Category: Relationships / Family / Parenting

“Saved by Hope” by Jenny Lowe

January 18, 2023

“Saved by Hope” is a brilliant genre-refuting book that chronicles the life of Jenny Lowe as she gives an account of her journey and that of her husband, James, with infertility problems. Almost all women dream of having a child of their own one day. However, realizing this dream is difficult for some women. Lowe’s heartfelt account details the couple’s experiences with this insidious struggle, fertility treatments, cancer, surgeries, and surrogacy. The book beautifully describes her courageous journey through pain, grief, joy, and hope as she experiences situations that change her mindset forever. … More “Saved by Hope” by Jenny Lowe

Meet the Author! A Conversation with Heather Shtuka, Author of “Missing from Me”

January 2, 2023

Heather Shtuka was an ordinary daughter, wife, friend and mother of three beautiful children.  In between all these titles, she went to school, played sports, made friends, skinned knees, had first kisses, butterflies, broken hearts, adventures, a career, a wedding and three uneventful but deeply moving births. A perfectly imperfect life, one of her own making.   Until February 17, 2018, when she received the notification that her first born and only son, Ryan was missing from Sun Peaks, B.C.  She waved goodbye to him only two months earlier as he left on his own to work a seasonal position in the ski resort, 9 ½ hours away, never imagining this would be the last time she would see him. … More Meet the Author! A Conversation with Heather Shtuka, Author of “Missing from Me”

“Missing From Me” by Heather Shtuka

December 14, 2022

Your son is missing.

As a mother myself, this is, irrefutably, my worst nightmare, but for Heather Shtuka, this was the sobering reality. On February 18, 2018, after being alerted by her son’s roommate that he hadn’t been seen since the night before, she and her husband made the nine-hour trip from Alberta to Sun Peaks, BC, to begin the arduous and heartbreaking task of searching for Ryan. Days turned into weeks, turned into months, but the parents’ resolve never wavered. Their supportive community of friends and volunteers tirelessly dedicated their time. But still, there was no solace—no Ryan. Heather would not grieve until her son’s body was recovered.

“Missing From Me” is a labor of love written by Heather Shtuka that chronicles the search and rescue efforts in the early days of Ryan’s disappearance, followed by the all-consuming grief that came afterward. Heather’s story is a sad one, but there are nuggets of joy throughout—a community banning together, unwavering support, and the legacy that a charismatic young man leaves behind. This is a book that you need to read. … More “Missing From Me” by Heather Shtuka

“How I Lost My Hair Raising Teenage Girls” by Andrew McKinney

December 8, 2022

“How I Lost My Hair Raising Teenage Girls: And The Lessons I Learned” by Andrew McKinney is a hilarious and refreshing memoir. Insightful and open-minded, this heartfelt read looks at parenting from the perspective of a family man who has been in the conduits of childrearing. The memoir recounts the interesting journey of the author in raising his three teenage girls, Jacquelyn, Meaghan, and Gloria. … More “How I Lost My Hair Raising Teenage Girls” by Andrew McKinney

“My Alternate Universe: Anxiety, Autism, and Adventure in a Parallel Reality” by Jennifer Rosado

November 25, 2022

“My Alternate Universe: Anxiety, Autism, and Adventure in a Parallel Reality” by Jennifer Rosado is a beautifully crafted and engaging memoir that I flew through in a couple of hours without pause.

The overall message the author emphasizes is that she is no “better, stronger, or faster” than any other parent trying to do the best for their child. By virtue of that, like any parent, she has had to shed parts of herself to adapt to her son’s needs — something that not just “special needs” parents but all parents face. But amidst that sentiment of sacrifice is one of immeasurable courage and love. Engaging from beginning to end, I highly recommend this book to everyone, but particularly for parents of children with special needs. It is beautiful and inspiring, providing insight and hope that may capture someone at an overwhelming moment of despair and uplift their spirits. … More “My Alternate Universe: Anxiety, Autism, and Adventure in a Parallel Reality” by Jennifer Rosado

“Baby Ecology” by Anya Dunham

November 22, 2022

What a timely read as I currently find myself on maternity leave with my second child. As a parent, there is an often-overwhelming number of books, advice, and techniques for raising babies. Author Anya Dunham recognizes the at times contradicting approaches to raising babies, as well as the fads and trends that often come with it and uses her scientific background to approach her book “Baby Ecology.” … More “Baby Ecology” by Anya Dunham

“You’re Not Crazy: Overcoming Parent/Child Alienation” by Lynn Steinberg

August 18, 2022

“You’re Not Crazy” was written with purpose for an audience of judges, family attorneys, psychologists and psychotherapists, friends, family, guardians, and governmental departments not otherwise familiar with the term or dynamics at play in parental alienation cases. The goal is always for alienated parents and children to be reunited, but as author Lynn Steinberg shows, this isn’t typically an easy feat.  … More “You’re Not Crazy: Overcoming Parent/Child Alienation” by Lynn Steinberg