger, pain, sadness, love, grief. My hope is our story can help others in their journey.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your family’s story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Much of the story was written in relatively ‘real-time.’ As I read it now, I am not sure if I would have been able to capture some of the raw, intense quality of my writing. Her passing ended up being this beautiful gift for both myself and my dad. If I went back and wrote it now, I do not know if it would have translated. This, however, was not the hardest part–those sections in the middle, when I was angry with her and the situation…those parts were hard to write about.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about caring for a family member suffering from Alzheimer’s?
Too often we believe we have ‘lost’ our loved ones. Yes, in many ways they are lost or ‘gone’ but, truly, we have just lost a version of them. Their essence is still there. They may not talk or walk, and often our loved ones may be angry or even nasty, but they are still human. They are still our people. If we are able to remember that, remember them in their entirety, we can help care for them more easily. If we can meet our loved ones where they are, we are truly seeing them.
What is one thing you hope your readers take away from your experience?
I hope my readers laugh, cry and embrace the sweet and fragile joy of life, in its raw, sometimes nasty and tragic ways. Life is beautiful, in all the ways we are able to see it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | LinkTree | Amazon
Do you need help navigating despair and frustration and seeking a different path of acceptance?
This book is not for everyone. It is brutally honest. Glossing over the despair of Alzheimer’s Disease serves no one. This book is for those willing to explore the stages of Alzheimer’s and accept the uphill journey of navigating the loss of a loved one with dementia.
Not only that, but this book also teaches you how to:
Navigate your own grief and loss
See and accept your loved ones on their journey
Find and celebrate the simple gifts life has to offer
Understand the Labyrinth as a healing tool
Learn about Palliative Care, Hospice Care, and Memory Care Facilities
Witness one family’s tragic and hopeful acceptance of loss and love
One daughter’s journey sets the scene for a raw 13-year transformation to acceptance. The Labyrinth serves as a tool of healing. This book helps explore ways to see and honor your loved one even when you feel lost on the path.
Seeking Clarity in the Labyrinth, A Daughter’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s is thoughtful, honest, uplifting, and tender. You will be transformed.
For a limited time, download this remarkable book at a temporary introductory price!
Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up?: Living Your Best Life after Losing Your Greatest Love
Loren Ridinger, a lifelong entrepreneur and philanthropist, is best known for co-founding Market America and SHOP.COM alongside her husband, JR Ridinger. Their story began when Loren met JR at just 18 years old, drawn into his magnetic energy and shared vision. From that moment, they built a partnership anchored in love, trust, and unwavering encouragement. JR’s ambition gave birth to Market America and SHOP.COM, a groundbreaking global e-commerce platform designed to empower entrepreneurs and offer consumers a smarter way to shop.
In Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up, Ridinger offers a deeply personal reflection on their extraordinary relationship, their journey as business partners, and her struggle to navigate the world after JR’s sudden death in August 2022. Raw and unfiltered, the memoir captures life both before and after his passing. Ridinger candidly shares her regrets—moments left unsaid, sentiments unspoken—while urging readers to embrace life and love fully, never assuming tomorrow is guaranteed.
Ridinger’s narrative walks a delicate line between relatability and privilege. She speaks earnestly about her pain and healing, yet the luxurious backdrop of private yachts and multimillion-dollar homes may feel distant to the average reader. Still, the universal emotions of love, grief, and uncertainty transcend the material world. These are feelings we all know—loss that shakes us, love that defines us, and the struggle to rediscover ourselves in the aftermath. While some readers may find Ridinger’s lifestyle detached from their own realities, her vulnerability resonates. She does not shy away from questions of identity, purpose, and healing. Her journey—marked by profound sorrow and the search for meaning without her partner—offers inspiration for anyone who has loved, lost, and struggled to move forward.
Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up is more than a memoir. It’s a call to live intentionally, to love deeply, and to value every fleeting moment. Ridinger’s story is a reminder that even in unimaginable loss, there is hope, resilience, and the power to carry on. Whether you’ve experienced a loss as seismic as Loren Ridinger’s or simply grappled with change, her reflections will touch your heart and encourage you to live without regrets.
Pages: 208 | ASIN : B0DDJJF81D
Walk a Mile in My Shoes: Surviving Life’s Challenges
Paul Bradford’s Walk a Mile in My Shoes delves into the life of a man scarred by childhood trauma, exposing a harrowing journey from victim to perpetrator. Bradford recounts his life with unflinching honesty, refusing to excuse his actions as an adult while tracing their origins to the extreme hardships he endured as a child. The narrative begins with Bradford’s recollections of an abusive, alcoholic father whom he blames for his mother’s death. A pivotal moment in his life unfolds during a hitchhiking trip to his grandparents’ home, where he endured molestation, a secret he reveals for the first time in this book. The story continues through his unstable upbringing, bouncing between foster families, and the damaging influences that shaped his understanding of sexuality. Both the church and manipulative older boys contributed to a distorted, exploitative perception of intimacy and boundaries. Bradford’s use of vivid, colloquial language, what he describes as “hillbilly” expressions, paints a raw, authentic picture of his early years. His descriptions evoke the atmosphere of a bygone rural society, adding texture to the narrative.
As a piece of writing, the book is well-crafted. Bradford’s grammar is precise, and his articulation is engaging. Despite the deeply unsettling themes of abuse, violence, and exploitation, the narrative holds the reader’s attention through its clarity and flow. However, the focus of the book tilts heavily toward the darker chapters of his life. Positive memories, though present, sometimes feel rushed and underdeveloped. These moments, when they appear, offer glimpses of light but I feel lack the depth and exploration given to his tragedies. A more balanced portrayal, with a fuller depiction of happier times, could enrich the narrative and serve as a reminder that not all of his childhood was consumed by pain.
While the book is well-written, the content may not appeal to everyone. Bradford’s candid acknowledgment of his past wrongdoings and his struggle with trauma elicits some sympathy, but it does not mitigate the gravity of his actions as an adult. His experiences underscore how a lack of education and societal attitudes like “boys will be boys” can perpetuate cycles of harm. Yet, as someone who endured similar trauma, Bradford’s choices remain difficult to reconcile. Walk a Mile in My Shoes is a raw, unsettling account of a life shaped by adversity and mistakes. While it may resonate with readers drawn to unfiltered stories of human frailty and resilience, the graphic and disturbing subject matter makes it a challenging read.
One Man’s Journey, The Untold Story Of The Quest For Truth
One Man’s Journey is a heartfelt and personal memoir chronicling a life filled with trials, resilience, and an unyielding quest for truth. Beginning with the author’s idyllic yet challenging upbringing in a tight-knit family, the story unfolds into a larger narrative about loss, faith, and self-discovery. Author Donald T. Hardison II reflects on his formative experiences, the love and struggles of his family, and how these shaped his path toward understanding life’s deeper meanings.
What struck me first about the book was the vivid storytelling. Hardison has a gift for painting scenes that feel immediate and tangible, like the descriptions of family dinners with his mother’s home-cooked meals or the poignant recollection of his bond with the neighborhood widows. These moments ground the memoir, making it more than just a collection of events—they feel like glimpses into the soul of the author. Chapter 1, where he describes his parents’ youthful love story and the warmth of his childhood home, set a nostalgic and emotional tone that stayed with me throughout.
While I enjoyed the book, I felt the writing could be uneven at times. There are sections where the prose becomes overly detailed, slowing the pace. For instance, I think the extended retelling of his chore arrangements with a neighbor, while charming, could have been trimmed to maintain focus on the overarching themes. Yet, this tendency to dig into every detail also underscores Hardison’s earnestness and his desire to document every piece of the journey with care.
The heart of the book lies in its emotional honesty, particularly in chapters like “The Phone Call,” where the author recounts a rift with his mother shortly before her death. His raw regret and sorrow are palpable, making it impossible not to empathize with his pain. The vulnerability in these passages brought tears to my eyes. Hardison’s ability to confront his shortcomings and reflect on his mistakes is not only brave but very human. It’s in these moments that the book transcends being merely autobiographical and becomes a testament to personal growth and redemption.
By the end of One Man’s Journey, I felt I had walked alongside the author through his valleys and peaks. The conclusion, which speaks directly to the heart, leaves readers with a sense of hope and the possibility of transformation through grace and perseverance. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a story of resilience and faith, especially those who have faced loss or are on their own quest for meaning.
Pages: 407 | ASIN: B0CW17SZLH
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
Ordinary and Unremarkable
I Was a Hero Once offers a deep reflection on a life shaped by extraordinary experiences and the search for meaning after being deployed to Vietnam. Why was this an important book for you to write?
- As I say in the Author’s Note to the book:
I wrote this book for two reasons. First and foremost, I wrote it for my children. Their experience of me is as a slightly boring “soccer dad,” ordinary and unremarkable. I wanted them to know who I was and what I did before I became their Dad. More importantly, I hope the book can be inspiring to the entire younger generation they represent, and which will have to deal with the mess of a world we have left them. The second reason is that when I was young, I had hoped that my actions would “make a difference,” but I’m not so sure if they amounted to “a hill of beans” as Humphry Bogart famously intoned. If my actions did not change the world, then I dream that maybe my stories can.
How did you balance the need to be honest and authentic with the need to protect your privacy and that of others in your memoir?
I found when writing a memoir, there are countless facts and details that are considered and rejected in the writing process. There were a number of highly personal details that were originally in the manuscript that I ultimately cut out with the help and advice of an excellent editor. For many of the individuals in the book, I used only first names as a way to protect their privacy. Finally, there was a passage in the first copies of the book that were printed that my brother found hightly offensive. I was able to get that passage changed in subsequent printings of the book.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
I was never able to establish a sustainable focused writing schedule, so I tended to write when the inspiration hit me. The result was that it took me twenty years to finish the book. The most rewarding part has been the warm response from many of the folks who shared these adventures with me.
How has writing your memoir impacted or changed your life?
As I noted previously, I’ve lived with this book in process for twenty years. On the one hand, there is a tremendous amount of satisfaction in seeing what had been something of a dream for so long actually become a reality. On the other hand, there is a certain creative emptiness in my life at the moment, now that the book is completed.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In 1968, Peter P. Mahoney’s world was turned upside down when he joined the Army, became an infantry lieutenant, and was deployed to Vietnam. Upon his return, he found himself embroiled in the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) movement and indicted for conspiracy to incite a riot at the 1972 Republican Convention-the so-called Gainesville Eight case-where his friend surfaced as an FBI informer testifying against him.
In the early eighties, Mahoney played a pivotal role in establishing the New York Vietnam Veterans Memorial and later joined a delegation of veterans to meet with Soviet counterparts from their Afghanistan War. He fell in love with a Russian woman, married her, and spent nine years raising a family in a world vastly different from the suburban middle-class life he had left behind.
Now, he shares the extraordinary stories from that finite period that forever changed the trajectory of his ordinary existence.
Gino’s Contraband: Guilty Until Proven Innocent
Gabrielle O’Donovan’s memoir, Gino’s Contraband: Guilty Until Proven Innocent, is a nerve-wracking recount of an ordinary taxpayer’s battle against government incompetence. The book begins with a jaw-dropping twist: the author’s Cambridge home is linked to a shipment of counterfeit cigarettes seized by Heathrow’s Border Police. What follows is a harrowing descent into legal and emotional chaos as HMRC labels O’Donovan a criminal. Through vivid storytelling, the book chronicles her fight to clear her name and her incisive critique of a flawed system that presumed her guilty before proving her innocence.
The writing hooked me from the start. O’Donovan’s style feels raw yet polished, bringing her terror and frustration to life. The early chapters set the stage with a nail-biting prologue, where the author reflects on what it means to have your life upended by bureaucracy. One passage that stayed with me described her shock when she received a £132,711 tax bill out of the blue, a demand so ridiculous it felt unreal. O’Donovan transports readers into her world, letting you feel her mounting dread with each unjust accusation.
Her ability to capture emotions shines, particularly when detailing her fruitless attempts to get someone to listen. One moment, she’s met with cold bureaucracy the next, she’s drowning in threats of bankruptcy. What really struck me was her resilience. She shares hate mail and public shame with raw honesty, showing the psychological toll of being treated as a criminal. It’s enraging yet inspiring to read her confront the systemic failures head-on.
While the book is personal, it doesn’t shy away from its broader implications. O’Donovan critiques HMRC’s overwhelming power and lack of accountability. Her exploration of how ordinary citizens can become collateral damage in a system geared toward revenue collection hits hard. In one standout chapter, she examines the “guilty until proven innocent” precedent set by UK legislation, making her story not just about her but about anyone who could find themselves in a similar nightmare.
The conclusion ties it all together beautifully. O’Donovan emphasizes the importance of systemic reform and highlights the human cost of government overreach. By the final page, I felt connected to her crusade for justice. Her victory, though hard-earned, left me feeling hopeful yet uneasy, aware that her story could easily be anyone’s.
I’d recommend Gino’s Contraband to anyone who loves true stories of resilience and justice. It’s a must-read for UK taxpayers, but its appeal extends to anyone interested in personal battles against institutional failures. Whether you’re an advocate for human rights or just looking for a gripping and emotional memoir, this book delivers. It made me furious, hopeful, and ultimately grateful for O’Donovan’s courage in sharing her story.
Pages: 213 | ASIN: B0DK1J2VDN
LITERARY TITAN 