A Terrific Two-Fer: New “Surviving Sue” Review and a Fabulous Book Recommendation

When someone you admire offers praise, it’s a delicious gift!

The talented author, Deborah Brasket’s new book will be available soon AND she found time to review “Surviving Sue”.

Deborah’s novel, “When Things Go Missing” tells the story of a fractured family in a way that inspires. Characters I swear I’ve met – flawed and imperfect individuals with resonant, redemptive qualities. Just beneath the surface. Reminding me of the complexity of existence; the fragility of relationships and the importance of following one’s path. Even when those closest to us cannot fathom our choices…when motivation is mysterious and misunderstood.

The opportunity to read an advance copy of “When Things Go Missing” was a delight. The subtitle provides the perfect hint for the reader. It is, indeed, a novel “About Everything That Matters“.

When Things Go Missing” is available for pre-order now. Deservedly so, it’s already garnering awards and recognition. More will follow. I just know it.

In a few weeks, Wynne Leon and I will have the privilege of visiting with Deborah, podcast style on Sharing the Heart of the Matter to discuss her book. I can’t wait – and I’ll be sure to provide all of the details and links when the episode drops. In the interim, click here to learn more about the masterpiece that is “When Things Go Missing” and pre-order your copy.


Deborah’s “Surviving Sue” Review

When Deborah offered to read “Surviving Sue“, I was thrilled and nervous. Her generous review is still giving me lift, reminding me of my purpose. Why I write. Here’s an excerpt. Her full review is posted on Amazon and Goodreads:

Surviving Sue is a tender, heart-breaking and meticulously detailed memoir about surviving the trauma of growing up with an abusive and mentally unstable mother. 

Most of all, we learn how the author grows strong and wise and compassionate despite all she suffers. She is evidence of the old truism: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Writing about trauma is healing not only for the writer but for the reader as well. For those readers who have suffered or are suffering from similar trauma, it helps them to know they are not alone and gives them coping mechanisms to emulate. For those who have not suffered this way, it gives them a peek into another’s life and helps build empathy and awareness. I learned a lot from reading the excellent memoir and highly recommend it.

Thank you, Deborah – for your support and friendship and for writing your marvelous book.

-Vicki 💝

Deborah J. Brasket | Writing on the Edge of the Wild


Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.

Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue”.

Click here for Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcasts with talented creatives.

Click here for videos of our podcasts. Thank you!



73 responses to “A Terrific Two-Fer: New “Surviving Sue” Review and a Fabulous Book Recommendation”

    1. Thanks, Caleb! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  1. “The complexity of existence; the fragility of relationships and the importance of following one’s path.” A beautiful meeting of kindred hearts, sharing tough experiences transparently that will encourage us all.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Joy…thank you so much!
      Kindred hearts — yes! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  2. The last paragraph of Deborah’s review of ‘Surviving Sue’ encapsulates it perfectly 👌I can see how you’re lifted by it Vicki. I’ll try to listen in to your interview with her as her new book sounds just up my street! 😊 xx

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Ahh…thank you, Margaret! And yes! I think you will love Deborah’s book! Wynne and I hope to release our interview with her around the time “When Things Go Missing” debuts in September. We’ll keep you posted. xoxoxo! 💕

      Liked by 3 people

  3. Deborah’s book sounds amazing. Thanks for the book suggestion. And it’s no surprise that she loved yours too. A writer who writes about “everything that matters” will definitely understand the nuances and importance of overcoming trauma that you have written about so well. Congratulations Vicki!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I promise, promise, promise…you will love Deborah’s book. Can’t wait for you to read it so we can talk after! And of course…ever grateful to you for your support about “Surviving Sue”…and its author! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Stunning review Vicki xo
    Richly deserved.
    Thank you for your patience with me and my reading like a tortoise 😆
    Tots to the jellies dear friend ❤️🥰❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Love you, Maggie! You put sunshine into my morning over here…across the pond. Love YOU lots…like jellie tots…and I really need to do some research about those. They sound yum…but are they??? xo! 🥰💕🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Aww they are my friend, serously deliscious🤗
        That is so lovely of you to say, and that makes me happy.
        LOVE YOU too Vicki xox🥰❤️🥰

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Congratulations. So well deserved.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much, Bridget. xo! 🥰

      Like

  6. Another wonderful review, and deservedly so, Vicki.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Ever grateful to you my friend. xo! 🥰💕🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  7. If you would like another review, free of course, which will feature on my personal blog dominusmarkham.com in the reviews section, drop me a line. Kind regards, Dominus

    Liked by 2 people

    1. That’s very kind of you, Dominus. I’ll give that some thought. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  8. What a wonderful review of ‘sue’ and I cannot wait to hear more about Deborah’s book and listen to her conversation with you two!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Beth…for being you! 💕🥰💕

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Yes, Victoria, when someone you admire offers praise, it is wonderful.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Indeed! Thank you so much, Tim. 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, Victoria. 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Can’t wait to talk with Deborah! I love how she highlights that working through trauma is healing for the writer as well as the reader. So good — and so true!! ❤ ❤ ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Agree…so good! Thank you so much, partner! Appreciate you! 💕🥰💕

      Like

  11. When a mentor sings praises, we all stand to listen! Well deserved, dear VickiLou!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Ahh! Nancy Lou! Love you! xo! 🥰💕🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Congrats on your latest glowing review, Vickie! Look forward to hearing your interview. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It will be great…and I think you’ll really enjoy Deborah’s book! Thank you so much, Ab! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Masterpiece is quite an endorsement, Vicki! How can one pass this by? Thanks.

    Like

    1. It’s terrific…that’s for sure! Thanks, dear Dr. Stein! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Aw, Vicki! What a beautiful surprise to wake up to. Thank you so much for sharing my book here. Can’t wait to talk to you and Wynn about my it. And I love that you featured my review of your book here. It was such a pleasure to read. I’m so glad we’ve had a chance to get to know each other. We truly are kindred spirits! xxoo

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My pleasure in every way, Deborah. A privilege to read your book and learn more about all of your creative talents. Truly! 🥰💕🥰

      Like

  15. Another sweet review of your work! The upcoming interview I’m sure will also be another winner! ❤️

    Like

    1. Love you, Mary! Yes, yes! Deborah’s book is unlike anything I’ve ever read. Excited that we’ll get to podcast with her. We’ll keep you posted! xo! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Congratulations on another fine review, Vicki.

    I love your description of Deborah’s book: “Flawed and imperfect individuals with resonant, redemptive qualities. Just beneath the surface.” Those are my favorite characters because I want to be able to identify with characters who seem real.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, Pete! You know what? I thought about you as I read Deborah’s book…feeling certain you’d find the characters to be compelling. I love that the descriptions piqued your interest! Yay! Many thanks to you, my friend! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I love the mutual admiration you both have. Deborah’s book sounds compelling. And yours well it goes without saying. I am looking forward to reading! 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Smiles, hugs and gratitude, Cindy! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. 💗 back at cha!!!💓

        Liked by 1 person

  18. So, it’s a novel about car keys and phones and whatnot? Interesting! (And congrats on the review!)

    Like

    1. Hmmm….I could say you’re getting warmer…and warmer…you’ll need to read Deborah’s book to find out! Soooo good! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  19. I’m always in when it includes a mystery, Vicki. What a nice post to celebrate two authors and their amazing books. I took a peek at Deborah’s site and loved the feel of art both on it and the new book cover. 😊I’ll be listening.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yay!!! Thank you so much, dear Melanie! Xo! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I really am intrigued….can’t wait. 💕

        Liked by 1 person

        1. You will love her book! 🥰❤️🥰

          Liked by 1 person

  20. What a lovely review Vicki. It works both ways.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are the best, dear Alegria! Thank you so much. Sending big hugs your way, my fabulously creative friend. xo! 🥰💕🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Great review, and this part, “Writing about trauma is healing not only for the writer but for the reader as well,” is spot on.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you!!! So grateful for your close read and observations, Edward…of Deborah’s review and of “Surviving Sue” as a treasured reader! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re so welcome, my friend. 🫶🏼

        Like

  22. Congratulations on Deborah’s excellent review, Vicki, so well deserving. And your description of her book has piqued my interest. Congrats to her as well. I also look forward to the podcast! Hugs 💖

    Like

    1. Xo, dear Lauren! Thank so much! Sending hugs…love the beautiful support you’re receiving for sharing Copper with all of us! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re so welcome, Vicki, and thank you! I’m humbled by the outpouring of support. Love ya, my friend! 💞🥰

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Right back atcha! 🥰❤️🥰

          Liked by 1 person

  23. That’s awesome, Vicki. I’m happy for you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much, Mary! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Vicki, this is all just so lovely ❤️❤️Deborah’s praise is so well-deserved, Surviving Sue is surely powerful in all the right ways. Can’t wait to hear your podcast, Vicki

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Sending big smiles to you, my talented friend! Thank you so much! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Deborah’s book sounds like it’s right up your alley, Vicki. Love it that you got in an early read and now can make an early recommendation. Congrats to Deborah on her new release.

    And a fabulous review of Surviving Sue. What a treat and how validating of all your hard work. Congrats to you as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Much love to you, Diana, for your support! I encouraged Deborah to follow you. I’m grateful to count you as a trusted blogging friend. Xo! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  26. The way you and Deborah write about each other’s work is so inspiring. 💞
    As I read what you wrote about her book, I was overwhelmed with how you both have such deep caring and understanding about people. “Deborah’s novel, “When Things Go Missing” tells the story of a fractured family in a way that inspires. Characters I swear I’ve met – flawed and imperfect individuals with resonant, redemptive qualities. Just beneath the surface. Reminding me of the complexity of existence; the fragility of relationships and the importance of following one’s path. Even when those closest to us cannot fathom our choices…when motivation is mysterious and misunderstood.”
    And Deborah was so spot on when she wrote this about your book, “Writing about trauma is healing not only for the writer but for the reader as well. For those readers who have suffered or are suffering from similar trauma, it helps them to know they are not alone and gives them coping mechanisms to emulate.”
    This community you all are building, bringing out the best in all of us, is so valuable.💞
    I can hardly wait for the podcast.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh my goodness, Rose. You are such a source of love and light for me. Thank you, thank you. 💕
      I’m so glad we’ve connected and I’m thrilled that you see the purpose underlying all of this. You, my friend, bring out the best in me and offer inspiration in your kind words. Ever grateful!
      And yes! You will love Deborah’s book. Oh my. So good. Promise to keep you posted about the podcast…around the third week in September. xoxoxo! Big hugs! 🥰💕🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  27. AMAZING!!!!! Congratulations – Well deserved! XOXOV

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Love you, my Vickie sister! We just returned from a fun bowling outing with Lisa…she always asks about you and Jess…sending hugs and hellos from both of us! 🥰💕🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Really!!!! I love that Lisa asks about us! 🥰
        Jess had a blast tonight. We had a birthday party for my son and grandson and she was in the thick of everything. !!!!
        Gnight my friend ❤️

        Like

        1. Good morning…and much love to you, Vickie! I love that Jess had a great time at a big birthday party. So good. xo! 🥰💕🥰

          Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.

Peek Inside “Surviving Sue

Visit Resources on Atkinson Group Solutions for more.

Podcasts

Listen to the “Sharing the Heart of the Matter” podcast.

You can find our podcast on Apple, Amazon, Spotify and Pocket Casts.  Please subscribe!

Workshops

Chicago Writers Association Speakers BureauWriting for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor; How to Create a Writing Platform; AI for Caregivers

About Me

Learn about five books that inspired and supported my writing journey by visiting my personalized book review page on Shepherd.

BLOG ARCHIVES

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!