Praise

“I wish I had this book thirty years ago. What a welcome source of inspiration and insight.”
— Linda Ellerbee, journalist, award-winning television producer, best-selling author, breast cancer survivor, and mom.

“Even before you hear their stories, you feel their strength. When these four women came into my office, I knew I wanted to be a part of their mission. Readers will find themselves engulfed (in a good way) by their spirit.”
— Gerry Laybourne, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Oxygen Media

“Kudos to the amazing strength of these women!” This book is the needed inspiration to survive the worst luck and circumstances that catch women unexpectedly. Stories of almost unimaginable pain and tragedy: the death of loved ones, being witness to mass murder, the loss of an esteemed job after years of loyalty, and the reversal of fortunes. But more importantly, these are stories of individual strength to transform shock, despair, and paralysis into sheer will and guts. It contains the innate resources we have to climb out of the abyss and into a new life with unexpected happiness.
— Amy Tan, best-selling author of The Joy Luck Club

"This book is an object lesson in the power of friendship—and in the power of perseverance. The four fearless women who wrote it share their remarkable stories—featuring incredible highs and heartbreaking lows—and in the process show us how to overcome the fears that limit us. It's funny, inspiring, and practical—often all at the same time. Put the most entertaining episode of The View in a blender with Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, and you'd get This is Not the Life I Ordered. It's a book you'll want to order a stack of, so you can share it with your girlfriends and your daughters."
— Arianna Huffington

“In World War II, the brave young men who fought and sacrificed became a "Band of Brothers." In reading this marvelous book that chronicles the stories of courageous and enterprising women who overcame hardships I realize more and more that we are indeed a "Society of Sisters." A must read for all women and the men who love them.”
— Rita Moreno, Actor and Winner of the Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Presidential Medal of Freedom

“This book captures real-life moments—from overwhelming hardships to triumphant outcomes. It echoes hope on every page and gives insightful inspiration to get us through life’s daily challenges. I love this book and all the threads of wisdom intricately sewn through each page. After you read it, you will realize that so much of your potential is just waiting to be released.”
— Debbi Fields, founder, Mrs. Fields Cookies

“A moving book, full of hope and encouragement. I laughed and cried but always felt uplifted!”
— Jessica McClintock, founder and CEO, Jessica McClintock Inc.

“These women inspire us to go for the gold in our lives. They all deserve 10s!”
— Kristi Yamaguchi, Gold Medalist Figure Skater

“This is the book you need when it is 2 AM and you can’t sleep because things in your life are not the way you hoped they would be. It is filled with the support and wisdom you would get from your friends, and more. It contains inspiring and true stories as well the tools to help you move to the other side of whatever obstacles might confront you. It will comfort you and give you courage.”
— Anne Robinson, co-founder, Windham Hill Records

“You’ll want to buy a copy of this book for yourself and every woman you care about. The inspiring real-life stories prove that you can overcome anything life throws at you, if you put your mind to it. These refreshingly honest stories will buoy your spirits and give you the clarity and courage to make your life what you want it to be now, not someday. Read it and reap.”
— Sam Horn, best-selling author, Tongue