I asked some of the most amazing women I know about their “Loved” stories; to share what it was that grabbed ahold of them and tried to pull them down when they were trying to grow from girls to women.  Many of these stories are from the women who inspired characters in the book, proof that we do survive and shine.  Now they are generous, confident, smart, and driven; wonderful mothers, cherished wives, inspiring friends.

Here are their responses.

“The hardest beast I’ve had to face has been my abuse with alcohol and my abuse of my self-esteem by dating the wrong men, and both of those happening together at the same time. Our demon on our shoulder likes to whisper seductive lies and tell us we will be happy if we listen to him. But it only aids in a slow, painful, lonely, depressing, death of a life that once used to be filled with God’s love. I climbed out only by his unending love, the love of an amazing man who I call my husband, and my 2 precious sons who remind me everyday that life is enjoyed the most by those who follow the Lord and love him.”

“I had a few disappointing relationships that ultimately helped me learn about myself and what I needed to be looking for in a man.  While in the midst of this learning process, one of my breakups was so devastating that it launched me into a depression that brought me so low I didn’t even recognize myself anymore.  I was so co-dependant that I didn’t know how to detach from him and it took years before I was able to move on…We learn to live with those hurts and choose happiness with the blessings God does bestow on us (and those are INCREDIBLE) but those past memories, hurts, and joys always hang over us, watching us in our new lives in their own way.”

“Though moving to a new city where I didn’t know a soul had always been a dream of mine, it never occurred to me how difficult of an adjustment it would be. Instead of feeling exhilarated and grown-up, I was lonely and uncertain, missing my family, and spending as much time as possible on the phone with friends from home and college. The plan was easy to execute, but the emotions that came along with it were unexpected and there were so many days I wanted to pack up and go home. With the encouragement of friends and the kindness of strangers, I convinced myself that it was too soon to give up on this goal…The remaining months I lived there are full of laughter, music, friendship, and memories that never fail to make me smile. If I had let my fear of being alone drive me back to what was comfortable, I would not be as strong as I am today.”

Being far away from home, trouble making friends, unhealthy relationships, alcohol abuse, hard breakups, these struggles are all touched on in the book, and more.  This really isn’t my story, as I keep saying, it’s the story of every girl and it needs to be told.

Read more about loved & support the project by clicking here.

Please spread the word on by posting a blog, tweeting, or sharing on Facebook. Email kimberly (at) kimberlynovosel (dot) com for interview inquiries. Use #lovedbook!

Here are some Q&A’s that have been posted on two fabulous book blogs!
Books and Bowel Movements & A Novel Place