Bent Not Broken By: L.A. Ozz

Bent Not Broken

By: L.A. Ozz

In this story, by a brand-new author, we will be introduced to the two main characters: Peyton Warner and Denton Whitetower. 

Peyton is a twenty-two-year-old woman who has endured a troubling life, more than most women her age should have. She has been victimized and overcame fear, pain and abuse, in hopes of someday, making a new life for herself, and hopefully even successfully trying to forget those terrifying memories that haunt her still. 

Luckily for Peyton, she has found someone that could quite possibly satisfy her life’s needs, and make all her dreams come true. Denton is a remarkably handsome single father, who even owns his own business, and he is even the eldest of his siblings. 

Denton hadn’t been one who had been looking for romance when it came his way, but when it found him, he was happy to comply. And although Denton was in his forties, age made no difference to either of them. Their love felt no bounds right from the start, and together, they knew they wanted to make it work.

Peyton has assumed that her nightmares will no longer be able to find her, but sadly, this is where she is wrong. And one evening, she will once again realize that the nightmares were always ready to return at any given second. However, this time, Peyton doesn’t want to let them in, and risk the nightmare ruining her relationship with Denton. 

Peyton must learn to embrace her fears, and focus on what it is that she truly wants, rather than worry about what is lurking around every corner. The problem is, can she stay strong and successful, and fight for what is right, and become the heroine that she needs to be? 

In order for you to get the answers to this and many more, you will need to read this book for yourself! And trust me, you will be glad that you did, you will see, this book is a very different kind of read. It has love in it, and pain, and at the same time it will make you see that through pain and suffering, there can be a light. You just have to know where to look for it. Or better yet, you have to let it find you. 

This book, is the first book written by L.A. Ozz, and it is intended to be a series, which means great news for us as the readers, there will be more! And this one is a wonderful five-star read! So, please, if you will, put your hands together and welcome into the author family: L.A. Ozz and make her feel at home. Spread your wings Ms. Ozz, we can’t wait to read more from you, and we thank you for writing such an intensely deep book, that opened our hearts up into your soul! 

Here are my questions for Ms. Ozz:

1.What made you decide to write this book and how long did it take you?

That, believe it or not, is a very easy question to answer for me.  Writing Bent Not Broken was a decision that my main characters, Peyton and Denton, made for me, to be honest.  The two of them took up “residency” (full-time) in my thoughts (and heart).  They became an extension, of sorts, of myself.  Both Peyton and Denton became quite “demanding” and “persistent” that I tell their story.  So, with the support of my family (and countless sleepless nights), I decided to take the time to make my dream a reality.  I sat for many hours at my computer putting into words the thoughts, ideas, experiences and inspirations I had running rampant in my mind. Their story consumed me and became a true labor of love, a journey that I am proud and honored to have taken. On a side note, I also believe that it is important to tell the story of survival and the very heroes of those stories, the survivors themselves. 

Bent Not Broken took me approximately a year to finish from the first moment I sat at my computer to finally typing “The End.”

2. Who designed the cover?
Leanne Louise with B2B cover design, was my cover artist.


3. What are you working on now?
 I am currently working on Part two of the Forgiveness Series, Un-Charted Detour. 

This will be Liam’s story and I am so excited to get it ready and into readers hands.

4. What would you say to someone wanting to become a writer?

 I would tell them to NEVER give up.  To NEVER doubt the story, they want or need to tell. If it is in your heart and/or mind…tell it, share it with readers, you never know whose life you may touch.  I would also stress the importance of speaking with and making connections with other authors.  Seek advice from those who have been where you are, it is an amazing learning experience.  Also, please do not ever be afraid to ask questions, it’s the only way to learn.  


5. Was this book hard for you to write?

The answer to that question is yes….and no!

It was hard because a lot of the emotions that went into writing Bent Not Broken came from a personal place, the fear of putting yourself out there can be quite daunting.  Also, the fear of rejection, of not being “good enough” is an extremely worrisome factor that I had to deal with when writing this story.  The fear of where and how to start was a huge anxiety induced period. It was easy because the characters “lived” in my mind.  They, effortlessly, guided me through the entire book never allowing me to falter or quit.  Also, writing about survival and the emotions that entails holds immense value to me so, writing about them was quite natural and easy. 

6. Do you have any photos or descriptions of your characters that you can share with us?

Peyton

Denton

7. What is your favorite place to write?
     To be honest, I love to write anywhere that I can find inspiration.  Can be my front porch swing or my back patio.  Sometimes at the dining room table or alone at my desk.

8. What is your favorite book of all time?
     Desiderata by Max Ehrmann.  It was a graduation gift from a very special person.  The words have deep meaning and resonate with me to this day.  “Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.” Max Ehrmann

9. What are your hobbies?
     Spending time with my family/friends, reading, writing, crafting, party planning and baking/decorating cakes (mostly customized birthday cakes). 

10. Please share with us your book and social media links:

myBook.to/BentNotBroken
facebook.com/LAOzzauthor/

facebook.com/authorlaozz

amazon.com/L.A.-Ozz/e/B073TTQ9LB

goodreads.com/book/show/35566511-bent-not-broken

twitter.com/authorlaozz

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-a-ozz

11. Anything to add:

I want to say, “Thank You” Deneale for this wonderful and truly amazing opportunity to read and review my debut book.  I am so looking forward to you doing the same with my next book in the series as well as any others that I publish.  This interview has been fun and thought provoking as well! I encourage others to visit your blog and find a new author or two.  Continued success, Deneale! 

Bent Not Broken by L.A. Ozz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this story, by a brand-new author, we will be introduced to the two main characters: Peyton Warner and Denton Whitetower.

Peyton is a twenty-two-year-old woman who has endured a troubling life, more than most women her age should have. She has been victimized and overcame fear, pain and abuse, in hopes of someday, making a new life for herself, and hopefully even successfully trying to forget those terrifying memories that haunt her still.

Luckily for Peyton, she has found someone that could quite possibly satisfy her life’s needs, and make all her dreams come true. Denton is a remarkably handsome single father, who even owns his own business, and he is even the eldest of his siblings.

Denton hadn’t been one who had been looking for romance when it came his way, but when it found him, he was happy to comply. And although Denton was in his forties, age made no difference to either of them. Their love felt no bounds right from the start, and together, they knew they wanted to make it work.

Peyton has assumed that her nightmares will no longer be able to find her, but sadly, this is where she is wrong. And one evening, she will once again realize that the nightmares were always ready to return at any given second. However, this time, Peyton doesn’t want to let them in, and risk the nightmare ruining her relationship with Denton.

Peyton must learn to embrace her fears, and focus on what it is that she truly wants, rather than worry about what is lurking around every corner. The problem is, can she stay strong and successful, and fight for what is right, and become the heroine that she needs to be?

In order for you to get the answers to this and many more, you will need to read this book for yourself! And trust me, you will be glad that you did, you will see, this book is a very different kind of read. It has love in it, and pain, and at the same time it will make you see that through pain and suffering, there can be a light. You just have to know where to look for it. Or better yet, you have to let it find you.

This book, is the first book written by L.A. Ozz, and it is intended to be a series, which means great news for us as the readers, there will be more! And this one is a wonderful five-star read! So, please, if you will, put your hands together and welcome into the author family: L.A. Ozz and make her feel at home. Spread your wings Ms. Ozz, we can’t wait to read more from you, and we thank you for writing such an intensely deep book, that opened our hearts up into your soul!



View all my reviews

 

Tape to Tape ~ The Venom Series 3 by: V.L. Locey

Tape to Tape

The Venom Series 3

By: V.L. Locey

The best part about reading Vicki’s books is the fact that not only do I get sports, I get romance. That is what I like best about reading her books. It puts a whole new kick on the taste, and it makes it so much more interesting. 

This time we get to spend time with Coach Dot West, or better known as “The Shadow.”

 Now Dot is a woman who likes to do everything on her own, and doesn’t want nor need help from anyone, and she likes it that way. She doesn’t want to have to look back and say, “Yeah I wouldn’t be here if it was for so and so.” Dot wants to be the one take all the credit for making it on her own.

But we all know when we least expect it, a man walks in, am I right, or am I right?

Dot meets this guy, known as Theo, and I must admit, his description made me lick my lips. And by the sounds of Theo, I think he even knows he is a looker, too.

Anyway, Theo is a former goalie for the Wildcats, and is now a co-host of a very controversial radio sports talk show. The show is based in Philly, which is of course of the Venom. 

Well one day, Dot ends up losing her cool and calls in to the show. Now you know us women, we are usually famous for the last word. But this ends up back firing, and the smug fool that Theo is, gets Dot into the chair of the radio station.

Dot has always been one to keep her guard up, she doesn’t feel that needs or wants a man in her life, but the sparks ignite, and she can’t help but feel drawn toward Theo. There is just something about him. 

She keeps trying to tell herself no, but her heart keeps telling her to go for it. Dot has a hard decision to make, with this truly exciting story of eye opening romance.

This book “Tape to Tape” is truly a five star read, I could feel the stubbornness in Dot as I read, and I could so relate. She is an amazing woman, who truly wants to be her own individual, and wants to give no one else credit. A lot of women are strong like this, today. 

This is truly a very emotional read, and you can feel the vibes as you read it! I loved every moment of this book, and I think that you the readers will too! Vicki is truly a great sporty story teller!

Here are my questions for Vicki:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

I just love a good saucy couple. You know, the kind who start out snapping and snarling at each other, but end up realizing that they belong together, despite some obstacles. That’s Dot and Theo. It usually takes me about a month to write a 50K novel, sometimes more or less.

2. What are you working on now?

At the moment I’m working on an M/M hockey romance called Open Net, which is part of a planned duology.

3. Do you have any photos or descriptions of the characters?

I can do better! I have a whole Pinterest board filled with images of Dot, Theo, and other characters and settings!

https://www.pinterest.com/vllocey/tape-to-tape/

4. Obviously, you like hockey, but how hard is it to write about it too?

For me writing the hockey action is pretty easy, since I watch SO much hockey. Generally, I try to plan out what happens on the ice beforehand. This way I can lead the reader through the action. In a way it’s like choreographing a dance only the dancing is on ice.

5. What led you to writing?

I actually started writing seriously because I had seen a movie and disliked how it was presented. I sat down and in a fit of anger, wrote my first fan fiction. After realizing I could put down the stories bouncing around inside my head, I buckled down and started dedicating myself to pursuing my dream. So I like to kiddingly say that Brian Singer is the reason I started writing.

6. What is your favorite book of all time?

Oh boy, there are too many that I love to pick just one. I might be able to narrow it down to a few favorites. Outlander for sure as well as the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels. I reread them all the time.

7. Have you ever met any other authors? How about famous hockey players?

I haven’t met any other authors in person yet, but I am headed to an event outside of Pittsburgh in March so I’m looking forward meeting some of my online friends there! As for hockey players, no, I haven’t met any famous ones yet. The next time I’m in New York for a game, I plan to linger around outside MSG until I get to meet at least one darn Ranger!

8. What are your hobbies?

I like to read, walk, do yoga, and play video games.

9. Is hockey as bloody as they make it out to be on TV? (And I mean for parents too)

It’s not nearly as bloody as it used to be. The league is trying to cut back on the fisticuffs, but there are still fights on occasion. It’s a part of the game. Some fans love it and some hate it. The age of the goon (a player who is on the team solely for his size and fists) is pretty much over. Hockey is now more about skill and speed now and less about punching people.

10. Please share with us your social media links and book links:

Author Links:

Website: http://vlloceyauthor.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/VL-Locey/124405447678452

Twitter- https://twitter.com/vllocey

Pinterest-http://www.pinterest.com/vllocey/

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5807700.V_L_Locey

My blog- http://thoughtsfromayodelinggoatherder.blogspot.com/

Amazon-http://tinyurl.com/zt8vncq

Smashwords-https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/646762

B&N-http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tape-to-tape-v-l-locey/1124036811?ean=2940153103211

Kobo-https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/tape-to-tape-the-venom-series-3

Tape to Tape by V.L. Locey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The best part about reading Vicki’s books is the fact that not only do I get sports, I get romance. That is what I like best about reading her books. It puts a whole new kick on the taste, and it makes it so much more interesting.

This time we get to spend time with Coach Dot West, or better known as “The Shadow.”

Now Dot is a woman who likes to do everything on her own, and doesn’t want nor need help from anyone, and she likes it that way. She doesn’t want to have to look back and say, “Yeah I wouldn’t be here if it was for so and so.” Dot wants to be the one take all the credit for making it on her own.

But we all know when we least expect it, a man walks in, am I right, or am I right?

Dot meets this guy, known as Theo, and I must admit, his description made me lick my lips. And by the sounds of Theo, I think he even knows he is a looker, too.

Anyway, Theo is a former goalie for the Wildcats, and is now a co-host of a very controversial radio sports talk show. The show is based in Philly, which is of course of the Venom.

Well one day, Dot ends up losing her cool and calls in to the show. Now you know us women, we are usually famous for the last word. But this ends up back firing, and the smug fool that Theo is, gets Dot into the chair of the radio station.

Dot has always been one to keep her guard up, she doesn’t feel that needs or wants a man in her life, but the sparks ignite, and she can’t help but feel drawn toward Theo. There is just something about him.

She keeps trying to tell herself no, but her heart keeps telling her to go for it. Dot has a hard decision to make, with this truly exciting story of eye opening romance.

This book “Tape to Tape” is truly a five star read, I could feel the stubbornness in Dot as I read, and I could so relate. She is an amazing woman, who truly wants to be her own individual, and wants to give no one else credit. A lot of women are strong like this, today.

This is truly a very emotional read, and you can feel the vibes as you read it! I loved every moment of this book, and I think that you the readers will too! Vicki is truly a great sporty story teller!

View all my reviews

 

Two Steps Forward- Embracing Life with a Brain Tumor by Claire Snyman

Two Steps Forward

Embracing Life with a Brain Tumor

By: Claire Snyman

I found Claire on twitter through a friend of mine known by the name of Lou and twitter handle of @TumorWarrior. He and I have been mutual friends for years, and he has led me to understand, support, and even understand many kinds of brain tumors. 

When I found Claire on Lou’s page, I read up about her, and found that she had written a book, and learned everything I could about her, before I even contacted her. And then I decided more needed to know about her, and learn the things I have been learning. 

Many do not know about brain tumors, and many think that once people get tumors, they are a lost cause, and see them instantly and assume for the worst. I am not saying that that is not the case, but I want to let you the readers see, that sometimes there are lights at the end of the tunnels, and I also want you to see, that there are in fact, many struggles along the way. 

My goal here is: to help you as the reader, to see many new ways to look at brain tumors. Not just to cross the person off your list as a lost cause, and think that there is nothing more you can do, and not just to walk away. People with brain tumors have many different survival rates, and they need you and I. Just as much as anyone else. 

So allow me to share with you the insight I found when I read Claire Snyman’s beautiful book that allows you into her mind where she takes: “Two Steps Forward.”

 
In the beginning, Claire just thought she had a migraine and had been over doing it at work. She was only 34, married and has a young son. No one plans to get a brain tumor.

Claire shows you her feelings, her thoughts, her anger, her pain, and everything she has felt from the beginning and how she even dealt with it.

Her tumor was discovered to be a colloid cyst in the third ventricle and it caused vertigo and many migraines. It led her to the ER frequently, which is how it was discovered. It was 1.2 centimeters. And no sign of hydrocephalus or ventricular enlargement. It is considered to be a  moderately large cyst. The neurosurgeon states that if it is removed, they are uncertain if it will result in any improvement of Claire’s headache symptoms.

Claire and her husband decide to go and see Doctors in UCLA give her a much different opinion which is no longer watch and wait, but now a more subtle kind of “you matter, let’s get this taken care of.” approach. 

After a year of dealing with the tumor, Claire’s migraines have continued and now she has a problem with blurred vision in one eye. 

Although Claire is still working, she has found that her priorities seem to be changing. She wants to spend more time with her four year old son Aiden, and even her loving and supportive husband. Life now, seems more important than work. Life matters more now, and Claire wants to live it to its fullest and enjoy every moment.

Next comes a ringing in Claire’s ear, and hearing loss, to the point that she has to lip read, and is unable to hear a lot of things. This is another disappointing step for Claire. 

One day, while in the Doctor’s office Clair noticed a ‘Team in Training’ pamphlet. Said pamphlet supports a program to do a half or full marathon to support people with a variety of blood cancers through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Claire, thinks this will be a nice thing to do, only walking it. She hopes she can do it, the farthest she had ever walked or ran was 10 kilometers. This was 2012 the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon. But after raising $1400 for the marathon Claire ends up tearing a ligament and it must be put on hold for that May.

In August 2012 Claire learns the cyst has grown almost fifty percent in size. She has been having constant migraine and vertigo, nausea, and made best friends with her toilet. She knew something was wrong. 

Shortly after that, Claire’s life becomes a blur. Her legs have stopped working, she is sleeping all the time, she is much weaker, and she has little to no coordination. Her short term memory has been impacted, and she cannot recall anything. Her husband Marchand gets a hold of the doctor feeling this means it is high time to get the ball rolling before Claire deteriorates any further. 

Rather than keep giving you all of the details of this book, which I have skipped over quite a few, I feel you should get your own copy. I just want you to know, this book is very heartfelt, and deep. My emotions had the best of me throughout, and I cried. And then, I even felt relief in some places, and sometimes I cried again. 

This book is full of all kinds of emotions and it is an amazing read. You truly need read this, whether you are a cancer survivor, or know someone going through this, or just want to know. This is a five star read. A very wonderfully strong written five star read. Truly, I am touched by Claire, and her husband. I just cannot say that enough. 

This book, “Two Steps Forward,” is just…amazing read, and so are Claire and her husband. Please check it out, I promise you will be impressed. Thank you Claire, for allowing me the honor and privilege of this interview and reading your book. 

My questions for Claire:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

One day as I was recovering from my brain surgery, I sat down in front of my computer and started to write to help me deal with the flurry of emotions I was feeling. I found it tremendously helpful and good for my soul and continued to do so almost every day. I saw it as my personal journal. It was at my visit to my clinical psychologist for post-traumatic stress after my surgery that she suggested turning it into a book to help other people who might have travelled a similar path. I then became inspired to start writing a book, based off my personal journal. Two years and 70 000 words later, Two Steps Forward – Embracing life with a Brain Tumor was available in e-book and print copy!

2. Having a brain tumor, is it true everyone thinks of it as a death sentence?

No one can ever prepare you for those words – “You have a brain tumor”—for that feeling when the world stops for a moment and everything outside seems to fade away. For me, my nonmalignant brain tumor did not require immediate surgery but a ‘watch and wait approach’ with yearly MRI’s to ensure the tumor was not encroaching on the important grey and white matter inside my skull. Being nonmalignant did not immediately equate to a death sentence feeling for me even though the tumor I had could result in sudden neurologic deterioration and death. However, the role of living with the uncertainty and the ‘what if’s’ of what would happen in the future were the most challenging things for me to deal with. My tumor was what was called a ‘nonmalignant tumor in a malignant location’ meaning that when it grew too big, it was in a location that was critical to survival and required removal for life to continue.

3. Did you learn a lot more about yourself through this?

Absolutely. Even to this day, four years on, I feel I am still learning things about myself as a result of this experience. For this, I am grateful. I have learnt more about my brain and body than I could ever have thought possible. I now have the utmost respect for my brain and body and what they do for me each and every day, even on my ‘off days’. My off days make me even more grateful for the great days. I have learnt that I am a survivor and can get through more things than I often given myself credit for. I have also realized that I need to be mindful of the balance I create in my life, as this is integral to the health of my body and brain.

4. How much has your life changed, and how much have you changed, if at all?

My life has changed. I have become much more in tune with my body and brain than ever before, by knowing their new minimum and maximum cruising levels.

My eyes have been opened through this experience. To my own inner thoughts, abilities and personal direction as well as really understanding and valuing the role of human connection and my contribution to society. Gratitude for my family, my friends and even the small things around me has shifted to a whole new level. I think the most important thing that has changed is learning to live more in the present by realizing that we are only here for the blink of an eye and that while my life may not be perfect, it certainly has so many perfect moments!

5. What is your favorite book of all time?

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton. I love all her books and am also a big fan of Jane Austen.

6. Do you, or the doctors know if anything caused your brain tumor?

The type of brain tumor I had is congenital, meaning that it is present from birth although the symptoms do not typically present until between the ages of 30-50 years of age. So, this was just something extra that was in my head from day one.

7. Do you have any details you wish to share with my readers, suggestions, or tips, about brain tumors, or health or anything in particular?

There are three things that I find useful to me that I learnt over the past four years since my surgery. They helped me during my recovery (and still do today) and I think can be useful to anyone really.

“Breathe in the small things’ is all about how important it is to embrace and be grateful for the small things in life e.g. taking a moment to notice the different colors of the summer flowers around you.

Be your own advocate” is about being your own champion and standing up tall when things don’t seem right e.g. I will ask for a second opinion on …. I had to practice this several times during the past six years since my diagnosis. A valuable tool!

“Make time your friend” means being accepting of time and not rushing things. We can make progress, by taking one step at a time. e.g. I will take a ten-minute walk each day (to support my body and mind without pushing too far!) I often try and rush ahead and get to the finish line without slowing down to my detriment.

8. What are your hobbies?

I love to walk in nature, love to write, have started playing golf with my husband and son, exercise, bike, drink tea, and have friends over.

9. Do you have any photos you would like to share with us?

Not at this time, maybe later!

10. Please share with us your book links, and social media links:

Website: www.twosteps.ca

Book link: http://twosteps.ca/book-on-a-brain-tumor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytwosteps/

Twitter:@clairehsnyman

Two Steps Forward: Embracing Life With A Brain Tumor by Claire Snyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I found Claire on twitter through a friend of mine known by the name of Lou and twitter handle of @TumorWarrior. He and I have been mutual friends for years, and he has led me to understand, support, and even understand many kinds of brain tumors.

When I found Claire on Lou’s page, I read up about her, and found that she had written a book, and learned everything I could about her, before I even contacted her. And then I decided more needed to know about her, and learn the things I have been learning.

Many do not know about brain tumors, and many think that once people get tumors, they are a lost cause, and see them instantly and assume for the worst. I am not saying that that is not the case, but I want to let you the readers see, that sometimes there are lights at the end of the tunnels, and I also want you to see, that there are in fact, many struggles along the way.

My goal here is: to help you as the reader, to see many new ways to look at brain tumors. Not just to cross the person off your list as a lost cause, and think that there is nothing more you can do, and not just to walk away. People with brain tumors have many different survival rates, and they need you and I. Just as much as anyone else.

So allow me to share with you the insight I found when I read Claire Snyman’s beautiful book that allows you into her mind where she takes: “Two Steps Forward.”

In the beginning, Claire just thought she had a migraine and had been over doing it at work. She was only 34, married and has a young son. No one plans to get a brain tumor.

Claire shows you her feelings, her thoughts, her anger, her pain, and everything she has felt from the beginning and how she even dealt with it.

Her tumor was discovered to be a colloid cyst in the third ventricle and it caused vertigo and many migraines. It led her to the ER frequently, which is how it was discovered. It was 1.2 centimeters. And no sign of hydrocephalus or ventricular enlargement. It is considered to be a moderately large cyst. The neurosurgeon states that if it is removed, they are uncertain if it will result in any improvement of Claire’s headache symptoms.

Claire and her husband decide to go and see Doctors in UCLA give her a much different opinion which is no longer watch and wait, but now a more subtle kind of “you matter, let’s get this taken care of.” approach.

After a year of dealing with the tumor, Claire’s migraines have continued and now she has a problem with blurred vision in one eye.

Although Claire is still working, she has found that her priorities seem to be changing. She wants to spend more time with her four year old son Aiden, and even her loving and supportive husband. Life now, seems more important than work. Life matters more now, and Claire wants to live it to its fullest and enjoy every moment.

Next comes a ringing in Claire’s ear, and hearing loss, to the point that she has to lip read, and is unable to hear a lot of things. This is another disappointing step for Claire.

One day, while in the Doctor’s office Clair noticed a ‘Team in Training’ pamphlet. Said pamphlet supports a program to do a half or full marathon to support people with a variety of blood cancers through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Claire, thinks this will be a nice thing to do, only walking it. She hopes she can do it, the farthest she had ever walked or ran was 10 kilometers. This was 2012 the BMO Vancouver Half Marathon. But after raising $1400 for the marathon Claire ends up tearing a ligament and it must be put on hold for that May.

In August 2012 Claire learns the cyst has grown almost fifty percent in size. She has been having constant migraine and vertigo, nausea, and made best friends with her toilet. She knew something was wrong.

Shortly after that, Claire’s life becomes a blur. Her legs have stopped working, she is sleeping all the time, she is much weaker, and she has little to no coordination. Her short term memory has been impacted, and she cannot recall anything. Her husband Marchand gets a hold of the doctor feeling this means it is high time to get the ball rolling before Claire deteriorates any further.

Rather than keep giving you all of the details of this book, which I have skipped over quite a few, I feel you should get your own copy. I just want you to know, this book is very heartfelt, and deep. My emotions had the best of me throughout, and I cried. And then, I even felt relief in some places, and sometimes I cried again.

This book is full of all kinds of emotions and it is an amazing read. You truly need read this, whether you are a cancer survivor, or know someone going through this, or just want to know. This is a five star read. A very wonderfully strong written five star read. Truly, I am touched by Claire, and her husband. I just cannot say that enough.

This book, “Two Steps Forward,” is just…amazing read, and so are Claire and her husband. Please check it out, I promise you will be impressed. Thank you Claire, for allowing me the honor and privilege of this interview and reading your book.

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Helpful Links:

 http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-treatment/brain-tumor-support/support-groups/

www.cancercenter.com/brain