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Starting Over Is Possible
A Place Called Home invites readers on a deeply personal journey through heartbreak, resilience, and reinvention, tracing your transition from a painful divorce to establishing a unique, welcoming household that becomes a refuge for strangers and a sanctuary for yourself and your daughter. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book had been living inside me for a long time. The experience of creating a new home and family out of a challenging time stayed with me, and I always had a feeling it might help someone else. After my divorce, I didn’t know how I was going to manage—financially or emotionally. But with faith, creativity, and support from others, I found a way forward. Writing A Place Called Home gave me the chance to reflect on that time and hopefully encourage someone else who might be wondering, “How can I do this?” I may not have all the answers, but I hope my story sparks ideas or comfort for someone who needs it.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
More than anything, I wanted to share the feeling of community and the power of opening your heart and home to others. The people who came to live with us were going through transitions of their own. Somehow, in supporting each other, we all found a bit of healing. I wanted to show that even if your family looks different than you expected, it can still be full of trust, love, and faith. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Sometimes, the act of taking a step—of saying yes—can lead to beautiful things.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging part was simply finding the confidence to begin. I’ve always loved the idea of writing a book, but I wasn’t sure I could do it. Thankfully, my daughter encouraged me to try a writing program, and that helped me learn the basics and find a supportive community. From there, the memories just started to flow. The most rewarding part was seeing my thoughts and feelings take shape on the page—especially when I’d read something back and think, “Yes, that’s exactly how it felt.” That was a wonderful feeling.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope they come away with a sense of hope. Life has a way of surprising us, especially during times of transition. It’s not always easy, but starting over is possible—and sometimes it leads to something even better than you imagined. I also hope readers feel inspired to advocate for themselves, to reach out, and to trust that the right people and opportunities can show up when you make space for them.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
When her twenty-year marriage ends, Sharon prays for a way to provide a stable, loving home for herself and her daughter. And it seems like her prayer is answered when she finds the perfect house: old but grand and close to her daughter’s school. There’s just one problem: with a limited income, the only way to afford it would be to share the expenses. But she doesn’t know anyone looking to share a house, and she can’t simply invite perfect strangers to live with her and her daughter. Or can she?
Gathering together an unlikely cast of real-life characters-including a former vaudeville entertainer, one woman facing a life-threatening illness, and a middle-aged teacher with a penchant for Dove Bars, pedicures, and whirlwind cross-country excursions-Sharon strives to turn a group of strangers into a new family. But can they overcome the demons that have torn each of their lives apart?
Join Sharon and her family in this heartwarming memoir about faith, friendship, and a place to call home.
A Place Called Home: A Memoir
In A Place Called Home, Sharon Grace Smith invites readers into a deeply personal journey through heartbreak, resilience, and reinvention. The memoir traces her transition from a painful divorce to establishing a unique, welcoming household that became a refuge for strangers and a sanctuary for herself and her daughter. Set in a charming but neglected old house in the Pacific Northwest, Smith takes a leap of faith, transforming it into a community-centered home that heals and uplifts. Through letters, storytelling, and candid reflection, she unfolds a narrative of risk, reception, and rejoicing—the three parts that shape her compelling life pivot.
Smith’s voice is warm and grounded. Her writing doesn’t hide behind pretension. Instead, it welcomes you in, like a friend with a cup of tea and a cozy chair. The scene where she first lays eyes on the big old house—watching a young man mow the lawn, uncertain but intrigued—felt like the beginning of something magical, though rooted in the grit of real life. I could feel her anxiety and hope intertwine as she considered if this could be “the place” after losing her home and marriage. She doesn’t dramatize. She tells the truth in a way that aches.
One of the most powerful themes in the book is community—how it can be built from scratch, from strangers, even from chaos. When Smith writes about interviewing boarders, I held my breath. This could’ve gone so wrong. But the people who arrive—Eva, Margaret, Jacob, even Jack Daniels are layered, quirky, and full of surprise. Jacob, a logger down on his luck, becomes a kind of handyman guardian, removing forty wheelbarrows of dirt from the basement and lovingly maintaining the old riding lawnmower. These aren’t perfect people. They come with baggage. But Sharon doesn’t ask for perfection. She offers space, and something beautiful grows in return.
What I appreciated most was how the book carries spiritual undertones without preaching. There’s a gentleness in how Smith talks about prayer, intuition, and the presence of angels. It’s not religious—it’s heartfelt. You can feel her trembling hope as she whispers affirmations to herself at night, reminding herself, “I am not alone. I am worthy. I can do this.” It’s not always dramatic. It’s quiet. It’s real. That honesty, that vulnerability, is what made me tear up more than once. Especially when she lets us into her fears—not just of being alone, but of being responsible for everything, again.
A Place Called Home is a memoir for anyone who’s ever lost something big and had to rebuild. It’s for people who believe in second chances, even if they’re scared to take the first step. If you love stories that are tender, thoughtful, and infused with quiet bravery, this book is a must-read. It reminds you that home isn’t a structure. It’s the people, the effort, and the courage to open the door and let the light in.
Pages: 152 | ASIN : B0BC6VW59D
BLINDSIGHTED: A Journey of Identity, Faith, and Healing
Blindsighted, by Rich Christiansen, transforms the simple curiosity of DNA testing into a profound exploration of lineage and faith. Christiansen embarks on a deep dive into his family’s history, beginning with his immigrant grandparents, and along the way, he redefines his understanding of what family truly means. The journey he takes readers on is rich with intimate details, tracing his legacy and how it shaped him. What he discovers through his DNA test results, however, is far from what he expected.
This story is masterfully crafted. Christiansen’s writing is precise, with every heartfelt word carefully placed to deliver a deeply engaging reading experience. The book is free from unnecessary details, maintaining a clear and focused narrative that comes together beautifully. It’s an eloquent work that spans multiple generations, weaving together engaging stories that will resonate with many readers. Christiansen’s talent for distilling vast amounts of research into a compelling and comprehensive narrative is particularly impressive. One standout section is the story of his father, John Christiansen, whose life is portrayed with rich and fascinating detail. The author’s passion is evident as he recounts his father’s remarkable journey, overcoming blindness to become Beaver County’s Attorney. This segment of the book is especially inspiring and showcases the depth of Christiansen’s connection to his family’s legacy.
Blindsighted is a remarkable journey through the complexities of family history and identity. Rich Christiansen’s ability to blend personal stories with broader themes of faith and lineage makes this book both deeply personal and universally relatable. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of genealogy, personal discovery, and the enduring impact of family legacies. Whether you’re drawn to stories of overcoming adversity or simply appreciate a well-crafted narrative, Blindsighted is a book that will leave a lasting impression.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0D9R7SS9B
Control is an Illusion
In Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey, A Daughter’s Pain., you share some of the most challenging aspects of your mother-daughter relationship and the fears and traumas that preceded your amazing healing journey. What inspired you to share your story with readers?
Melanie- I wanted to help other moms avoid the mistakes I made because of fear. I also wanted to help the moms who already made those mistakes make efforts toward repairing the damage. I knew that if I shared my experience, it would only be half of the story. That’s when I asked Amanda to write the book with me. She of course said yes.
Amanda- My mom approached me with the idea and felt like the work we had done to heal ourselves and our relationship could be beneficial for others to find freedom in their own stories. We had multiple people make comments on our relationship and how they wished they had the type of connection with their mom or daughter as we did. I have always wanted to write a book and loved the idea and said yes without hesitation.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you both told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Melanie- Chapter 6 titled Rootbound was the hardest for me. I share some heart-wrenching awakenings and losses in that chapter.
Amanda- I think the depth of vulnerability we get into throughout the book felt very scary to share with the world. You can’t take those things back once it’s out there. I was very aware of the potential backlash that may come with sharing various traumatic life experiences in such a candid way.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
Melanie- I wish someone would have told me about control being an illusion and taught me how to have boundaries instead.
Amanda- I wish someone had told me to take the pressure off myself and helped me understand how to do that.
What is one thing you hope readers are able to take away from your experience?
Melanie- I want the reader to know they are not alone. I hope they can take away a little bit of bravery to face the unaddressed parts of their story.
Amanda- I hope they can connect to it and find themselves in our story. And for those that do connect to it, I hope that it brings a sense of feeling seen and that they are not alone in this journey, and that restoration in parent/child relationships is possible.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Synopsis:
In “Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey. A Daughter’s Pain,” we share the poignant story of a mother and daughter who courageously embarked on a path to healing. This book is not a how-to guide for achieving a perfect relationship; it’s a testament to the power of love and healing, offering hope to those seeking reconciliation and true connection within their own families.
What to Expect:
A Sense of Wholeness: Find solace in knowing you are not alone in facing the myriad of challenges that can arise within family life. Our experiences may mirror your own, and our shared journey will make you feel seen and understood.
An Inside Peek into Our Healing Journey: We offer you an intimate look at our healing process, both together and separately. Filled with photos, tips, and resources, our story will inspire and guide you on your own path to understanding and growth.
A New Perspective: Discover not only new insights into your family’s history but also the potential for transformation in your future. Witness the power of love, healing, and reconciliation that brought us together and see how it can happen for you too, with dedication and effort.
Beliefs and Topics Covered:
Breaking the Chains of Control: Our family was shaped by a parenting style rooted in fear and control, and we explore how it affected us and our relationships.
Navigating Faith and Family: Our beliefs influenced our family dynamics and life views. We share how faith played a role in our healing process and how the systems of religion gave fear a highway.
Conquering Shame and Pain: Delve into the emotional challenges we confronted, how we worked through them, and how healing is an ongoing journey.
Our journey was never easy, but we believe that healing and reconciliation are within reach for everyone. “Rootbound” is an invitation to join us and find inspiration and encouragement, wherever you may be in your life. Pick up your copy today and let our story inspire you to embrace growth, love, and connection. Click the buy now button and start your healing journey!
Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey, A Daughter’s Pain.
Rootbound: A Mother’s Journey, A Daughter’s Pain., by Amanda and Melanie Huggard, is a deeply moving memoir that chronicles the healing journey of a mother-daughter duo. Melanie, a controlling and overbearing mother, fostered a codependent relationship with her daughter, Amanda. As Amanda navigates a divorce, she commits to healing herself, unlearning her codependent behaviors, and building healthier relationships with her parents, especially her mother. Melanie, fully aware of how her attempts to protect her children led to negative consequences, acknowledges her fears and traumas. While they cannot change the past, Melanie and Amanda are dedicated to working on the present to create a better future.
The book is beautifully written, with both Amanda and Melanie taking turns as they share their perspectives. This dual narrative provides readers with an objective view, emphasizing that there are no villains in their story—just hurt individuals striving to overcome their demons and improve their lives and relationships. This balanced approach helps readers empathize with both mother and daughter, highlighting their humanity and resilience.
Rootbound is a truly touching story about the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship. It takes immense courage and determination to acknowledge when something is wrong and to face it head-on. Melanie and Amanda approach their struggles, hurts, and traumas with honesty, reflecting on the significant work they have already done on themselves and their relationship. Their openness is both inspiring and heartwarming, demonstrating the power of vulnerability in healing.
Several moments in the book stand out for their raw emotion and honesty. Coming from a psychology background, I was particularly struck by their willingness to share such personal stories. The two share life-altering moments and revelations no parent wants to admit and no child wants to hear. Another poignant moment is found in a letter Melanie writes to Amanda expressing regret for the past but promising to work on these issues for the sake of their relationship.
Rootbound underscores that there is no formula for personal growth or relationship repair. Our traits, attachment styles, and fears often originate within the family unit, and recognizing that what we were taught may no longer serve us is a courageous step. By working on these issues instead of ignoring them, we can improve not only our own lives but also those of our loved ones and future generations. I commend Melanie and Amanda for their honesty and for inspiring others on their healing journeys. Their story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of love and dedication.
Pages: 197 | ASIN : B0CHW26NLP
LITERARY TITAN 