Never Ever Give Up Hope

Marie Lavender is an award-winning best-selling author of 22 books, including Second Chance Heart. She has been writing for over 20 years in a variety of genres. Second Chance Heart and A Little Magick placed in the TOP 10 on the 2015 P&E Readers' Poll. Nominated in the TRR Readers' Choice Awards for Winter 2015. Poetry winner of the 2015 PnPAuthors Contest. Honorable Mention in the 2014 BTS Red Carpet Book Awards. Finalist and Runner-up in the 2014 MARSocial's Author of the Year Competition. Honorable mention in the January 2014 Reader's Choice Award. Liebster Blogger Award for 2013 and 2014. Top 10 Authors on AuthorsDB.com. Winner of the Great One Liners Contest on the Directory of Published Authors. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 22 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, fantasy, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. Her current series are The Heiresses in Love Series, The Magick Series and The Blood at First Sight Series, though she has several others in the works. Marie is also a blogger and moderator for three guest author blogs: Writing in the Modern Age, Marie Lavenders Books! and the I Love Romance Blog.

Dana Goodman is a published author, grief counselor and inspirational speaker. Her memoir is entitled, In the Cleft, Joy Comes in the Mourning, which won top novel at the Wildsound Writing Festival. Dana's life was hard and unpredictable. No mother should have to bury her 13-year-old son, at the same time her husband and mother-in-law died. Yet, Dana found love again and remarried. Shortly after, her new husband was diagnosed with the same life-threatening cancer. It is one of the rarest cancers in the world and there have only been 200 known cases. How could one woman lose three family members and yet, find her joy once again? You will enjoy her interview as she shares how we often live in tension - beautiful and ugly mixing together like paint -- pain and joy kissing each other. Dana never thought it would be possible but somehow seeds of love and hope have spread like a tsunami in her life. Pain has a way of being a lighthouse for others to find their way back to the shores of hope. In the words of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross: "The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths....beautiful people do not just happen!" Her story will inspire you and help you find hope when it seems like all hope is gone.

Dianna Corcoran, Australian-born singer, guitar player, song writer, producer, musical entrepreneur and two time Golden Guitar winner in the Australian Country Music Awards including Artist of the Year, is one of Australia's most distinguished vocal and songwriting talents. She has earned over 400 awards with numerous #1 hits including an upcoming Hollywood movie opening theme. This hard-working, genuine country girl has an almost 7th octave vocal range, an infectious personality, and brings a fresh sound to country music. She has driven over 46,000 miles, by herself, to promote her music and meet her fans in small towns across America. She has an unusual view of competition in this business, that can be related to any business. She is in one of the toughest industries yet has accomplished incredible success - through tenacity and determination. Humility and warmth are often foreign to achievement in the music industry, yet it is in her nature. You will not want to miss this young star's interview and her encouraging words to anyone working towards achievement -- in whatever you set your mind to do.

Dr. Robin McGee is a Registered Clinical Psychologist. She has taught at the university level and has published in professional journals in the field of child psychology. Dr. McGee was an active, fit woman in her forties when she developed frightening symptoms. Four doctors either ignored her complaints or belittled them. She waited TWO years for a diagnosis and by then, had stage three rectal cancer. The Cancer Olympics is Robin's account of a gutsy, no-holds-barred middle-aged woman's fight against THREE formidable enemies: Late-stage rectal cancer The Medical establishment Archaic government policies The Cancer Olympics illustrates how a support blog for a cancer patient turned into an engine that challenged unfair drug policy. It illustrates how a community of ordinary people, connected by the internet via social media, formed a grassroots movement that tackled the government. And it illustrates how a supportive community can sustain the hope and even the life of those afflicted with catastrophic disease. The Cancer Olympics was an International Book Award Finalist for Health/Cancer (2015) and a Readers’ Favorite Award Finalist for Grief/Hardship (2015). It was an Association of Independent Authors Book of the Month selection. Half proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Association and the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. It has raised over $4000 for these charities so far. The Cancer Olympics is available from Amazon and Indigo. Buying from the FriesenPress Bookstore maximizes the donation to cancer support programs. Some quotes from independent reviewers: "A page-turner...genuinely inspiring and uplifting...a David vs Goliath story...part drama, part mystery, part comedy, part suspense, and part research. A brilliant read and an exceptional well-written story." - The Chronicle Herald, Halifax "Through her flawless prose and deft narration, readers will find her memoir exceptional and well-written. As harsh as her struggle was, this is not a depressing memoir, but one that gives hope and advocates a patient's rights and well-being. This is a must-read for everyone." - Readers' Favorite A must-listen interview for anyone who is fighting the medical "system" and needs support

Maya Hope Kitwana wrote her memoir, Breaking my Silence, to share her powerful story but also in hopes of comforting those who have suffered in silence. She shares why it is important to: Share Your Story Forgive Your Abusers Face Your Abusers And...... FORGIVE YOURSELF Many victims of abuse have a difficult time to forgive but also to love themselves. They must, realize they have NOTHING to be embarrassed or ashamed of -- they were the abused and often just little children. She offers tips on how to break that cycle of abuse that many families endure. She shares how your past helps you to be the kind of parent you desire to be. Breaking My Silence tells the story of survival after a troubled childhood of rape, incest, and abandonment. After carrying the weight of her past for over thirty years, Kitwana began therapy and writing in a journal. This developed into her memoir - the beginning of her healing process. She hopes to encourage other victims of abuse to take a stand and share their stories. Breaking My Silence is a graphic, yet fearless look at Kitwana’s journey and her movement toward hope, healing, intimacy, and love.

Lane Cobb is an author, speaker, and a life and wellness coach. Certified by Coaches Training Institute, WellCoaches, LLC, and International Coaches Federation, Lane is committed to teaching women and girls how to have healthy bodies, healthy relationships, and healthy mind-sets. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Lane brings a diverse and extensive body of knowledge to her speaking, coaching, and writing. As a sought-after expert in the fields of transformation, motivation, and healing, Lane is an example to women who seek to ignite their passion, live their purpose and achieve their greatest potential. Lane is internationally certified in multiple coaching and healing modalities and is a graduate of Peak Potentials Train the Trainer Program. Lane says: "Take the time to listen to someone tell their story. There is healing in sharing your story -- everyone.....has a story."

MaryLee MacDonald is an award-winning author, writing coach with a Master's in English/Creative Writing, and a caregiver advocate. She thought she was indestructible until life took a sudden turn. She knows the stress long-term care as the main caregiver for her son-in-law who was afflicted with ALS. But that was not her first encounter with death of a loved one. She knows the devastation of losing a spouse suddenly and the impact it makes on the entire family. Listen to MaryLee's story and you will be inspired. Even more importantly, MaryLee will give you tips and coping skills to deal with these crises which can turn from a sprint into a marathon. Her website, Family Caregiver Support, is for anyone who has passed the ten-mile mark and can't yet see the finish line as they put their life on hold to care for a family member. Her novel, based on true-life experiences, Montpelier Tomorrow, immerses readers in what it is like to be sleep-deprived for months on end and what it's like to care for a patient who isn't especially noble or grateful. She portrays a family under extreme stress of an ALS diagnosis.

Clare McAlaney, a best-selling author, has had a variety of careers before she found her true calling. She was a policewoman who later became a prosecutor. From there, she went to the corporate life while still earning degrees and seeking her creative self. She established Creatavision Publishing by teaching herself what skills she needed in the field of marketing and branding. But there were dark times in Clare's life. There was a time when she did not want to live another day - when hope was gone. She is a pure example of someone who can turn their tragedies into victories. She has only just begun her journey to pursue her dreams of success as a writer and publisher. "Don't EVER Quit! When you do what you are put on this planet to do - you will become driven until you accomplish it" Here is her exhilarating interview you will never forget

Cindy Sproles is an author, speaker, managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals. She is the executive editor and co-founder for Christian Devotions Ministries. Her dream is to do nothing more than craft words that speak from the heart. Her best-selling novel, Mercy Rains, addresses the tough subject of child sexual and physical abuse. Even though it is set in another century it will take you to places you may not want to go but must...... as it addresses a current problem. Her best-selling novel, Mercy Rains, is available on Amazon -- “At once chilling and compelling in its honest portrayal of nineteenth-century mountain life, Mercy’s Rain is a beautifully written story of man’s depravity and God’s mercy. Its pages are filled with memorable characters and gripping scenes, and at its heart is a message you won’t soon forget.” —Ann Tatlock

Michelle Christoffels, an author of No Glory For Me, was Australia's first registered, professional, female boxer, dual UNDEFEATED Victorian Champion and Australian Champion Kickboxer. But there was a time in Michelle's life when she had a serious downfall, spending time in psychiatric care and a criminal conviction. She went from street gangs to making national headlines -- she paid the price for fame! Just before her first professional match, she was drugged/raped by her manager and started her life on a downward spiral. Telling her story in this interview, she shares from her heart in a way that will keep you captivated. She was considered Australia's toughest woman (and also a cop) yet was falling apart on the inside in the battle of her life/career. As you listen you will realize that someone out there can HELP you, has felt your pain and can offer support uniquely and honestly. Her memoir, No Glory For Me, starts with a courtroom drama -- you don't want to miss this compelling story. Listen to this woman's incredible plight from fame to devastation and finally....success.