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Hurricane Lessons: A Memoir
When Katrina, a 46-year-old Midwestern mother of four, becomes consumed with feelings for her female Pilates instructor, she begins to understand that she is and always has been gay.
Her husband suggests they open up their 20+ year marriage, which appears to be a reasonable solution to their dilemma. But when Katrina and her husband have different ideas of what an open marriage should like, the cracks in their white-picket-fence life are hit with a hurricane-force fury.
Lies. Threats. Abuse. Gaslighting. An involuntary psych ward commitment. Can their marriage survive so many betrayals? Should it?
Her husband suggests they open up their 20+ year marriage, which appears to be a reasonable solution to their dilemma. But when Katrina and her husband have different ideas of what an open marriage should like, the cracks in their white-picket-fence life are hit with a hurricane-force fury.
Lies. Threats. Abuse. Gaslighting. An involuntary psych ward commitment. Can their marriage survive so many betrayals? Should it?
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 19, 2026
*thank you NetGalley for the arc e-book in exchange for an honest review.
gosh, where do i even start? this memoir was both a gut punch and a caress in the best possible way.
so many moments in this book made my heart ache with recognition, echoing what i navigated when i came out in my mid-twenties during the global pandemic. i feel deeply for the author’s hardships, some we share, along with so many other women, unfortunately.
i feel incredibly lucky to have received early access to this gem of a memoir, and i can’t recommend it enough. this book is exactly why i read.
gosh, where do i even start? this memoir was both a gut punch and a caress in the best possible way.
so many moments in this book made my heart ache with recognition, echoing what i navigated when i came out in my mid-twenties during the global pandemic. i feel deeply for the author’s hardships, some we share, along with so many other women, unfortunately.
i feel incredibly lucky to have received early access to this gem of a memoir, and i can’t recommend it enough. this book is exactly why i read.
April 12, 2026
This is an incredibly personal book. I can’t imagine the wounds that were opened by putting all this on the page. It’s such a gift when people bare their souls and tell their truths. This is a story of struggle,
resilience, and re-creation.
resilience, and re-creation.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this memoir, Katrina Willis looks back on milestones in her life that led her to make decisions and compromises based on her midwestern Catholic upbringing and the abandonment of her father during her childhood. What she hid, rationalized and denied for many years was her attraction to other girls and women. That is until after more than 25 years of marriage to her high school boyfriend and raising four children, she admits to falling in love with her Pilates instructor. The book details that relationship at length, though I would have liked a clearer period at the end of the sentence and then goes on to recount how that relationship and her admissions about it and about herself, led to the end difficult end of her marriage.
For the most part, the book is beautifully written and extremely heartfelt and self-examining. She doesn't spare herself, even as she describes some of the ugly things that were said to her. There were a few instances of strung together metaphors that weren't always necessary and the final chapters were more about what she learned as opposed to what happened.
Overall, it's a well written and emotional memoir.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley.
For the most part, the book is beautifully written and extremely heartfelt and self-examining. She doesn't spare herself, even as she describes some of the ugly things that were said to her. There were a few instances of strung together metaphors that weren't always necessary and the final chapters were more about what she learned as opposed to what happened.
Overall, it's a well written and emotional memoir.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 9, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Hurricane Lessons by Katrina Anne Willis is messy and bold. It really leans into how love can be cruel, kind, confusing, and constantly shifting, and that part hit.
It’s relatable, but not in a direct “this is my life” way. It’s more like emotionally familiar if you’ve ever been in something complicated or painful. If you’ve been through a heated divorce (especially with some emotional abuse) or just want a front row seat to one, this definitely the book for you.
I liked the first half a lot. But once it turned into a flood of texts and letters, and all her self pity, it started to drag for me. Around the 70–75% mark, I was skimming. And I’m sorry, but how many times can we hear that her girlfriend is “tiny”? It got a little annoying.
That said, the ending pulled it back together. The last 10% felt more grounded again, and I appreciated the self-awareness and growth she experienced. Watching her start to understand herself and what she actually needs gave it a positive closing.
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Hurricane Lessons by Katrina Anne Willis is messy and bold. It really leans into how love can be cruel, kind, confusing, and constantly shifting, and that part hit.
It’s relatable, but not in a direct “this is my life” way. It’s more like emotionally familiar if you’ve ever been in something complicated or painful. If you’ve been through a heated divorce (especially with some emotional abuse) or just want a front row seat to one, this definitely the book for you.
I liked the first half a lot. But once it turned into a flood of texts and letters, and all her self pity, it started to drag for me. Around the 70–75% mark, I was skimming. And I’m sorry, but how many times can we hear that her girlfriend is “tiny”? It got a little annoying.
That said, the ending pulled it back together. The last 10% felt more grounded again, and I appreciated the self-awareness and growth she experienced. Watching her start to understand herself and what she actually needs gave it a positive closing.
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to netgalley and the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
4.5⭐️
Hurricane Lessons really stayed with me. As someone who also relates to the experience of coming into my identity later in life, this hit on a very personal level. There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing that kind of journey laid out so honestly—the confusion, the grief, the clarity, all of it.
The writing itself was a standout for me. It felt intimate and reflective without being overly heavy, and I found myself completely pulled into her story. Even when things were messy or difficult, it never felt forced—just real.
If I had to nitpick, there were a few moments where the flow felt slightly disjointed, but it didn’t take away from the emotional impact overall.
This was one of those books that makes you feel seen, and I’ll definitely be thinking about it for a while.
4.5⭐️
Hurricane Lessons really stayed with me. As someone who also relates to the experience of coming into my identity later in life, this hit on a very personal level. There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing that kind of journey laid out so honestly—the confusion, the grief, the clarity, all of it.
The writing itself was a standout for me. It felt intimate and reflective without being overly heavy, and I found myself completely pulled into her story. Even when things were messy or difficult, it never felt forced—just real.
If I had to nitpick, there were a few moments where the flow felt slightly disjointed, but it didn’t take away from the emotional impact overall.
This was one of those books that makes you feel seen, and I’ll definitely be thinking about it for a while.
April 20, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Sibylline Press for this ARC!
Thank you Katrina for sharing your story. The raw vulnerability within these pages was not only her reality but also a story that so many can understand or relate to in various ways. Any woman who has tried to find herself in adulthood, remained in survival mode for decades due to unhealed childhood trauma and abandonment wounds, and has found themself in unhealthy or abusive relationships can relate to this book. The grief and loss that occurs through divorce extends to more than the death of that relationship and the impact is heavy. Katrina also shares that there is hope, hope to move into someone's authentic self while obtaining genuine supports and healing. Highly recommend!
Thank you Katrina for sharing your story. The raw vulnerability within these pages was not only her reality but also a story that so many can understand or relate to in various ways. Any woman who has tried to find herself in adulthood, remained in survival mode for decades due to unhealed childhood trauma and abandonment wounds, and has found themself in unhealthy or abusive relationships can relate to this book. The grief and loss that occurs through divorce extends to more than the death of that relationship and the impact is heavy. Katrina also shares that there is hope, hope to move into someone's authentic self while obtaining genuine supports and healing. Highly recommend!
May 7, 2026
Hurricane Lessons was one of those rare books that stays with you long after you turn the last page. It was intriguing, captivating, and incredibly brave. With every chapter, I felt myself growing closer not only to the author, but to every person woven into the story.
What stood out most was the honesty. Knowing how difficult it can be to come out — and how often that process happens over and over throughout life — made the vulnerability in these pages feel even more powerful. The author captured the true essence of that experience with such rawness, humanity, and grace.
This book doesn’t just tell a story; it invites you into someone’s heart. It’s courageous, inspiring, and deeply moving. A beautifully written reminder of the strength it takes to live authentically.
What stood out most was the honesty. Knowing how difficult it can be to come out — and how often that process happens over and over throughout life — made the vulnerability in these pages feel even more powerful. The author captured the true essence of that experience with such rawness, humanity, and grace.
This book doesn’t just tell a story; it invites you into someone’s heart. It’s courageous, inspiring, and deeply moving. A beautifully written reminder of the strength it takes to live authentically.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
**Thanks for NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
An Absolute Emotional Rollercoaster
This was painful to read and made me depressed at some points because of the raw emotions and anguish but nevertheless an unforgettable read.
The writing flows so beautifully that you can't feel the time while reading & although the pacing in some parts felt dragging and repetitive, the writing style and essence of the narrative makes up for it.
I'll definitely be checking out more books from this author!
An Absolute Emotional Rollercoaster
This was painful to read and made me depressed at some points because of the raw emotions and anguish but nevertheless an unforgettable read.
The writing flows so beautifully that you can't feel the time while reading & although the pacing in some parts felt dragging and repetitive, the writing style and essence of the narrative makes up for it.
I'll definitely be checking out more books from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a stunning, honest, courageous memoir. I read an advance copy via NetGalley, and am leaving this review because the book gobsmacked me in the very best way. I finished the book in one night, and couldn’t wait to turn each page and see what happened next. The author is honest about her own mistakes, and about both the support and cruelty she encountered on the way to understanding herself and her passions.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A powerful look at one woman’s exploration of herself and what truly makes her happy. Despite being a wife and mother, it was fascinating how she reckons with her true sexuality. This book also shows what can happen with an open marriage. I held my breath many times reading about the abuse and chaos. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow, what a fitting title - this book was a rollercoaster! I appreciate how honest it was - capturing all the tension and arguments, along with the lessons learned and introspection.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
April 23, 2026
This memoir is open, honest and sometimes heartbreaking. Katrina shares all with the reader making you feel like you know her or at least wish you knew her. A great addition to LGBTQ collected stories.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A courageous and beautifully written memoir about coming out in midlife with a husband and four children. Highly recommended.
April 30, 2026
Hurricane Lessons by Katrina Anne Willis is a brave, candid memoir about embracing truth, however difficult or painful. I could not put it down!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews