Stairway to Heaven: Remembering Those We've Lost at Christmas

Today my article on remembering loved ones and grieving during the holidays is featured at the National Crime Writing Month blog.

Holidays are particularly difficult for anyone who has lost a loved one. I hope my words are of some small comfort.

Please read my article: Stairway to Heaven: Remembering Those We've Lost at Christmas

Embrace grief and get through it

A new friend has a blog called By Grace of Mourning. It is devoted to helping people cope with death, loss and grief. In her February 4th post, titled The Importance of Embracing Grief, Corry writes:

"The truth is, we never ‘get over it.’ We do, however, with passage of time and conscious grief work, come to a place in our lives where we have our loss in perspective, and we can move into living life again instead of just going through the motions..."

My thoughts on her message:

Corry is right. Grieving parents never ever "get over it". But we do "get through it".

As a mother who has lost a newborn baby, I will never forget the pain I was engulfed in. Or the guilt. So much guilt that I almost choked on it some days.

I've learned so much since that terrible black day over 19 years ago. I learned that life does go on. With or without us. I learned that I had to choose to move forward with life--when I was ready. I learned that no other day will be as black as that single moment when my first child, my son, died on his way to a special children's hospital--without me.

A year later, I had to learn to trust that Fate would not be so cruel as to put me through the same misery. I delivered a healthy baby girl, who is now 18 and ready to start her own life. I've been blessed by her presence in my life.

My son's death has colored so much of what I've done, including my own writing. He is "in" everything I write, in one way or another. In my novel Whale Song, the prologue may seem like the reflections of Sarah, the main character, but in many ways, these are my feelings, and a glimpse into my heart...

"I once feared death.
It is said that death begins with the absence of life. And life begins when death is no longer feared. I have stared death in the face and survived. A survivor who has learned about unfailing love and forgiveness..."

For those who are suffering, grieving, mourning...

There is always light at the end of even the darkest tunnel. And with light comes hope.

Read Corry's entire post, The Importance of Embracing Grief

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Sunday Salon: Whale Song reviews

I haven't finished either of the two thrillers I've started reading and I am heading into my busy season. I have a few events lined up for December and had some in November too; so if you're in the Edmonton, Alberta, please be sure to check them out on my website and come visit me at one of my book signings. All 3 of my novels will be available. :)

In lieu of writing a review myself, I thought I'd share some of the wonderful reviews I have received for the novel I call "my heart book". I wrote the original first edition of Whale Song back in 2003. It took me 3.5 months to write it and have 2 people edit it--all in 3.5 months. The story was in my head for 2 years before I wrote the first word. I unleashed a tidal wave of words...and emotion.

Here are some review blurbs for WHALE SONG, a moving and uplifting story of love, loss and hope--for all ages. Although this is not a thriller like my novels Divine Intervention and The River, Whale Song does have an element of mystery.

This novel is perfect for mothers, daughters, grandmothers, wives, girlfriends, sisters and best friends--and even my male readers have enjoyed it. Whale Song will make you remember what it was like to be young. :)

REVIEWS:

"Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart. Cheryl Kaye Tardif has written a beautiful, haunting novel." -- NY Times Bestselling novelist Luanne Rice, author of Beach Girls

"Mystical and poignant...Reminiscent of youth's sweetness, Whale Song confronts the truth of that treasure's fragility, upon varying paths, with uncomplicated and graceful ease...'Bravo' to Cheryl Kaye Tardif for Whale Song." --J.M. Lavallee

"The book me and others read in the field and knew it was a sure fire, can't miss gift for those we loved for Christmas...is called "The Note Book" by Nicholas Sparks. "Whale Song" is not only that good... It just might be considered by some, better." -- Chase Von of The Student Operated Press

"It's completely heart wrenching...I seriously never wanted to put it down. Cheryl's use of words is amazing, like when she's talking about the killer whales or describing scenery. They just flow so easily across every page. My heart strings were being pulled the entire time and I absolutely loved it...I seriously recommend getting yourself a copy. You seriously won't be disappointed." --Breanna, a reviewer for teensreadtoo. com

"The story of Sarah Richardson is a journey of wonder, friendships, happiness, sadness, loss and love. It will keep you reading from cover to cover. Cheryl Tardif's writing is captivating and I look forward to reading more of her novels." --Karen Scott

"I had to wash my tear-streaked face after reading "Whale Song" by Canadian author, Cheryl Kaye Tardif...Her characters are so well described I feel I've met and know them all personally." --Claudette Binette

"Tardif again leaves a lasting mark on her readers...Moving and irresistible." --Midwest Book Review

"Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novel, Whale Song, would be a tough act to follow for any written genre." --Fresh Fiction

"Tardif, already a big hit in Canada...a name to reckon with south of the border." --BOOKLIST

*WHALE SONG is being read by many film producers, including some from HOLLYWOOD!

**Great Christmas gift! Order now, then email me through my website by December 10th, 2008, to request a FREE personalized, autographed bookplate, making your gift that much more special. :) I'll even throw in some free bookmarks!

Quick Amazon.com link:
http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/1601640072

Or buy from your favorite bookstore. :)

~Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Whale Song is "a journey of wonder...captivating..."

"The story of Sarah Richardson is a journey of wonder, friendships, happiness, sadness, loss and love. It will keep you reading from cover to cover. Cheryl Tardif's writing is captivating and I look forward to reading more of her novels."

--Karen Scott

"Whale Song is one of those stories--like all truly remarkable stories--that stays with you for a long time"

In an Amazon review, K.S.R. Kingworth, author of The Mysteriel, says:

"Cheryl Kaye Tardif's remarkable novel, Whale Song is an unexpectedly good read. With the dinner dishes left undone and staying up into the wee hours of the morning, I closed the last page and just sat there, staring, seeing compassion in a whole new way.

Tardif's language is compelling and engaging, and her ability to handle character motive is skillfully done. The pace of the story is quick, yet possesses remarkable depth, imagery and beauty. The reveal at the end left me surprised and saddened, yet touched.

When you buy Whale Song, you might want to get one for a friend, otherwise you'll find you've given your only copy away. But in my case, no matter, since Whale Song is one of those stories--like all truly remarkable stories--that stays with you for a long time to come.

Whale Song would make a great gift if you know someone who has lost a loved one, or for any teenager for that matter. Many teenagers experience loss every day in one form or another. "

She recommends Whale Song to: "Young adult to adult readers. In particular, those who may have lost a loved one."