Connie is “Your Friend on the Path”

I met Author Connie Rosser Riddle on Twitter a few years ago and kept in touch with her because I enjoyed her positive and uplifting thoughts. Recently, she messaged me with good news- she was publishing her memoir soon, He Heard My Voice. Would I like to read it?

Yes!! And her book was lovely and inspiring- the kind of book that you read, highlight and go back to those special parts that really spoke to you.

I wanted to feature Connie and her book on my blog. When I read her recent post about her book launch party, I knew that you would want to read about the special event, too. With Connie’s permission, here is her story of the book launch, complete with wonderful photos of happy friends and family. And wait until you see the photo of the cake! After her post, I have included my review of her book and info on buying her book. Enjoy!

Going Home to Launch

Yesterday, I stood before the family, friends, and new readers who would now be friends gathered in the Shallow Well United Church of Christ fellowship building for my book launch. I was ready to end the anticipation and step forward and present the book I’d worked on for the past ten years.

“It’s only fitting that I come back here to my home community to launch my first book,” I said. “This is the place where my faith started and my dreams began.”

With a brief overview of the scope of the book I started the readings with a portion of the preface. I looked out over the group, seated at the round tables, making it like a family reunion–  ready to share a meal of fellowship. The woman who introduced me, LaVerne was the one who’d invited me to meet with the Women’s Fellowship group. Those women made the food for the reception and were now sitting in the audience. Seeing their faces reminded me of the solid support of my home community.

I wanted the group to travel with me on that first solo journey to Sedona, to get the feel of being in the car as I drove from the dessert to the plateau to the rocky hills of my destination city. And once there, I wanted them to breathe in the fresh air of freedom when I was released to travel alone. By hearing about the significance of that place, my readers would understand why my book cover by Madrid designer, Rocio Martin Osuna had the right tone for my story.

I’d spent most of Thursday picking out the portions of the book that I’d read; it was harder than I thought. When you know intimately all 213 pages it’s hard to choose what will fit within an hour presentation, how to reveal enough to pique interest but not to give away all of the story, what will resonate with that particular audience. I had been praying for those who would come to the launch. It was so gratifying to look out and see those people I’d prayed for, the ‘people in my path.’

Connie Rosser Riddle

When I was telling about the journey and stopping to read portions of the book, I had to keep focused even though I wanted to acknowledge family who’d just come in. From the corner of my eye, I recognized my Aunt Ann making her way with her walker over to a chair. She is 92 and came with her daughter, my cousin, Laurie. They, along with other Smith family cousins, represented the deep and loving relationships that had been nurtured by my Grandma Smith. While Mama wasn’t able to be there, her family  had been and after the reading when I hugged my Aunt Ann, she said, “We’re so proud of you, honey.”

My Aunt Ann with Smith cousins

There were also cousins from the Rosser side of my family, providing support over the years and on this day of celebration. Last week when I was attending to the final details of the reception, I practically had my cousin, Sandra on speed dial. She came through with providing table cloths and decorations, putting everything together with an artistic eye. She purchased the first copy of the memoir and encouraged me when my energy was low with her enthusiasm saying, “I just can’t put the book down. I can’t believe how that Tara treated you!”

Besides my family, there were friends from my writing group that surprised me by making the drive to Sanford to be part of the celebration. They have critiqued the story many times and if it weren’t for them, I don’t think I would have completed the book. Bill, Ted, and Jill all fellow writers know the long hours it takes and one day I’ll be attending their book signings. I wish I had a picture of us together but did get this one with Jill.

My friend, Delores was there. She’s in the book– the one I go to the Blue Ridge Mountains with right after starting chemo. We’ve been texting this week about the launch and whether or not she’d be able to come. Her husband is going through chemo now and she has seldom been away from his side. I told her to fix a plate for him, in case he had the appetite for any of those sweet and savory foods.

I don’t want to leave out other folks who came, because each one has a special place in my heart and I’m deeply grateful. But I need to stop now, and get this post out there. I had to rush with this one, so there’s not enough time to go back and polish it up.

My friend, Mary who is a poet and the leader of the Write to Heal Group that I participated in at Waverly Hematology/Oncology, told me when she bought her book, “I feel like I know you now, seeing you in this place.”

Mary in the pink jacket with the naturally curly hair!

And she was right. Surrounded by my friends and family in my childhood community, she was seeing me where I’m most at home. It was fitting that I returned there to launch.

Here are more pictures! Thanks to Everyone for making my day so special!

My older sister, Harriet, made the cake as she did my wedding cake back in 1978

My husband, David– taking up the money and a constant support

My friend-since-first-grade, Donna at the drink table. My cousin, Danny buying a book.

JENA’S REVIEW

Here is a book to love and savor- a memoir about mid-life and its challenges and blessings. But don’t jump to any conclusions, this book is not dark or depressing. Instead, Author Connie Rosser Riddle’s journey will delight you with its freshness and inspiring approach to life.

The author begins her story when she was in her mid-forties. She embraced her mother and nurse roles, and she was busy with her husband, two sons in high school and an elderly mother who needed care. Added to that, she was facing a job challenge and breast cancer (which is thankfully in remission for 18 years). The first few chapters describe her backstory, a bit choppy at times, but the rest of the book is smooth sailing.

She realized that she had a hard time relaxing and that being too adult had been a heavy load to carry. Then, she was “Saved by Sedona”. While on a business trip, she spent a few days in Sedona, Arizona on her own. Traveling by herself, “slowing down, moving as God led, lingering to be present and absorb each moment” renewed her spirit.

After her Sedona experience, the author decided to continue her solo trips. Each summer, she let God lead her to a place. Her only requirement was that it be by the ocean! Yes, her children worried that she would encounter axe murderers at the hostels she stayed at, but of course she instead met welcoming strangers who became friends. 

Her memoir allows us to travel with her to each of the seven summer trips she took. From the Golden Girls of Tibbett’s Point in Cape Vincent, New York to The Sea of Peace House of Prayer, Edisto Island, God put people in her path and “enlarged her territory.”

Connie Rosser Riddle writes in a clear, friendly, and intimate way. She is open about sharing her challenges and mistakes as well as her moments of joy. She also writes some lovely descriptions. “Washed by the storm, the sunset that evening was beautiful with the purest light.”

The memoir includes questions at the end of each chapter for readers to consider, which I enjoyed pondering. Her source material is also referenced at the end. I recommend this book. I will treasure this well-written and lyrical memoir that spoke to me and taught me more about life.

Many thanks to the author for a review copy. This is my honest review.