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Vulnerability and Strength
Forever, Now follows a woman going through a divorce who goes on a journey of self-discovery and learns to redefine what happiness is for her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from observing friends and family and listening to conversations about marriage and infidelity. I noticed how often people lose themselves in relationships, even when they know it’s not right for them. This can be extremely hard to navigate, but it can also be transformative to reclaim one’s identity. I wanted to explore the idea that divorce, while painful, can be a powerful catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth. Of course, every writer puts some of themselves in their material too!
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
The most important factor was capturing the complexity of human nature, particularly in characters who are both charming and manipulative. I wanted to portray how a controlling person can exhibit manic depressive and narcissistic traits, projecting an image of power while being deeply vulnerable. This duality allows them to easily manipulate trusting partners, creating a dynamic that reflects the intricate and often painful realities of relationships.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore themes of self-discovery, the complexities of love and betrayal, and the struggle to find the strength to move on. I also delved into the effects of manipulation in relationships, highlighting how vulnerability and strength coexist within individuals. Ultimately, I aimed to illustrate that even in the darkest times, there’s potential for realization, self-respect, and finding happiness.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m currently working on a collection of short stories that includes a piece involving time travel. I’m excited about the themes I’m exploring, but I don’t have a release date yet. Stay tuned for updates!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Distinguished Favorites in the General Fiction category at the 2024 Paris Book Festival
Marriage was supposed to be happily ever after, but it turned out to be anything but.
Darya’s life takes an unexpected turn when she marries a man despite her intuition, believing in the promise of a happy and everlasting future. However, the façade of their seemingly perfect life begins to crumble when her husband’s infidelity and lies come to light, leaving their home and hearts shattered.
As Darya grapples with the pain of a broken marriage and the responsibilities of motherhood, she embarks on a quest to find her own happiness and purpose. Navigating through a heart-wrenching journey of betrayal, loss, and rebuilding, Darya learns hard-fought lessons about the world and herself.
Forever, Now is a tale of resilience, self-discovery, and the enduring power of love and determination. It explores the depths of human emotions and the indomitable spirit of a woman who finds her way back to happiness despite life’s most painful setbacks.
Haleh Shahrzad, the author of Forever, Now, was born in Tehran, Iran. Her journey began with a challenging experience in her homeland when she faced obstacles to higher education due to improper hijab and her absence at Islamic Friday prayers, despite passing the entrance exam and gaining acceptance to Tehran University. Determined to pursue her dreams, she made the courageous and harrowing decision to leave Iran.
As an Iranian-American, Haleh offers a unique and powerful perspective in her storytelling. She adeptly integrates her rich cultural experiences into her narratives, creating compelling stories that resonate with readers. Currently residing in California, she shares her life with her husband and son.
Forever, Now
Forever, Now by Haleh Shahrzad is a poignant and emotional novel that follows Darya, a woman whose marriage to David begins with hope but quickly unravels in the face of infidelity and deceit. What starts as the promise of a happy life together is shattered when Darya uncovers David’s lies, forcing her to confront the harsh reality of a broken marriage. As she struggles with the betrayal and the challenge of raising their son, JD, on her own, Darya embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery, learning to redefine her happiness and reclaim her strength.
Shahrzad weaves her cultural background and personal insights into a touching narrative that resonates on a universal level. Themes of betrayal, motherhood, and resilience are at the heart of this story, making it relatable to anyone who has ever faced heartache. What makes Forever, Now especially compelling is the raw honesty in the portrayal of Darya’s emotional turmoil. Shahrzad doesn’t sugarcoat the pain of watching a marriage crumble, but she also offers moments of hope and growth, creating a delicate balance between sorrow and the possibility of renewal.
One of the novel’s standout qualities is its portrayal of the internal conflict many women, especially mothers, experience as they wrestle with personal desires and family obligations. Darya’s determination to keep her marriage intact for the sake of her son, despite its toxicity, reflects the sacrifices many women make in the name of family. Her emotional journey is a tribute to the strength required to move forward even when every part of you wants to hold on to what’s familiar.
Darya’s internal reflections often revisit familiar emotional themes, which authentically captures the complexity of grief and confusion. However, I felt this approach can occasionally affect the pacing of the story. I think a deeper exploration of Darya’s journey after her marriage ended might have provided additional momentum, offering further insights into her personal growth beyond the challenges she faces.
Forever, Now remains an evocative and moving read. Shahrzad’s straightforward yet powerful prose brings Darya’s emotional landscape to life, making her journey both relatable and inspiring. For readers who appreciate stories of personal growth, resilience, and the emotional complexity of human relationships, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impact.
Pages: 169 | ASIN : B0D4N1SM7V
The Unexpected Guests
The Unexpected Guests, by Ruth F. Stevens, dives into the tangled web of midlife relationships, family dynamics, and the journey of self-discovery. At the center of this contemporary fiction is Margaret, a recently divorced woman trying to piece her life back together. She rekindles a complicated connection with Charlie, a successful but emotionally guarded author. The story intricately weaves together the lives of various characters, each with their own struggles and secrets. Margaret’s friend, Sunny, faces her own battles with love and career, while Gwendolyn, Margaret’s mother, harbors a past shrouded in mystery. Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Bay in Los Angeles, the narrative delves into love, second chances, and the inevitable chaos that others bring into our lives. This book appeals to readers who crave character-driven tales infused with humor, heart, and a touch of drama.
Ruth Stevens’ The Unexpected Guests offers a warm, heartfelt reading experience. The story invites readers into the lives of seemingly ordinary characters grappling with life’s oddities. Their experiences resonate deeply, making the narrative feel intimate and personal. Certain characters stand out, their stories laced with tension yet softened by the tenderness in Stevens’ prose. This balance evokes empathy as they navigate old wounds and new opportunities. The writing flows effortlessly, accessible yet charming. The prose sparkles with wit and emotion, striking a balance between light-hearted moments and more reflective, poignant scenes. I do feel that the dialogue sometimes feels as if the characters are speaking past each other rather than engaging in genuine conversation. This detracts slightly from the otherwise engaging narrative.
Each character, even the secondary ones like Sunny and Gwendolyn, is thoughtfully crafted. They bring their unique dilemmas to the story, enriching the main narrative in meaningful ways. Stevens excels in portraying relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic. The flaws in these characters make them more endearing, drawing readers deeper into their lives and struggles. The plot leans toward a slice-of-life approach, focusing on emotional depth rather than high-stakes drama. This style may resonate with those who enjoy introspective, character-focused stories. The pacing is steady, and these quieter scenes offer valuable space to reflect on the characters, enhancing understanding and connection.
The Unexpected Guests explores love, second chances, and the beautifully messy nature of human relationships. It’s a moving story for readers who appreciate well-drawn characters and narratives that feel both genuine and heartfelt.
Pages: 355 | ASIN : B0DFCS8BKN
Trust Yourself
Divorce Is Not a Destination shares with readers your experiences and extensive work as a breakup and divorce coach so that they can navigate a post-divorce life and regain their own joy. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Of the taboo subjects I write about in Divorce Is Not A Destination, if I were to pick one that was more difficult than the others to address, it was sharing about how I contracted herpes. It was important, to be honest about my anger, frustration, confusion, and diminished trust while also owning my choices. Chapter 2 is where I cover the Loss Cycle, and it was the perfect place to share that experience in hopes that my story would support someone else in dealing with the emotional aspects of their situation.
In the last chapter, I do mention other taboo subjects. Even then, while I was willing to be vulnerable and honest about challenges and decisions, it was important that I didn’t derail people’s ability to stay focused on their own issues by sensationalizing mine.
The challenge for me was how to write a book that is, in many ways, about me yet still leaves space for the reader to find themselves in it so they can do their work as well.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Key ideas for me include the framework of Accountability, Alignment, Communication, and Trust (A.A.C.T.). I truly believe using the AACT framework can put a person on their path to healing and experiencing joy. It is normal to hurt when we lose someone we love. I want people to embrace the fact that our emotions can teach us so much, and we need to learn from what we’re feeling so we can move into healing.
Another key idea is to be okay with challenging beliefs you haven’t explored or experienced yourself, especially when those beliefs leave you feeling shameful, guilty, or inadequate. There is something unhealthy about holding onto pain because it’s connected to someone we appreciate or admire.
Finally, I can’t say the phrase don’t be so hard on yourself was an idea because I think it’s okay to challenge yourself with difficult questions. It’s part of being accountable, which might not be easy at first. I think we could be more intentional about being kind and loving to ourselves. At the end of the day, I hope that the reader understands and embraces the importance of working on, loving on, and believing in oneself.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
Trust yourself! Whether you call it listening to your gut, your inner wisdom, or discernment, when we trust that voice inside of us, we learn we can face whatever life brings our way. We are perfectly designed to live our unique lives. This doesn’t mean we live anxiety-free; it means we learn to tap into a courage and curiosity that can carry us through challenges. It means we can cry, feel hurt, be disappointed, and know where and when to go for solace and support. We can sit in the emotion, knowing it’s temporary. Trusting yourself opens the door to believing that life is happening for you and not to you. That breeds confidence. And that’s joyful.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The personal reflection exercises, tools, and strategies will put you on the path to re-establishing boundaries and improving your ability to communicate, first with yourself and then with those close to you. Now is the time to rediscover what’s important, rebuild your confidence, and lead your best self forward. “Divorce Is Not A Destination” was written for you, now.
This book is for you if:
You’re divorced, on the brink of divorce, or seeking support following a breakup, and you need guidance on how to engage, ignite, and empower yourself emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
This book will help you:
* Heal from heartache and stop hurting yourself emotionally.
* Identify emotions-don’t be controlled by them.
* Set boundaries for toxic behavior.
* Create a support team.
* Unlearn debilitating beliefs about divorce.
* Stop embodying lies.
* Tap into your intuition and trust yourself again.
* Talk to your child about the breakup or dating.
* Model recovery for your child.
* Embody the confidence people think you already have.
* Celebrate because joy is your birthright.
After more than one divorce, Dr. Lisa Summerour learned how to stand on her story and not be stuck in it. As a breakup and divorce strategist, Dr. Summerour is a Master Practitioner accredited by the International Divorce Coach Centre of Excellence and The Dash Charity, a UK-regulated domestic abuse charity.
You are not damaged, defective, defeated, or done, because “Divorce Is Not A Destination.”
The Unvarnished Truth: Purpose in the Pain
In The Unvarnished Truth, Dr. Karla Hylton presents a poignant narrative, delving into her journey through depression and trauma within the confines of a turbulent marriage. The book opens with Karla reflecting on the early days of her relationship, marked by overlooked warning signs, and progresses into the complexities and dangers that later unfolded. Hylton’s candid portrayal of her experiences – from manipulation and hurtful remarks from her ex-husband to her own introspections and regrets as a mother and spouse – paints a vivid picture of her challenging marital life. The narrative intensifies as it explores her struggles with regret, suicidal ideation, the intricacies of divorce, and the pain of estrangement from her children.
Hylton revisits her traumatic past with remarkable courage, aiming to foster open discussions on mental health and provide solace to others facing similar challenges. Her memoir stands out for its frankness and introspection, touching on the anguish of domestic isolation and hostility and the complexities of personal accountability during vulnerable times. This book is an immersive memoir that offers an in-depth look into Hylton’s life. The narrative is enriched with detailed accounts of various challenges, including a harrowing childhood incident and her struggles for financial independence during critical health crises. The memoir encompasses a wide array of themes, such as divorce, trauma, education, writing, therapy, parenting, familial conflicts, loss, childhood experiences, manipulation, psychological treatments, friendships, and extramarital affairs, presenting a multifaceted exploration of Hylton’s life.
This memoir is particularly resonant for those who have endured abuse from narcissistic partners or acquaintances. Dr. Hylton’s forthrightness in sharing her experiences with depression and suicidal thoughts is not only brave but also immensely inspiring for others in similar circumstances. The Unvarnished Truth is a testament to Dr. Hylton’s generosity and commitment to shedding light on challenging yet crucial topics.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0CHDP6CXH
A Chapter In Our Story
In Search of Mr. Darcy is your heartfelt coming-of-middle-age memoir sharing the struggles with finding love and friendship and wondering if the elusive Mr Darcy is out there. Why was this an important book for you to write?
So many women I know have gotten sideswiped and swallowed up by the unforeseen pressures of bad relationships, affairs, cheating spouses, single parenting, or even step-parenting. Why is our life not like every fairy tale we were told or even every Jane Austen novel we have ever read? Where is my Prince Charming? Where is my Mr Darcy? And why don’t I look like Jennifer Lopez at 50? And at some point over the age of 40, we find ourselves staring into that bathroom mirror and asking that one monumental question that universally ties us all together, “How the fuck did I get here, and more importantly, who can I blame?” This book was important to write because it reminds us that we are not alone. And the more we women share, the more we realize just how much we have in common.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest thing to write about was the highs and very low lows about parenting and step-parenting. It is the hardest job in the world, right up there with Chilean coal miners, and potentially as dangerous. As parents, we are deeply flawed human beings, but that is never from a lack of trying or loving. I think what made this so hard was that there were bigger, rawer lessons to be learned and felt. Relationships can come and go, but your life as a parent is forever. Or, to quote my father when he talked about raising children, “Christina, remember, the first 40 years are the hardest.”
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the themes that runs through this book is the importance of friends. They are our real soulmates; they have earned that distinction. These are the squad who would break you out of a Turkish prison, stop you from drunk dialing your ex at 1:00 in the morning or give you an alibi that would stand up in court. And as we get older and come of age, middle age, we have to learn to tell the difference between friends and frenemies. And although not all problems can be solved by day-drinking or assault eating, and not all friendships are meant to last forever (or even past high school) friendships will get your though all of life’s unscheduled crap.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
The single most important takeaway is simply this. Those men who have come in (and/or out) of our lives, those relationships, do not define us. They are merely a chapter in our story, and do not get to decide how it ends. We do.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website Author | Website Book | TikTok
Prince Charming? Happily ever after? Childhood fairy tales are full of promises, but the reality – life – is a very different story. And that story has a hell of a lot to teach us.
Written with honesty, humour and warmth, Christina Ford looks back on four decades of dates, loves, marriages, friendships, affairs, divorces, parenting disasters and step-parenting nightmares.
For all those who have ever wondered if there is life after divorce, sex after 40, or who have had their heart broken and questioned if they will ever find love again, this is a reaffirming rallying call that mid-life is exactly that – the middle and not the end.
Break the Chains
In your memoir Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go, readers will find a deeply personal and emotional account of how divorce and personal loss have affected your life. What motivated you to share your story with the world?
I believe we experience loss and other pain in life in order to heal and then help others. We aren’t supposed to keep it for ourselves. I know there are many people suffering the pain of emotional abandonment, grief, and trauma, and I have found healing and a solution that not only sets me free but gives my life purpose. I’m compelled to share this healing with others. It’s as simple as that…something inside pushes me to help others.
I greatly appreciate the candid and transparent nature of the story you have shared. Would you be able to shed some light on the most arduous aspect of the writing process?
Personally, rewriting Chapter 1, “The Catalyst,” about my brother’s overdose, our childhood memories (some pleasant, others, not so much), my anger about his addiction and death, and eventually how his death set me free, was very difficult. I would find myself in disbelief that I was crying, again. It was also challenging to see the truth of my story. Seeing the reality of some painful events, in black and white, was emotionally draining. In general, I didn’t find the writing process arduous. It was a period of divine inspiration and came quite naturally to me. The hardest part was deciding which parts to keep and which parts to toss. I felt much of what was removed was important, but I had to make very honest decisions about if it added or detracted from the main message and the power of the book. It was a humbling process.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger that could have helped you deal with personal loss and grow from these challenges?
You are good, worthy, and loved no matter what. Know that other people’s actions and behaviors are not about you, and you are not responsible for anyone else’s happiness.
I understand that your story is important to you and you want your readers to connect with it. Can you please help me understand what message you want your readers to take away from your story?
Healing your personal pain holds the power to heal the collective. It’s the only power we truly have. Finding comfort in all of your emotions by healing your grief and trauma, building an unshakable foundation of self-worth and self-love, and trusting yourself to show up for yourself in good times and “bad” creates an open heart of unconditional love and compassion, for yourself and others. It’s time to break the chains of generational family dysfunction, address your pain, and do the work to heal. Your life, and the lives of others, depend on it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Everyone leaves you or hurts you. This false myth of generational family dysfunction, compounded through trauma, appeared frighteningly true to Amanda the moment her brother overdosed and died. Devastated, she shined up the emotional armor she wore to protect herself from pain and soldiered on. But a decade of self-reflection and personal growth in 12-step recovery could not save her from herself. Attempting to destroy everything around her, including her troubled marriage, she experienced a spiritual awakening that radically transformed deeply engrained lies about love, loss, and connection. Lies she didn’t even know she believed.
Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go is a pragmatic yet soulful inspirational memoir delivering uncompromising self-love that heals deep wounds. Amanda’s revealing, thought-provoking narrative will guide you to find comfort in your emotions and meaning in your suffering, while organically bridging an inseverable, trustworthy connection with self, others, and the universe.
In Search of Mr. Darcy
In her memoir, In Search of Mr. Darcy, Christina Ford presents an intimate exploration of her life’s journey. Inspired in her youth by Jane Austen’s iconic character, Mr. Darcy, Ford embarks on a quest paralleling Austen’s narrative, weaving her aspirations and experiences into a compelling tale. This book is not just a chronicle of romantic endeavors but also a tapestry of life lessons gleaned from various encounters.
Ford’s narrative takes the reader through her adolescence and adulthood, highlighting her relationships, professional life, and friendships. She offers a candid and honest reflection on these experiences, including her trials in love, the complexities of marriage, and the eventual path to divorce. Her story is punctuated by poignant anecdotes illustrating her growth and resilience, especially as a single mother raising two daughters.
The book shines a light on the essence of personal evolution, emphasizing that time is a crucial element in shaping one’s character. Ford’s experiences, particularly her approach to aging and her willingness to embrace change, impart valuable insights. Her perspectives on trusting one’s instincts and the importance of self-renewal resonate deeply. Ford’s directness and frankness lend a unique authenticity to her narrative, making it particularly engaging. Her life, characterized by unexpected turns and a willingness to follow her heart, serves as an inspiration for living fully and embracing each moment.
In Search of Mr. Darcy appeals to a wide audience, offering wisdom for women of all ages and walks of life. Ford’s journey, while deeply personal, taps into universal themes of self-discovery and empowerment. Her story encourages readers to confront challenges and nurture their best selves, making it a valuable addition to the genre of personal memoirs.
Pages: 312 | ISBN : 1837730024
LITERARY TITAN 