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Be Deeply Honest with Yourself
Embracing the Unknown is the candid and deeply moving story of a woman’s journey through heartbreak, grief, and self-discovery as she rebuilds a life aligned with her truest self after the death of her husband. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Any book I have ever written has been for my own healing. Writing is a way for me to deeply process and honor whatever has happened in my life – good and bad.
How did your perspective on grief and healing evolve as you wrote the book?
That perspective is an ongoing exploration and so much has continued to unfold. I can’t specifically comment on the approximately ten-month period when I wrote the book.
Was there a particular moment in the writing process that felt especially cathartic or challenging?
There was a poem I wrote about my husband’s death that was really raw and brought up a lot for me. I had initially planned to include it but eventually decided to keep it private. I reveal a lot in this book, but some things aren’t meant to be shared.
What advice would you give to someone afraid of stepping into the “unknown” in their own life?
Be deeply honest with yourself about where you are in your life and trust your heart.
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READERS’ FAVORITE FIVE-STAR SEAL RECIPIENT
This book is the tale of two selves.
We have two identities. One is the individual person who is born, lives and dies. We are also something greater. We are an Aware, Conscious Presence that is the source of true Intelligence and Creativity and is What We Truly Are. These two selves are seamlessly interconnected, yet only our True Self is ultimately real and ultimately lasts.Some of us are content with only knowing and living from our limited personal story, but others of us are drawn to more deeply know this greater dimension of our identity. This is the story of one separate self with a powerful longing to know the Truth and what happens when Truth is put as the primary desire—because when Truth becomes the primary desire, the game changes.
If you like strong women, transparent stories of endurance and spiritual awakening, then you’ll love Julie Maurer’s liberating tale of resilience and discovery.
Embracing the Unknown
Embracing the Unknown is the deeply personal story of one woman’s journey through heartbreak, loss, and a transformative year of growth. After her husband’s sudden death, Julie finds herself navigating grief and uncertainty while seeking something more profound—connection with her True Self. Her narrative moves through personal revelations, spiritual insights, and hard-fought moments of healing as she rebuilds a life that feels aligned with her innermost truth.
This book is raw and tender in ways I didn’t expect. Julie invites you to live in her world. One part that stuck with me was when she described standing at her bedroom window, ready to surrender her life to the unknown, only for everything to unravel weeks later. It felt haunting and almost fateful, the kind of moment that lingers with you. Her writing is straightforward, but the emotions beneath her words hit like a tidal wave. It’s a book that made me pause, not to intellectualize, but to feel.
What I loved most was how Julie didn’t shy away from the messy parts of grief or her marriage. Her honesty about the emotional disconnect she felt with her husband and her relief at being “free” was startling, but it felt refreshingly human. Julie’s willingness to examine her own flaws and her husband’s struggles gave the book a balanced and empathetic perspective. I couldn’t help but feel admiration for her courage to put it all out there.
By the end of the book, I felt like I had taken this journey with her. Her gradual embrace of life’s uncertainty, her commitment to personal growth, and the way she finally let go of old baggage were as uplifting as they were heart-wrenching. The conclusion felt like a warm, encouraging nod to anyone else standing on the precipice of change.
If you’re someone who has been through significant loss, or if you’re feeling stuck and searching for deeper meaning, this book might just be for you. It’s not a breezy read—it’s one of those books that makes you sit with your feelings and ask yourself some tough questions. But if you’re up for that, Julie’s story offers hope and a gentle reminder that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Sometimes, the unknown isn’t the end of the road; it’s the beginning.
Pages: 159 | ASIN: B08GYJMF2N
Creating My Vision
Ichi-ban Goes Hiking follows an adventurous pup and her mommy as they explore mountain trails, celebrating the joy of nature and discovery, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and her family. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Ichi-ban was my first dog (1996-2010) and we shared many adventures hiking together in Colorado. She continues to live in my heart and one morning in the winter of 2024, as I was sitting quietly after breakfast, she started speaking in my head. “Hi! My name is Ichi-ban! I know, it’s a funny name…” I grabbed a notebook and kept on writing and in less than thirty minutes I had the first draft of Ichi-ban Goes Hiking.
Within a few days, I found myself with the drafts for three books and it was just a matter creating my vision for them and then slowly bringing them to fruition. I feel like these books are the perfect coming together of my love of dogs, kids, nature, writing, and graphic design.
How do your own outdoor adventures influence the book’s storytelling?
Everything that I write about in the book actually happened, although sometimes simplified a bit to be suitable for a children’s book.
What message do you hope young readers take away from Ichi-ban’s journey?
The outdoors, and life, are a fun adventure. Sure, you might make some mistakes from time to time as you learn, but that’s okay and part of growing up. You can still go on to have more fun.
Do you have plans for more adventures featuring Ichi-ban in the future?
There are three books out now and, at the moment, Ichi-ban’s adventures feel complete.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
READERS’ FAVORITE 5-STAR SEAL RECIPIENT
Life lessons all wrapped up in a fun and furry package!
Join Ichi-ban as she shares about her adventures hiking in the Colorado Rocky Mountains while growing from a puppy into a big, strong hiking dog. Her name means “number one best” and she and her human mommy are each other’s number one best hiking buddies.
Kids will love Ichi-ban’s relatable and enthusiastic personality as they follow her adventures, learning life lessons and exploring the world along the way. At the end of the day, Ichi-ban gets a bath, eats dinner and curls up in her cozy bed ready for dreams, just like her reading companions.
Beautifully illustrated and told from Ichi-ban’s perspective, this story will engage animal and nature-loving children of all ages. And every adventure is inspired by actual events!
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Ichi-ban Goes Hiking
What’s better than enjoying the great outdoors with loved ones? For Ichi-ban the dog, nothing comes close! From snowy peaks to sunlit trails, Ichi-ban Goes Hiking by Julie Maurer invites readers to join this lovable pup and her mommy on a delightful journey through the mountains, brimming with adventure and discovery.
This charming children’s book captures the spirit of exploration through Ichi-ban’s cheerful eyes. The name “Ichi-ban” means “the best” in Japanese, and it suits her perfectly. Told from the perspective of the fluffy, upbeat dog, the story pulls you in from the first page, making you feel like part of their outdoor escapades. The warm narration and playful tone are as inviting as the breathtaking landscapes. The book also emphasizes a deep respect for nature.
Ichi-ban’s optimistic outlook shines through even in moments that could have been scary. She turns every step of the journey into a chance for joy and wonder, creating a narrative that feels both exciting and reassuring. The bond between Ichi-ban and her human parents is another standout. Their love is pure and inspiring, a testament to the special connection between animals and their families. Paired with stunning illustrations of the mountains, majestic and vibrant, it’s easy to lose yourself in the beauty of their world. The landscapes brought back memories of my own outdoor adventures, making the book feel even more personal.
Ichi-ban Goes Hiking is a delightful tale that is a must-read for dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Perfect for readers of all ages, it’s an ideal choice for family story time or solo exploration into Ichi-ban’s world. Packed with warmth, adventure, and heart, this book will leave you ready to lace up your hiking boots and head for the trails. Ichi-ban will be waiting!
Pages: 47 | ISBN: 1734681365
LITERARY TITAN 