“A must read! I, for one personally recognized all the “characters” in Nine Friends. As we travel along life’s path, our journey takes us through peaks and valleys, whereby we inevitably come across these friends. We may try to elude them, viewing them instead as dreaded foes but the winding road might force us to face them repeatedly. However, the author presents them in a familiar and approachable manner; enlightening us to the fact that we have a choice to perceive and embrace them as messengers of life’s lessons from which we can learn, heal and grow, rather than try to deny their existence in our lives, and/or attempt to escape from them.” ~ Elsie A. Yurchuk, Reverend & Life Coach, Port Charlotte, Florida
“Five Stars! – Wonderful book!!! If you have ever had any loss in your life you need to read this book!!!” ~ Amazon Customer
“An important read for all kinds of losses – Ms. Seeley Smith clearly understands grief and loss at the most basic level and she has selflessly shared her lovely, important, and eye-opening journey to wholeness. She holds our hand and assures us that, if we walk with her through these necessary stages of grief, acceptance and understanding, we too will arrive at a place of inner spiritual peace, and even joy.” ~ Betsy Cole Roe, Sarasota, Florida
5 Stars! “I won this as a Goodreads first reads giveaway! This should be on every funeral home’s book shelf. A great short read about the process of finding yourself after a traumatic loss. I speak from experience as a funeral director and as someone who has lost every major family member with the exception of my mother and many good friends. I cried as I read this thinking I remember that part of my life. I’m so glad to know I’m not alone. If you know someone suffering from a loss I highly recommend this book. ~ Beverly Carp, Goodreads Review
“Brilliantly Personified – Clearly written by someone who experienced the entire grieving process and in hindsight, was able to capture the essence of each stage and personified it to relieve the still struggling. And that’s the epitome of connecting human spirits. Nine Friends is brilliantly personified so that anyone who’s grieved with such severity can feel less alone in their experience.” ~ Beth Frost, Minneapolis, MN
“Read this before your next encounter – It’s inevitable that we all experience loss. Nine Friends will equip you with what you need to weather the experience and emerge in much stronger shape.” ~ Jeff Smith, Hopkins, Minnesota
“An incredible companion – weather you are feeling loss today or 25 years ago – Nine Friends softly held my hand while it led me to my grief. In that horrible pain, right in the center, was a shining moment so warming and delightful that grief was cast out and replaced with the comfort you’d feel from a best friend’s hug. This book helped me conquer my fear, face my pain and warmed my whole heart! I want it on my nightstand, so I can turn the pages so often they become tattered, earmarked and so worn out they eventually turn to dust.” ~ Kristina G, Boulder, CO
5 Stars! Corky Hall Loved This Book! – I read it within two days – and absolutely loved it! As it touched me really deep within! As I read Nine Friends I found myself reliving difficult moments in my life that I was completely unprepared to handle. However, after reading Nine Friends, I now feel prepared and comforted knowing there will be “friends” with me to face the inevitable difficulties life will bring. ~ Corky Hall, Prior Lake, MN
5 Stars! Corky Hall Loved This Book! – I read it within two days – and absolutely loved it! As it touched me really deep within! As I read Nine Friends I found myself reliving difficult moments in my life that I was completely unprepared to handle. However, after reading Nine Friends, I now feel prepared and comforted knowing there will be “friends” with me to face the inevitable difficulties life will bring. ~ Corky Hall, Prior Lake, MN
“I have never read another bookon grief and loss that had such an impact in my life – as Nine Friends – When I started reading it I could not put it down because I felt so amazed—it was like the author was inside of my emotions and was feeling my pain. At times I had to stop reading because it touched on a friend that was trying to come back due to me experiencing the anniversary date when I tragically lost my grandson. I had to put the book down and cry due to having to confront the first friend. But I couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to know who the next friend would be without flipping through the pages to find out who was next. Spiritually speaking, for me, God talked to me through this book and let me know He understands my pain and even though the friends had to come He never left me, He was with me through the visit of each one of the Nine Friends.” ~ Mary Ann Turner, Minneapolis, MN.
5 Stars! Great book at just the right time! “Sometimes a book comes to you at just the right time. This little book is one of those. Beautifully written, insightful, and encouraging for anyone going through a loss.” ~ Maxxum, Amazon Customer
“Loved this book! – Quick read packed with visual insight we can all relate to in a time of grief. Helps you feel sane through it all. Helps with the loss of a loved one but also other life challenges like the loss of a job. Will keep on hand and ordered copies to give out to friends in their time of need.” ~ Ann Haugen, Minnetonka, MN
“An insightful book – it made me realize I wasn’t alone in loss -and made me understand what I had gone through. I will definitely share and pass this book along to those I care about who are in need.” ~ Judy Black, Modesto, CA.
“Grabbed me from the beginning–The analogy of portraying the “friends” as real people grabbed me from the beginning. My favorite part was finding the “inner peace” that we so long for but must look for. Reconciling our loss is ultimately our goal and this little book really brought it to light.” ~C. Ann Falkenberg, St. Marks Catholic Church, Independence, MO.
“Sorting through it all. – Two months after my mother died I discovered Nine Friends. My sister and I had spent years caregiving and asking ourselves and each other when this burden might be lifted… We expected a void after mom passed but had no idea that all these feelings (Nine Friends) would swoop in and take charge. This simply written lovely explanation of what happens to humans when loved ones depart and leave us behind is at once comforting and educational. It doesn’t preach, nor does the author assume to know all. As do close friends, the book is supportive of honest, true emotions and validates both the human and spiritual side of our being.” ~ Mischa Leendertsen, Sun Valley, Idaho
5 Stars! “ Exceeded my expectations! – Nine Friends caused me to search deep within in order to acknowledge various aspects of grief that I had not explored. Each “friend” confirmed that their part was not the “end”, which affirmed that this process is never-ending.”~ Desertflower, Amazon Customer
“Brilliant, inspired, and profoundly insightful!” ~ Annemarie Osborne – Communication Strategist, Bavaria, Germany
“CREATIVE STORY-TELLING that brings comfort, understanding and healing.”~ David McNally – Best Selling Author, Even Eagles Need a Push“
“Poignant, Cathartic and Heartwarming – I wish it had been available when I lost my mother.” ~Sue Zelickson – Reporter/Consultant for Minnesota Monthly Magazine“
“A Deeply Thought-Provoking story that translates life’s mysteries into a powerful visual – I will read it again and again.” ~Luanne Bibbee – President and CEO of Suma Center
“Jeannie Seeley-Smith’s book, Nine Friends: In Time of Loss is a compelling story which introduces nine friends who enter our lives as we anguish over the loss of someone or something we love. Her book gave me hope, comfort, and healing at a time when I felt deep despair and an overwhelming sense of loss over the death of my second born sister.
I have a site called Significance Matters where I write blogs about treating yourself and others with significance. In my latest blog- Loss: Significance illuminated – I described how I moved from anguished grief over the loss of my sister to moments where I intensely savor memories of our time together. Nine Friends was critical in helping me move forward in my grief journey. In my call to action section of the blog I shared Jeannie’s book with my readers as it is the most valuable resources I have found and wanted others to experience the healing that Nine Friends offers.
Thank you Jeannie for this profound blessing of a book!” – Rae Lesmeister
“Nine Friends is a most unique book – with a simple, imaginative, yet highly informative approach to the subject of grief. While grief is often a subject that is related to various religious, spiritual or psychological beliefs, Nine Friends offers a sensitive, instructional path through the difficult challenges and stages of grief without making any belief assumptions. Every reader will benefit from this quick read, whether comforting others or experiencing their own grief.” ~Vicki Wyard, Wayzata, MN