Song of the Cardinal: A true story of miracles and magic after heartbreaking loss

by Cynthia Waine Brandt, Leslie Wells (editor)

When life breaks your heart, it can also break you open.

“Song of the Cardinal is one of the most beautiful and captivating books I have ever read. It is a 360-page Chicken Soup for the Soul® story.”
—Jack Canfield, Coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series

“If you're ready to be inspired and awakened, this book is a must-read.”
—Kyle Cease, transformational comedian and New York Times bestselling author of I Hope I Screw This Up

Song of the Cardinal is a celebration of resilience and the enduring human spirit. It is an unforgettable story of eternal love, spiritual awakening, and personal transformation that will leave you

—You are never alone.
—It’s never too late to follow your dreams.
—Grace is waiting patiently for you on the other side of grief.


At 48, Cynthia Waine Brandt seemed to have it all. But on a foggy night in Juneau, Alaska, that world shattered when her 54-year-old husband died unexpectedly, 4,000 miles away in Atlanta, Georgia.

Though she feared his death would destroy her, when she flew out of Juneau and into a life without Harry, she actually embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery that no lines on a map could ever define.

Through vivid storytelling, Cynthia shares her transformational journey—revealing how the cardinal became a symbol of hope and an ever-present guide on her path forward.

If you are walking through loss—or simply longing for more—this award-winning memoir offers comfort, inspiration, and a gentle reminder that you can always begin again.

Recognized for
— Gold Award, Nonfiction Book Awards (Personal Transformation, Inspirational, Death & Grief, Memoir)
— Living Now Book Award – Best Digital Media (eBooks & Audiobooks)
— Independent Publishers Book Award – Best Regional eBook (Nonfiction)
— National Indie Excellence Award – Winner (Grief)
— Book Fest Awards – Gold (Transformational Memoir)
— Book Fest Awards – Silver (Audiobook)
— Writer's Digest Self-published Book Awards – Honorable Mention (Inspirational/Self-help)
— National Indie Excellence Awards - Finalist – Regional Nonfiction (West)
— International Book Awards – Finalist – Best Cover Design (Nonfiction)

Genres: Memoir

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2024

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written, a few editing errors, interested in her story but a fair bit or repetition mid book. definitely a tear jerker in many parts and may resonate with those who have lost loved ones, not as much with those who believe our loved ones are not mystically watching over us. I read objectively withholding my perspective and personal views because I wanted to hear author's story.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will miss this book now that I have finished. Brilliantly capturing her journey since her husband’s death, the author embraces us all with her words. I feel so at peace with whatever life brings me thanks in no small part to this book. An incredible gift.

[Mary Adickes Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a widow, I could relate to so many feelings she wrote about. It is one book that I would advise others who lost their spouse. It could possible help with their grief and know they are not the only one with these feelings.

[Cheri Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully heartwarming story dealing with grief, the loss of a great love, and how to move forward and still feel the light shining from that love. Very inspiring and excellently written!

[Lisa Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her story certainly resonated with me as a fellow widow, but I found it a bit repetitive.