What do you think?
Rate this book
Always Yours, Bee
"There's a guy. He was hit by a truck."
On a rainy November day, Mia Hayes' husband left for work on his Vespa. Normally, she would have driven him, but Mia was waiting on a phone call with an editor and didn't have time.
She never saw that caring, loving version of her husband again.
The fallout from his accident--Mia's guilt and her husband's PTSD, memory loss, and depression--consumed their lives over the next five years as her laid-back husband changed into an angry man with few memories of their past. Desperate to hold her fragile family together, Mia ignored her own unraveling and plunged into bipolar depression.
As she searched for answers to unanswerable questions, Mia moved her family from San Francisco to Paris, France before landing in a leafy Washington, D.C. suburb where she tried to find a fresh start only to become embroiled in a scandal of her own making.
Through ups and downs, mental illness and bad decisions, Mia struggled with what it means to be a good wife and mother, whether saving her marriage was worth the pain, and understanding that healing is a personal journey.
Always Yours, Bee is a heartbreaking yet triumphant and brave look at a woman, a marriage, and a family falling apart and coming out stronger. Told with clarity and introspection, it captures the terror of losing the person closest to you—yourself.
On a rainy November day, Mia Hayes' husband left for work on his Vespa. Normally, she would have driven him, but Mia was waiting on a phone call with an editor and didn't have time.
She never saw that caring, loving version of her husband again.
The fallout from his accident--Mia's guilt and her husband's PTSD, memory loss, and depression--consumed their lives over the next five years as her laid-back husband changed into an angry man with few memories of their past. Desperate to hold her fragile family together, Mia ignored her own unraveling and plunged into bipolar depression.
As she searched for answers to unanswerable questions, Mia moved her family from San Francisco to Paris, France before landing in a leafy Washington, D.C. suburb where she tried to find a fresh start only to become embroiled in a scandal of her own making.
Through ups and downs, mental illness and bad decisions, Mia struggled with what it means to be a good wife and mother, whether saving her marriage was worth the pain, and understanding that healing is a personal journey.
Always Yours, Bee is a heartbreaking yet triumphant and brave look at a woman, a marriage, and a family falling apart and coming out stronger. Told with clarity and introspection, it captures the terror of losing the person closest to you—yourself.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2021
184 people are currently reading
1339 people want to read
About the author
Mia Hayes
15 books71 followersMia is a notorious eavesdropper who lives in Northern Virginia, outside Washington DC, with her husband, sons, two cats, and Harlow the Cavapoo.
She drinks too much green tea, loves traveling, and has mastered the art of procrastination cleaning.
She drinks too much green tea, loves traveling, and has mastered the art of procrastination cleaning.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
February 22, 2021
I’m not normally someone that particularly enjoys memoirs. But I’ve picked up some great ones recently, this one included!
Always Yours, Bee is based on Mia Hayes’ life after her husbands accident, as the family struggles through brain injury, PTSD, bipolar disorder and infidelity.
This memoir is so raw and honest. I was gripped from the beginning and found myself thinking of those involved when I wasn’t reading. My own emotions changed as the family had to deal with different difficulties. The honesty was refreshing and highlighted the importance of mental health discussions. There will be parts of this book that lots of people relate to, myself included. It takes a lot of strength to be this open about personal struggles in a published book, and I deeply respect that.
I also really enjoyed the layout of this book. The structure of the chapters was easy to follow and made the book easier to read in my opinion. For so many dark topics, this book is a surprisingly light read.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is interested in memoirs and mental health. That being said, it may be triggering for some people, so I would recommend caution for anyone who has struggled themselves. I want to say a big thank you to the author for giving me a chance to read his book and give my personal opinion.
Always Yours, Bee is based on Mia Hayes’ life after her husbands accident, as the family struggles through brain injury, PTSD, bipolar disorder and infidelity.
This memoir is so raw and honest. I was gripped from the beginning and found myself thinking of those involved when I wasn’t reading. My own emotions changed as the family had to deal with different difficulties. The honesty was refreshing and highlighted the importance of mental health discussions. There will be parts of this book that lots of people relate to, myself included. It takes a lot of strength to be this open about personal struggles in a published book, and I deeply respect that.
I also really enjoyed the layout of this book. The structure of the chapters was easy to follow and made the book easier to read in my opinion. For so many dark topics, this book is a surprisingly light read.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is interested in memoirs and mental health. That being said, it may be triggering for some people, so I would recommend caution for anyone who has struggled themselves. I want to say a big thank you to the author for giving me a chance to read his book and give my personal opinion.
Read
July 5, 2021This is a hard one to rate. It is a memoir of a wife whose husband was in an accident and when recovering from his PTSD, had an affair with someone from his work.
This devastated his wife. She ran to Paris. He followed her there and let her know the basics. Unfortunately, by trying to spare his wife more pain, he didn’t give her the full story and she discovered how intense and deep the affair actually was.
The wife struggled navigating all of the hurt and betrayal and began to spiral. Cutting, pills. Their 3 kids were incredibly lucky to have been left behind with their wonderful grandparents.
Through all of this, the husband continued to show remorse and sought therapy for himself and therapy for his wife. His mistress sent emails of photos and letters between the husband and her.
This memoir gets messier before getting better.
It’s real life and there are no easy answers here.
It highlights how easy the guys have it after an affair vs women, when the wife unwittingly becomes the other woman when she and her husband separated for a while. As the author points out, the other women represent someone who could be a downfall for any relationship with cracks.
It is well written but a difficult read.
This devastated his wife. She ran to Paris. He followed her there and let her know the basics. Unfortunately, by trying to spare his wife more pain, he didn’t give her the full story and she discovered how intense and deep the affair actually was.
The wife struggled navigating all of the hurt and betrayal and began to spiral. Cutting, pills. Their 3 kids were incredibly lucky to have been left behind with their wonderful grandparents.
Through all of this, the husband continued to show remorse and sought therapy for himself and therapy for his wife. His mistress sent emails of photos and letters between the husband and her.
This memoir gets messier before getting better.
It’s real life and there are no easy answers here.
It highlights how easy the guys have it after an affair vs women, when the wife unwittingly becomes the other woman when she and her husband separated for a while. As the author points out, the other women represent someone who could be a downfall for any relationship with cracks.
It is well written but a difficult read.
March 2, 2021
Always Yours, Bee ...
The bravery in putting one's life out there for the entire world to read always amazes me. Living the words inside these pages is one thing, but opening your life to not only complete strangers, but also those who are closest to you must have been such a difficult decision. I read these pages in awe of Mia's bravery.
This memoir is a tough read. It's real and it's raw. An honest look at PTSD, mental illness, adultery and addiction.
But, there's also beauty in it ... there is healing, triumph and ultimately mending a broken relationship and coming out even stronger.
Thank you to Mia Hayes and Finnstar Publishing for my gifted copy.
The bravery in putting one's life out there for the entire world to read always amazes me. Living the words inside these pages is one thing, but opening your life to not only complete strangers, but also those who are closest to you must have been such a difficult decision. I read these pages in awe of Mia's bravery.
This memoir is a tough read. It's real and it's raw. An honest look at PTSD, mental illness, adultery and addiction.
But, there's also beauty in it ... there is healing, triumph and ultimately mending a broken relationship and coming out even stronger.
Thank you to Mia Hayes and Finnstar Publishing for my gifted copy.
Read
October 3, 2022Self note:
H cheats with ow from work after accident that causes some brain damage and lost memories. He loses his job later on because of this. Now has a job that pays 1/4 of old job.
h has a mental breakdown and cuts herself, drinks too much and take pills. Also, leaves their kids with grandpas bc it’s too much and leave to Paris.
She was the one that force him to break up with ow. Doesn’t believe he felt that bad after a little bit.
He publish on Facebook that he messed up and had an affair…
The ow send h letter of H telling her that he was going to leave h and that they would have kids together and marry and that h is bad.
After some more messed up things he leaves ow and they start to live in Paris but she is super angry and heartbroken.
This is a book that last 7 years. During most of it, she doesn’t forgive him but continue to be with him.
During one part, she asked him for divorce or she will Jill herself. She starts a relationship with OM. Even brings him to their house when H is out but kids are sleeping. Turns out om is married. H asked her to finish with him because he wants to try. She doesn’t until OM told her that he is going to leave his wife for her. She feels horrible.
H had a ons with someone’s wife and was so drunk that h has to go for him. After that he goes to rehabs. When he returns.
H goes to om’s house and tell wife about affair.
Turns out this couple are neighbors and during a couple of years they have to face them and people doesn’t want them around (to h and H)
h told H that when he messed up they left and didn’t have to face ow’s husband but she has to live in this mess and is super depressed and still hurting her.
H cheats with ow from work after accident that causes some brain damage and lost memories. He loses his job later on because of this. Now has a job that pays 1/4 of old job.
h has a mental breakdown and cuts herself, drinks too much and take pills. Also, leaves their kids with grandpas bc it’s too much and leave to Paris.
She was the one that force him to break up with ow. Doesn’t believe he felt that bad after a little bit.
He publish on Facebook that he messed up and had an affair…
The ow send h letter of H telling her that he was going to leave h and that they would have kids together and marry and that h is bad.
After some more messed up things he leaves ow and they start to live in Paris but she is super angry and heartbroken.
This is a book that last 7 years. During most of it, she doesn’t forgive him but continue to be with him.
During one part, she asked him for divorce or she will Jill herself. She starts a relationship with OM. Even brings him to their house when H is out but kids are sleeping. Turns out om is married. H asked her to finish with him because he wants to try. She doesn’t until OM told her that he is going to leave his wife for her. She feels horrible.
H had a ons with someone’s wife and was so drunk that h has to go for him. After that he goes to rehabs. When he returns.
H goes to om’s house and tell wife about affair.
Turns out this couple are neighbors and during a couple of years they have to face them and people doesn’t want them around (to h and H)
h told H that when he messed up they left and didn’t have to face ow’s husband but she has to live in this mess and is super depressed and still hurting her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2021
Drama Queen
I was enthralled for the first half of this story. The author then began to display such narcissistic tendencies, I slowly began to dislike her rather than root for her. She wavered between being the consummate victim to that of an emotionally abusive wife and mother. While her husband's accident and subsequent cruel treatment and affair were devastating , her prolonged abuse towards him and her 3 small children was appalling, totally manipulative and way over the top. Her behavior was nothing short of revenge. If she was so angry, she should have left him rather than subject her children to such erratic behavior and abandoning them for such extended periods. I finished this book not liking her and feeling she is a master manipulator.
I was enthralled for the first half of this story. The author then began to display such narcissistic tendencies, I slowly began to dislike her rather than root for her. She wavered between being the consummate victim to that of an emotionally abusive wife and mother. While her husband's accident and subsequent cruel treatment and affair were devastating , her prolonged abuse towards him and her 3 small children was appalling, totally manipulative and way over the top. Her behavior was nothing short of revenge. If she was so angry, she should have left him rather than subject her children to such erratic behavior and abandoning them for such extended periods. I finished this book not liking her and feeling she is a master manipulator.
October 28, 2021
This memoir kicked my ass, plain and simple. What a roller coaster Mia Hayes, James, and her kids have been on. The book starts off with a horrific accident where her husband sustains PTSD, and an undiagnosed brain injury in addition to a host of physical injuries. I found myself cursing the ER doc who pronounced him and his prospects just fine!
The undiagnosed brain injury creates a host of predictable symptoms: memory loss, fuzziness, emotional lability and instability, poor emotional regulation, severe fatigue, particularly after taxing cognitive tasks, and attention, problem-solving, and decision-making problems. He looks fine, but nothing about him feels the same to himself or his family. He struggles at work, increases his alcohol use to cope with feeling crappy and eventually starts a lengthy affair. With his shortened fuse, he frequently lashes out at Mia and his boys, making their home an emotionally abusive nightmare. With his work travel increasing, so does the affair's intensity. Eventually, Mia, who has published her first book that goes essentially ignored by James (but praised by side piece), discovers his betrayal completely falls apart.
After the discovery, Mia leaves the country, hiding from life as much as considering working through the past two awful years. She's exhausted, angry, confused, and still hopelessly in love with her husband who has behaved so hatefully toward her and their children for the past two years. He wants to reconnect but hasn't disconnected with his side piece, who makes a game of sending PDFs of intimate letters, emails, and a couple blog they started to Mia. To me, this is the part of the timeline when Mia's mental health deteriorates so markedly. It hurt to read about her self-destructive tendencies (alcohol abuse, prescription pill abuse, and cutting), but her description of these coping mechanisms gives readers a glimpse into mental illness and how an event like marital betrayal can become the seed of necrotic tissue that eats away at a person for years to come. I was glad to learn that she was eventually diagnosed with PTSD herself and treated accordingly.
This is not a happy book. It is not necessarily even a pleasant book to read, but it is SO good at providing a window into this woman's experience of mental illness, her experience of her husband's brain injury and the changes that brought to their lives, their joint experience of his destructive betrayal, and how all of those events impacted their family for many years to come. If you can stomach all of these themes that tend to rile some folks up, then I encourage you to check this out.
On a lighter note, I'm totally diving into her other novels because it sounds like she based these fictional books on her very real, very clique-y experience of trying to acclimate to life the DC exurbs!
The undiagnosed brain injury creates a host of predictable symptoms: memory loss, fuzziness, emotional lability and instability, poor emotional regulation, severe fatigue, particularly after taxing cognitive tasks, and attention, problem-solving, and decision-making problems. He looks fine, but nothing about him feels the same to himself or his family. He struggles at work, increases his alcohol use to cope with feeling crappy and eventually starts a lengthy affair. With his shortened fuse, he frequently lashes out at Mia and his boys, making their home an emotionally abusive nightmare. With his work travel increasing, so does the affair's intensity. Eventually, Mia, who has published her first book that goes essentially ignored by James (but praised by side piece), discovers his betrayal completely falls apart.
After the discovery, Mia leaves the country, hiding from life as much as considering working through the past two awful years. She's exhausted, angry, confused, and still hopelessly in love with her husband who has behaved so hatefully toward her and their children for the past two years. He wants to reconnect but hasn't disconnected with his side piece, who makes a game of sending PDFs of intimate letters, emails, and a couple blog they started to Mia. To me, this is the part of the timeline when Mia's mental health deteriorates so markedly. It hurt to read about her self-destructive tendencies (alcohol abuse, prescription pill abuse, and cutting), but her description of these coping mechanisms gives readers a glimpse into mental illness and how an event like marital betrayal can become the seed of necrotic tissue that eats away at a person for years to come. I was glad to learn that she was eventually diagnosed with PTSD herself and treated accordingly.
This is not a happy book. It is not necessarily even a pleasant book to read, but it is SO good at providing a window into this woman's experience of mental illness, her experience of her husband's brain injury and the changes that brought to their lives, their joint experience of his destructive betrayal, and how all of those events impacted their family for many years to come. If you can stomach all of these themes that tend to rile some folks up, then I encourage you to check this out.
On a lighter note, I'm totally diving into her other novels because it sounds like she based these fictional books on her very real, very clique-y experience of trying to acclimate to life the DC exurbs!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
will-never-read-hard-pass
October 5, 2022I want to read this, but I know I can never handle it. Reading other people reviews, I know this story is heartbreaking. So Im putting this in my will-never-read-hard-pass shelf for now.
April 15, 2021
I went into this book thinking it was primarily about a couple dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury, so I was taken aback by what I can mostly describe as a memoir of utter chaos. This couple's lives and marriage turned into an absolute train wreck.
Always Yours, Bee is a wide-open window into a couple’s journey through some incredibly difficult experiences and their eventual healing. It’s dark and honest, and that straight-up, leave-out-no-details honesty about infidelity and mental illness could do a lot of good for some people who read it. For me, I likely would have passed on reading it had I realized that it wasn’t just about how a couple dealt with the husband’s brain injury. This was just a lot of major craziness I didn’t see coming and was happy to leave behind when it was over.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/always-yours-b...
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Always Yours, Bee is a wide-open window into a couple’s journey through some incredibly difficult experiences and their eventual healing. It’s dark and honest, and that straight-up, leave-out-no-details honesty about infidelity and mental illness could do a lot of good for some people who read it. For me, I likely would have passed on reading it had I realized that it wasn’t just about how a couple dealt with the husband’s brain injury. This was just a lot of major craziness I didn’t see coming and was happy to leave behind when it was over.
Read my full review, including a rating for content, at RatedReads.com: https://ratedreads.com/always-yours-b...
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 21, 2021
Wow. This is my first thought after reading this book. My other thought was "raw". I loved how raw Mia was about sharing her story. She did not hold anything back. This is one of the most realist memoirs that I have read in a very long time. Which is the reason that I read memoirs is to get to learn about the person featured in the story.
I do have to admit that while reading Mia's story, it did bring up some of my past personal situation with my husband. Thus, this is part of the reason I say this book felt "raw". I could really relate to Mia and what she was going though and her feelings.
Another important aspect of Mia's story is her mental health journey. It is an important one. One that others will also relate to. It shines a light on mental health and the importance that people need to have help readily available to them. A huge thanks to Mia for sharing her story.
I do have to admit that while reading Mia's story, it did bring up some of my past personal situation with my husband. Thus, this is part of the reason I say this book felt "raw". I could really relate to Mia and what she was going though and her feelings.
Another important aspect of Mia's story is her mental health journey. It is an important one. One that others will also relate to. It shines a light on mental health and the importance that people need to have help readily available to them. A huge thanks to Mia for sharing her story.
January 11, 2021
I never realized what living with mental illness was really like for both the sufferer and his surrounding family and friends. I always felt I was being compassionate but this novel made me realize I was just trying to by nice and avoid the situation. Thanks so much for opening my eyes and my heart. Thanks also for the ARC copy to review.
January 26, 2021
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"Truth is stranger than fiction." - Mark Twain
Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was going to find this interesting when I first read the synopsis for this book. Typically, biographies and biography-type novels are not the books that I would gravitate to when looking for a book. However, let me say that this captured my attention within the first five pages; I then stayed up and read the whole book in one evening.
This took extreme bravery, not only to write but to publish. Mia really shares some intimate moments of her life and her family with her reading audience. This is really a no-holds-barred account of a difficult time in their lives, how they dealt with it at the time, and how they eventually moved past the hurt and pain to create a different path moving forward.
Imagine a stranger opening their door and inviting you into their lives for years. That is what it was like to read this book. You could feel the happiness, sadness, and hurt in Mia's writing. It felt as if you were experiencing her family's tragedies alongside her. This book will teach you so many life lessons: empathy, kindness, forgiveness, love, and understanding.
If you think that the facade you see on social media is the truth, read this book. You will find that social media is just that, a facade. We put out what we want others to see, not the ugly truths of our own lives. The public face that is shared hides the demons behind closed doors.
“Be kind. We never know what people are going through. Give grace and mercy because one day your circumstance could change and you may need it.” - Germany Kent
"Truth is stranger than fiction." - Mark Twain
Honestly, I wasn't sure if I was going to find this interesting when I first read the synopsis for this book. Typically, biographies and biography-type novels are not the books that I would gravitate to when looking for a book. However, let me say that this captured my attention within the first five pages; I then stayed up and read the whole book in one evening.
This took extreme bravery, not only to write but to publish. Mia really shares some intimate moments of her life and her family with her reading audience. This is really a no-holds-barred account of a difficult time in their lives, how they dealt with it at the time, and how they eventually moved past the hurt and pain to create a different path moving forward.
Imagine a stranger opening their door and inviting you into their lives for years. That is what it was like to read this book. You could feel the happiness, sadness, and hurt in Mia's writing. It felt as if you were experiencing her family's tragedies alongside her. This book will teach you so many life lessons: empathy, kindness, forgiveness, love, and understanding.
If you think that the facade you see on social media is the truth, read this book. You will find that social media is just that, a facade. We put out what we want others to see, not the ugly truths of our own lives. The public face that is shared hides the demons behind closed doors.
“Be kind. We never know what people are going through. Give grace and mercy because one day your circumstance could change and you may need it.” - Germany Kent
July 22, 2021
I wanted to give this one a better rating, because besides being the story of learning to live with someone after a(n undiagnosed) Traumatic Brain Injury, it's also the story of a woman struggling with depression in the aftermath of her husband's accident and infidelity. I have chronic depression, so I totally get what she went through (although my experience with depression has not involved self-harm and substance abuse).
But she just went on and on, detailing every incident in their messed-up lives. I really think she could have expressed just as much of the drama in half the words, because it was just a constant repeat of cutting -- drugs and alcohol -- verbal abuse of her husband -- cutting -- drugs and... interspersed with all her feelings, which were also a repeat on page after page.
Also, I am really confused bc she was supposedly a published author before any of this happened, but when I look up her books, her first one is the novel based on the experiences told in this memoir.
But she just went on and on, detailing every incident in their messed-up lives. I really think she could have expressed just as much of the drama in half the words, because it was just a constant repeat of cutting -- drugs and alcohol -- verbal abuse of her husband -- cutting -- drugs and... interspersed with all her feelings, which were also a repeat on page after page.
Also, I am really confused bc she was supposedly a published author before any of this happened, but when I look up her books, her first one is the novel based on the experiences told in this memoir.
July 2, 2021
The start of this book absorbed me, I felt for Bee, she was relatable, and I understood her struggles with trying to keep her family together. At this point it was a 5 stars.
But as the story progress, my dislike for her and the self pity made it hard to read. Rather than helping me understand her issues, I think she has created the picture of mental illness as a selfish act, that destroy her and her family. I know this is her personal story, but I felt the middle narrative was too long and self absorbed.
Majority of people will suffer a form of mental health issues in their life and this book could have help people realise that they are not alone, but instead I felt it was mainly focusing on negative aspects.
I feel like the treatment, aftermath and the impact on those around her should have been longer, so that others can understand that there is help and support out there... It felt like an opportunity missed.
Great start, but sadly disappointing!
But as the story progress, my dislike for her and the self pity made it hard to read. Rather than helping me understand her issues, I think she has created the picture of mental illness as a selfish act, that destroy her and her family. I know this is her personal story, but I felt the middle narrative was too long and self absorbed.
Majority of people will suffer a form of mental health issues in their life and this book could have help people realise that they are not alone, but instead I felt it was mainly focusing on negative aspects.
I feel like the treatment, aftermath and the impact on those around her should have been longer, so that others can understand that there is help and support out there... It felt like an opportunity missed.
Great start, but sadly disappointing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2021
An unflinchingly honest memoir!
I could not put this book down. In her unflinchingly honest memoir, Mia Hayes delves deep into the intricacies and complexities of marriage, mental illness, and trusting yourself and others. This book lays bare how lives and love often veer off course, and how the human mind and condition adapts and changes when the unexpected happens. It looks honestly at making good and bad choices, right and wrong decisions, trying your best, not giving up, figuring out how to get back on track even when that track might not be the same as it once was, and at forgiving yourself and others. While not every reader will have experienced what Mia did, I believe every reader can relate in some way to Mia’s story, and take away some lessons to apply to their own lives.
I could not put this book down. In her unflinchingly honest memoir, Mia Hayes delves deep into the intricacies and complexities of marriage, mental illness, and trusting yourself and others. This book lays bare how lives and love often veer off course, and how the human mind and condition adapts and changes when the unexpected happens. It looks honestly at making good and bad choices, right and wrong decisions, trying your best, not giving up, figuring out how to get back on track even when that track might not be the same as it once was, and at forgiving yourself and others. While not every reader will have experienced what Mia did, I believe every reader can relate in some way to Mia’s story, and take away some lessons to apply to their own lives.
July 13, 2021
Rich people are sad, cheat on each other
Rich people with immediate access to therapy, medications, childcare, fly here and there, charter private sailboats in Europe, rent apartments in Paris, notice that houses are big in Virginia, cry a lot and suffer terribly so cheat on each other and are sad.
Rich people with immediate access to therapy, medications, childcare, fly here and there, charter private sailboats in Europe, rent apartments in Paris, notice that houses are big in Virginia, cry a lot and suffer terribly so cheat on each other and are sad.
January 13, 2021
So many things run through my mind after reading this book. What would I have done if my spouse walked through our door and felt like a stranger in his own home? Raw emotions were poured into the pages of this book. I do not believe I would have had the strength to put my life on display. Bee opened her heart and I can vividly see the sorrow, hurt, anger, disgust, and stress she has been going through. I believe this story will resonate with so many readers. The courage Bee shows during James recovery from the motorcycle accident, when she knows something to totally off with him speaks volumes. To see James finally admit that he was not well, to watch him suffer with PTSD and a TBI must have been a nightmare for both of them. To put on a happy appearance to the outside world, while inside your world falls apart shows a strength many do not have. Seeing you spouse become someone different and do not recognize, all the while missing those parts of who he was as you slowly lose pieces of yourself must have felt like the world was crashing down or a black hole that your can not get out of. Your family support was amazing during James’s recovery, especially Molly. Then to see the love and support you got from your father and James’s family as you learned of James’ affair. It saddened me to read that Bee felt she had to be the one to run away and that she felt she did not deserve the love of family and friends. James, dealing with his own recovery was unable to see the struggle Bee was having. Many times, you hear of teens/young adults turning to self harm, especially cutting, to ease their pain; but it was revealing to see Bee share her own experience as an adult choosing to cut as a coping mechanism. Again, this book opens many paths to share with others on mental health issues. As someone whose spouse deals with depression and anxiety daily, I can see how James was unaware. I often do not know how to approach my husband, nor do I know how to get him to see that sometimes he needs more than a prescription can do. This book has given me hope to nudge harder about seeking professional help. This book will be one that you will not want to put down; your heart will break for the kids, Bee, and James. You will feel anger and hope. You will see how owning your own mistakes and seeking help will provide healing. There may be days that you feel lost and days that you know you have gotten it right, but take each day anew. Be kind to yourself and take time for self care too. Thank you to the author for sending me N advance copy in return for this honest review.
March 10, 2021
Thank you to Mia Hayes and FinnStar Publishing for providing me with an ARC copy of ‘Always Yours, Bee’ via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review and opinions.
This is a profound book that will leave you feeling heavy hearted, confronted, but also unimaginably proud of the author and her family.
Genre: Memoir, Non-fiction
Overall: 5/5
Themes: 5/5
Writing and Setting: 5/5
Content Warning: * Suicide ideology, adultery, self – harm, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, graphic depictions of mental illness (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction, Co-dependency, borderline personality disorder), and more* - this is a very – for lack of a better word – heavy book that I strongly recommend only for mature audiences. This is a book that shouldn’t be taken lightly and should be read over time with the addition of mindfulness techniques and mental health practices if necessary. *
Review:
I am currently working and studying within the health and mental health industry, and it’s not often that you come across literature that details what actual mental illness looks and feels like for not only the sufferer, but also their family and friends.
This book is brutally honest from the get go and some may find it confronting, but for myself, I saw it as an achievement for the health/mental health industry. There isn’t enough good examples depicting real life issues such as mental illness and mental health, so this book is only going to aid in breaking down stigmatised views, change societal values and aid in teaching how mental health should be approached. Mia Hayes is an inspiration to me.
In my profession, I have seen people crippled and lose their battle with mental illness, yet the bravery alone in combating everything that Mia has gone through, and also come out of this all as a relatively functioning human being that can look after her children, can write novels, love her husband again, is nothing short of astonishing. This is a profound book that will leave you feeling heavy hearted, confronted, but also unimaginably proud of the author and her family.
Everything you read is real and raw and the heartache spills from every word, but there is such a radiant beauty in this book that I struggle to even comprehend. The writing style and layout of this book is absolutely fantastic. Mia’s story is clear, razor sharp and easy to move through, and I think that’s part of the reason why this book was such an addictive read.
I implore you to step out of your comfort zone if you think you are ready and simply go on this journey with Mia, if not for yourself, but for her.
This is a profound book that will leave you feeling heavy hearted, confronted, but also unimaginably proud of the author and her family.
Genre: Memoir, Non-fiction
Overall: 5/5
Themes: 5/5
Writing and Setting: 5/5
Content Warning: * Suicide ideology, adultery, self – harm, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, graphic depictions of mental illness (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Addiction, Co-dependency, borderline personality disorder), and more* - this is a very – for lack of a better word – heavy book that I strongly recommend only for mature audiences. This is a book that shouldn’t be taken lightly and should be read over time with the addition of mindfulness techniques and mental health practices if necessary. *
Review:
I am currently working and studying within the health and mental health industry, and it’s not often that you come across literature that details what actual mental illness looks and feels like for not only the sufferer, but also their family and friends.
This book is brutally honest from the get go and some may find it confronting, but for myself, I saw it as an achievement for the health/mental health industry. There isn’t enough good examples depicting real life issues such as mental illness and mental health, so this book is only going to aid in breaking down stigmatised views, change societal values and aid in teaching how mental health should be approached. Mia Hayes is an inspiration to me.
In my profession, I have seen people crippled and lose their battle with mental illness, yet the bravery alone in combating everything that Mia has gone through, and also come out of this all as a relatively functioning human being that can look after her children, can write novels, love her husband again, is nothing short of astonishing. This is a profound book that will leave you feeling heavy hearted, confronted, but also unimaginably proud of the author and her family.
Everything you read is real and raw and the heartache spills from every word, but there is such a radiant beauty in this book that I struggle to even comprehend. The writing style and layout of this book is absolutely fantastic. Mia’s story is clear, razor sharp and easy to move through, and I think that’s part of the reason why this book was such an addictive read.
I implore you to step out of your comfort zone if you think you are ready and simply go on this journey with Mia, if not for yourself, but for her.
January 31, 2021
Always Yours, Bee is a tough, raw and very frank book, difficult to read at times, but worth the time and effort. The author, Mia Hayes, is writing about her life and marriage in the aftermath of a serious accident that almost cost her husband his life. While travelling to work on a scooter, he was hit by a truck and while his injuries seemed almost miraculously superficial at first, it was later discovered that he had sustained a traumatic brain injury that caused memory loss and a range of psychological issues , most notably PTSD.
Mia is so busy focussing on her husband and his recovery that she does not notice her own mental health falling into disarray and this ,combined with the guilt she feels about the accident because she was too busy to drive him, pushes her into bipolar depression.
It must have taken great courage on the part of the author to lay her life bare with such raw honesty. She does not sugar coat her failings , or those of her husband and as I said previously this can make for difficult reading at times, most notable when she talks about self harming or the despair she felt when her husband no longer remembers why he loved her.
This is a very personal journey, dealing with issues like infidelity, suicidal ideation and self harm , and Mia holds both herself and her husband to the same set of standards as she shares how they worked through all the issues while trying to decide if their relationship was worth saving , or if their co-dependence was dragging both of them down.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Mia is so busy focussing on her husband and his recovery that she does not notice her own mental health falling into disarray and this ,combined with the guilt she feels about the accident because she was too busy to drive him, pushes her into bipolar depression.
It must have taken great courage on the part of the author to lay her life bare with such raw honesty. She does not sugar coat her failings , or those of her husband and as I said previously this can make for difficult reading at times, most notable when she talks about self harming or the despair she felt when her husband no longer remembers why he loved her.
This is a very personal journey, dealing with issues like infidelity, suicidal ideation and self harm , and Mia holds both herself and her husband to the same set of standards as she shares how they worked through all the issues while trying to decide if their relationship was worth saving , or if their co-dependence was dragging both of them down.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
February 28, 2021
It's been a long time since I have read a memoir and truth be told I typically don't go for one as my top choice to read, however, I happen to also love Mia Hayes and that was one of the biggest reasons I chose to read this one.
This memoir is the story of Mia's life. Her husband was in a bad accident and sustained a TBI...they dealt with PTSD, an affair, bipolar disorder...I honestly don't know how she managed to recover and come out on the other side of this, but she did!
We are living in a world right now where mental health is at the forefront of our society. As someone who deals with some mental health issues and severe anxiety, I felt her pain down in the depths of my soul. My emotions through this book were up & down and I felt every bit of pain both her & her husband went through.
I commend Mia for putting her story out there, for being brave enough to tell a story that wasn't always pretty. Things may look ok from the outside, but you don't know what goes on behind closed doors.
Mia told her story with dignity, with truth and honesty and while I hate to say that I loved it, because I didn't love the pain she went through and felt so bad for her, I did love it because she was brave enough to touch on subjects that are so sensitive right now.
You are brave, you are a warrior!
I received an ARC for my honest opinion of this book.
This memoir is the story of Mia's life. Her husband was in a bad accident and sustained a TBI...they dealt with PTSD, an affair, bipolar disorder...I honestly don't know how she managed to recover and come out on the other side of this, but she did!
We are living in a world right now where mental health is at the forefront of our society. As someone who deals with some mental health issues and severe anxiety, I felt her pain down in the depths of my soul. My emotions through this book were up & down and I felt every bit of pain both her & her husband went through.
I commend Mia for putting her story out there, for being brave enough to tell a story that wasn't always pretty. Things may look ok from the outside, but you don't know what goes on behind closed doors.
Mia told her story with dignity, with truth and honesty and while I hate to say that I loved it, because I didn't love the pain she went through and felt so bad for her, I did love it because she was brave enough to touch on subjects that are so sensitive right now.
You are brave, you are a warrior!
I received an ARC for my honest opinion of this book.
February 18, 2021
TW: Suicide. Mental Health. Adultery. Addiction.
This Book! I think I cried through 90% of it. It’s so raw, brave, emotional, & incredibly written. I’m not one for biography type books but when I read the synopsis I was pulled in so I joined the book tour on Instagram and was gifted the copy for an honest review.
I was pulled in from page one and honestly if I didn’t need sleep to be able to take care of my little family would’ve finished it in one sitting.
How would you handle it if your significant other left one day was in a tragic accident and came back a completely different person? Mia had to live that nightmare. In this book she opens up about the struggles of living with someone with PTSD and the affects it can have on not just the person suffering but the family as well. Mia shows us that the persona people put on social media isn’t even close to what could be happening behind closed doors. She shows us the dark side of depression and the work to come out somewhat on the other side.
Writing this book must have been extremely hard and an emotional roller coaster to relive all the events that occurred to Mia and her family. She showed strength and courage to publish this and I want to say thank you for sharing your story with us.
This Book! I think I cried through 90% of it. It’s so raw, brave, emotional, & incredibly written. I’m not one for biography type books but when I read the synopsis I was pulled in so I joined the book tour on Instagram and was gifted the copy for an honest review.
I was pulled in from page one and honestly if I didn’t need sleep to be able to take care of my little family would’ve finished it in one sitting.
How would you handle it if your significant other left one day was in a tragic accident and came back a completely different person? Mia had to live that nightmare. In this book she opens up about the struggles of living with someone with PTSD and the affects it can have on not just the person suffering but the family as well. Mia shows us that the persona people put on social media isn’t even close to what could be happening behind closed doors. She shows us the dark side of depression and the work to come out somewhat on the other side.
Writing this book must have been extremely hard and an emotional roller coaster to relive all the events that occurred to Mia and her family. She showed strength and courage to publish this and I want to say thank you for sharing your story with us.
March 2, 2021
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I’ve been enjoying memoirs more and more over the last couple of years and this one is well worth the read.
At the beginning of the story, Mia is a self-admitted Type A personality who does it all. I immediately identified with her, despite being at a different stage in my life personally. She paints a clear picture of James, her boys, and her in-laws and their dynamic to start is, indeed, enviable. I had no trouble picturing the private, Catholic school parents that she would have interacted with on a regular basis and would come to fear meeting. Molly’s warmth all but radiates from the pages and Rob feels just as skeezy as he is.
The way Hayes describes each locale made me want to visit them all. The only place of note that maybe seemed skimmed over in description was her parents' place in Michigan, but living here myself I could more than picture it well enough. I was particularly enamored with her description of Paris and the stark contrast to what she was going through at the time.
There are portions of this memoir that are really difficult to read and brought me to the verge of tears. I can only imagine how emotionally taxing it was to actually live it. Mia lays out her life story for us in a way that makes it very easy to empathize not only with her, but each member of her family.
I started this book on a late snowy afternoon while up at my family’s lakeside cottage in the middle of Michigan and I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. I broke only to eat meals and take a shower. When I finally turned in for the night (well after midnight) I had only 20% left. I quickly devoured the rest when I woke up the next day. By the time I finished it, I felt like I was right there with Mia and her family. It was both heart-wrenching and hopeful. I sincerely look forward to reading more of Mia’s work. The Secrets We Keep is already in my TBR list!
Content warning for self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and disordered eating.
I’ve been enjoying memoirs more and more over the last couple of years and this one is well worth the read.
At the beginning of the story, Mia is a self-admitted Type A personality who does it all. I immediately identified with her, despite being at a different stage in my life personally. She paints a clear picture of James, her boys, and her in-laws and their dynamic to start is, indeed, enviable. I had no trouble picturing the private, Catholic school parents that she would have interacted with on a regular basis and would come to fear meeting. Molly’s warmth all but radiates from the pages and Rob feels just as skeezy as he is.
The way Hayes describes each locale made me want to visit them all. The only place of note that maybe seemed skimmed over in description was her parents' place in Michigan, but living here myself I could more than picture it well enough. I was particularly enamored with her description of Paris and the stark contrast to what she was going through at the time.
There are portions of this memoir that are really difficult to read and brought me to the verge of tears. I can only imagine how emotionally taxing it was to actually live it. Mia lays out her life story for us in a way that makes it very easy to empathize not only with her, but each member of her family.
I started this book on a late snowy afternoon while up at my family’s lakeside cottage in the middle of Michigan and I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. I broke only to eat meals and take a shower. When I finally turned in for the night (well after midnight) I had only 20% left. I quickly devoured the rest when I woke up the next day. By the time I finished it, I felt like I was right there with Mia and her family. It was both heart-wrenching and hopeful. I sincerely look forward to reading more of Mia’s work. The Secrets We Keep is already in my TBR list!
Content warning for self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and disordered eating.
February 28, 2021
Always Yours, Bee is a heartbreaking yet triumphant and brave look at a woman, a marriage, and a family falling apart and coming out stronger. Told with clarity and introspection, it captures the terror of losing the person closest to you—yourself.
I'm always amazed whenever I read a good book from an author that they can put into words an idea for a story but when they actually put real life events into words, it just blows my mind even more. The amount of love, communication and dedication that the author and her husband had to come out ahead of what they went through and survived together, is just inspiring.
Thank you for an ARC e-copy from the author and FinnStar Publishing. Release date is March 2, 2021.
I'm always amazed whenever I read a good book from an author that they can put into words an idea for a story but when they actually put real life events into words, it just blows my mind even more. The amount of love, communication and dedication that the author and her husband had to come out ahead of what they went through and survived together, is just inspiring.
Thank you for an ARC e-copy from the author and FinnStar Publishing. Release date is March 2, 2021.
February 5, 2021
Wow this was a raw look at mental illness, adultery, and coming to terms with life’s hardships. The book gave a very vibrant look at how life’s hardships can be shift even the strongest of people into withdrawn and hurt humans. I will say I had a couple moment of annoyance with the main characters behaviors, but it made full sense once I got towards the end of the book. I would recommend this book and think it’s a fairly quick and easy read. I am a big fan of Mia Hayes and this book didn’t disappoint! Can’t wait to read her next book!
I received this book as an ARC and have offered a fair evaluation of the book.
I received this book as an ARC and have offered a fair evaluation of the book.
March 2, 2021
Sometimes an accident can ruin not only the life of the person who suffers it, but also that of everyone around them. Sometimes embracing change may be more helpful than trying to resist it. Sometimes you just need a lot of luck, because love is not enough.
A volte un incidente puó rovinare non soltanto la vita della persona che lo subisce, ma anche di tutti coloro che lo circondano. A volte abbracciare i cambiamenti potrebbe essere piú utile che cercare di resistergli. A volte c'é solo bisogno di tanta fortuna, perché l'amore non basta.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange of a honest review.
A volte un incidente puó rovinare non soltanto la vita della persona che lo subisce, ma anche di tutti coloro che lo circondano. A volte abbracciare i cambiamenti potrebbe essere piú utile che cercare di resistergli. A volte c'é solo bisogno di tanta fortuna, perché l'amore non basta.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book in exchange of a honest review.
March 2, 2021
This book made me feel many things: sadness, frustration and, at times, very real anger. It was honest, raw and painful. Reading this account can push the reader down unexpected paths and although this read can be difficult for some, it’s an important one. PTSD, depression, self harm, infidelity - these are real things and many of us struggle with them. This book will not solve your problem but it can give you hope. Hope for recovery (whichever form it might take), hope for acceptance (of you and by you) and hope that one day you can be kind to yourself again, even if you’re not there quite yet.
You matter. x
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You matter. x
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2021
Mia Hayes’ husband left for work on his Vespa. She would never see that caring, loving version of her husband again.
Wow! I truly did not put this one down except to eat and sleep. It was real, authentic, raw, painful, and hopeful. No one wants to show the world their real or metaphorical scars, but Mia Hayes does so, and she does so by giving her past self so much grace.
Always Yours, Bee is so important to me. I struggled with my mental health in a big and real way. I had a support system. I go to therapy, and I believe if you can’t make your own neurotransmitters, store bought is fine.
Being seen this way in a novel means so much to my mind and heart.
Wow! I truly did not put this one down except to eat and sleep. It was real, authentic, raw, painful, and hopeful. No one wants to show the world their real or metaphorical scars, but Mia Hayes does so, and she does so by giving her past self so much grace.
Always Yours, Bee is so important to me. I struggled with my mental health in a big and real way. I had a support system. I go to therapy, and I believe if you can’t make your own neurotransmitters, store bought is fine.
Being seen this way in a novel means so much to my mind and heart.
March 22, 2021
Trigger warnings: Infidelity, Depression, Suicide, PTSD, Addiction Traumatic Brain Injury and Bipolar Disorder
I want to thank Mia Hayes for the courage to share her life during the six years after her husband's accident. It is painful and honest account how they both survived the sadness frustration and anger. It was difficult to read at times but the story is important. Even the strongest people can suffer with mental disorders. People only show you what they want you to see on the outside but are really suffering on the inside. So be nice to people because you never know what they are going through in their lives.
Depression not only affects the sufferer but the family and friends also. Through therapy and conversations James and Mia found a New way forward and I am happy they both found the strength to go forward. Thank you @miahayesauthor for an ecopy of this book. I highly recommend it to everyone
I want to thank Mia Hayes for the courage to share her life during the six years after her husband's accident. It is painful and honest account how they both survived the sadness frustration and anger. It was difficult to read at times but the story is important. Even the strongest people can suffer with mental disorders. People only show you what they want you to see on the outside but are really suffering on the inside. So be nice to people because you never know what they are going through in their lives.
Depression not only affects the sufferer but the family and friends also. Through therapy and conversations James and Mia found a New way forward and I am happy they both found the strength to go forward. Thank you @miahayesauthor for an ecopy of this book. I highly recommend it to everyone
April 21, 2021
Easy, quick read. Interesting story, mainly because I knew some of the folks mentioned in the memoir. The author drew me into her world. You could envision the breakdown between what her and her husband were to where the went. It is remarkable how they stuck together. I will say that I did go back and forth feeling heartbroken for the author but also put off by her. I assume that is how she felt about herself during that time. Do I think she may have glossed over self harm a little, yes. Where there areas she could've spent more time exploring than others, of course. There was so much for her to unpack, that she had to pick what she could to get the story out I am sure.
February 26, 2021
An amazing, insightful look upon the authors miracle and struggles of the aftermath. I enjoyed how she would bring us into the scene, making it feel as if we were right beside her through it all. The devastation in the beginning drew me in and I was awestruck by the rest of the story.
The family is extremely strong and inspiring. If you are searching for an inspiring memoir about moving forward after a life changing experience and moving past dark times, this is definitely the one.
The family is extremely strong and inspiring. If you are searching for an inspiring memoir about moving forward after a life changing experience and moving past dark times, this is definitely the one.
April 20, 2021
An unflinchingly honest book that addresses mental illness, adultery and how to survive excruciatingly difficult situations. There are so many misconceptions about brain injuries and mental health and this book dispels a lot of the preconceived notions and assumptions one encounters. The writing is clear and concise and the story will stay with you long after the book is done. Raw and powerful, it is an emotional and rewarding read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews