Finding Joy Beyond Childlessness: Inspiring Stories To Guide You To A Fulfilling Life

Here's a selection of reviews I've received both personally and listed on Amazon.

Lisa Schwartz.  A beautiful book that is a great for anyone trying to come to terms with not having his or her own children in their life.  Lesley’s book fills a gap in this market and I have already recommended it to some friends who would benefit from using it as well as to family who can read the stories of those that are unfortunate not to be parents and to understand where we are all at, and have been through over the years. I can only thank Lesley for taking the initiative, not only telling her tale but giving great advice to you the reader (and me) how to embrace life and have a fulfilling and successful life.

Claire. Lesley’s book is written from the heart and  is a very worthwhile read.  I really love the personal stories which are varied, inspiring and moving. There is also plenty of practical advice, useful information about reconnecting with our bodies and the value of support groups and counselling. I especially like the important  message that it is a sign of strength to ask for help.

Having experienced infertility  treatment (IVF) and childlessness more than 20 years ago, and worked through the grieving process in the past, I found this book to be  both a useful “refresher” as well as a means of learning new tools.  For myself, there are sometimes new situations which unexpectedly bring emotions to the surface/lead to painful memories. For example, it has been hard  hearing about and seeing many photos of a new born great niece, partly because she was the result of first time  IVF treatment. I have found Lesley’s book very comforting and helpful in this situation.

Overall, Finding Joy Beyond Childlessness is worth reading  from cover to cover as well as dipping into at any time.

Melanie Tooley-Mackie. There are so many women and couples who for one reason or another are unable to bring their children into the world. It is a subject that is still under the radar and with the pain and anguish it causes many to continue to suffer in silence. Childlessness is not a choice. But finding joy is.

Lesley firmly believes that even if you cannot have the children you so desperately want, you can eventually find joy again and make your life worth living on your own terms. Within the pages of this beautiful book she not only shares her own story with heartfelt courage and vulnerability, she shows you how to realistically work your way towards joy with simple techniques, pointers and insights from her and many others, who for one reason or plenty have found themselves in a similar childless position. Lesley is lighting the path ahead and raising much needed important awareness with this book. So if you or someone you know is suffering from the pain, loss and grief of being childless this book is a must read and must do to guide you to find your own joy beyond childlessness.

Caroline. It’s been almost 20 years since we gave up trying to have children, and I wish this book had been around then. Lesley has been through the experience of not being able to have a longed-for child and is totally honest about her own struggles. She has also been a Coach for women facing childlessness, and the book benefits from that experience. She knows what we need.
Her book provides a Guide on how to move on and find Joy in a different way. It is organised into three parts: Act One: Call to Life. Act Two: Finding Your Wings. Act Three: Learning to Fly. As well as Lesley’s own story, the book is full of inspiring stories from other women, insightful and useful exercises, and also a list of suggested resources to take with you on your journey (some of which I have since used).
If you feel that the Door to Joy has been slammed shut in your face, let Lesley help you to open it again.
A wonderful book!

Karen Knott. I absolutely love the way Lesley blends heart, soul and experience to produce a gentle yet powerful book that is relevant to anyone whose life hasn’t turned out exactly as they hoped, planned or expected. (That’ll be all of us then!)
When this happens, it’s easy to become mired in disappointment and start berating ourselves for somehow being unable to create the life we so desperately wanted. But instead of staying stuck in regret, Lesley encourages us to see it as an opportunity to look within….to learn about ourselves, our needs, and our wants so we can create meaningful change and fulfilment in our lives.
Using her own story and those of other courageous, inspiring women, Lesley shows us how to grieve the life we thought we’d have so we can step into a joyful new future based on who we are — not who we expected to be

Kate Brian. Lesley has become a beacon for anyone experiencing involuntary childlessness. Her own story of how she turned what was a source of great sadness in her life into something she accepted she needed to grieve and then grow from is inspiring. Would recommend this book to anyone who is in a similar position - but there is food for thought here for all, regardless of your individual situation, about seizing the day and opting to enjoy your life.