“Move on without me.” These heartfelt words were my husband’s final gift to me.

He opened the door for me to focus when I was ready, not then but soon, on my future. He eased the way for me to go forward and live my life to the fullest and to hold and celebrate his.

In this honest and touching book about her first year of widowhood, author Susan Beer explores all the moments of heartache, fear, anger, grief, and, later, insight and courage that she experienced as she came to grips with the monumental changes in her life brought about by her husband’s sudden passing. With wit and sensitivity, Susan invites the reader to join her on her journey through the maze of questions in the period of time after her husband's death, when women who are widowed find themselves struggling to come to terms with a new life and a new identity.

Featuring anecdotes from her own life, each chapter explores a unique topic, from how to face challenges, ways to express gratitude, and what strength means. The author also reexamines the word “widowhood” and moves beyond the traditional, bleak connotation of a widow to a new definition of hope in spite of heartache. Move On Without Me helps the reader come to grips with the past and the present, so she can embrace the future.

Widowhood is a change that no woman is ever prepared for, and it brings about a reality for which there are no rules or guidelines. Move On Without Me will be a welcome companion for any widow learning to live again.