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The Courage to Begin Again: Resilience, Courage, and Reinvention
The Courage to Begin Again: Stories of Resilience, Courage, and Reinvention is an anthology of deeply personal stories from women who moved to Mexico and rebuilt their lives in unexpected ways. Each chapter explores a different perspective on starting over: the shock of cultural change, the struggle of loneliness, the bittersweet weight of leaving old lives behind, and the surprising joy of discovering new strengths. The voices range from lighthearted accounts of food and music to raw admissions of fear, loss, and self-doubt. What holds it all together is a theme of reinvention and resilience, showing that change, while often painful, can also be liberating.
Reading it, I found myself caught between admiration and empathy. The writing isn’t flowery or overly polished, which actually works in its favor. It feels honest. The women share their failures and embarrassments with as much detail as their triumphs, and that kind of vulnerability is hard to look away from. At times, I felt like I was eavesdropping on a conversation, with all the warmth and awkward pauses included. Some stories hit me hard, especially the parts about loneliness and feeling invisible in a crowd. I could almost feel the ache in my own chest. Other sections lifted me, like the small wins like finding a supportive friend, learning enough Spanish to laugh at a joke, or sitting at a long lunch surrounded by a new community.
What surprised me most was how much energy these women poured into reshaping themselves. Some leaned into self-care and spirituality, while others threw themselves into work, art, or friendship. At times, I thought the pacing of certain stories slowed as it circled the same lessons. But then again, maybe that’s the point. Starting over is messy. It’s not a neat arc, and this book doesn’t try to make it one. I respected that choice. By the time I reached the final pages, I felt a mix of exhaustion and inspiration, like I had traveled alongside them through the highs and lows.
I’d recommend The Courage to Begin Again: Stories of Resilience, Courage, and Reinvention to anyone standing at a crossroads, whether they’re moving countries or just moving into a new stage of life. It’s especially powerful for women who’ve had to leave something behind, be it a career, a home, or even a version of themselves.
Pages: 144 | ASIN : B0F7YM8QPL
Sparent
Jyl CJ Barlow’s Sparent is a raw, heartfelt, and often hilarious dive into the messy, beautiful, and sometimes maddening world of step-parenting. Through a series of personal essays, Barlow recounts her experiences navigating blended family life, sometimes thriving and sometimes barely surviving. She shares the joys, the heartbreaks, the frustrations, and the small victories that come with being a “Sparent” (a spare parent). It’s a book full of love, vulnerability, and biting humor, making it a refreshingly honest take on modern family dynamics.
One of the things I loved most about Sparent was its unfiltered honesty. Barlow doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She talks openly about feeling like the “extra” parent, the one easily dismissed or overlooked. In the prologue, she bluntly states, “I am the Sparent. I am the extra parent that no child wants in their life.” That kind of truth hits hard, and throughout the book, she explores what it means to claim a space in a child’s life when biology isn’t on your side. There’s an emotional depth here that sneaks up on you. One moment, you’re laughing at her struggles with a moody teenager; the next, you’re tearing up as she describes the quiet heartbreak of waiting to be seen and valued.
Another standout aspect of the book is Barlow’s humor. She has this incredible way of turning even the most frustrating situations into laugh-out-loud moments. In “Summer Camp”, she perfectly captures the exhaustion of dealing with a teenage boy, lamenting how her once-snuggly sidekick has morphed into a surly, towering, hormonally-charged force of nature. “I love this boy. I will hunt you down if you hurt him. But good grief, how am I going to survive five more years of this?” That’s the magic of her writing, as she makes the chaos of parenting feel so relatable, even if you’re not a stepparent. If you’ve ever dealt with a teenager, you’ll recognize yourself in these pages.
But the book isn’t just humor, it’s also deeply introspective. In “Letting Her Fail,” Barlow recounts the agonizing decision to let her stepdaughter, Amelia, face the consequences of her own choices instead of swooping in to fix everything. She writes, “We have to let her fail,” Rich repeated. This was torture. The struggle of stepping back, of allowing a child to stumble so they can learn, is one of the most challenging parts of parenting. Barlow’s willingness to admit her doubts, fears, and occasional missteps makes her story all the more powerful.
Sparent is more than just a book about step-parenting; instead, it’s a book about love in all its complicated, imperfect glory. It’s about showing up, even when you’re not sure you’re wanted. It’s about finding joy in the chaos and laughing when you’d rather cry. It’s about realizing that love isn’t about biology; it’s about presence, patience, and persistence. If you’re a step-parent, you’ll feel seen. If you’re a parent, you’ll nod along. If you’re someone who loves a complicated, heartfelt story with plenty of humor, this one’s for you.
Pages: 128 | ASIN : B0DTVSJPLQ
Mommy and Me Micro-Moments: 5-minute Devotions for Moms & Kids
Mommy & Me Micro-Moments is a collection of 35 quick, interactive devotionals designed for busy moms to share with their children. Each devotional takes just about five minutes, offering a chance to bond while reflecting on faith, love, and gratitude. The book is divided into four themes: Silly Moments, Crayon Moments, Ask Me Moments, and Tender Moments, with simple activities that include prayers, Bible verses, and fun exercises aimed at fostering deeper connections between mother and child.
What I loved most about this book is how accessible it is. Kemper knows that moms have packed schedules, and I could tell she really gets what it’s like to try and carve out quality time with kids amid the daily chaos. The activities, like “1, 2, 3 Guess With Me,” where you make goofy guesses with your child (who will likely burst out laughing when you throw in unexpected words like “monkey”), are easy to jump into. It’s not the kind of devotional that feels intimidating or too serious, which makes it approachable even on days when you’re feeling frazzled.
Another thing that stood out to me was how the book balances fun with faith. The “Crayon Moments” activities, like drawing outlines of your hands together and talking about how God holds us in His, felt really meaningful. One of my favorites was “In the Palm of My Hand,” where I traced my hand and my child’s hand, symbolizing how much they grow and how God’s love grows with them. It’s the kind of activity that you can look back on, and it gives you a tangible memory to keep. Kemper makes sure that while you’re having fun, you’re also sneaking in those sweet spiritual lessons.
I have to mention the prayers for moms tucked at the end of each day’s devotional. These little silent prayers felt like a personal lifeline. In “Silent Prayer of Gratitude,” for instance, the honesty about the frustrations of parenting hit home. She reminds us that even those little moments of chaos are seen by God, and that perspective was a relief on the tough days.
Mommy & Me Micro-Moments is perfect for moms who want to grow closer to their kids and their faith without needing an hour or two each day. If you’re a mom with young children and you’re looking for a light, fun way to connect with your child while sprinkling in some spirituality, this book is a gem.
Pages: 137 | ASIN : B0D4RZMSXB
Deep and Lasting Connections
Willie Lost, But Not Really, follows a young girl from Maine who discovers a newborn harbor seal pup, and together, they learn about kindness and friendship. What inspired your story?
The inspiration for my story Willie, Lost But Not Really Comes from two main sources. First and foremost, it was inspired by my granddaughter, Alora, who has shown me a new and bright perspective on the world around me, especially a renewed appreciation for nature. Additionally, my deep-rooted connection to Maine, where I grew up on Peaks Island in Casco Bay, plays a significant role.
After spending eight years in the Southwest for school and staying on after graduating from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, I returned to Maine and reconnected with my roots as an artist and sculptor. I began creating sculptures of harbor seals, merging them with ceramic and driftwood, and during this process, I educated people on the nuances of harbor seal behavior, particularly about when a seal appears stranded but is simply following nature’s course. These experiences with my granddaughter and my artistic endeavors in Maine inspired the creation of Willie’s story, blending my love for Maine, Harbor seals, and the insights from my granddaughter.
I found Alora to be a fascinating character. What was your inspiration for this character?
The inspiration for my character Alora comes from the beautiful spirit and fresh view of the world seen through the eyes of an eight-year-old. My granddaughter Alora, is a uniquely, insightful, intuitive, and imaginative child, very special and deeply in touch with nature. Alora’s sensitivity extends to her interactions with the environment, for example, she asks permission from a tree before taking anything from its base for our artwork. Spending time with her has opened my eyes to a very pure and appreciative way of viewing the world, which I aim to capture and share through my storytelling.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
One of the most special parts of the story is when Willie, now a mature harbor seal, returns to the harbor to find Alora. In this scene, they are together in the water, with me describing Alora as being up to her chest in the water, face to face with Willie. This reunion is deeply significant because it stems from the respect and kindness Alora showed Willie when he was just a pup. The illustration captures them almost nose to nose, bonding once again. It is a powerful depiction of their enduring relationship highlighting the theme that kindness to nature fosters deep and lasting connections. This scene where they meet again, matured and bonded by past kindness, really encapsulates the essence of the story.
Can you tell us about the next book in the series and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
I am currently working on a new series alongside continuing the Nana Dee and Ari series. This new project is called 12 Months of Harmony It is a collection of twelve interrelated volumes intended for young readers and adults alike. The first 3 months are currently available on Amazon: Grazie’s Peace Pasture, Lady of the Ferns, and Toby Rose.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
This beautiful tale intertwines a journey of discovery and the profound connections between life and the natural world, highlighting the impact of empathy and the essence of community where every being has its place.
Join Willie and Alora in a transformative journey that celebrates the wonders of nature and the bonds of friendship.
Willie Lost, But Not Really
Willie Lost, But Not Really by Deborah Tonken is a charming children’s book that explores the natural world and the harmony between species within it. The story follows young Alora, a nature-loving girl from Maine, who discovers a newborn harbor seal pup by the sea and names him Willie, inspired by William Corbett, a historic lighthouse keeper and coastal guard.
Alora’s deep appreciation for nature is evident as she watches over Willie from a safe distance, ensuring his mother returns to him safely. This act of kindness and wisdom highlights Alora’s maturity beyond her years, as she understands the importance of not interfering with wildlife. Tonken’s storytelling is both quirky and sweet, capturing the essence of a child’s connection with nature. Alora’s cleverness and knowledge of the natural world are commendable, making her a relatable and inspiring character for young readers.
The narrative, dedicated to the author’s granddaughter, adds a personal and heartwarming touch, emphasizing the strong bond that develops between Alora and Willie. Through Alora’s perspective, readers learn interesting facts about harbor seal pups and the importance of maintaining a respectful distance from wild animals. The story concludes with Willie safely reuniting with his mother and eventually growing into a strong, happy seal. The book’s illustrations are visually stunning, using vibrant colors and intricate details to bring the natural world to life. These illustrations vividly depict the sea, animals, and landscapes, enhancing the story’s appeal and helping children appreciate the beauty of nature.
Willie Lost, But Not Really is an engaging way to teach young children about the importance of preserving nature and its elements. The book encourages a sense of curiosity and respect for the environment, making it an excellent resource for fostering an early love of the natural world in children.
Pages: 41 | ASIN : B0D2B128TK
Drawing Data with Kids
Drawing Data with Kids is an engaging and informative book that cleverly introduces children to the world of data visualization. Through the charming narrative of Pariza and her data-nerd father, Abbu, readers are taken on a journey where everyday moments are transformed into opportunities to learn about data, graphs, and visual storytelling. The book’s unique blend of storytelling, practical examples, and interactive exercises makes it a fantastic resource for parents, educators, and anyone interested in making data literacy accessible and fun for kids.
One of the most delightful aspects of the book is its storytelling approach. Khan weaves educational content seamlessly into the adventures of Pariza and her family. For example, in the chapter titled “The Snore Graph,” Pariza’s curiosity about her father’s snoring leads to the creation of a line graph. This not only makes the concept of line graphs relatable but also demonstrates how data can be found in everyday life. The stories are both entertaining and educational, capturing the attention of young readers and making complex ideas simple to understand.
The writing is both friendly and engaging, striking the right balance between education and entertainment. Khan’s explanations are clear and concise, making it easy for children to grasp new concepts. The “Time Out” sections provide additional insights and details, helping to reinforce the lessons learned in the stories. For instance, the “Monday Blues” chapter introduces bar graphs using the number of letters in the days of the week, turning a mundane topic into an exciting data exploration.
Another thing I liked about this book is its interactive nature. Each chapter concludes with a “Your Turn to Play” section, encouraging children to apply what they’ve learned through hands-on activities. These exercises are thoughtfully designed to be both fun and educational, ensuring that the lessons stick. For example, children are prompted to create a pie chart using their own data after learning about pie charts in the “Snakes & Ladders” chapter.
Drawing Data with Kids is a wonderful resource for parents and educators looking to introduce children to the world of data visualization in a fun and engaging way. The book’s blend of storytelling, practical examples, and interactive exercises makes it an excellent tool for fostering a love of learning and data literacy.
Pages: 126 | ASIN : B0C66JJ48M
LITERARY TITAN 