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SUNSHINE: a cancer journey
"A chance discovery leads to a shock diagnosis. A traumatic experience leaves
me questioning everything"
Life is finally getting easier for Emily when a routine visit to the doctor turns her world
upside down.
A thyroid cancer diagnosis leaves her struggling to cope as she navigates the impact on her
loved ones.
During her treatment, a medical emergency leads to a profound experience in theatre that changes everything.
A life-affirming story about love, hope, and rediscovering joy in simple things.
"But in the darkness, I discover the light.
My light. My sunshine."
What readers are saying about
"...truly inspiring, a must read..."
"...I can see it helping many people. We have all been touched by cancer in some way or another..."
"...a remarkable and powerful book..."
"...I struggled for many years to talk about my (cancer) journey, it deeply affected me. Thank you so so much for writing this book, it has really helped me."
"...a beautifully written book. Harrowing at times, but ultimately uplifting, and the light can be seen and felt amongst the pages. The author takes you on her journey and I was with her on every page..."
"...raw and honest. This third book does not disappoint... I couldn't put it down..."
me questioning everything"
Life is finally getting easier for Emily when a routine visit to the doctor turns her world
upside down.
A thyroid cancer diagnosis leaves her struggling to cope as she navigates the impact on her
loved ones.
During her treatment, a medical emergency leads to a profound experience in theatre that changes everything.
A life-affirming story about love, hope, and rediscovering joy in simple things.
"But in the darkness, I discover the light.
My light. My sunshine."
What readers are saying about
"...truly inspiring, a must read..."
"...I can see it helping many people. We have all been touched by cancer in some way or another..."
"...a remarkable and powerful book..."
"...I struggled for many years to talk about my (cancer) journey, it deeply affected me. Thank you so so much for writing this book, it has really helped me."
"...a beautifully written book. Harrowing at times, but ultimately uplifting, and the light can be seen and felt amongst the pages. The author takes you on her journey and I was with her on every page..."
"...raw and honest. This third book does not disappoint... I couldn't put it down..."
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2025
About the author
Emily J. Johnson
3 books8 followersHaving spent fifteen years living in Western Australia, Emily returned to the UK in 2010 and lives on the south coast of England. Her first book Pushing Through The Cracks was one of four finalists for the The Selfies Book Awards of 2022 and nominated for The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2022.
Her second book BELLY, shares her raw and brutally honest account of struggling with eating disorders and how she’s grown to finally make peace with food, her body and herself.
Following a cancer diagnosis in 2023, Emily returned to writing during her recovery, publishing her third book SUNSHINE, sharing her cancer journey.
Once fully recovered, Emily re-trained as a mindfulness & meditation practitioner and will embark on her teaching practice in 2025, supporting cancer patients along with other members of her community in learning these beneficial practices.
Her second book BELLY, shares her raw and brutally honest account of struggling with eating disorders and how she’s grown to finally make peace with food, her body and herself.
Following a cancer diagnosis in 2023, Emily returned to writing during her recovery, publishing her third book SUNSHINE, sharing her cancer journey.
Once fully recovered, Emily re-trained as a mindfulness & meditation practitioner and will embark on her teaching practice in 2025, supporting cancer patients along with other members of her community in learning these beneficial practices.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 11, 2025
Sunshine: A cancer journey is a memoir of author Emily J. Johnsons personal journey with thyroid cancer. Every person's cancer journey is personal and unique, and Emily tells her story beautifully with heart and courage.
After reading a previous book by Emily and following her cancer journey on Instagram, I was honoured to be sent a copy of her book to read and review. This book documents the highs and lows of her journey from the discovery of the Cancer to her fight and recovery along the way.
My mum too had thyroid cancer, so this book really resonated with me in so many places, and I'm so glad Emily has shared this journey with the world. This book helps people going through a similar journey, feels less alone, feel strength, and also educates the reader.
This book is a beautiful read and captures the authors heart and soul upon every page. Thank you for sharing your journey, Emily.
After reading a previous book by Emily and following her cancer journey on Instagram, I was honoured to be sent a copy of her book to read and review. This book documents the highs and lows of her journey from the discovery of the Cancer to her fight and recovery along the way.
My mum too had thyroid cancer, so this book really resonated with me in so many places, and I'm so glad Emily has shared this journey with the world. This book helps people going through a similar journey, feels less alone, feel strength, and also educates the reader.
This book is a beautiful read and captures the authors heart and soul upon every page. Thank you for sharing your journey, Emily.
March 7, 2025
I have followed Emily’s journey since I joined the bookstagram community. Her first book Pushing Through the Cracks sparked a love for her writing but also showed her incredible resilience, the love she has for her children and the lengths she went through to get them the help they needed. Her second book Belly, was just as inspiring as she talked about her eating disorder and her experiences with overcoming it. Now we have sunshine.
Emily’s journey through cancer. Thyroid cancer isn’t talked about a lot, it’s not a cancer that’s well known in my opinion and hearing Emily’s experience heightened my admiration for her. What an amazingly strong woman! But here’s the thing, it’s not so much about the dark days of cancer that choked me. It’s Emily’s decorum, her fight and her happy ending that had me in awe of her truly strong character. Inspirational doesn’t even cut it, I can’t begin to imagine how Emily has pulled herself out of these dark places, just one of the things she has gone through in her life would be enough to derail the average person. But she fought, she picked herself up and she looked cancer in the face and found a strength in herself to keep on fighting.
I feel like I’ve been through all these traumas and heartbreak with Emily. Like looking at an old friend whilst they convey the intimate moments of their life. Her writing is beautiful and captivating and mirror her personality in every way. Thank you Emily for being so personal and honest, beautiful things really do transform from the darkest of places.
Emily, you are a rockstar!
Emily’s journey through cancer. Thyroid cancer isn’t talked about a lot, it’s not a cancer that’s well known in my opinion and hearing Emily’s experience heightened my admiration for her. What an amazingly strong woman! But here’s the thing, it’s not so much about the dark days of cancer that choked me. It’s Emily’s decorum, her fight and her happy ending that had me in awe of her truly strong character. Inspirational doesn’t even cut it, I can’t begin to imagine how Emily has pulled herself out of these dark places, just one of the things she has gone through in her life would be enough to derail the average person. But she fought, she picked herself up and she looked cancer in the face and found a strength in herself to keep on fighting.
I feel like I’ve been through all these traumas and heartbreak with Emily. Like looking at an old friend whilst they convey the intimate moments of their life. Her writing is beautiful and captivating and mirror her personality in every way. Thank you Emily for being so personal and honest, beautiful things really do transform from the darkest of places.
Emily, you are a rockstar!
July 29, 2026
It's been quite a few years since I last read a book by Emily - and now, I know exactly why!
I was first introduced to Emily and her writing back in 2022 when I read Pushing Through The Cracks - a book that really spoke to me at the time, because I was also struggling with many of the issues that the book explored.
I'd come across the book completely independently and hadn't been searching out books on the subject - and I think this also really spoke to me.
After reading and being so moved by this book, I went on to read Emily's second book, Belly. Once again, I really connected with everything this book explored.
So, when I found out that there was a new book releasing, I couldn't wait to dive in - despite knowing that I'd possibly come out the other side in pieces!
Well, this was another book that completely broke me.
After knowing Emily's struggles so far, it was such a shock to discover that she was now having to go through a cancer diagnosis and all that that would then entail.
Once again, the writing is just so easy to immerse yourself in - as though I was sitting down with a friend and just chatting and catching up.
I was so in awe of Emily and her complete determination to not only get herself through this harrowing time - but to also give so much hope and comfort to her family, friends and now with this book, countless others who may be dealing with a similar situation in their lives.
Although this was heartbreaking to read and really difficult to hear all of the procedures and feelings this entailed, I absolutely know that this would help me (and many others) to not feel so alone or afraid if this happened to me.
Alongside that, we also see how this diagnosis affected all those around Emily and again, reading this account would definitely help me to be able to deal with and offer support to someone I know if they found themselves in this situation.
Although this was a difficult read in places - yes, get those tissues out! - this was also a story full of hope, comfort, peace and even joy at times.
It's completely life-affirming and really has been a reminder for me (as I navigate menopause) to not be so harsh on myself and to appreciate the good in life.
After hearing all of the issues that Emily suffered through her journey, I was so, so happy to hear the good news in the end - and to hear how wonderfully she narrated her own words.
A beautiful presentation of another brilliant read.
Thank you so much for sharing.
I was first introduced to Emily and her writing back in 2022 when I read Pushing Through The Cracks - a book that really spoke to me at the time, because I was also struggling with many of the issues that the book explored.
I'd come across the book completely independently and hadn't been searching out books on the subject - and I think this also really spoke to me.
After reading and being so moved by this book, I went on to read Emily's second book, Belly. Once again, I really connected with everything this book explored.
So, when I found out that there was a new book releasing, I couldn't wait to dive in - despite knowing that I'd possibly come out the other side in pieces!
Well, this was another book that completely broke me.
After knowing Emily's struggles so far, it was such a shock to discover that she was now having to go through a cancer diagnosis and all that that would then entail.
Once again, the writing is just so easy to immerse yourself in - as though I was sitting down with a friend and just chatting and catching up.
I was so in awe of Emily and her complete determination to not only get herself through this harrowing time - but to also give so much hope and comfort to her family, friends and now with this book, countless others who may be dealing with a similar situation in their lives.
Although this was heartbreaking to read and really difficult to hear all of the procedures and feelings this entailed, I absolutely know that this would help me (and many others) to not feel so alone or afraid if this happened to me.
Alongside that, we also see how this diagnosis affected all those around Emily and again, reading this account would definitely help me to be able to deal with and offer support to someone I know if they found themselves in this situation.
Although this was a difficult read in places - yes, get those tissues out! - this was also a story full of hope, comfort, peace and even joy at times.
It's completely life-affirming and really has been a reminder for me (as I navigate menopause) to not be so harsh on myself and to appreciate the good in life.
After hearing all of the issues that Emily suffered through her journey, I was so, so happy to hear the good news in the end - and to hear how wonderfully she narrated her own words.
A beautiful presentation of another brilliant read.
Thank you so much for sharing.
August 3, 2026
Thank you LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted audio book code.
I love this author and I have been a part of journey for a long time now and I love her. I couldn’t wait to read her journey with thyroid cancer which I couldn’t believe she had everyone’s journey is different that’s for sure and no journey is the same.
I mean I admire this author but more importantly I admire Emily as a person she is so strong and resilient I wish I could be like her.
I don’t believe thyroid cancer is talked about as much as some of the other cancers. I mean cancer sucks no matter what you have. Nobody prepares you for it and if you haven’t gone through either with a family member yourself someone you know it’s hard to imagine and hard to know what that person is going through. Cancer is so much more. My mom had cancer sadly she died from it. But it’s lonely it’s hard to watch the people you care about go through treatment and still try to be strong for everyone else.
This is why I admire Emily so much. She has been through it in her life and she just keeps coming out on top and she has so much drive and determination it’s unreal !!
Also I have to say she narrated this audio book and that made this so much better cause it’s her story and she tells it so well and with so much heart and soul !! Loved this so so much.
I can’t say enough good things about this audio book. This is a book I’ll buy cause I will read again!!
Yes it was a hard book for me to read but I learned some too. I can’t recommend this book enough I really can’t I feel like a friend who has been put through the wringer with her and she is still standing. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your experience and journey with us and for being an inspiration to me truly !!
I love this author and I have been a part of journey for a long time now and I love her. I couldn’t wait to read her journey with thyroid cancer which I couldn’t believe she had everyone’s journey is different that’s for sure and no journey is the same.
I mean I admire this author but more importantly I admire Emily as a person she is so strong and resilient I wish I could be like her.
I don’t believe thyroid cancer is talked about as much as some of the other cancers. I mean cancer sucks no matter what you have. Nobody prepares you for it and if you haven’t gone through either with a family member yourself someone you know it’s hard to imagine and hard to know what that person is going through. Cancer is so much more. My mom had cancer sadly she died from it. But it’s lonely it’s hard to watch the people you care about go through treatment and still try to be strong for everyone else.
This is why I admire Emily so much. She has been through it in her life and she just keeps coming out on top and she has so much drive and determination it’s unreal !!
Also I have to say she narrated this audio book and that made this so much better cause it’s her story and she tells it so well and with so much heart and soul !! Loved this so so much.
I can’t say enough good things about this audio book. This is a book I’ll buy cause I will read again!!
Yes it was a hard book for me to read but I learned some too. I can’t recommend this book enough I really can’t I feel like a friend who has been put through the wringer with her and she is still standing. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your experience and journey with us and for being an inspiration to me truly !!
August 3, 2026
I was so lucky to have received an audio copy of this book from the author and LoveBookTours and what an inspiring and emotional read! This is a non-fiction story of the author’s experience of living with a diagnosis of cancer and all of the emotions and challenges that brings, and to be narrated by her too was all the more special.
I was hooked from the start and felt every tear and joy she shared in this heartfelt account of how cancer affects not only the person with it but also their family and loved ones. The author battles with her feelings throughout her journey and I really think that many readers will resonate with it and it will help someone to feel heard and supported at their time of need. Thank you so much for sharing your story, you are amazing and your book is beautiful.
I would definitely consider reading more from this author.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
I was hooked from the start and felt every tear and joy she shared in this heartfelt account of how cancer affects not only the person with it but also their family and loved ones. The author battles with her feelings throughout her journey and I really think that many readers will resonate with it and it will help someone to feel heard and supported at their time of need. Thank you so much for sharing your story, you are amazing and your book is beautiful.
I would definitely consider reading more from this author.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
August 6, 2026
This story follows Emily's journey thyroid cancer journey. From her diagnosis all the way through to her treatment.
What a heartbreaking and beautifully written story.
Emily narrated this audio book herself.
This story caught me hookline and sinker, the emotion this novel had me in while listening was like no other book I've read / listened too.
This is the first novel by this author I have read and I can honestly say it will not be the last.
I would highly reccomend this novel and this author.
The way she has created her real life journey through her cancer diagnosis was beautifully done.
The step by step treatment, the wards, the surgery, the clinicians added into this story made you feel like you was there for each step of her journey.
This author is such an inspiration for creating this novel about her journey and the impact it has in life.
What a heartbreaking and beautifully written story.
Emily narrated this audio book herself.
This story caught me hookline and sinker, the emotion this novel had me in while listening was like no other book I've read / listened too.
This is the first novel by this author I have read and I can honestly say it will not be the last.
I would highly reccomend this novel and this author.
The way she has created her real life journey through her cancer diagnosis was beautifully done.
The step by step treatment, the wards, the surgery, the clinicians added into this story made you feel like you was there for each step of her journey.
This author is such an inspiration for creating this novel about her journey and the impact it has in life.
December 29, 2025
A harrowing journey
I really enjoyed this book by Emily J. Johnson. It's one woman's story of her journey through thyroid cancer. It is a harrowing journey, resulting in me reading late into the night to see how everything worked out. She's a very descriptive writer, making it seem like you're in the room as she is telling her story. It is also a very uplifting story, with many different facets to it. Very well-written. Highly recommend.
I really enjoyed this book by Emily J. Johnson. It's one woman's story of her journey through thyroid cancer. It is a harrowing journey, resulting in me reading late into the night to see how everything worked out. She's a very descriptive writer, making it seem like you're in the room as she is telling her story. It is also a very uplifting story, with many different facets to it. Very well-written. Highly recommend.
March 21, 2026
Should be required reading..
While the book itself is a *remarkable* journey in itself, the authors remarks afterwards should be required reading for all. My heal scare (thankfully) did not end up involving cancer, but I learned all the same life lessons she learned. AT THE END OF THE BOOK...keep reading for a bit ... there are lessons to be learned.
While the book itself is a *remarkable* journey in itself, the authors remarks afterwards should be required reading for all. My heal scare (thankfully) did not end up involving cancer, but I learned all the same life lessons she learned. AT THE END OF THE BOOK...keep reading for a bit ... there are lessons to be learned.
June 22, 2026
as someone who has also experienced thyroid cancer and the ravages it can do to your ability to function, fantastic read. It's not easy but thankfully one of the few mostly-curable cancers.
August 6, 2026
"Sunshine: a cancer journey" takes us on Emily's personal journey having got her life back on the right tracks and becoming better after having been through a tough time personally and with her family, by chance she is diagnosed with thyroid cancer and we follow her through her treatment and its complications and we see how her diagnosis impacts those around her.
This is an informative, moving, retelling of Emily's journey and what she has to go through, showing she is truly an inspiring individual.
An uplifting positive memoir of one woman's survival narrated by the author whose mother was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer while the book was being recorded.
This is an informative, moving, retelling of Emily's journey and what she has to go through, showing she is truly an inspiring individual.
An uplifting positive memoir of one woman's survival narrated by the author whose mother was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer while the book was being recorded.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews