When I made the decision to write A Place Called Grace, I had two main reasons that compelled me to not only tell my story, but tell it warts and all–not “prettied up.” I knew I would have to tell the truth if I was going to inspire other women–and men–to learn from my experiences. I would need to include my illusions, delusions, and other mistakes in ways I thought or behaved that caused problems for me–and how I overcame these challenges.

Perhaps the reader might have a laugh at my expense, but if she or he then recognizes opportunities to be more resilient on their own journeys, my job for that reader will have been done.

My second compelling reason for writing this book was to honor an inter-generational relationship: one I am not going to describe here: it’s pivotal to my story and you will need to read the book to discover it.

I have been blessed in many ways. I have also experienced great pain: both physical and emotional. I have “survived” a dysfunctional childhood. I have jumped optimistically in a number of romantic relationships that all ended badly and I had to really look at who I was being for that to be such a common default situation. I have had serious illnesses that laid me low, and a horrific accident that continues to cause me pain to this day. Depression and loneliness have also been my constant companions for large parts of my life. Yet wake up excited for each new day, and recognize that I am a work in progress. I also get great pleasure and joy from my canine companions, past and present–dogs to me are earthly angels, as anyone who lives with such a creature will surely agree.

I believe there are a great many people who can relate to my life story, see themselves in me, and hopefully find solace and inspiration in how I dealt with and overcame many of life’s most relatable challenges.

Welcome to my world, to “A Place Called Grace.” I hope to touch your heart. And please, after you read the book, let me hear from you!

Alison Rand