A Dime to Say I Love You: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Spiritual Awakening

by Kathryn Henry

For readers navigating grief, spiritual seekers questioning the nature of love and the afterlife, or anyone who’s ever whispered I miss you into the void—this book will speak to you.

When Kathryn Henry lost her wife Lisa to a rare, aggressive cancer, she was thrust into a profound sense of loss that threatened to consume her. What followed was not simply mourning, it was spiritual reckoning. A Dime to Say I Love You is a searingly honest memoir of love and loss, and a shared journey of spiritual excavation and growth. With unflinching vulnerability and hard-won clarity, Henry invites readers into the sacred space of their journey—and the unexpected transformation that came along the way.

This is not your typical memoir. Grounded in the raw reality of terminal illness and deeply personal moments of love and caring, Henry writes with a voice forged by trauma, resilience, and deep spiritual inquiry. The story unfolds against a backdrop of shared adventures, from renovating homes to hiking in Japan, where even the smallest discoveries became reminders of Lisa's enduring presence. Along the way, dimes appear—small silver tokens that become metaphysical breadcrumbs, pointing the way toward connection beyond death.

A Dime to Say I Love You is a moving testament to the enduring power of love and a reminder that even in the darkness of grief, light can be found. It is a book for anyone seeking comfort, inspiration, or a deeper connection to their own journey.

Blending memoir with meditative practice, Henry’s story is both intimate and expansive. Each chapter includes introspective prompts that invite the reader to reflect, breathe, and listen to their own inner wisdom.

For fans of Cheryl Strayed, Joan Didion, and Thich Nhat Hanh, A Dime to Say I Love You offers not answers, but resonance—a reminder that pain is not the opposite of love, but its echo.

Genres: Nonfiction, Medical

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: A Dime to Say I Love You by Kathryn Henry

Title: A Dime to Say I Love You: A Journey of Love, Loss, and Spiritual Awakening
Author: Kathryn Henry
Genre: Memoir / Spiritual Nonfiction / Grief Literature

Review:
Kathryn Henry’s A Dime to Say I Love You is a poignant and transformative memoir that transcends the boundaries of traditional grief narratives. Through the lens of her wife Lisa’s tragic passing from cancer, Henry crafts a narrative that is as much about love’s enduring presence as it is about loss. The book’s strength lies in its raw honesty and spiritual depth, offering readers not just a story, but an invitation to engage with their own journeys of mourning and meaning-making.

Henry’s prose is both lyrical and grounded, weaving together intimate moments—home renovations, travels in Japan—with metaphysical reflections on signs (like the recurring dimes) that bridge the physical and spiritual realms. The inclusion of meditative prompts at the end of each chapter elevates the book from memoir to interactive guide, making it a valuable resource for therapists, spiritual seekers, and anyone navigating grief.

Thematically, Henry’s work resonates with the introspective rigor of Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking and the spiritual warmth of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings. Yet, her voice is distinctly her own: vulnerable, resilient, and unflinchingly human. The memoir avoids clichés of closure, instead embracing grief as an ongoing dialogue with love.

How I would describe this book:

- A searingly honest memoir that transforms grief into a sacred journey—A Dime to Say I Love You is a beacon for anyone lost in the darkness of loss.
- Kathryn Henry’s story is a testament to love’s ability to transcend even death, with dimes as tiny messengers of hope.
- Perfect for fans of Cheryl Strayed and Joan Didion, this book doesn’t just recount grief—it accompanies you through it.
- Blending memoir with mindfulness, Henry offers not just solace, but a roadmap to spiritual awakening.

Acknowledgments:
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance review copy of this extraordinary work. Henry’s story is a gift to readers, and its publication is a vital contribution to conversations about love, loss, and the unseen connections that bind us. I plan to purchase a hard copy of this book for one of my employees that several years after, still struggles a lot and I think this might help them.

Final Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) – A luminous, emotionally resonant memoir that will linger with readers long after the final page.

Audience: Ideal for grief support groups, spiritual book clubs, and readers of contemporary nonfiction seeking both catharsis and practical reflection tools.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Advantage Books for choosing me.

If this book showed me anything is that we all grieve, and although it is a profoundly painful experience we all walk the same yet different journeys when it comes to mourning the loss of the ones we love so deeply.

I cried, I laughed a little and then I cried some more especially during the Introspection parts of the chapters. Those were tough yet extremely important and in my opinion necessary moments for this book.

If I had found this book 10 years ago at the beginning of my grief journey after having lost my dad I would have been better for it. Would it have stopped the pain? No. But it definitely would have helped me in more ways than one at that specific time. Now 10 years in, it still helped. It still let me find ways to cope when I had no idea how to, because yes 10 years in I still grieve and I probably always will just not in the same way as I did in the beginning.

I entered the book giveaway because it had a beautiful cover (don't come for me), I didn't know exactly what to expect from it, but I got exactly what I needed in this point in my life. It honestly gave me perspective that I didn't have before.

I will be forever grateful that this book fell into my lap, and sincerely hope that anyone who is walking through their grief and is lost or feeling alone finds this book. I know everyone who comes across this book will benefit from it, its not a light topic by any means but it is one that we need to be more open about.

This isn't just a book it is a testament to their love, to their bond and to the life they lived together. I will carry it with me for the rest of my life.

[Valerie Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dime to Say I Love You is Kathryn Henry’s deeply personal memoir about love, loss, and the wild, weird journey of grief. After losing her wife Lisa to cancer, Kathryn navigates heartbreak while searching for meaning—and starts noticing “dime moments” that feel like signs from beyond. Between gut-wrenching memories, spiritual reflections, and moments of unexpected beauty, she invites readers into her healing process with honesty and heart. It’s raw, tender, and a reminder that love doesn’t end—it just changes form.


This memoir hit way too close to home. Kathryn Henry writes with so much heart and honesty as she shares her wife Lisa’s cancer journey—the love, the pain, the heartbreak, and the promise to keep living fully even after loss. It’s a tough read, not because of the writing, but because it’s real—raw, emotional, and a reminder that tomorrow isn’t promised.


Despite the heaviness, this book gave me strength, a little more optimism, and a lot of insight into healing. It’s short but powerful. If cancer is a sensitive topic for you, definitely approach with care. But if you're looking for connection or comfort while navigating your own loss or a loved one’s illness, this memoir might be the hug you didn’t know you needed.


This book published yesterday. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


Lastly, F*CK CANCER. 




 🩷🩷🩷

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[Kelly Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, so this book by Miss Kathryn Henry about knocked me upside the head in the best way. I’m not a big reader of those fancy city books, but this one had me nearly crying and laughing all at the same time. She’s talking about losing her wife Lisa, and buddy, let me tell you, it’s not sugar coated. She lays it all out raw, like those rough boards you step on barefoot. It hurts, but it’s true.

Now I’m not a spiritual guru or anything, but she had me thinking about love in a way I hadn’t thought since my first broken heart. Those dimes she’s talking about keep popping up, and I swear I almost checked my pockets twice reading it, like hey, maybe Lisa left me some spare change too. She goes from crying to building back up stronger than ever, and somehow dragging the reader with her through every single chapter.

I liked how she writes plain and straight. It’s not just sadness. It’s fixing houses, going to Japan, finding little signs everywhere that love doesn’t quit just because somebody isn’t standing in the kitchen anymore. She has those little prompts at the end too, trying to make you sit still and think about your own mess. Well, shoot, I tried it and nearly fell asleep, but it worked. I woke up feeling better.

It’s not just a book for folks who lost somebody either. It’s for anybody who’s ever sat there staring at the ceiling, wondering what the hell love even means. She makes you feel like you’re not crazy for asking those kinds of questions. And if you are crazy, well then she’s right there crazy with you.

So yeah, I reckon this one’s a keeper. Doesn’t matter if you’ve never read anything but the back of a cereal box, you can hang with this book because it talks to you like a real person.

I give it 5 outta 5 Catfish!

[Vanessa Valenzuela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m glad that I won this book as a Goodreads’ “Giveaway” as I believe that I was meant to read it.

The author states that the purpose of the book is for her to share her story and life experiences — lessons learned — so that the reader can resonate with human experiences and teach us to find our “dime” moments.

The author walks us through her life story, which includes episodes of sexual abuse, a boarding home experience as a teen, and the loss of her wife to cancer (after a very long battle with cancer). In a nutshell, she’s suffered through a lot of grief and yet she knows that life is a precious gift that is not permanent by any means, so there’s various quotes throughout the book that encourage us to seek our purpose, happiness and truth during our short time on earth.

The reason why this book is only 3 stars for me is because about halfway through the book it began to sound a bit repetitive — despite there being many quotes I continued to highlight. I think this book could have easily been 1/2 of its length and be a 5 star read.

However, it is a good book I’d recommend to those wanting to heal in their life — from any trauma. It was uplifting and encouraged me to be even more “open minded” for the rest of my life.

[Melissa L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the copy of A Dime to Say I Love You through a giveaway, and this is my honest review. I was drawn to this particular title both because of my own experiences coping with grief and because of my background in psychology.

What sets this memoir apart is how it encourages reflection. Each chapter includes prompts that invite you to think about your own experiences and feelings. It’s not just the author sharing her story, it’s also an opportunity for the reader to pause and consider what really matters in their own life, and to notice those small, meaningful “dime moments” that often go overlooked.

Henry’s writing is honest and easy to follow. She doesn’t shy away from the hard parts of her story but shares them in a way that feels genuine and uplifting. The recurring motif of dimes is a quiet but powerful reminder of love’s presence, even when someone is gone.

Overall, A Dime to Say I Love You is a thoughtful, introspective read. It blends memoir and reflection in a way that resonates with anyone thinking about loss, love, or what’s truly important in life. It encourages you to slow down, appreciate the little moments, and reflect on your own journey.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proof That Love Never Leaves...

Kathryn Henry's A Dime to Say I Love You is more like sitting across from someone and having them pour out their heart while the coffee gets cold between you. Henry walks the line between being weak and strong after losing her wife Lisa to a cruel illness. Then the dimes come—small, shiny coins that look like they were dropped by an unseen hand. They are a quiet, impossible magic that says love doesn't end just because a heartbeat does.

This isn't the neat arc of grief that comes with lessons learned. It's a bright, honest look at how loss changes us. Henry's words go from painful honesty to sudden, sharp clarity, and they find beauty in places that are cracked wide open. She doesn't just tell you that love lasts; she lets you touch it—weightless and glittering—just beyond the veil, but warm in your hand. Highly recommended.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir that packs an incredible emotional punch. The author lost her wife and was clearly struggling with it. However, she was able to deal with that loss through personal growth that she never knew she was capable of. Readers who are similarly navigating loss will identify with the author. They will be able to understand the depths to which she sunk, but they may also be able to emulate her and follow her example if they are willing to go through the same process of life affirmation.

This book is about the power of love, even after death. It is beautiful, moving, and fully capable of acting as the guide equally damaged individuals need if they find themselves at the edge of a cliff following the loss of a loved one.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir broke my heart page after page. It follows Kathryn Henry’s emotional and spiritual journey after losing her wife, Lisa, to an aggressive, rare, and strong cancer. However, more than a personal story of sadness, she was able to build a narrative that delves into the importance of love, resilience, and moving forward in this life.
Throughout the book, we get to understand her and her feelings as if we knew her. This is thanks to the proper way the narrative is proposed. I loved this author and this book way too much, and I recommend it to all sorts of readers. Don’t worry, you won’t be crying all the time, you will also smile and thank that you are alive and that you have a good life!

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Respectful
Kathryn Henry’s memoir stands apart in the grief literature space by intertwining raw emotional storytelling with quiet, introspective spiritual depth. I think that A Dime to Say I Love You offers presence, an often underrated quality in books of this nature.
The structure, which includes reflection prompts at the end of each chapter, provides a thoughtful rhythm, turning the book into an active meditation.
For me, what makes this book impactful is its balance. It doesn’t romanticize loss, nor does it reduce the experience to platitudes. Instead, it speaks to that space between pain and peace, where many of us live after loss.
Quiet, respectful, and deeply human, this is a work I’d recommend for anyone exploring love’s resilience through grief.

[Heather Del Rio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as a Giveaway for my honest opinion.

I entered to win this book because I lost my brother in 2022 to an accidental overdose and my bonus mom in July. The grief has been heavy. This book is a beautiful memorial of the stages of grief as the author walks through them. Watching someone change and morf in front of you, the aftermath of their passing, and how to move through the silence that follows, can be overwhelming and exhausting. This book helps walk you through each, in a supportive and loving way. I loved the quotes, throughout.

This book helped me understand and reflect on the love that preceded the loss, and that is the most profound and valuable thing in life and loss. Loved it. Thank you for sharing your story.

[Randi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not exactly what I was expecting.
Since my husbands death early this year, I have read many books on grief/loss and living through it. I thought maybe this book would be like the others I read, but while I respect the authors journey and love story, I can't say this was helpful to me. Maybe it's my fault and I didn't read the description well enough.

It felt like a whole lot going on for a short book. The death of her wife, a bit about their love story, them as individuals, childhood trauma and her life after her wife's passing.

*I received a kindle version of the book via a Goodreads giveway.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Henry shares part of his memoir in this inspiring book. In this read, readers won't find a memoir like any other, but rather hope when everything seems dark. Henry lost his wife, and while he suffered through the loss, it didn't stop him; he didn't let it define who he was.
I was truly moved by this book, which I read after losing a loved one. Within its pages, I found a bit of comfort to help me cope with my grief. Furthermore, this author has a unique way of narrating; each word is extremely well-chosen. I recommend this book to anyone who is grieving or simply to those who don't know which path to take.

[Rocio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me right in the gut, but in the best way. A Dime to Say I Love You is one of those reads that makes you want to call someone you love, or just sit with your thoughts a little longer than usual.
The author doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s what makes it so powerful. You feel the love, the loss, the ache of remembering someone who’s gone, but you also feel the hope. And yeah, those little dimes? They kind of sneak up on you in the best way.
I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I started this, but I’m glad I gave it a chance. Whether you’ve been through something similar or just want a book that makes you feel, this one’s worth your time.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grief is a strange journey, and this book feels like a friend walking along that journey with you. I wish I had found this sooner. I feel this would be especially beneficial for those who have just lost a loved one and are looking for something to help them feel comforted or less alone.
I really loved the space given to the reader for introspection and reflection. Anyone, whether they're grieving or just curious about this book in general, would find these sections at the end of each chapter quite beneficial.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very much a memoir about going through and dealing with the loss of a love. Kathryn Henry walks us through her wife's illness and how they both made the best of it before the end. It's hard to push forward after you lose a loved one. Kathryn provides the tools she uses every day to get through it. She sees moments in her life where her wife just says hello, and I think that's amazing. It's a perfect reminder that everyone goes through this kind of heartbreak and it is possible to push forward. You really just have to take it day by day.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. My intent was to allow a friend to read it, but instead chose to read it myself.

I do not consider this book a self-help book in anyway, yet, a story about resilience when life throws us lessons. Reading Kathryn’s journey was uplifting and heartbreaking.

In life we all have opportunities and she shows us the ways she chose to approach obstacles at different points in time. I think reading this book allowed me to connect into human compassion and the reminder we are one. To journey back to love and live.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is not a typical memoir. The author’s easy to read writing style draws you in & makes you think. As I read this book I found myself pausing to reflect on my life & what matters to me. One of the author’s messages is slow down so you can enjoy the small things in life.

This book is not just about coping with grief. The author helps us see there’s hope in the dark times, reflect on our lives & think about what we want in the future. I’m glad I read this book & think most readers would get something out of it.

[Ellen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book "A Dime to Say I Love You" and all opinions expressed are my own. The title caught my attention, plus the part of loss. I was expecting something completely different from this book. My husband passed away nearly 4 years ago and I was hoping for a book related to overall loss. It's still hard for me and I'm always looking for a book to help me through. This one was more of their journey, their love, their life, I didn't feel it helped me.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking but healing

This is a deeply personal love letter, a grief diary, and a spiritual exploration all in one. From the very first page, Henry’s vulnerability grips you.
I loved this book's honesty from beginning to end. Henry’s narrative moves fluidly between past and present, between joyful memories of shared adventures.
For anyone navigating grief, questioning the afterlife, or simply wanting to be reminded of love’s enduring power, this book is a balm.

[Kylie H]

This book is great for people who have received life altering news or recently lost someone they love.
For those farther into the grief process (7 years in my case), I found it to be a little repetitive.
I did love the meditations/introspections at the end of each chapter. I also really commend the author for sharing her tough life circumstances, it’s not easy to do.

[Debbie Ballard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is Kathryn's journey through cancer and the loss of a loved one, her partner, Lisa. Due to Kathryn's beliefs being radically different than mine, it made it a difficult read for me. Recommended for people going through the battle and survival of losing someone you love.

[Amber Fiorelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this ARC copy and misunderstood the title. I was expected more of an overall grief and loss read but it was the author’s story. The author gave a deep dive into their life, this just wasn’t what I was expecting from the title/description.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐦‍🔥🐦‍🔥🐦‍🔥🐦‍🔥🐦‍🔥

[Delia]

Looking forward to my Giveaway copy 🤔