Boldly into the Darkness: Living with Loss, Growing with Grief, & Holding onto Happiness
by Autumn Toelle-Jackson
“The idea of writing about loss – and reaching readers with similar losses – is unique and appreciated. While it has certainly been done before, this book brings a positive and reflective viewpoint that will resonate with readers. Many people write about various losses of their loved ones. However, this narrator has more losses than many, and she seems to cope more effectively than most. Writing the book seems to have helped heal her from these terrible and numerous tragedies, and will likely help others grappling with grief. The book is also well structured, and the narrator displays little self-pity. Each time a death occurs, she actively struggles to overcome her grief and finds many ways to do so. Both her husbands are drawn in detail, but she remains the central developed character.”
-The BookLife Prize
“This is a book I started reading and I could not put it down. It is the true heartfelt story of Autumn Toelle-Jackson, a brave woman who has experienced more tragedy than many could endure. When you read this book, you will learn about love, loss, hope and the indomitable strength that we can all summon inside of us. It can teach all of us how to be resilient and move forward after a tragedy, and that it’s truly possible to carry on with life’s journey and even find happiness again. A masterpiece of a memoir and a must-read!!!!”
-Shawn Doyle, CSP, Professional Speaker and Author
“With deep compassion, beautiful self-introspection, and profound vulnerability, Autumn Toelle-Jackson gracefully shines a glowing light of hope into the dark shadows of grief and loss. Boldly in the Darkness is ultimately a book about choice- the choice to say “Yes” to life even while death abounds; the choice to invite supportive community into bottomless personal despair; the choice to love anew even while the heart aches for missed beloveds. Toelle-Jackson’s story exemplifies the courage of the human spirit, the resiliency of a young wife and mother, and the post-traumatic growth that comes with intentional healing. Boldly into the Darkness is engrossing from the first page to the very last…”
– Susan Hannifin-MacNab, MSW, Author of A to Z Healing Toolbox: A Practical Guide for Navigating Grief and Trauma with Intention
“In her book, Boldy into the Darkness, Autumn Toelle-Jackson shares her story of love and loss in an honest and vulnerable way. As someone who has also experienced sudden loss of loved ones I can relate to her story. The descriptions of her family encourage the reader to learn more and care about them deeply. She is honest and authentic as she takes us on her journey through darkness and survival. Toelle-Jackson’s story is sad at times but shows us her strength, resilience and commitment to living a full and love filled life.”
-Dr. Nancy Saltzman, Author of Radical Survivor: One Woman’s Path Through Life, Love, and Uncharted Tragedy
“With “Boldly into the Darkness,” Autumn Toelle-Jackson shows there can be light even in the darkest of places. Her memoir is sure to speak to the heart of everyone who has experienced a loss. What a beautiful gift she’s given to readers: proof there can be hope, healing, and great love after loss. A must-read!”
-Kerry Phillips, Author of Letters to the Widowed Community
“Boldly into the Darkness is more than just a book about loss. It is a beautifully woven story, as well as an educational workbook of sorts, about grief. The title itself suggests that the validity of both darkness and hope are equal, and that each individual must find their way through the horrific pain, in order to feel the light. Autumn Toelle-Jackson has a way of using imagery in such a way that we, as the reader, feel as if we are inside every single physical and emotional place that she courageously takes us to. The author tells us her story, while simultaneously providing the pearls of wisdom that most of us wish we had when we were going through this. Brave, very honest, and a must-read for anyone who wishes to find the light inside of the darkness.”
– Kelley Lynn Shepherd, author of My Husband Is Not a Rainbow: the brutally awful, hilarious truth about life, love, grief, and loss
“Autumn Toelle-Jackson recounts the profound losses she has incurred in this lifetime with grace and tenderness. This book is less about grief and more about what it means to find meaning in our deepest struggles. If grief is a reflection of love then the reflections we see in Toelle-Jackson’s book shimmer like a gorgeous lake of resilience and holding the simple beauty of what it means to be human in this world.”
– Claire Bidwell Smith, author of The Rules of Inheritance