*I received an ARC of this book from Fox Chapel Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Shortly after reading this book I lost my grandmother. When that happened, I recalled some passages from the book and found them to be painfully accurate. Even if the type of loss is not at all the same (, I found myself in the author’s words more than once. The illustrations are perfectly paired to the sentiment of the whole book, beautiful. Some “feel” calming and reassuring, while others convey a sense of quiet despair. I would recommend this book to anyone dealing with grief, not immediately after losing a loved one, it feels more appropriate for someone who is already in the process of accepting such a terrible loss. These pages are filled with much needed beauty and hope.

This is suppose to be a journal from a woman who lost her husband a little bit of time ago. As a result it does explore down deep what it feels like to face each emotion, each response to the loss and the searching behind such a deep loss.

The words are all true but I think I love it best when the author mentions in the Epilogue that each grief journey is different and that people will react differently as they go through their grief. I can honestly say that I am most definitely one of those who may seem insincere in my grief for I seem to be able to move on pretty easy so far, which I can't even really explain to myself why I do so.

What I love about this book is the fact that if this was a journal it was more or less a sketch journal but even so I love it. Each two page spread focuses on sketches or doodles, which are themed upon the writing of the page. This pairing helps the reader to stay on track while making the transition of each thought to be seamless.

Another thing that I truly enjoy is that the book follows a clear grayscale coloring palette at the beginning but it slowly grows to add more color once the tone changes. As a result you can see how the author slowly struggles through the grief and the mourning but then slowly is able to count her blessings from the tragedy. And then to finally get her feet back underneath her as she starts life without her spouse.

Heartwarming and inspiring this is definitely a must-have for anyone who has ever experienced such deep lost, especially if they are still struggling to find ground underneath their feet.

***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

As a clinician, I’m always looking for books to use in therapy with children (and adults). Books provide a safe way for children to connect with emotions and feelings of the characters in the story. This was one of those books.

I lost my daughter 7 years ago and I still grieve. This book is beautiful and helped me to know I am not isolated.
Many thanks to Fox Chapel Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

My sister died suddenly 15 years ago, and my dad died after a very short battle with cancer 9 years ago. I found I resonated with the thoughts and feelings of the author on every page in this book. Even though I lost my loved ones many years ago, I still feel that there are days where the statements in this book are just as true today as they were the day, we lost them. Just like the author, I will never stop loving them; that hole in my heart will always be there; it did get easier to deal with their loss.
I would recommend this book to anyone that has lost a loved one, or has a friend or colleague dealing with the loss of a loved one. The images are simple, yet beautiful and knowing that someone else has gone through the same grieving process helps.

#WhenYouLoseSomeoneYouLoveJoanneFink #NetGalley

a short, perfect book for those grieving from a loss. Exley wrote this book eighteen years ago, and it has lost none of its impact or import. Framed as a series of letters to a man named David who has recently lost his beloved spouse, Exley addresses the different stages of grief, from numbness and shock to anger at God to the waves of grief that occur even two years after a loss. He encourages the reader not to ignore the more difficult questions that the death brings: why did God let it happen? how can a good God allow suffering? The book is thin, because what person grieving wants to read a long book, but it packs a powerful punch by focusing on what matters most and always inspiring the reader to turn to God, no matter what the emotion. There are short prayers at the end of each chapter that may help to soothe the soul as well. I know just who I will pass this book on to; it's the kind of book that will be passed from wounded soul to wounded soul, offering healing to each as it travels.

Beautifully moving illustrated thoughts and musings on grief and grieving that are impactful without being overbearing. The entire book carries a voice of someone, who not only has been on the journey of grief themselves, is trying to give steady yet recognizable sign posts to those that follow similar paths. The illustrations are unique and stylish and are destined to be shared in memes and hopefully stationary and greeting cards in the future.

A series of slightly platitudinous comments about grief, from a designer and writer with experience of losing her husband. I'm too lucky to have needed this so far in my life, so I'm not sure how effective I would find it were I to be in the market for such self-help. Certainly the designs are good, with lovely fonts throughout to dramatise things and make all the pages dynamic and pretty, and the mid-way inclusion of colour shows to some extent there is always a change for the better in the middle of the grieving process. I don't feel this was exactly a book I would choose to give to someone mourning for someone else, either – but I wouldn't wish harm on its creators, nor of course those who do find it a comfort.

Beautiful little book on grief. Illustrations are lovely and prose is helpful/ validating. It is geared towards someone who lost a spouse more than someone who lost a stillborn baby, but still very nice.

Will review on Amazon and Goodreads

"You don't stop loving someone just because they aren't here anymore."
The author shares her loss and how journaling has helped her. Beautiful book about her loss.

Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for ARC

As I come upon the third anniversary of the loss of my husband, I become very emotional and feel his loss even more. I have days that I don't want to do anything, somedays, I don't even get out of my pyjamas. I read this little book to see what the author could possibly share with me about grief that I hadn't already experienced. What I found was a lovely little book with short comments and sentiments couples with beautiful artistic illustrations. Was anything in this book new to me? Not really, but, it validated some of what I feel. Many people think that it has been three years and should be "over it" by now. Some people ask if I am going to start "dating". I don't know what my future will hold, but I am still grieving. I know I still love my husband and miss him terribly. I still feel like a fifth wheel at certain events. And all this is okay and normal. Thanks Joanne Fink for validating how I feel and letting me know that I am not alone. I recommend this book to anyone who had lost a loved one and just needs to hear and see that you are not alone, and it is okay to feel the way you do.

This is a quick read for someone who is grieving. I’m sure you could even color in the pages and add some of your own journaling. It has about a sentence per page.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. My brother just passed away and I am still reeling. This book doesn't say anything new, it just puts it all in the same place. Reminds us that you are not alone. Beautiful and thoughtful. 5 stars