Shift & Shine: A Memoir

by Deborah Richards

After surviving an early, abusive marriage in her native England, Deb Richards fled with her life and her young daughter for the dream of sunny skies in Los Angeles. It was there that she met the handsome and successful songwriter Jake, who along with Alan Merrill wrote one of the most famous rock and roll anthems of all time, "I Love Rock and Roll." Together, Jake and Deb put that dime in the jukebox of life and had a dream marriage where they balanced Hollywood, famous exes and blending families.

Deb faced a second nightmare when both her daughter and stepdaughter began to experiment with drugs. Her eldest daughter selected crystal meth as her drug of choice. In her debut book, Richards shows how one mother's love and courage shines through despite overwhelming odds. Deb would need her own lifelines later after her husband's tragic suicide. Now a life coach, Deb proves that you can always reinvent. You can always shift your thoughts and shine your light.

Shift & Shine is must read for anyone who has loved an addict or lost someone to suicide. It's an inspiring story of hope with tools to find a path through crippling adversity and emerge stronger and kinder.

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2019

Reviews

[Charleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shift and Shine is told with unflinching, brutal honesty. Deb’s story is heartbreaking yet inspiring.

The way she dealt with whatever came her way and did everything she could to help her daughters. She’s the kind of woman you’d want fighting your corner. She showed how we don’t always get it right, but it’s about how we change and adapt to the situation to deal with it better in the future.

I thought it was a very good representation of addiction. Both her daughters were addicts, however, they both presented differently during the addiction as well as in their recovery. It showed that every addict is different - including behaviours, recovery and symptoms, and how they can present in different ways person by person.

I have never lost anyone to suicide but I have been in that dark place before. Deb’s story shines a light on this difficult topic and shows that there is life after the dark thoughts, a life worth living. This book is perfect for anyone struggling with, or who knows someone struggling with addiction or suicide. However, it’s also perfect for anyone who wishes to read an inspiring but honest read about these issues.

[Liliana Mercado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely write reviews, but this book really touched me. I came to visit my mom and she had this book on her table. I started reading and I could not stop. What I enjoy about the book it is the genuineness of the author and for moments I could feel her pain during those hard moments she went through. But my favorite part was the peace I felt at the end. I was impressed how she was able to transform all her experiences. I feel so inspire. I recommend this book.

[Rand Rosenberg]

A very moving story of love and resilience. Deborah Richards writes with tremendous openness, courage, and love.

[Anima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up for an intense and intimate journey of pain and perseverance we all can relate to.