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Reaching for Sunrise: A Widow's Memoir
Beyond the High-Profile Murder of Steve Carter
Unforgettable Odyssey of Love, Cancer, Murder & Resurrection
When cancer threatened to claim her life, Lokita's fierce battle against the disease was only the beginning of her harrowing journey. As she fought to survive, her world shattered in a shocking act of violence that took the life of her beloved husband and renowned Tantra instructor, Steve Carter.
Set against the backdrop of serene, affluent Marin County in Northern California, Lokita's life took an unexpected turn. On a tranquil early evening, Steve walked their dog, Coco, on a popular hiking trail. The peaceful community was rocked when Steve was brutally murdered, shot dead by three young homeless drifters, sending shockwaves far beyond their idyllic enclave and into the global media.
"Reaching for Sunrise" is Lokita's powerful and poignant memoir, revealing the depths of her loss, her relentless pursuit of justice in the courtroom, and her simultaneous battle with aggressive breast cancer. With a quiet cadence, Lokita shares her extraordinary journey, interspersed with unexpected moments of humor and grace that illuminate her narrative.
Readers will be swept away by Lokita's transformation of trauma into unwavering courage, allowing her to rise above the tragedy and rebuild her life. Reaching for Sunrise offers a delicate balance of hope and resilience, inviting those who have experienced loss, grappled with illness, confronted violent crime, or simply seek inspiration to embark on a heartfelt journey through the threads of love and courage that connect us all.
Unforgettable Odyssey of Love, Cancer, Murder & Resurrection
When cancer threatened to claim her life, Lokita's fierce battle against the disease was only the beginning of her harrowing journey. As she fought to survive, her world shattered in a shocking act of violence that took the life of her beloved husband and renowned Tantra instructor, Steve Carter.
Set against the backdrop of serene, affluent Marin County in Northern California, Lokita's life took an unexpected turn. On a tranquil early evening, Steve walked their dog, Coco, on a popular hiking trail. The peaceful community was rocked when Steve was brutally murdered, shot dead by three young homeless drifters, sending shockwaves far beyond their idyllic enclave and into the global media.
"Reaching for Sunrise" is Lokita's powerful and poignant memoir, revealing the depths of her loss, her relentless pursuit of justice in the courtroom, and her simultaneous battle with aggressive breast cancer. With a quiet cadence, Lokita shares her extraordinary journey, interspersed with unexpected moments of humor and grace that illuminate her narrative.
Readers will be swept away by Lokita's transformation of trauma into unwavering courage, allowing her to rise above the tragedy and rebuild her life. Reaching for Sunrise offers a delicate balance of hope and resilience, inviting those who have experienced loss, grappled with illness, confronted violent crime, or simply seek inspiration to embark on a heartfelt journey through the threads of love and courage that connect us all.
- GenresNonfiction
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
About the author
Lokita Carter
1 book1 followerOriginally from Germany, Lokita Carter captivates readers with her unabashedly authentic writing style, which she developed from a young age. I
n 1998, she met her soulmate Steve in California, embarking on a journey to be the foremost instructors of Tantra Yoga in the US for 16 years. Lokita has always felt a lifelong calling to contribute to a better world, and she strives to achieve this goal one reader and one student at a time.
She has left her mark on diverse platforms, including Huffington Post, her personal blog, and magazines where she delves into matters of spirituality and love, and published poetry, plus experiential stories in German anthologies. Lokita also wrote and co-produced several best-selling educational programs on Tantra, and made several TV and radio appearances.
Lokita's broad perspective on life, love and the human condition is a result of her considerable international travels, and living in various countries, including India and Australia.
She currently divides her time between California, Costa Rica and her native Germany.
n 1998, she met her soulmate Steve in California, embarking on a journey to be the foremost instructors of Tantra Yoga in the US for 16 years. Lokita has always felt a lifelong calling to contribute to a better world, and she strives to achieve this goal one reader and one student at a time.
She has left her mark on diverse platforms, including Huffington Post, her personal blog, and magazines where she delves into matters of spirituality and love, and published poetry, plus experiential stories in German anthologies. Lokita also wrote and co-produced several best-selling educational programs on Tantra, and made several TV and radio appearances.
Lokita's broad perspective on life, love and the human condition is a result of her considerable international travels, and living in various countries, including India and Australia.
She currently divides her time between California, Costa Rica and her native Germany.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 30, 2024
A heart-opening memoir.
While many of the personal experiences that Lokita relates in this book are shocking and heart-breaking, I found that my heart was actually more open after reading her accounts. I was inspired by her commitment to living an authentic life and living in the now, through the highest of highs and lowest of lows. We may not have the same tools and resources, but reading of another person's resiliency gives me hope that I may also be able to weather the challenges of life without closing my heart.
I was also inspired by Lokita's interactinons with the professionals she relied on during her times of crisis, the police/doctors/district attorneys/veterinarians, and how she was open in asking for what she needed in the moment, even if it was out of the ordinary. This was a beautiful reminder of all of our human-ness, even those people we may see in positions of power or expertise and think they might not care. Everyone is human, and everyone cares.
While many of the personal experiences that Lokita relates in this book are shocking and heart-breaking, I found that my heart was actually more open after reading her accounts. I was inspired by her commitment to living an authentic life and living in the now, through the highest of highs and lowest of lows. We may not have the same tools and resources, but reading of another person's resiliency gives me hope that I may also be able to weather the challenges of life without closing my heart.
I was also inspired by Lokita's interactinons with the professionals she relied on during her times of crisis, the police/doctors/district attorneys/veterinarians, and how she was open in asking for what she needed in the moment, even if it was out of the ordinary. This was a beautiful reminder of all of our human-ness, even those people we may see in positions of power or expertise and think they might not care. Everyone is human, and everyone cares.
March 27, 2026
Reaching for Sunrise is a profoundly moving memoir that chronicles the extraordinary resilience of Lokita Carter in the face of unimaginable tragedy. From her battle with aggressive breast cancer to the sudden, violent loss of her husband, Steve Carter, Lokita navigates grief, fear, and injustice with unwavering courage.
Set in the serene surroundings of Marin County, the memoir juxtaposes the calm of everyday life with the shock of trauma, highlighting both the fragility and strength of the human spirit. Carter’s writing is intimate and candid, interweaving moments of vulnerability with humor and grace, offering readers an authentic lens into her journey of healing and survival.
This memoir is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and transformation, resonating with anyone who has faced profound personal challenges. It’s not only a story of tragedy but also a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of rising from life’s darkest moments.
Set in the serene surroundings of Marin County, the memoir juxtaposes the calm of everyday life with the shock of trauma, highlighting both the fragility and strength of the human spirit. Carter’s writing is intimate and candid, interweaving moments of vulnerability with humor and grace, offering readers an authentic lens into her journey of healing and survival.
This memoir is a compelling exploration of love, loss, and transformation, resonating with anyone who has faced profound personal challenges. It’s not only a story of tragedy but also a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of rising from life’s darkest moments.
August 25, 2024
Reaching For Sunrise by Lokita Carter is a heartbreaking story of Lokita’s life after losing her husband to murder. Lokita’s story is raw and draws you into her life as she refuses to be portrayed as a victim. Lokita journey from the devastating tragedy of her husband, recovering from cancer, and how Lokita gets through her darkest moments. A beautifully written book which is an incredible story of love, and loss. Lokita’s honesty inspiration, resilience, and courage shine through as she shares everything she goes through in this Memoir. Thank you for sharing your story, Lokita. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 1, 2024
Raw, visceral, and inspiring. Lokita takes us on a journey no one should have to travel. She shows that no amount of loss is insurmountable, there is a way back to joy and inspiration. The path leads through self reflection, gratitude, and friends and family, but also the hard work of facing and feeling one's deepest fears. Her life's arc from entrepreneur to tantrika to author gives her work both depth and lightness. Lokita's story inspires us to joy and life. I will be forever changed having known Lokita through her teachings and her book.
September 25, 2024
This is one of the most moving, personal stories I have read in a long time. Her writing is so flowing and we ll done. I did not want to put it down and read it in one day, but it has stayed with me. Her life and experiences went up and down, going through cancer and the murder of her wonderful husband. Myself, I don't know that I would be as able to deal with it as she has been able to but she push right through it. She showed how tough the human spirit can be. Her book also showed humor and joy. It is so hearfelt. Read it. I can't say it enough.
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May 13, 2024Reaching for Sunrise is a vulnerable and honest sharing of one woman journey through incredible adversity. Infused with humor, spiritual insights and a deep humanity, Lokita's story is an intimate invitation to be with her at during the most challenging and triumphant events of her life.
April 30, 2024
Wow, Lokita takes us on a rollercoaster ride with an incredibly brave and honest heart. So inspiring!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews