"Thank you, Clare Mackintosh, for every single word." — Sara Haines, host of The View

"She wrote this slim volume as an antidote to the countless books concerned loved ones gave her when she was grieving — which actually didn't help. Instead, Mackintosh compiled a series of stories and takeaways designed to help everyone." — Zibby Owens for Good Morning America

"No matter who you have lost or how recently you cried, you are not alone. Mackintosh and her indispensable book are right there with you." — Bookreporter

"Mackintosh delivers a salve for broken hearts. Readers who’ve been touched by loss will find comfort in these pages." — Publishers Weekly

"This heart-wrenching portrayal of loss and motherhood is a must-read." — SheReads

"Mackintosh’s words deliver because of her honesty and openness about getting past the pain. Highly recommended." — Library Journal

04/01/2024

Grief is a beast. It is terrible. Losing a loved one can feel like hitting a wall of pain. Best-selling mystery author Mackintosh knows this firsthand. She makes her nonfiction debut with this memoir about the death of her infant son. She admits she compartmentalized her grief. She could not process her loss, and 14 years after her son's death, she was emotionally ambushed by it. On the anniversary of her son's death, she shared her thoughts online because she felt so alone in her grief. She also wanted to offer hope to people who, like her, who were still struggling with their grief. Through the response she received, she learned that grieving is an act and that everyone experiences it differently. Sometimes the smallest thing can trigger a painful memory. She wrote this book, supplying 18 "assurances" for the hard moments in the grieving process and to comfort those who read it and let them know they are not alone. VERDICT Mackintosh's words deliver because of her honesty and openness about getting past the pain. Highly recommended.—Laura Ellis