Blog Archives
The Destiny of Our Stars
Greta McNeill-Moretti’s The Destiny of Our Stars is a heartfelt memoir about love, loss, and renewal. At its core, it’s the story of a woman navigating widowhood after losing her soulmate, Lawrence, to brain cancer. The book moves from raw grief to spiritual awakening, with reflections on fate, synchronicity, and the mysterious ways the universe brings meaning to suffering. It’s not just a chronicle of mourning; it’s a roadmap through the darkest corners of heartbreak toward the quiet light of acceptance and hope.
The author writes with such sincerity that I often felt like I was sitting across from her, listening to her unpack her life. Her words are simple, but they cut deep. I admired how she didn’t shy away from the messy parts, depression, guilt, the confusion of still wanting to live when your reason for living is gone. She uses humor in surprising places, and it works. It keeps the story grounded and human. Sometimes her honesty stings, but that’s what makes it beautiful. It’s a book that feels lived, not written from a distance.
What really stayed with me was her belief in synchronicity and destiny. I was moved by her conviction. It’s impossible not to root for her as she rebuilds her world, piece by piece. Her reflections on love extend beyond romance. She writes about compassion, family, and friendship in ways that make you think about your own life. At times, the detail is overwhelming. But I think that’s part of the magic. She doesn’t let you skim through her pain. She makes you sit with it, the way grief makes you sit still until you learn to move again.
I’d recommend The Destiny of Our Stars to anyone who has lost someone they love or who simply wants to understand what real resilience looks like. It’s for people who appreciate writing that’s emotional but never self-pitying, and who don’t mind tears mixed with laughter. This book is raw, deeply personal, and surprisingly comforting. It reminds you that even when life shatters, the pieces can still reflect light.
Pages: 303 | ISBN : 979-8-9995413-1-4
The Hope of Heaven
Singing Through Fire shares with readers how your life took an unexpected turn when you developed a chronic illness, leading you to cross paths with a youth pastor facing terminal cancer, and falling in love even though you knew your time together was limited. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Singing Through Fire was important for me to write because I knew God was calling me to share my story to encourage other sufferers. Walking through illness and loss was never the path I would have chosen, but it became a place where God’s presence and grace shone most clearly. Writing the book was an act of obedience, a way to testify to His goodness even in seasons of deep suffering. My hope was simply to be faithful with the story He entrusted me with.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your perspective on God and faith?
One of the most life-changing truths someone shared with me was that our present suffering, as heavy as it feels, is not the end of the story. Scripture reminds us that the eternal glory awaiting us far outweighs the pain we endure now. That perspective shifted my focus from asking “why me?” to lifting my eyes toward the hope of Heaven. It doesn’t erase the grief, but it gives it meaning and frames it in light of eternity.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
The hardest part was returning to memories that were still raw with grief and pain. Writing about them meant reliving them, and at times I wondered if my heart could handle it. But the most rewarding part was seeing how God had been present through it all, and how He wove beauty and love even into suffering. Putting it on paper gave me perspective, gratitude, and a way to honor the people and moments that shaped my story.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope readers come away with the assurance that even in the darkest seasons, God has not abandoned them. Life may not unfold as we expect, and suffering may come in ways that feel unbearable, but God is still faithful. If my story encourages someone to hold on to hope and to trust His heart, even when His plan feels hidden, then the book will have done its work.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Amazon
Enter Matthew Silverman: a witty, wise, and impossibly joyful youth pastor and professor facing terminal cancer. What begins with a few random encounters soon ignites an extraordinary, God-written love story that neither of them saw coming.
As their unlikely romance unfolds between medical crises, late-night laughter, and unexpected musical performances, Matthew’s unshakable faith challenges everything Lara thinks she knows about God’s goodness—and what it means to walk with Christlike faith, resilience, and joy in the face of overwhelming grief and suffering.
But with time against them, one question looms louder than the rest: What if this gift is only for a moment?
Surprisingly funny and spiritually rich, Singing Through Fire is a modern-day “Job meets Lucille Ball.” It explores what it means to suffer, love, and even laugh and make music while your life is burning down around you. It eloquently gives voice to the aching questions many sufferers quietly carry—then takes readers inside the breathtaking story of two people who found miraculous love and defiant joy amid heartbreaking loss.
It reveals how God can use even our deepest pain to write the most beautiful love stories—even on the cusp of eternity.
Faith Through the Fire, Walking With God in My Storms
Faith Through the Fire is a deeply personal memoir chronicling the journey of Adrien and Beverly Chablal through Adrien’s unexpected cancer diagnosis and their unwavering determination to pursue healing, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The book opens with a son’s heartfelt letter to his father and then shifts to a dual narrative, combining Adrien’s reflections with Beverly’s “Chronicles.” Together, they recount their childhoods in Trinidad, marriage struggles, migration to the UK, and ultimately, their decision to face a stage IV Non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis using both conventional and natural methods. Interwoven throughout are scriptural meditations, nutritional advice, and practical insights born from faith, family love, and fierce resilience.
Reading this book felt like sitting across the table from an old friend, coffee in hand, listening to someone pour out their heart. Adrien’s writing is raw and gutting at times. The disbelief at his diagnosis, the guilt over family strain, and the sense of helplessness are portrayed vividly. I found myself clenching my jaw during some passages, especially when he wrestled with the idea that a health-conscious lifestyle couldn’t shield him from cancer. His vulnerability is striking, and that makes the hope that follows even more powerful. Beverly’s side is equally gripping. Her determination to be her husband’s anchor, her fearless research into holistic health, and her ability to dig into her past for strength are as moving as they are inspiring. Her voice comes through as calm and relentless.
What really got me, though, was how the book doesn’t try to hide the messiness. Their marriage was tested, their children drifted, and their faith was, at times, hanging on by a thread. But it never read like a sob story. It felt like a love letter to persistence, not perfection. The inclusion of wellness plans, herbal regimens, and even their frustrations with housing in the UK could have felt like filler, but instead, it all tied into the bigger theme: survival isn’t just physical. It’s mental, spiritual, and relational. I loved that balance. On the flip side, I occasionally felt the pacing slow during extended reflections or lengthy nutritional breakdowns, but even those had a purpose if you’re reading with healing in mind.
This book isn’t just about beating cancer. It’s about choosing faith when you’re flat on your face, and finding a way forward even when the path disappears beneath your feet. I’d recommend Faith Through the Fire to anyone facing serious illness, especially caregivers and spouses who are walking through someone else’s storm. It’s also a solid pick for people of faith who want a reminder that miracles don’t always come wrapped in flashing lights. Sometimes, they look like a juicer on your kitchen counter and a Bible verse that keeps you going. It’s an emotional read, but one that left me feeling full of gratitude.-
Pages: 114
Reliving the Helplessness
In Clarity, you share with readers your family’s emotional journey following your young son’s diagnosis of a brain tumor at the age of 2. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing Clarity was both a personal necessity and a way to honour the journey my family has been on. When my son was diagnosed, our world changed overnight. I was desperate to find stories like ours—raw, honest, and hopeful—but they were few and far between. This book became my way of documenting not just the medical milestones, but the emotional and human side of our experience. It’s a story of resilience, fear, love, and ultimately, transformation. I wanted to create something that would not only help others feel less alone but also show that even in the darkest moments, clarity and strength can be found.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Thank you. That means a lot. The hardest part to write was reliving the helplessness—the moments in hospital corridors, the conversations where we were told things no parent ever wants to hear. Putting those memories into words meant revisiting the fear and trauma, but also the vulnerability I felt as a mother. It wasn’t just about my son’s illness—it was about the emotional toll on the entire family. Writing it meant opening up wounds I had tucked away for survival, but in doing so, I found healing, too.
What advice would you give someone considering sharing their story with readers?
Be honest, be brave, and don’t wait for the perfect moment—there isn’t one. Your story matters exactly as it is. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start. Sharing your truth, even if it’s messy or unresolved, can create powerful connections. Also, protect your energy during the process. Writing your story can be deeply cathartic, but it can also be triggering, so make sure you have support around you as you write. And lastly, trust that your voice will find the people who need it most.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your family’s experience?
I hope readers walk away with a deeper understanding of how fragile and precious life is—and how strength often shows up in the most unexpected ways. Whether it’s a sick child, a family crisis, or any life-altering event, we are all far more resilient than we realise. If our story reminds someone to slow down, love fiercely, or advocate harder for their child or themselves, then it’s done what I hoped it would do. I want readers to feel empowered, not just emotional.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Marking the five-year anniversary of her young son’s cancer diagnosis, Crystal invites readers to experience her remarkable evolution. ‘Clarity’ reveals a path from unimaginable loss and devastation to learning to heal, adapt, and ultimately thrive. Each title in this collection illuminates the extraordinary power of hope, the quiet courage of healing, and the strength to chase new dreams despite life’s cruel twists and uncertainties.
With an unfiltered and unwavering voice, ‘Clarity’ celebrates life’s unexpected privileges and is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of a mother, businesswoman, and dreamer.
Clarity
Clarity is a raw and heartfelt memoir chronicling the life-altering journey of Crystal Leonardi and her young son, Sebastian, after his shocking diagnosis of a brain tumor at just two years old. Told through diary entries, detailed recollections, and medical updates, this book spans the year following his diagnosis, weaving together the emotional and physical upheaval experienced by their family. At its core, Clarity is about love, resilience, and the terrifying yet beautiful process of navigating a life derailed by childhood cancer.
I was moved deeply and repeatedly. Crystal’s voice is unfiltered and sincere. She writes like a mother would speak to a close friend after a night of no sleep and endless worry. That intimacy made every moment hit harder. Her writing isn’t about fancy language or literary flair—it’s about honesty. And sometimes that honesty is gutting. One moment you’re reading about steroid side effects, and the next you’re feeling the cold floor of a hospital corridor as if you were there. She masterfully captures what it means to be completely out of control, to fight for your child with everything you’ve got, and still feel like it’s not enough.
What stood out most to me was the clarity with which she exposed both the triumphs and the emotional wreckage. I appreciated how she didn’t shy away from resentment, guilt, or even envy. She names the ugly emotions. She lets them breathe on the page. It was also clear how much she grew through the journey—how the chaos helped her find purpose and voice. While the medical details at times felt overwhelming, they reflected how consuming and disorienting the world of childhood cancer can be. Crystal wrote not just to remember, but to survive—and help others do the same.
This is a book for parents navigating illness, for caretakers seeking solidarity, and for anyone who’s ever been blindsided by life and had to find a new way forward. It’s not a comfortable read, but it’s an important one. I recommend Clarity to anyone who wants to feel less alone in their pain, to those who love a good cry, and to readers looking to understand the strength that can live alongside fear.
Pages: 338 | ASIN : B0DZLGB1QN
Patient 71: An Inspiring True Story of a Mother’s Love That Fueled Her Fight to Stay Alive
Julie Randall’s Patient 71 is a raw, unflinching memoir about her sudden and devastating diagnosis with stage four metastatic melanoma at the age of 50—and her extraordinary fight to live. What begins as a lively snapshot of a joyful, ordinary life quickly turns into a harrowing, heart-stopping journey through hospitals, fear, surgeries, clinical trials, and the depths of human resilience. The title refers to her status in a U.S.-based immunotherapy drug trial that became her lifeline when all other options had faded. Randall takes us from the sparkling shores of Sydney to the clinical halls of American medical centers, showing not just the physical battle but the emotional and spiritual turmoil that comes with facing death.
What struck me first about Julie’s writing was its honesty. There’s no sugarcoating, no stiff upper lip for the reader’s comfort. She tells her story like she’s talking to a close friend—funny, vulnerable, often foul-mouthed, and always painfully relatable. I found myself laughing at her jabs and swearing, only to be crying just pages later as she grappled with leaving her daughters behind. The style is conversational, even cheeky at times, but that’s what makes it hit so hard. Every ache, every glimmer of hope, every heartbreak, you feel it.
What’s more powerful than the writing, though, is the will to live that pulses through every page. Randall’s fierce love for her family—especially her daughters—drives everything. Even when she’s terrified, even when the prognosis is grim, she never stops trying. There’s something deeply inspiring in her refusal to go quietly. I admired how she didn’t turn herself into a saint or pretend to be brave all the time. She was scared. She was angry. She hated the term “palliative care.” And still, she fought like hell. That’s what makes her story so deeply moving.
This book is for anyone who needs hope, even the faintest glimmer of it. It’s for people who have felt helpless or terrified, and for those standing beside them. If you’ve ever asked, “Why me?” and still got out of bed the next day, Patient 71 will resonate. It’s not always easy to read, but it’s impossible to forget. Randall reminds us that life is brutal, beautiful, and worth fighting for.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B06ZZB34VN
Rise and Thrive Above Cancer
Dr. Achim Zinggrebe’s Rise and Thrive Above Cancer is more than a guidebook—it’s a deeply personal invitation to shift the way we think about illness, especially cancer. Drawing from his experience as both a physician and a patient, Zinggrebe shares his physical and emotional journey through diagnosis, treatment, and ultimately, transformation. The book combines practical tools—like breathing techniques, meditation, and nutrition advice—with reflections on self-love, mindset, and meaning. At its core, it’s about reclaiming agency and embracing the messy, powerful journey back to life.
Reading this book, I felt like I was sitting across from someone who’d already walked the path and was now gently turning back to say, “You’ve got this, and here’s how I did it.” There’s no condescension, no preaching. Just raw honesty and hard-earned hope. I was especially moved by Zinggrebe’s vulnerability in describing his fear, guilt, and eventual acceptance of his illness. His writing is plain and direct, sometimes even chatty, and that makes the emotional impact sneak up on you.
What stood out most to me wasn’t the medical information—though that was helpful—but the emotional permission he gives readers to feel their grief, their anger, and still choose to act. There’s power in the way he blends science with spirit, medicine with meaning. I did find some parts a bit repetitive or overly earnest, but that also made it feel authentic, like it came straight from the heart, not an editor’s checklist. His emphasis on building “inner armor” felt especially empowering—it’s practical without being prescriptive, compassionate without coddling.
Personally, I found the chapter “Vitamins, minerals and more” incredibly reassuring. When you’re dealing with something as overwhelming as cancer, it’s easy to feel powerless but this section gave me something concrete I could do. I liked how Dr. Zinggrebe broke things down. I especially appreciated the honesty; he didn’t pretend supplements are miracle workers, but he also didn’t shrug them off. It made me feel more in control, like I could actually do something to care for myself instead of just waiting around for treatments to do their thing.
I’d recommend this book to anyone navigating a cancer diagnosis, whether they’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, or recovering. It’s also a meaningful read for caregivers, healthcare professionals, or anyone wrestling with fear and wanting to reconnect with a sense of purpose. If you want to feel seen, heard, and gently nudged toward healing, this one’s for you.
Pages: 364 | ASIN : B0F3XZH549
Your Come-Back Plan
Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped is your honest and darkly funny memoir about rebuilding your identity and sanity, after surviving Stage IIIc breast cancer. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Four months after finishing treatment, my husband, Rene, and I visited his family for the first time in over two years. We bear-hugged his sister and her family when they picked us up curbside at the airport, then as we drove away, a beloved family member innocently but flippantly said, “Well at least now you can put cancer behind you.”
I was initially stunned but quickly became enraged as imaginary daggers poked at my skin.
No one understands that cancer doesn’t end just because treatment is over, I thought. It came close to killing me, and the shock of the experience is still on my mind all the time. I’m so tired of people assuming I can easily unplug from cancer because I survived treatment and am still alive. I fumed internally and remained quiet for the rest of the trip.
During a conversation back home with Rene over breakfast a few weeks later, I was reminded of that innocent, hurtful exchange in the car. My blood pressure spiked as I told him how the words made me feel, then excused myself and ran downstairs to my office computer to vent.
I typed CANCER IS NEVER INVITED AND CANCER NEVER LEAVES. The words sounded crabby yet true, and I felt relief.
In that moment I realized the most effective way to process and ultimately heal—emotionally and physically—from cancer was to write my way back out of the depths of its obsessive grips.
What advice would you give to someone newly facing the “after” of trauma?
Approach your come-back plan the same way you would map out a strategy to recover from a physical ailment such as a head cold or a broken wrist or knee surgery. Embrace the often-overlooked reality that your brain is part of your body, and it similarly benefits from opportunities to rest, recuperate, and reset. Since recuperating and resetting from a traumatic experience might be more achievable if you are guided by a counselor or behavioral health professional specifically trained to help those impacted by cancer, consider that approach as well.
One of the strategies I applied to address my post-cancer trauma was to chart a new course. I turned 50 during treatment, so I viewed life after cancer as a symbolic opportunity to launch the second half of my life with a new attitude, a fresh head of hair, and a determination to gauge success by level of impact, not by financial gains.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of my staunchest principles is to only offer advice or input if asked. Many friends and colleagues thought they were being helpful during treatment by telling me what I should do to survive cancer. I understood and appreciated their intentions, but most times they made me feel like a weak, pathetic failure because my emotions were amplified and I was drowning with anxiety. My goal with Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped was to encourage anyone who communicates with a cancer patient/survivor or caregiver to exude empathy and compassion by being an attentive listener, not a well-intentioned but babbling talker who may or may not have any idea what cancer feels like.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer or cure when it comes to cancer, although our healthcare system often seems like it was designed to function that way.
What do you wish more caregivers or medical professionals understood about post- treatment survivors?
Most caregivers and medical professionals understand that we survivors are human beings, not medical commodities. However, our healthcare system barely acknowledges, and most of the time does not have the bandwidth or financial capability to address post-treatment trauma. Unfortunately, fear of recurrence, anxiety, distress, and depression often begins, continues, or escalates after active cancer treatment is completed.
Science-backed research continues to affirm that survivors are likely to have more positive long-term outcomes if the resulting psychological trauma from their cancer experiences—which in some cases continues for the rest of their lives—is acknowledged and addressed.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
How is one supposed to feel besides exhausted? Grateful? Rational?
What does routine even mean anymore?
“Unlikely Gifts Unwrapped” is the long-anticipated sequel to “The Unlikely Gift of Breast Cancer,” named one of the best breast cancer books of all time by BookAuthority.
Award-winning author Diane M. Simard presents an unapologetic dive into the aftereffects of her experience with Stage IIIc breast cancer, including the struggles she encountered as she attempted to rebuild her identity. Moments of triumph, tragedy, transformation, and humor are recounted with inspirational hope and raw, no-holds-barred interpretation. Through her defining memoir writing style, Diane covers everything post-cancer, ranging from why she now despises ginger to her first cavity in third grade to lymphedema to Nebraska football. There’s even a story about cockroaches.
Toward the end of her five months of chemotherapy, Diane became so frustrated with the lack of focus paid to the psychological and emotional impacts of her cancer experience that she founded a psychosocial oncology specialty at the University of Denver to train future licensed clinical psychologists how to work with those impacted by cancer. She continues to advocate for educational opportunities and resources to assist in addressing the trauma that often accompanies such a distressing diagnosis. Since the intersection of mental health and cancer is a focal point in her narrative, several mental health therapists provide their perspectives on why the effects of cancer-related trauma—including anxiety, stress, and depression—are so challenging.
The account of Diane’s quest to find herself again and re-define her life after cancer is filled with intense grace, resilience, wisdom, and a powerful zeal to embrace a purpose-driven existence. Her authentic voice is witty and relatable, reminiscent of a chat with a cherished friend.
LITERARY TITAN 