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Now and Forever
Two years ago Bernie Nolan was given the initial all-clear after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Over the moon, Bernie set about rebuilding her life and making plans for the future. Then in the summer of 2012, she was in her bedroom getting dressed when she found a lump just above her breast. Terrified, she immediately made a hospital appointment, where she was given the devastating news that the cancer had returned. It had spread to her brain, lungs, liver and bones and was incurable. Bernie's first thought was of her daughter. Erin had just turned thirteen and was approaching a time when young girls need their mums more than ever. In true Bernie spirit she vowed not to let the cancer stop her from being 'Mum'. Bernie always said that her family was her greatest achievement and she wanted to be the best wife and mother she could be in the time she had left. In this book Bernie shares her struggle to become a mother - the miscarriage she suffered and the heartbreaking stillbirth of her daughter Kate, and the joyous arrival of her beautiful daughter Erin. Bernie loved seeing this book published and was thrilled when it became a number 1 bestseller. It meant a great deal to her that so many people wanted to read her story. This is a memoir brimming with happy memories, and although Bernie tragically lost her battle on the 4th July 2013, she lives on in the hearts of the nation and in the pages of this book. Moving and wonderfully warm-hearted, this is a powerful story of a remarkable life and a mother's brave fight against a vicious disease.
- GenresBiographyAutobiography
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2013
26 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 22, 2013
Wonderful.
What a wonderful woman Bernie was. I used to be a fan of the Nolan sisters- I even had their album of greatest hits with 'I'm In The Mood For Dancing', and 'Who's Gonna Rock You' etc. on. It's been nice to see the various sisters pop up on TV in recent years, eg. Coleen on Loose Women, This Morning and Dancing On Ice and Bernie in The Bill. I was very sad to hear about Bernie's fight with breast cancer a few years ago, also of her sisters Anne and Linda already having fought this dreadful disease. I decided to leave reading this book a few months after Bernie had passed away rather than reading straight away. I'm so glad Bernie decided to write this and what a remarkable job she did. It's very cleverly written-it feels like she's just sat there having a conversation with you, telling you about her life. It's so honest, she tells everything just like it was.This book is not all doom and gloom, it's a real celebration of all her life and tells of her early life, the beginnings of the sisters' singing career, where they've gigged and who they've met celebrity-wise over the years. So many achievements yet told with no boasting at all, just a genuine joy for life and love for all she's been able to achieve with her music and acting. The writing is so easy to read without any exhaustive descripions/scene setting etc, no unnecessary stuff. She just starts telling her life story and you just want to listen and read and read in one sitting. Bernie's husband Steve has written a final chapter to finish off her book and this is also very well done. The book includes numerous photos of Bernie and all her family. So glad I read this and it left me speechless when I had finished it. What a wonderful momento for Bernie to have left her family and everyone who reads this.
What a wonderful woman Bernie was. I used to be a fan of the Nolan sisters- I even had their album of greatest hits with 'I'm In The Mood For Dancing', and 'Who's Gonna Rock You' etc. on. It's been nice to see the various sisters pop up on TV in recent years, eg. Coleen on Loose Women, This Morning and Dancing On Ice and Bernie in The Bill. I was very sad to hear about Bernie's fight with breast cancer a few years ago, also of her sisters Anne and Linda already having fought this dreadful disease. I decided to leave reading this book a few months after Bernie had passed away rather than reading straight away. I'm so glad Bernie decided to write this and what a remarkable job she did. It's very cleverly written-it feels like she's just sat there having a conversation with you, telling you about her life. It's so honest, she tells everything just like it was.This book is not all doom and gloom, it's a real celebration of all her life and tells of her early life, the beginnings of the sisters' singing career, where they've gigged and who they've met celebrity-wise over the years. So many achievements yet told with no boasting at all, just a genuine joy for life and love for all she's been able to achieve with her music and acting. The writing is so easy to read without any exhaustive descripions/scene setting etc, no unnecessary stuff. She just starts telling her life story and you just want to listen and read and read in one sitting. Bernie's husband Steve has written a final chapter to finish off her book and this is also very well done. The book includes numerous photos of Bernie and all her family. So glad I read this and it left me speechless when I had finished it. What a wonderful momento for Bernie to have left her family and everyone who reads this.
August 11, 2015
I read this book in one morning, It was interesting to read about The Nolan's from day one, the large family and how they worked hard to make it in the music industry.
Bernie who proved to be such a brave and courageous woman to write this account with her fight against breast cancer which she sadly lost.
It had me laughing and crying, there's nothing held back she takes you through every step of the way.
Understandably leaves you with sympathy for her husband and family.
Sad that these books have to be written, but it's something we should all have an understanding off.
Bernie who proved to be such a brave and courageous woman to write this account with her fight against breast cancer which she sadly lost.
It had me laughing and crying, there's nothing held back she takes you through every step of the way.
Understandably leaves you with sympathy for her husband and family.
Sad that these books have to be written, but it's something we should all have an understanding off.
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September 17, 2015If you know who The Nolans are, then this is a must-read. And even if you don't know who they are, this is still a great read. I'm a huge fan of biographies, mostly because I think I'm eternally nosy about other people. But this is just a beautiful story of how, sometimes, you have to accept your prognosis. It doesn't patronise and it doesn't preach but it DID make me cry buckets at the end. So...well worth it. :)
January 23, 2014
One of the most amazing books I have ever read, I didn't even plan to read it ! Highly recommended, the only book that I couldn't ever put down and read in less than 24 hours. What an amazing and inspiring woman, I will never forget her.
May 17, 2014
A very good read, story of Bernie Nolan's life, tells you about her career , her family and her cancer diagnosis, which she bravely battled, and eventually sadly lost in July 2013. She's an amazing inspiring lady who will always be remembered.
October 15, 2017
Excellent read
Very readable book, which was difficult to put down. Bernie is very frank about her life and her great joy in performing and her love of life comes through in her writing.
Very readable book, which was difficult to put down. Bernie is very frank about her life and her great joy in performing and her love of life comes through in her writing.
October 21, 2020
Great Book by a lovely lady. Very Moving.
Great Book by a lovely lady. Very Moving. Very Talented & Kind Hearted person. I totally recommend you read this book.
Great Book by a lovely lady. Very Moving. Very Talented & Kind Hearted person. I totally recommend you read this book.
November 23, 2020
A beautiful lady with a tragic & yet moving lifestory to share, her daughter & family must be so proud that her memory lives on. A real delight for any Nolan fan!
April 10, 2021
Beautiful
After having many family members battling diffetent forms of cancer, lives lost and survived. Realising just how precious life is.
After having many family members battling diffetent forms of cancer, lives lost and survived. Realising just how precious life is.
November 6, 2021
Loved this. An honest and interesting biography by a hardworking, kind lady.
January 9, 2022
Autobiography of my favourite Nolan sister...very moving
February 5, 2022
😢😢😢😢
Saddest book I have ever read 😢
Fabulous read from a beautiful lady taken too soon ,God bless her
I could not put this book down
Saddest book I have ever read 😢
Fabulous read from a beautiful lady taken too soon ,God bless her
I could not put this book down
February 20, 2025
What an inspirational lady. Loved her book.
March 15, 2022
Difficult to say I enjoyed this book, when it was filled with such sadness and sorrow.
However, there were lots of lovely stories along the way, sisterly support, showbiz stories and fun.
A lady who lived life to the fill, and shared her story and struggle with us, thank you.
However, there were lots of lovely stories along the way, sisterly support, showbiz stories and fun.
A lady who lived life to the fill, and shared her story and struggle with us, thank you.
October 2, 2016
Bernie was such a talented lady who was great fun & lived life to the fullest. Great book.
April 9, 2014
What an inspirational woman. Bernie Nolan is that strong-willed, overtly positive, fiery role model that everyone remember and recognise when faced in perilous situations. Her words put everyday troubles into perspective and make me realise how precious life really is. It's so tragic and saddening to know that such a ray of sunshine was beaten by the most devastating diseases known, but her bravery and selflessness will bring hope to many others.
I loved reading about her vivid and colourful history as a singer and performer as it showed how much of a great life she really had. I'm sure her daughter will carry on her beautiful legacy.
After reading this, I think everyone should remember to take the time to do those monthly checks for the signs and symptoms of cancer, in breasts of anywhere else that it may occur.
I loved reading about her vivid and colourful history as a singer and performer as it showed how much of a great life she really had. I'm sure her daughter will carry on her beautiful legacy.
After reading this, I think everyone should remember to take the time to do those monthly checks for the signs and symptoms of cancer, in breasts of anywhere else that it may occur.
June 30, 2013
This was a very well written account of Bernie's life. She comes across as a very positive person. I have read other 'Nolan's' books and it was interesting to piece the stories together and see the events from slightly different perspectives.
It was very interesting and also sad to read knowing from the outset that the 'all clear' was not to last. She's certainly a fighter.
It was very interesting and also sad to read knowing from the outset that the 'all clear' was not to last. She's certainly a fighter.
May 30, 2013
This book starts off from when Bernie is just starting in showbusiness and continues throughout her career, boyfriends, marriage to Steve, children and illness. I found it funny in places, sad in places and heartbreaking at the end :(. It was well written and very easy to read.
October 19, 2013
What can I say loved this book and she was a remarkable woman who worked hard from a very young age singing with the nolans and her acting career. She never gave up on her battle with cancer fought to the end. I was in tears at the Rest in peace Bernie.
December 21, 2013
Not sure why I chose to buy this book but I did and I'm glad I read it. Truly inspirational story. I expected to find it a difficult read but her positivity right until the end outweigh the emotional parts. Would recommend - definitely. Amazing woman and her husband and daughter are amazing too.
May 22, 2013
An easy informative read in a conversational presentation. Faced adversity with candour and honesty.
July 2, 2013
What a fantastic book and so emotional! Would recommend this without a doubt. Bernie is so inspirational.
July 15, 2013
Inspiring read. Written by a fighter.
August 2, 2013
Not sure if enjoyed is the right word, but I could hardly put this book down. A very sad and touching story.
October 2, 2013
An amazing book Bernie tells her story with such honesty. She fought till the end. R.I.P Bernie
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October 28, 2013Wow such an inspirational lady!!! Was very emotional but a wonderful read, thank you for sharing your life with us Bernie, RIP xx
February 13, 2014
This book is worthwhile to read, its easy to read and is a good account of the writer's life in the public eye and behind the scenes in the making of a great life.
April 1, 2014
I had a good cry reading Bernie's life s t ory but enjoyed reading about her .
April 8, 2014
An amazing book. We have just one life and we should enjoy every moment in our life with the people who we love. But with her job I think she missed a big part from Erin's childhood.
July 3, 2015
Interesting story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews