Book Testimonials
Barb Klein ~author of 111 Invitations: Step into the Full Richness of Life
Soul Love is a moving memoir of a woman somehow navigating through unimaginable loss and the many layers and complexities of grief and challenges. Boldly finding her way as life goes on and people move on, Teresa offers us a vulnerable, raw look at her journey - sharing from a deep heartfelt place, with no holding back. As I read, I often caught myself holding my breath and crying in anguish along with her, riveted as if I was living this story through her. Soul Love is a story of evolution from widow to woman, to finding a “new normal” as a family. Hope and inspiration arise from witnessing this woman emerge from shock and anger to deep darkness and despair to vibrantly living again. Soul Love is a must-read for anyone who is grieving, for anyone who feels alone in this process, or for anyone who knows that one day they too will surely lose someone they love.
Shelley Pernot ~ author of Running on Empty: The Irreverent Guru's Guide to Filling up with Mindfulness
What I love so much about Bitner's writing is the realness of it. She doesn't hold back, and takes the reader on a very vulnerable journey of love and loss. When my best friend passed unexpectedly a year and a half ago, I wish I had something like this to read, as it would have helped justify and affirm my strong feelings and the overall "craziness" (for lack of a better word) I felt at times. Ultimately at these times it's most important to know there is no one size fits all, and grief is not supposed to look a certain controlled way, no matter what we have seen on TV or the movies.
I highly recommend this book for anymore struggling to come to terms with loss.
What I love so much about Bitner's writing is the realness of it. She doesn't hold back, and takes the reader on a very vulnerable journey of love and loss. When my best friend passed unexpectedly a year and a half ago, I wish I had something like this to read, as it would have helped justify and affirm my strong feelings and the overall "craziness" (for lack of a better word) I felt at times. Ultimately at these times it's most important to know there is no one size fits all, and grief is not supposed to look a certain controlled way, no matter what we have seen on TV or the movies.
I highly recommend this book for anymore struggling to come to terms with loss.
A Profound Journey - This book made me laugh, made me cry (more times than I expected), and made me think deeply about my own life, how I’m living, and how I might deal with loss which I know I’ll face in my future.
I feel profoundly honored to have been able to peer into the raw, honest roller coaster that Teresa and her family travelled on through this journey of love, loss and renewal.
I have 20 books I’m actively reading, with wide and varied interest, so I was surprised to read this book and finish it in less than a week. It was an easy read, well written, and incredibly engaging. ~ Steve Mattus
A new normal - I could not put this down. I was so entranced by the incredible journey it took to heal from this loss. If I didn’t already know them before, I definitely do now. Thank you for showing me inside your life and showing me your grief. It’s hard to forgive, especially when you feel you’ve been wronged beyond compare. It takes a lot of faith and whole lot of soul. You have shown the world anything is possible with determination. It may not be pretty but it can be done. ~ Jeremy A.
Soul Love is a raw and gut-wrenching account of surviving - Soul Love is a raw and gut-wrenching account of surviving a tragic loss. Bitner doesn’t hold back her emotions; her real accounts makes it all too easy to put yourself in her shoes. Have tissues ready as you take this roller coaster journey along with her. ~ Shelly VO.
Beyond Loss and Grief, A Must Read for Everyone - On the surface, it presents itself as a story about the loss of a loved one. But it is so much more than that. This book has the ability to touch the reader deeply and is able to take the reader beyond story into a loving, delicate journey within. This journey within leaves one wanting to live life more fully and love people more deeply. Soul Love is a must read for anybody who wants to experience the power of love and grace in everyday life. ~ Janis U.
Riveting and Thought Provoking - Bitner’s writing style has amazing clarity and raw emotion. It was written through the eyes of two different viewers – hers and her grief dog, Hans. The depth of the emotions was amazing and riveting pulling you to read the next chapter often through your own tears and sometimes laughter at some of the things Hans did. It was truly hard to put down. It seemed like you were there in the moment living through the fear, tears, emotions, and life experiences involved in a situation where Teresa lost her husband at a much too early age. Keep your tissues nearby as you read through the aftermath of this tragic situation. It makes you put your own life in perspective and focus more on what’s important each day. ~ Wendy J.
A Powerful Read - And Such a Worthwhile One It Is... -
Forewarning: Part of the early stages of the book may well be a painful “read,” but hang in there as it is for Oh, For Such A GOOD Cause....
Here’s what I MAINLY want some other readers to know:
This writing is more realistic beyond any other written experience I’ve read of “moving WITH (tho with howls!) and then on through grief” effectively.
If you are someone who writes stories or loves storytelling, it was riveting for me when Bitner began to introduce a new character into her story at a crucial pivot point, including how she did it. I especially appreciated the way she then began that unfolding. (Confession: yes, I traveled to my head periodically while reading this – and admittedly for a bit of relief when the reading became extra-intense.)
Now - the case for the title - and for Hans: Even if you don't have direct experience with the amazing capacity for natural, “no questions asked” empathy we humans can be gifted to receive from our beloved animals, I believe readers will find Hans and his own journey seems to be a truly natural fit and comfort. I was grateful the family had Hans - even more so as Bitner revealed his early life circumstance as they discovered in acquiring him.
And from a writing approach, Bitner’s sharing her experience from her pet’s perspective added a truly welcomed undertaking. Hans’ role was well beyond that of the usual pet, AND it definitely felt reality-based.
And yep. Bitner, you seemed right on track: Like the Hound of Heaven, this book was not giving up and until written by you, personally. It really was yours to contribute.
Thank you for opening this to public journey in the future. ~ Sherry Lowery
Have tissues handy - This is an excellent book whether you are dealing with grief and loss or not. It is brilliantly written and reads like a novel. It is raw, honest and spiritual. It is heart wrenching at times, but the ultimate message is one of hope and joy. The author did an amazing job of welcoming the reader into her truth. I highly recommend it! ~Holly W.
I found this book to be an easy read, as it flowed well from beginning to end - It was a very powerful story (get your tissues ready before reading the first few chapters) about a family’s tragedy, grief, and struggles as they learn to move forward with their new “normal”. The introduction of their new pet, Hans, and his comments as a grief dog gave the story a sense of hope throughout.
I was most impressed by the author’s willingness to be so vulnerable and share the dark emotions that haunt someone who has lost a loved one. She has a unique way of bringing the reader into the very moments that she experienced. I also enjoyed the fact that she included an Epilogue to let the reader know where things stand today. Hey, inquiring minds want to know, right?
Overall, I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to better understand what happens in the life of someone who has lost a loved one, not just immediately after, but over the next several years. This book offers some great insight into the process of recovery from such tragedy. ~Mark S.
Love and joy can be found following our darkest hour - Soul Love and it is the very real story of one woman's journey from surviving to thriving after the tragic and unexpected death of her husband and with some help from her dog (angel in fur clothing). The story clearly supports our deepest hopes that love and joy that can be found following our darkest hours. ~KARD
A touching tribute to the power of love - What an incredibly brave piece of work. Soul Love is a gripping story about love and loss, and yet somehow Bitner manages to bring humor to even the darkest moments.The author is fearless in sharing the depth of her pain and also the depth of her joy, and because of that fearlessness it is easy to love the characters in her work. I feel like I know Kris, Korey, Kurtis, the sweet pup Hans and so many more.
Bitner’s willingness to share the messy, ugly, and even the awkward parts of grief is strangely comforting. Unlike the many works on grief I read after losing my father when I was 20, this book feels a bit more authentic. Bitner paints a picture of how grief actually feels-crazy, chaotic, painful, and overwhelming. What is extra special is how well she depicts the difficult return to normalcy after the death of a loved one.
Definitely worth reading, and definitely a good resource for anyone struggling with sudden loss. ~ Sarah B.
Powerful writing draws one from Tragedy to Triumph - Soul Love: How a Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again. is a fiercely honest account of her emotional odyssey from the day of the death of her husband to recovering life again. I received an Advance Copy and found it to be the opposite of a “keep a stiff upper lip” and “think positive thoughts” bromide. Ms. Bitner stands emotionally naked and reveals the hurricane of conflicting feelings she had to endure. The author writes with such compelling power that what The Red Badge of Courage is to surviving combat, this work is to Grief. It evoked such feeling in me that—unlike the usual phrase “I couldn’t put it down”—I HAD to put it down to calm myself. Bitner often departs from to standard third person narration to declare her thoughts and emotions directly. Thus the reader moves from observing from the outside, to being inside her head, which gives the writing so much of its power.
The book’s delightful surprise is that the author relates the thoughts of the dog she adopted to comfort and accompany her through the storm. “Hans” gives his canine insights into the world and the struggles of his owners with refreshing charm. From worries that marauding coyotes howl that he would be a “yummy” puppy, to consuming beer and pumpkins then depositing orange dog poop everywhere—don’t ask--his antics provide a entertaining counterpoint.
This is a book for men and women who are fighting to navigate and survive the ordeal of grief after losing a spouse. I would buy it and give it to persons who are not in the initial acute phase of loss, but in the later stages of fury, numbness, dumbness, and vacuum, because it relates with ruthless honesty the inner, not so pleasant feelings with which one must cope. The language is realistic enough to make it inappropriate for your Sunday School teacher, but for most individuals, it may be therapeutically refreshing to read this candid expose of one survivors “warts and all” description of the realities of her trek from death to life. Because we have endured the journey with Bitner through tortured grief, her gradual journey out of the valley of the shadow of death and back into a fulfilled life of love is all the more gratifying. And to readers, such as myself, who have not experienced the death of a spouse, it provides a guide to understanding what your grieving friends are going through and a call to make the Best of the Rest of your life ~ Don G.
A raw and riveting story of grief and the healing journey - Bitner's personal story of the tragic sudden loss of her husband, and her subsequent turbulent journey of grief, healing and becoming whole again is uniquely powerful. I cried, laughed, commiserated and felt her anger and pain right along with her. Her challenges as a young widow, mother of 2 teenage boys, working professional, friend and grief support participant presents a raw and honest picture of what it's like to deal with life's unexpected twists and turns. I have always felt that someone who "has been there and done that" is in a very compelling position to help others who are going through similar circumstances. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking understanding, guidance and the tools to move forward from a challenging or tragic occurrence. And, it is such a creative approach to view much of what is happening through the eyes of a very special angel dog - Hans! ~ Ingrid S.
Soul Love is an intensely personal account of the author's grief journey - Soul Love is an intensely personal account of the author's grief journey. It takes the reader along as Bitner rides the roller coaster of grief following the tragic and sudden death of her husband. What makes this memoir stand out is the incorporation of Hans, her "grief" dog. The story switches between Bitner's narrative and that of Hans. This format gives Hans star billing, which he deserves as he was a major force in the author's journey from the depths of despair to living a fulfilled life. I cried, I laughed, and I cried again as I read Soul Love.
It is brutally honest and powerful. Raw emotion shines through. It is a quick read that you won't want to put down. Grief is part of the human condition and by sharing her story Bitner reaches out to all those who are suffering loss. Soul Love provides insight into the grief process from the practical, such as the probate process to the array of emotions that one can experience while grieving. Bitner doesn't hold back. This memoir tells it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I recommend this book to anyone who is grieving, has grieved or will grieve in the future. In other words, just about everyone. Be prepared to be emotional. A handy box of tissue is a necessity. ~ AMB
I feel profoundly honored to have been able to peer into the raw, honest roller coaster that Teresa and her family travelled on through this journey of love, loss and renewal.
I have 20 books I’m actively reading, with wide and varied interest, so I was surprised to read this book and finish it in less than a week. It was an easy read, well written, and incredibly engaging. ~ Steve Mattus
A new normal - I could not put this down. I was so entranced by the incredible journey it took to heal from this loss. If I didn’t already know them before, I definitely do now. Thank you for showing me inside your life and showing me your grief. It’s hard to forgive, especially when you feel you’ve been wronged beyond compare. It takes a lot of faith and whole lot of soul. You have shown the world anything is possible with determination. It may not be pretty but it can be done. ~ Jeremy A.
Soul Love is a raw and gut-wrenching account of surviving - Soul Love is a raw and gut-wrenching account of surviving a tragic loss. Bitner doesn’t hold back her emotions; her real accounts makes it all too easy to put yourself in her shoes. Have tissues ready as you take this roller coaster journey along with her. ~ Shelly VO.
Beyond Loss and Grief, A Must Read for Everyone - On the surface, it presents itself as a story about the loss of a loved one. But it is so much more than that. This book has the ability to touch the reader deeply and is able to take the reader beyond story into a loving, delicate journey within. This journey within leaves one wanting to live life more fully and love people more deeply. Soul Love is a must read for anybody who wants to experience the power of love and grace in everyday life. ~ Janis U.
Riveting and Thought Provoking - Bitner’s writing style has amazing clarity and raw emotion. It was written through the eyes of two different viewers – hers and her grief dog, Hans. The depth of the emotions was amazing and riveting pulling you to read the next chapter often through your own tears and sometimes laughter at some of the things Hans did. It was truly hard to put down. It seemed like you were there in the moment living through the fear, tears, emotions, and life experiences involved in a situation where Teresa lost her husband at a much too early age. Keep your tissues nearby as you read through the aftermath of this tragic situation. It makes you put your own life in perspective and focus more on what’s important each day. ~ Wendy J.
A Powerful Read - And Such a Worthwhile One It Is... -
Forewarning: Part of the early stages of the book may well be a painful “read,” but hang in there as it is for Oh, For Such A GOOD Cause....
Here’s what I MAINLY want some other readers to know:
This writing is more realistic beyond any other written experience I’ve read of “moving WITH (tho with howls!) and then on through grief” effectively.
If you are someone who writes stories or loves storytelling, it was riveting for me when Bitner began to introduce a new character into her story at a crucial pivot point, including how she did it. I especially appreciated the way she then began that unfolding. (Confession: yes, I traveled to my head periodically while reading this – and admittedly for a bit of relief when the reading became extra-intense.)
Now - the case for the title - and for Hans: Even if you don't have direct experience with the amazing capacity for natural, “no questions asked” empathy we humans can be gifted to receive from our beloved animals, I believe readers will find Hans and his own journey seems to be a truly natural fit and comfort. I was grateful the family had Hans - even more so as Bitner revealed his early life circumstance as they discovered in acquiring him.
And from a writing approach, Bitner’s sharing her experience from her pet’s perspective added a truly welcomed undertaking. Hans’ role was well beyond that of the usual pet, AND it definitely felt reality-based.
And yep. Bitner, you seemed right on track: Like the Hound of Heaven, this book was not giving up and until written by you, personally. It really was yours to contribute.
Thank you for opening this to public journey in the future. ~ Sherry Lowery
Have tissues handy - This is an excellent book whether you are dealing with grief and loss or not. It is brilliantly written and reads like a novel. It is raw, honest and spiritual. It is heart wrenching at times, but the ultimate message is one of hope and joy. The author did an amazing job of welcoming the reader into her truth. I highly recommend it! ~Holly W.
I found this book to be an easy read, as it flowed well from beginning to end - It was a very powerful story (get your tissues ready before reading the first few chapters) about a family’s tragedy, grief, and struggles as they learn to move forward with their new “normal”. The introduction of their new pet, Hans, and his comments as a grief dog gave the story a sense of hope throughout.
I was most impressed by the author’s willingness to be so vulnerable and share the dark emotions that haunt someone who has lost a loved one. She has a unique way of bringing the reader into the very moments that she experienced. I also enjoyed the fact that she included an Epilogue to let the reader know where things stand today. Hey, inquiring minds want to know, right?
Overall, I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to better understand what happens in the life of someone who has lost a loved one, not just immediately after, but over the next several years. This book offers some great insight into the process of recovery from such tragedy. ~Mark S.
Love and joy can be found following our darkest hour - Soul Love and it is the very real story of one woman's journey from surviving to thriving after the tragic and unexpected death of her husband and with some help from her dog (angel in fur clothing). The story clearly supports our deepest hopes that love and joy that can be found following our darkest hours. ~KARD
A touching tribute to the power of love - What an incredibly brave piece of work. Soul Love is a gripping story about love and loss, and yet somehow Bitner manages to bring humor to even the darkest moments.The author is fearless in sharing the depth of her pain and also the depth of her joy, and because of that fearlessness it is easy to love the characters in her work. I feel like I know Kris, Korey, Kurtis, the sweet pup Hans and so many more.
Bitner’s willingness to share the messy, ugly, and even the awkward parts of grief is strangely comforting. Unlike the many works on grief I read after losing my father when I was 20, this book feels a bit more authentic. Bitner paints a picture of how grief actually feels-crazy, chaotic, painful, and overwhelming. What is extra special is how well she depicts the difficult return to normalcy after the death of a loved one.
Definitely worth reading, and definitely a good resource for anyone struggling with sudden loss. ~ Sarah B.
Powerful writing draws one from Tragedy to Triumph - Soul Love: How a Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again. is a fiercely honest account of her emotional odyssey from the day of the death of her husband to recovering life again. I received an Advance Copy and found it to be the opposite of a “keep a stiff upper lip” and “think positive thoughts” bromide. Ms. Bitner stands emotionally naked and reveals the hurricane of conflicting feelings she had to endure. The author writes with such compelling power that what The Red Badge of Courage is to surviving combat, this work is to Grief. It evoked such feeling in me that—unlike the usual phrase “I couldn’t put it down”—I HAD to put it down to calm myself. Bitner often departs from to standard third person narration to declare her thoughts and emotions directly. Thus the reader moves from observing from the outside, to being inside her head, which gives the writing so much of its power.
The book’s delightful surprise is that the author relates the thoughts of the dog she adopted to comfort and accompany her through the storm. “Hans” gives his canine insights into the world and the struggles of his owners with refreshing charm. From worries that marauding coyotes howl that he would be a “yummy” puppy, to consuming beer and pumpkins then depositing orange dog poop everywhere—don’t ask--his antics provide a entertaining counterpoint.
This is a book for men and women who are fighting to navigate and survive the ordeal of grief after losing a spouse. I would buy it and give it to persons who are not in the initial acute phase of loss, but in the later stages of fury, numbness, dumbness, and vacuum, because it relates with ruthless honesty the inner, not so pleasant feelings with which one must cope. The language is realistic enough to make it inappropriate for your Sunday School teacher, but for most individuals, it may be therapeutically refreshing to read this candid expose of one survivors “warts and all” description of the realities of her trek from death to life. Because we have endured the journey with Bitner through tortured grief, her gradual journey out of the valley of the shadow of death and back into a fulfilled life of love is all the more gratifying. And to readers, such as myself, who have not experienced the death of a spouse, it provides a guide to understanding what your grieving friends are going through and a call to make the Best of the Rest of your life ~ Don G.
A raw and riveting story of grief and the healing journey - Bitner's personal story of the tragic sudden loss of her husband, and her subsequent turbulent journey of grief, healing and becoming whole again is uniquely powerful. I cried, laughed, commiserated and felt her anger and pain right along with her. Her challenges as a young widow, mother of 2 teenage boys, working professional, friend and grief support participant presents a raw and honest picture of what it's like to deal with life's unexpected twists and turns. I have always felt that someone who "has been there and done that" is in a very compelling position to help others who are going through similar circumstances. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking understanding, guidance and the tools to move forward from a challenging or tragic occurrence. And, it is such a creative approach to view much of what is happening through the eyes of a very special angel dog - Hans! ~ Ingrid S.
Soul Love is an intensely personal account of the author's grief journey - Soul Love is an intensely personal account of the author's grief journey. It takes the reader along as Bitner rides the roller coaster of grief following the tragic and sudden death of her husband. What makes this memoir stand out is the incorporation of Hans, her "grief" dog. The story switches between Bitner's narrative and that of Hans. This format gives Hans star billing, which he deserves as he was a major force in the author's journey from the depths of despair to living a fulfilled life. I cried, I laughed, and I cried again as I read Soul Love.
It is brutally honest and powerful. Raw emotion shines through. It is a quick read that you won't want to put down. Grief is part of the human condition and by sharing her story Bitner reaches out to all those who are suffering loss. Soul Love provides insight into the grief process from the practical, such as the probate process to the array of emotions that one can experience while grieving. Bitner doesn't hold back. This memoir tells it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I recommend this book to anyone who is grieving, has grieved or will grieve in the future. In other words, just about everyone. Be prepared to be emotional. A handy box of tissue is a necessity. ~ AMB
