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Happiness Isn’t a Destination
I Just Want to Be Happy is a Self-Help guide that offers readers practical, fun & relatable strategies to boost mental well-being based on the latest information in neuroscience. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wrote I Just Want to Be Happy because as a psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how many people struggle with the belief that happiness is always just out of reach—something they’ll achieve once they get the promotion, find the right relationship, or check off the next big goal. But the truth is, happiness isn’t a destination; it’s something we can cultivate, notice and experience right now.
Most self-help books are not based on any research or evidence at all, so it felt very important to create something that bridged the gap between science and everyday life in a practical and hopefully engaging way.
This book isn’t about vague positivity or unrealistic promises, it’s about real, actionable strategies that anyone can use to shift their mindset, build resilience, and start feeling happier right away. Most importantly, I wanted to create something doable—because improving our mental well-being shouldn’t feel like another overwhelming task on a never-ending to-do list.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the biggest ideas in I Just Want to Be Happy is that happiness isn’t something we passively wait for—it’s something we create through small, intentional choices. Many people believe they’ll be happy when certain external conditions are met, but research shows that our habits, thoughts, and daily actions have a much greater impact on our well-being than we realize.
I also wanted to challenge some common misconceptions about happiness. For example, a lot of people think they have to eliminate all negative emotions to be happy, but that’s simply not true. Happiness and struggle can coexist, and learning how to navigate challenges with resilience and self-compassion is a crucial part of emotional well-being.
Another key idea is that happiness isn’t just a mindset—it’s a whole-body experience influenced by neuroscience. Our brains are wired to focus on threats and negativity, but we can train ourselves to shift our attention and build mental habits that support a more positive, fulfilling life. That’s why I included simple, science-backed strategies that help readers rewire their thinking patterns in a way that feels natural and doable.
Finally, I wanted to make sure this book was practical. The strategies in the book are designed to be fun, flexible, and easy to incorporate into everyday life, so readers can start seeing real changes without feeling like they have to overhaul everything at once. Each chapter is a standalone so that a reader can just pick the book up and start reading wherever they are drawn to at that point in time. Each chapter is divided into action steps of varying levels of difficulty so that wherever you find yourself on a given day in terms of your mood or your motivation, there will be something there for you to incorporate into your day to begin to feel better.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
Writing I Just Want to Be Happy was a blend of years of professional experience, deep research, and a passion for making science-backed strategies accessible. I’ve spent my career studying and applying concepts from neuroscience, positive psychology, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), so in many ways, this book is a culmination of knowledge I’ve been gathering for a long time.
For this book specifically, I dove into the latest research on happiness, mindset shifts, and mental well-being—pulling from studies in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral science. I wanted to make sure that everything I shared was not only backed by evidence but also practical and relatable for everyday life.
As for how long it took, from the initial idea to a finished manuscript, the process spanned several years. Writing, refining, and making sure the book was engaging and actionable took time, but I wanted to create something that felt both research-based and easy to apply—so readers wouldn’t just learn about happiness but actually start experiencing more of it.
What is one thing you hope that readers take away from I Just Want to Be Happy?
If there’s one thing I hope readers take away from I Just Want to Be Happy, it’s that happiness isn’t something you have to wait for—it’s something you can start cultivating right now, exactly where you are. You don’t need a perfect life, a perfect mindset, or perfect circumstances to feel happier. Small shifts in how you think, what you focus on, and how you show up for yourself each day can make a real difference.
I want readers to feel empowered, knowing that they have more control over their happiness than they might have believed. It’s not about chasing some future moment when everything falls into place, it’s about learning how to create joy, meaning, and fulfillment in the present, no matter what challenges life throws your way.
Author Links: Facebook
Organized into a series of engaging, standalone chapters, psychologist Dr. Heidi McKenzie provides a range of techniques suitable for beginning, intermediate, and advanced happiness seekers. Whether it is practicing gratitude, incorporating mindfulness, or fostering social connections, you’ll find immediately actionable steps tailored to your needs. Embrace these science-backed methods to cultivate more joy, reduce stress, and create a life filled with more of what you love and less of what you don’t. Your journey to more happiness starts here.
When I Surrender
Taboo is an anthology that shatters societal silences, offering personal, empowering stories about resilience and the unspoken truths of human experience. What inspired you to curate such a diverse range of stories, and how did you decide which topics to include?
I shared a bit about how the book project came into being in my chapter. My daughter (8 at the time) asked me about menstruation and in the course of the conversation she also asked why the topic is so secret. My answer was that so many important life topics are taboo, and that got me thinking. If we are not discussing the most important parts of life we are doing a disservice to ourselves and one another.
When it comes to how to choose which topics to include I learned long ago to leave it up to fate a bit. I can’t micromanage what people are passionate to write about and share. Rather When I surrender and let people share the most amazing combinations present themselves.
How did you ensure that the contributors felt safe and supported while sharing such vulnerable experiences?
This is an essential part of all writing and even more so in this project. Being vulnerable is terrifying especially in such a public and permanent format as a published book. Learning how to claim our truth and move into a place of courage to share honestly is a fundamental part of how we support people to become authors in the first place. The taboo topics are yet another form of courage and an incredible self acceptance and personal evolution happens as a result.
What was the biggest challenge in assembling Taboo, and how do you hope it will impact societal perceptions of these often-avoided topics?
It is not easy to find people willing to share the most hidden and judged parts of themselves. It required patience and persistence; most great efforts do.
We all came together with the faith and belief that if we could muster the strength to share our truth we could start a ripple effect getting a few more people reading, thinking, feeling, examining and sharing their own taboo stories. Eventually we can open up space for honest sharing where there previously hadn’t been. That is our deepest intention.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am personally writing a book on the cyclical creative methodology I teach to the authors in my community. I hope it will be available in Spring of 2025.
We are curating another anthology at the moment examining Men’s Mental Health, another taboo topic, one that deserves a lot more openness and attention. We are really proud of the people we have brought on so far. We hope to have this published in time for Father’s Day.
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This powerful collection unearths the hidden truths of womanhood, trauma, identity, and survival, revealing the emotional depth and resilience of women from diverse backgrounds. With unflinching honesty, these stories shatter the silence surrounding deeply personal and universal experiences, offering both healing and hope.
Inside this transformative anthology, you will discover:
A diverse lineup of all-female authors united in their courage to challenge taboos.
Unvarnished perspectives and lived realities, offering insight into the complexities of our society.
A call to action to end the silence, inspiring readers to embrace their own truths and join the movement for change.
This book is more than a collection of stories—it’s a declaration that some things should never be silenced. Prepare to connect, reflect, and be moved as these women’s voices echo the unspoken truths we all carry.
What The Living Do
Susan Wadds’ debut novel, What the Living Do, is a haunting exploration of Brett Catlin’s life—a woman grappling with the echoes of her traumatic past, a devastating cancer diagnosis, and the delicate balance between self-destruction and survival. Through Brett’s introspective journey, Wadds crafts a story that is both raw and beautifully poetic as Brett navigates her relationships and the fragmented pieces of her past to find healing.
Wadds has a way of weaving words that feel like they’re sinking straight into your bones. Early on, Brett’s job handling roadkill becomes a visceral metaphor for her internal state. I couldn’t shake the image of her burying a young dog in the hard-packed dirt, her thoughts unraveling like the rib bone poking through the carcass. These moments, uncomfortable yet profound, bring Brett’s pain and search for meaning to life.
Wadds isn’t afraid to show us the beauty and brutality of survival. Her conversations with Mel, who teaches her to pray for animals rather than to them, are some of the most grounding moments in the story. These exchanges are a quiet counterpoint to the chaos of her dynamic with Cole, her younger lover. The contrast between Mel’s stoic spirituality and Cole’s boyish longing for stability highlights Brett’s own turmoil. I also appreciated Wadds’ portrayal of Brett’s past trauma and how it reverberates into her present.
The novel doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—childhood abuse, survivor’s guilt, and the weight of familial expectations. Yet, Wadds handles these with sensitivity and grace. The recurring motifs of fire, ash, and the lingering scent of smoke are haunting reminders of Brett’s unresolved grief. They mirror her struggle to reconcile the ghosts of her family and her own self-worth.
Wadds writes with a compassion and honesty that is rare and deeply moving. What the Living Do is perfect for anyone who isn’t afraid to confront the messiness of life, grief, and the hope of healing. Fans of literary fiction with emotional depth will find much to admire in Brett’s journey.
Pages: 253 | ASIN: B0C1P62CS5
The Onionologist
M.J. Parfitt’s The Onionologist delivers an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in sharp humor, heartfelt relationships, and a protagonist you can’t help but root for despite her self-sabotaging tendencies. At its heart, this book explores Elle’s tumultuous life as a flight attendant, where each day feels like a race to survive the chaos. Caught between a career she’s falling out of love with and a relationship riddled with cracks, Elle stumbles her way through existential questions, snarky passengers, and mishaps that are as absurd as they are relatable. Parfitt doesn’t hold back on the messy, unglamorous side of modern life, using Elle’s world as a mirror to reflect universal themes of self-worth, ambition, and the yearning for something more.
Parfitt’s writing style is vivid, irreverent, and unrelenting. The humor sneaks up on you, sometimes like a sharp jab and other times like a warm nudge. For example, Elle’s description of her weighted blanket as a potential weapon against burglars had me laughing out loud. These bursts of comedy are balanced with moments of raw vulnerability like Elle staring at her engagement ring and questioning why she feels trapped rather than elated. Parfitt paints a world where humor becomes a coping mechanism, and you feel the weight of Elle’s disillusionment in her every flippant comment.
Elle’s relationships are the novel’s beating heart, especially her dynamic with Angus and Lucy. Angus is a scene-stealer, with his sharp wit and loyal heart serving as Elle’s safety net. Their banter, whether dissecting clouds or navigating work dramas, feels authentic and hilarious. Lucy, meanwhile, brings warmth and resilience to Elle’s life, showing her how to persevere even when a literal ceiling falls on you. The trio’s drunken escapades in New York, capped by Elle drunkenly declaring her ambition to become an “Onionologist,” encapsulate the joy and chaos of true friendship. These relationships are what keep Elle afloat, even as her engagement to the controlling and hypocritical Hunter begins to unravel.
Parfitt’s critique of toxic workplaces and societal expectations also shines through, especially in moments like the crew office debacle, where Lucy’s safety is dismissed for the sake of avoiding flight delays. It’s infuriating and all too familiar for anyone who’s faced indifferent management. Similarly, the passengers Elle serves—from entitled, wine-demanding business class travelers to clueless tourists—offer sharp commentary on how people treat service workers. The novel doesn’t preach, but it does nudge you to rethink your own behavior next time you’re on a plane.
The Onionologist is more than a quirky romp through Elle’s misadventures. It’s a story about finding your passion, reclaiming your agency, and learning to laugh at life’s absurdities along the way. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven novels with humor and heart, especially fans of authors like Marian Keyes or Sophie Kinsella. It’s perfect for anyone feeling stuck in a rut, questioning their choices, or simply looking for a good laugh.
Pages: 422 | ASIN : B0DK9SYC1S
Taboo: Stories That Can’t Be Told
Taboo is an anthology of personal and raw stories that address topics often shrouded in silence, ranging from cultural expectations and personal identity to societal taboos around wealth, health, and trauma. Compiled by Sierra Melcher and published by Red Thread Publishing, this collection is as much a testimony to human resilience as it is a call to break the silences that confine us. Each chapter tackles a different taboo, such as sexual assault, financial independence, and menopause, offering readers a lens into struggles that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
One of the book’s strongest suits is its unapologetically honest tone. In Roje Khalique’s chapter, The Power of Not Fitting In, I was moved by her recounting of growing up amidst racial tension and classism in 1980s East London. Her reflections on how societal biases diminished her self-worth are gut-wrenching yet hopeful as she transforms rejection into a source of empowerment. The nuanced way Khalique connects her personal experience to larger systemic issues made me pause and reflect on the pervasive nature of bias and resilience.
Jess Bryan’s Soulful Wealth takes a bold and practical approach to discussing money. Bryan’s honesty about breaking generational money taboos and her own transformative journey of grief struck a chord in me. Her idea of “soulful wealth,” where finances align with personal fulfillment, feels both revolutionary and accessible.
Bianka Kuhn-Thompson’s essay on menopause, Howling at the Moon, deserves special mention. This chapter educates and empowers, reframing menopause as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Her narrative is laced with humor and tenderness as she recounts her wife’s battle with cancer and its unexpected journey through induced menopause. The vulnerability in her storytelling left me feeling connected to the text, and her practical tips on reframing discomfort into empowerment were refreshing.
Taboo is intense, evocative, and deeply emotional. While the rawness is a strength, it can also overwhelm readers who are not prepared for the depth of vulnerability shared. That said, this book is a gift for those seeking connection in shared humanity, especially readers ready to challenge societal norms and explore their own unspoken truths.
pages: 144 | ASIN: B0DP3FQRPG
And Then Came You
And Then Came You by Dorothy Elizabeth Love, the second installment in the Ryan Family Series, is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and rediscovery. At its center is Parker Ryan, a man haunted by the devastating loss of his fiancée, Cynthia, in a sudden car accident. His grief has hardened into a shield, leaving him emotionally withdrawn and convinced that love is no longer within reach—until Dr. Chi Addams enters his life. Chi is a force of nature: intelligent, fiercely independent, and captivating in ways Parker never anticipated. Their paths cross under surprising circumstances, sparking a connection filled with tension and undeniable chemistry. Yet as their bond deepens, their past wounds rise to the surface. Parker’s fear of loss and Chi’s steadfast independence threaten to drive a wedge between them.
The novel follows their parallel journeys of healing, where both must confront the emotional barriers holding them back. Together, they face the ultimate question: will they risk vulnerability for the chance at a transformative love, or will their pasts keep them apart? Dorothy Elizabeth Love delivers an exquisitely crafted romance with And Then Came You. This is far more than a simple love story; it’s a meditation on grief, resilience, and the courage it takes to embrace a second chance.
The characters of Parker and Chi are rendered with remarkable depth and authenticity, their struggles resonating on an emotional level that feels both intimate and universal. The narrative’s emotional resonance is one of its greatest strengths. Parker’s lingering sorrow and Chi’s journey toward balancing self-reliance with openness are portrayed with sensitivity and nuance. Their relationship unfolds naturally, brimming with moments of raw vulnerability and intense passion. The chemistry between them is electric, each interaction laced with both sensuality and poignancy. Supporting characters further enrich the story, adding layers of depth and authenticity to Parker and Chi’s world. These secondary figures provide levity and grounding, enhancing the narrative’s relatability without detracting from the central romance.
Love’s evocative prose immerses readers in the emotional landscapes of her characters. From Parker’s poignant memories of his lost fiancée to the tender, charged moments he shares with Chi, every scene pulses with vivid feelings. The pacing strikes a perfect balance, seamlessly blending high-stakes passion with reflective moments that delve into the novel’s deeper themes of healing and hope.
What sets And Then Came You apart is its deft handling of weighty themes like grief and trauma, which are woven into the fabric of the story with grace and care. At the same time, the novel delivers a romance that is as captivating as it is emotionally stirring. Love illustrates how love can be both a source of healing and an act of courage. Readers who crave emotionally rich romances with complex, fully realized characters will find And Then Came You utterly absorbing.
ISBN: 1585710245 | Pages: 306
Something Better
Diane Parrish’s Something Better is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and redemption told through the entwined lives of Ruth, Annabeth, and David. The story opens with a tragic accident that irrevocably alters the characters’ paths. As they grapple with grief, guilt, and the search for forgiveness, their narratives weave together in a tale that is both intimate and universal. Parrish’s deft touch reveals the beauty of resilience and the quiet strength of human connection.
What immediately struck me about this book was its vivid sense of place and the intricate details Parrish uses to set each scene. For example, the opening’s snowstorm sets the tone with haunting beauty, drawing me into the foreboding moment that changes everything. It felt cinematic yet intimate like I was right there, bracing against the cold alongside the characters. Throughout the book, the lush descriptions of gardens, cozy kitchens, and bustling towns create a grounding contrast to the emotional storms the characters endure.
I think the characters themselves are where Parrish truly shines. Ruth’s yearning for motherhood and the tension it brings to her marriage are depicted with raw honesty. Her internal dialogue about balancing professional ambition with personal desires resonated with me. Annabeth’s struggles with grief and identity, amplified by the loss of her parents, are equally compelling. Her journey from isolation to finding a fragile but meaningful connection with David unfolds with poignant authenticity. David’s quiet strength and self-doubt round out a trio of flawed yet achingly real individuals. One moment that stood out to me was David’s tender interaction with Annabeth in the overgrown garden. It symbolized hope and renewal in the most understated and beautiful way.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that some sections, particularly those detailing Ruth’s work dilemmas, repeated certain ideas and slightly shifted focus away from the more emotionally charged storylines. That said, the writing’s sincerity carried me through even the slower parts. Parrish’s prose is simple yet evocative, and her insights into the human condition, particularly the messy, complicated nature of forgiveness, are deep.
What I loved most about Something Better was how it quietly insists that healing is not linear, nor is it solitary. Each character’s growth is supported by the presence of others, be it through Ruth’s church community, Annabeth’s rekindled friendships, or David’s steadfastness. The novel’s emotional honesty brought me to tears more than once, especially during Annabeth’s recollections of her parents and Ruth’s late-night reflections about her struggles with infertility.
I would recommend Something Better to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a focus on emotional growth and relationships. Fans of Kristin Hannah or Jodi Picoult will find much to love here. It’s a book for those who appreciate the bittersweet beauty of life’s imperfect moments and the resilience of the human spirit.
Pages: 301 | ASIN: B0D9HH7H2R
LITERARY TITAN 