Pub Day: On Holding Joy and Grief Together
Today, my debut novel Things That Break Us steps out into the world. It follows yesterday, the two-year anniversary of my mom’s death. There’s something about that timing that feels so lifey (to quote Anne Lamott).
Life doesn’t let us choose between joy and sorrow. We’re given both, often in ways and at times we do not choose. But it is ours to carry. The good. The bad. The laughter. The tears. To hold the weight of every absence alongside the spark of each new beginning.
What Early Readers Are Saying
Things That Break Us is a story about Tessa Williams, an American medical student on a two-month rotation in Botswana, Africa. On the outside, she looks like she has it all together. But inside, she’s quietly unraveling. At it’s core, it’s a novel about grief…about letting go of parental expectations…about the courage it takes to live your life. For you. On your own terms.
Since July, the book has been posted on NetGalley and BookSirens for advanced reader review. During that time, it has been viewed over 3000 times and downloaded by almost 300 readers! As of today, it has almost 40 reviews with an average star rating of 4.4 stars across all platforms.
I’ve been blown away by the comments from some of the early reviewers:
“The most powerful story I have ever read. It touched my emotions like no other.” – Leanne D., NetGalley Reviewer
“Laugh. Cry. Rethink your life. This debut hits harder than a hippo protecting its territory.” – @rawr.reads2025
“I don’t cry when reading…ever. This book broke me. My favorite read of 2025 so far!” – @BookSkee
“Wow! A beautifully heartbreaking, eye-opening story–a masterpiece. I wish I could give it 6/5 stars.” –Monica L., NetGalley Reviewer.
How You Can Help Today
If you’re here, reading this, it means you’ve been part of this journey with me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! If you’d like to support me on pub day, here are a few simple ways to make a difference:
Buy a copy of Things That Break Us—paperback or eBook, wherever you like to shop (Amazon link here, others on homepage).
Tell a friend (or two) about it. Word of mouth is everything for a new author.
Mark it as “Want-to Read” on GoodReads
Leave an honest review on Amazon and GoodReads. Even one sentence helps more than you know. Written reviews carry more weight than stars (especially with the Amazon algorithym).
Request it from your local library on Libby. Libraries listen to their patrons, and a single request can open doors for many more readers.
Today is about polarity—grief and joy, endings and beginnings, heartbreak and hope. My mom isn’t here to see this milestone, but I carry her inside me.
Thank you for helping me place Things That Break Us into readers’ hands. May it remind you, as it reminds me, that even in life’s hardest seasons, we can always takes steps to become the truest, most authentic version of ourselves.
XO,
Lisa
