Smorgasbord Book Reviews – #Cancer – The Winding Road: A Journey of Survival by Miriam Hurdle

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It is my pleasure to share my advance review for the latest release by Miriam Hurdle… a memoir The Winding Road: A Journey of Survival. On preorder for August 26th.

About the book

In the summer of 2008, Miriam Hurdle was diagnosed with melanoma-an aggressive and invasive cancer in her internal organs. The survival rate before 2008 was low. Besides risking harsh treatments for a slim chance of survival, Miriam had hoops to jump through. By the time she received treatment at the beginning of 2009, her cancer had progressed from stage II to stage IV. It was a rough and uphill winding road. But alongside her was support and encouragement. Accompanied by the love of her family and community, this is Miriam’s journey of faith and miracle. It is a heartwarming story of resilience, courage, and the will to live.

My review for the book 20th August 2022

This is a brutally honest journal that takes the author from her initial and unexpected diagnosis of a rare cancer, through the gruelling treatment plan and her survival against the odds.

Despite the difficult subject matter, there are many elements in this story that shine through, such as the strength of faith, support of not just extended family but from kind friends within the local church fellowship, and the extraordinary courage it required to keep going despite the trauma.

Not all challenges were medical by nature, as there were hoops to jump through with regards to work, finance and obtaining the necessary approvals from health insurers. This can only have added a layer of stress totally unwelcome on top of the need to be positive about the prognosis.

Family and so many people came together to support, provide transport, meals and after treatment comfort in the form of emails and online messaging. This was a community at its best, and as important as the chemotherapy and surgery were in achieving the final outcome.

Family is key, and the love of her husband and her daughter with her growing family, are clearly a wonderful incentive for Miriam Hurdle to overcome not just the diagnosis and treatment, but the subsequent after effects that still have to be managed.

At the end of the book there are some wonderful photographs of the author and her family travelling around the world, celebrating life to its fullest. Perhaps with a new awareness of just how precious life is and should be celebrated every day.

At times this book lies heavy on the heart, but it is also an uplifting reminder of the human spirit. It is recommended reading for those who may be facing the challenges of cancer treatment to illustrate that there is hope, but also everyone who respects courage in the face of devastating adversity.

Head over to preorder the book for August 26th: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Also by Miriam Hurdle

Read the reviews and buy the books:Amazon US – And:Amazon UK – – Goodreads: Miriam Hurdle – Blog: The Showers of Blessings – Twitter: @mhurdle112

About Miriam Hurdle

Miriam Hurdle is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She published four children’s books at twenty-six years old. Her poetry collection received the Solo “Medalist Winner” for the New Apple Summer eBook Award and achieved bestseller status on Amazon.

Miriam writes poetry, short stories, memoir, and children’s books. She earned a Doctor of Education from the University of La Verne in California. After two years of rehabilitation counseling, fifteen years of public-school teaching and ten years in school district administration, she retired and enjoys life with her husband in southern California, and the visits to her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters in Oregon. When not writing, she engages in blogging, gardening, photography, and traveling.

 

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. Sallynbsp;

 

112 thoughts on “Smorgasbord Book Reviews – #Cancer – The Winding Road: A Journey of Survival by Miriam Hurdle”

  1. Wishing you continued good health Miriam.
    Dealing with Cancer can be a constant battle.
    So many aspects of learning to take on board: from fear; disbelief; anger; anxiety; denial and depression.
    My husband is a survivor of cancer and his treatment was definitely a roller-coaster along the way. I could only share his journey by proxy and be there for when he needed.

    Thank you Sally for sharing

    Liked by 2 people

      • Sometimes the sufferer likes to tell you as little as possible as they think it might help.
        You just have to be there for when they want to talk or nee support.
        It can be a tricky role.
        A councillor could help but sometimes this just makes it real and they would rather not talk about it.
        however you cope it is always a challenge.

        Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you for sharing your experience as a cancer caregiver, Sue. Cancer sure is a roller-coaster experience. I’m delighted to hear your husband is a survivor. What a relief! One member from my writing group from teared up critiquing my chapters because it reminded her of her late husband.
      I have permanent superficial nerve damage from chemo and lymphedema from lymph node removal. But I’m grateful to be alive.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Yes, I can understand that perhaps someones writing can feel raw and hit a nerve.
        But, I’m glad to hear you wrote it not only for yourself but for others.
        My husband had several courses of treatment and his veins definatley suffered.
        His last course of chemo was tough, it didn’t make him loose his hair (I think that went anyway lol) but it did take him down into depression big time.
        But he has been clear (apart from a bit of mouth cancer), touch wood it’s been 15 years.
        but I’m sure you will understand, as a cancer survivor, he is always a bit anxious.

        Liked by 1 person

    • I remember crying secretly at night but hiding my tears from my husband because I didn’t want him to worry. After I went through it, he told me he was sad and worried I would die. I sure understand that your husband talked about that as little as possible for many reason. Being there for him gave him strength and comfort to go through the dreadful ordeal. I appreciate what you’ve done for your husband as much as appreciate what my husband did for me.

      Liked by 2 people

      • I can relate to what you said.
        My husband was quite lucky as he had acolleague who had breast cancer about the same time and they could talk and help each other through.
        His treatment took him to the bottom initially and the only way was up.
        Her Cancer stated mild and took her down.
        Both survivors.
        He felt a bit like an imposter sometimes when others around died early including a couple of my colleagues.
        But we have managed to talk about it and i can see his taking on the chores around the house were little distractions for him.
        Our work with the Playbus also gave him the chance to do as much of as little as he liked to keep him going.
        Again, glad to hear you could write it and express your feelings and experiences.

        Liked by 2 people

    • Thank you for sharing your husband’s cancer experience, Sue. Yes, he was lucky to have someone to talk to during the treatment. It’s helpful to know someone not only knows but understands of what feels like.
      I was anxious during the first 10 years. When I felt some discomfort, the idea of cancer coming back hit my nerve right away. People said it should be free after 5 years. I waited for 10 years before feeling relaxed and waited for another 3 years to write my story.
      Thank you again for sharing your experience as a caregiver. I appreciate that. Wishing your husband good health and a happy life with you.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Yes, my husbands cancer was like shrapnell, but it kept coming back.
        He has been clear for a while now luckily.
        I don’t think he will ever write his experiences but we did talk about it – which helped.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. A wonderful review, Sally, of a book I’ve preordered. Like the others here, I’m not only impressed with how Miriam fought what must have seemed devastating odds, but that coming through it and writing about her journey gives hope to others. ♥♥

    Liked by 2 people

  5. Thank you Sally for highlighting Miriam Hurdle’s story of cancer and survival. I am always inspired by these journeys and I just followed Miriam to learn more. I look forward to reading it.

    Liked by 3 people

  6. Miriam’s book sounds truly inspiring, and I hope it can reach and comfort many people going through similar situations. Good luck to her and thanks for sharing such a personal and difficult experience.

    Liked by 3 people

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  9. Thank you, Sally for writing such a deserved review for brave Miriam’s book; and all credit to Miriam for her attitude and courage. All success for her book. Stay well Miriam. Hugs to you both xx

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Hi Sally, What a fantastic review and an incredible story – this sounds so heart-wrenching. Miriam has been very courageous not only in her battle but also to write this book. We’re so lucky to have here. Toni x

    Liked by 3 people

  11. I respect anyone willing to share their personal cancer story because it may aid someone else who is struggling.

    I already preordered Miriam’s book a couple of weeks ago and look forward to reading it.

    Liked by 3 people

  12. This is a wonderful review, Sally. I definitely want to read Miriam’s story. I enjoy her blog and I know this book will touch me. Congratulations, Miriam.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Reblogged this on The Showers of Blessings and commented:
    I’m a guest at Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Magazine. Wow! What a great joy and wonderful surprise this morning to find the first review of my new book, The Winding Road. I appreciated Sally’s insightful and reflective review of my story and generously shared it on her blog. Please head over to read the post on her content-rich magazine.

    Like

  14. I know this will be a tough read, but I am looking forward to reading it. And I know how emotional it must have been to write for Miriam. A wonderful review Sally. ❤ xx

    Liked by 3 people

  20. It was a pleasure to see an early glowing review for Miriam’s book, Sally. One more week until it shows up on my kindle. Kudos to Miriam for sharing her wrenching and inspiring journey through cancer. I’m certain it will speak to many who have gone through the ordeal or to those who are in the midst of treatment. Huge congrats to Miriam. ❤

    Liked by 3 people

  22. It takes a lot to write a book like this. Miriam is such an inspiration. Congratulations, Miriam, on this wonderful review, and I wish you all the best with everything. Hugs 💕🙂

    Sally, thanks for sharing! Hugs 💕🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  24. I’m so inspired by Miriam and her positive approach to living. Her survival story is an important one to share because it offers hope to those facing cancer. Thank you for sharing your review!

    Liked by 4 people

  25. Thank you for featuring Miriam today, Sally. She’s a beautiful and inspiring woman. as well as a lovely writer. I’ve preordered my copy and look forward to reading her journey through and with this unfriendly intruder. Blessings to both of you. ❤️

    Liked by 4 people

  26. It takes a brave person to relive the trauma of the harsh treatment and sometimes its permanent after effects…Good Luck with the publication of your book, Miriam and wishing you continued good health 🙂 x

    Liked by 4 people

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