We all want 'happily ever after'. From earliest childhood we buy into that dream so we're ill prepared when life kicks us up the backside. These events that challenge our fairytale beliefs often come in unwelcome packages: life-threatening illness, divorce, accidents, grief and loss, even major surgery. This is a story of one woman's courage as she copes with the challenges and difficult choices she faces, and, in many ways, decides to grow personally and move on to a way of life that is much more vibrant and healthy for her. The real strength of the memoir is that the reader will have no difficulty identifying with a life determined to succeed in the face of setbacks large and small. Each uplifting moment leaves this calmly maturing woman more confident in the face of bleakness and uncertainty. Her confidence reassures her that a power greater will open ways. Ms Trenchard writes this narrative of hope and optimism with honesty. She neither hides her mistakes nor glorifies her triumphs. Above all, she never repeats her mistakes and turns each into a new determination.