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Forever with Me: A Memoir
For the majority of us, life runs a normal course of ups and downs. For some, it’s a career that makes us happy. For others, it’s family. For the lucky ones, it’s both. Everyone goes through times when something will throw you off course. But what happens when life doesn’t merely throw you a curveball, but a bomb?
This is the story of an average woman who was thrown not one bomb, but two and how her extraordinary well of good humor and positivity got her through the loss of two daughters over a five-year time span. The author takes you on a journey laced with humor and wit through a life that normally wouldn’t have distinguished itself from anyone else’s but gave her the strength to get through any parent’s worst nightmare -- twice.
“This isn’t a book which tells you how to get to the other side.
This is a book which tells you that you can.”
This is the story of an average woman who was thrown not one bomb, but two and how her extraordinary well of good humor and positivity got her through the loss of two daughters over a five-year time span. The author takes you on a journey laced with humor and wit through a life that normally wouldn’t have distinguished itself from anyone else’s but gave her the strength to get through any parent’s worst nightmare -- twice.
“This isn’t a book which tells you how to get to the other side.
This is a book which tells you that you can.”
80 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2020
11 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 22, 2021
Deserves more than just five stars!
From time to time I have the privilege of reading a book so perfect, so gripping that a five stars review is not enough! Forever with me A memoir is that type of book. Susan Hutchinson’s book is her journey, her life on paper of the terrible lost of her two daughters, her marriage, her life, being a mother...It is real life. It’s trying, no, it’s having the way to continue living after the ripping, not once, but twice of ones heart, ones life.
I feel a great respect for the author, such a strong will to continue, to live... Her journey will bring tremendous help to others who are facing such tragedies.
The author is a gifted one and I hope she continues writing.
From time to time I have the privilege of reading a book so perfect, so gripping that a five stars review is not enough! Forever with me A memoir is that type of book. Susan Hutchinson’s book is her journey, her life on paper of the terrible lost of her two daughters, her marriage, her life, being a mother...It is real life. It’s trying, no, it’s having the way to continue living after the ripping, not once, but twice of ones heart, ones life.
I feel a great respect for the author, such a strong will to continue, to live... Her journey will bring tremendous help to others who are facing such tragedies.
The author is a gifted one and I hope she continues writing.
February 16, 2021
I knew this would be an emotional read, and did think twice before deciding to pick it up.
The author's writing style made me feel comfortable, even while knowing something bad was going to happen, and not fictionally bad. Every "good story" has conflict and turmoil, but this book is real, told from the very close and personal perspective of someone who lived this experience.
I might add a trigger warning to those individuals who are extremely sensitive and empathetic.
That is not to say you should avoid this book, but to understand emotions are raw and real and in the end, the author does find a way to continue living.
Susan wasn't the most popular student in school. She had friends and activities, but perhaps not as much experience as most of her classmates, even into college. As sometimes happens, she met a man and things naturally happen. She ends up spending decades of her life with him. Having children together, they are forever connected. This is largely the story of how she and the children coped with life, but also how Susan never let her own flicker of life go out.
Terrible things happen. From my point of view, one unimaginable, and in her place I do not know that I would have been able to pull myself together as well as Susan.
She does not want pity but after reading this book, I do want to give Susan a warm hug.
Her story shows that she does have a sense of humor and a strong raison d'etre, ability to carry on.
She is also a wonderful writer with a big heart.
The author's writing style made me feel comfortable, even while knowing something bad was going to happen, and not fictionally bad. Every "good story" has conflict and turmoil, but this book is real, told from the very close and personal perspective of someone who lived this experience.
I might add a trigger warning to those individuals who are extremely sensitive and empathetic.
That is not to say you should avoid this book, but to understand emotions are raw and real and in the end, the author does find a way to continue living.
Susan wasn't the most popular student in school. She had friends and activities, but perhaps not as much experience as most of her classmates, even into college. As sometimes happens, she met a man and things naturally happen. She ends up spending decades of her life with him. Having children together, they are forever connected. This is largely the story of how she and the children coped with life, but also how Susan never let her own flicker of life go out.
Terrible things happen. From my point of view, one unimaginable, and in her place I do not know that I would have been able to pull myself together as well as Susan.
She does not want pity but after reading this book, I do want to give Susan a warm hug.
Her story shows that she does have a sense of humor and a strong raison d'etre, ability to carry on.
She is also a wonderful writer with a big heart.
February 18, 2021
Honestly, the first six chapters were both difficult and consoling for me at the same time. I could relate to the author’s life as though reading about my own. All the way through to David. I knew what was coming next, not how or why, and had I not been so thoroughly engrossed in the author’s life and engaged with her entire family by then, I might have hesitated continuing. After all, reading about anyone’s pain and sorrow is usually too depressing for me. As it was, I could not put this book down until I finished it. I could barely breathe in parts, having children of my own. Never in my life have I read such a warm, touching, heartfelt and forthright account of a family tragedy before. While my heart bled for the author and I cried, I was so uplifted too by her wonderful sense of humor and I laughed. And mostly, I am amazed by her phenomenal strength not only as a person but for so selflessly sharing the most painful side of herself in hopes that others will know that you can always make it through. An absolute must-read for all.
February 21, 2021
This was my first read by the author (her debut), and it did not disappoint. She takes us on her journey of raising three incredible kids, the highs and lows of marriage(s), moving, jobs, and family, and two devastating losses...all that have molded her into the woman she is today. Who is to say what may be next? Life is filled with regret and grief, but it is also filled with forward movement. It is so hard to not get stuck in the moment of pain. I appreciated the shorter length of this memoir. The author's voice and personality really shone through in her words. I even chuckled here and there. I found it such an easy read, even the painfully sad parts. I appreciated her vulnerability of sharing about the losses of her daughters, her candor on imperfection as a human (aren't we all?), and her willingness to persevere, find new and good things in her life again, and to carry on. Not many can or will after such losses. I found myself nodding with an eerie familiarity to the tragic events that closely mirror some in my life. It made it a relatable read. I highly recommend.
February 26, 2021
Forever with Me
I wanted to start off by saying I’m not a fan of nonfiction. I do however commend the author on being able to write about such tragedy and loss and put her story out there for others to read. I can appreciate the thought and effort as well as how it can help some people overcome their own struggles as well.
I wanted to start off by saying I’m not a fan of nonfiction. I do however commend the author on being able to write about such tragedy and loss and put her story out there for others to read. I can appreciate the thought and effort as well as how it can help some people overcome their own struggles as well.
March 7, 2021
A memoir told with raw emotions. Inspirational and beautifully written. Thank you Susan Hutchinson for sharing your story.
February 22, 2021
A moving and inspirational story
Filled with many different emotions after reading this in one afternoon. Sadness for all Susan went thru to being inspired that she came out stronger and a survivor. I felt I was living this with her as I read her words and just wanted to reach out and give her the biggest hug. This is a must read story.
Filled with many different emotions after reading this in one afternoon. Sadness for all Susan went thru to being inspired that she came out stronger and a survivor. I felt I was living this with her as I read her words and just wanted to reach out and give her the biggest hug. This is a must read story.
February 19, 2021
Heartbreaking!!!
This book made me laugh, ugly cry, and recover to do it all over again!! A well written memoir from a truly magnificent woman!! Susan thank you for sharing your story, I hope one day to have your strength!!
This book made me laugh, ugly cry, and recover to do it all over again!! A well written memoir from a truly magnificent woman!! Susan thank you for sharing your story, I hope one day to have your strength!!
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April 3, 2021Phenomenal read.
Wow this book was every parents nightmare but Ms. Hutchinson has found a way to mix a tragic situation with humor.
As I read I ugly cried and laughed probably at the same time while wanting to hug Ms. Hutchinson.
This was a phenomenal read about life and all we can be hit with.
This was well written and kept my interest throughout the whole book. I highly recommend this book and also suggest don't take things for granted because you don't know what today has planned.
Wow this book was every parents nightmare but Ms. Hutchinson has found a way to mix a tragic situation with humor.
As I read I ugly cried and laughed probably at the same time while wanting to hug Ms. Hutchinson.
This was a phenomenal read about life and all we can be hit with.
This was well written and kept my interest throughout the whole book. I highly recommend this book and also suggest don't take things for granted because you don't know what today has planned.
December 15, 2020
I don't read much non-fiction. The world is crazy enough and I like to escape into a fictional world whenever I can.
But...
This book just drew me in from page one and didn't let go until way after the credits rolled at the end!
Hutchinson's personal story of life, love, laughter, and loss is so intriguing and so heart wrenching, you can't help but want to turn to the next page to see what else she has endured, and more importantly, how she came out on the other side of sadness and grief with an indomitable spirit and humor.
Her writing style is so warm and easy to read, I didn't feel as if I was reading at all, but sitting across from her, having coffee, and listening to her tell me her story. That is a rare gift in a writer and Ms Hutchinson has it in spades. I would love to see her write a fiction novel because her voice is powerful and pulls you right into the story.
Without giving away too much of the book, Hutchinson takes us through her first marriage, the birth of her three wonderful children and then the unexpected loss of her two daughters a few years apart when they were adults. Their deaths are as different as dark is from light and how Hutchinson was able to maneuver through the loss and anger is a testament to the human spirit. I was right there with her, as a mother, when she detailed her emotions and coping skills. The loss of a child is universal theme and Hutchinson tells her tale with grit, honesty and a whole book full of self deprecating humor.
I highly recommend this book for so many reasons, not the least of which is its uplifting tone,
5 well deserved stars.
But...
This book just drew me in from page one and didn't let go until way after the credits rolled at the end!
Hutchinson's personal story of life, love, laughter, and loss is so intriguing and so heart wrenching, you can't help but want to turn to the next page to see what else she has endured, and more importantly, how she came out on the other side of sadness and grief with an indomitable spirit and humor.
Her writing style is so warm and easy to read, I didn't feel as if I was reading at all, but sitting across from her, having coffee, and listening to her tell me her story. That is a rare gift in a writer and Ms Hutchinson has it in spades. I would love to see her write a fiction novel because her voice is powerful and pulls you right into the story.
Without giving away too much of the book, Hutchinson takes us through her first marriage, the birth of her three wonderful children and then the unexpected loss of her two daughters a few years apart when they were adults. Their deaths are as different as dark is from light and how Hutchinson was able to maneuver through the loss and anger is a testament to the human spirit. I was right there with her, as a mother, when she detailed her emotions and coping skills. The loss of a child is universal theme and Hutchinson tells her tale with grit, honesty and a whole book full of self deprecating humor.
I highly recommend this book for so many reasons, not the least of which is its uplifting tone,
5 well deserved stars.
September 18, 2025
There is very little to comment on except for the emotional tug this read. So I'll pour my heart out with these few words. This is one of the most heartwrenchingly emotional books I've ever read. Even though I knew what the contents held, I was gripped by the emotions, so much so, I had to stop reading until I composed myself. Susan wrote such a poignant account of her life and the tragedy that befell her, in such a clear, concise manner, I felt every single word, to the core of my very being. I feel privileged to have read her story, her incredible insight and her strength. Words fail me, but anyone who has lost a loved one, should read Susan's story, it's cathartic and healing. This is a journey as uplifting as it was tragic, beautifully written, beautifully expressed and one I recommend everyone embarks on.
January 8, 2021
Wow! What a captivating story!
I rarely read memoirs, and yet I didn't want to stop reading this book. Hitchinson's storytelling had me feeling all of those heavy emotions right along with her. Forever With Me is just the right length and flows at just the right pace. This book about her life as a wife and mother, and her experiences with loss is impactful. I even read and like the acknowledgements!
I sincerely hope Hutchinson continues to write because she is a fantastic storyteller.
I rarely read memoirs, and yet I didn't want to stop reading this book. Hitchinson's storytelling had me feeling all of those heavy emotions right along with her. Forever With Me is just the right length and flows at just the right pace. This book about her life as a wife and mother, and her experiences with loss is impactful. I even read and like the acknowledgements!
I sincerely hope Hutchinson continues to write because she is a fantastic storyteller.
March 6, 2021
Cute book to read. unsure who to recommend it to.
Edited to add: I was asked by the author why I said cute. I try and think positive when I when a book that is about someone's life. So for me the word cute seems fitting. The author is keeping her daughters souls alive by writing this book. Keeping them going no matter what. Yes they aren't in the world physically but still they are still here in some form. Does makes sense? Please think positive.
Edited to add: I was asked by the author why I said cute. I try and think positive when I when a book that is about someone's life. So for me the word cute seems fitting. The author is keeping her daughters souls alive by writing this book. Keeping them going no matter what. Yes they aren't in the world physically but still they are still here in some form. Does makes sense? Please think positive.
March 10, 2021
Beautiful Story!!
I absolutely love this heartfelt and lovely story. The beginning reminded me of my life which brought back some bad memories. I am so honored to be able to read Susan's story! There is unbearable heartache but there is also an abundance of love! I can't imagine having to go through losing 2 children. There were times I cried and I felt Susan's aching heart. There were other times I was laughing so hard I had tears. I believe everyone should read this story!!
I absolutely love this heartfelt and lovely story. The beginning reminded me of my life which brought back some bad memories. I am so honored to be able to read Susan's story! There is unbearable heartache but there is also an abundance of love! I can't imagine having to go through losing 2 children. There were times I cried and I felt Susan's aching heart. There were other times I was laughing so hard I had tears. I believe everyone should read this story!!
February 19, 2021
I usually don’t read memoirs, but since having my children I have read more books written by mothers. This book had me all over the place. One minute I was nodding my head because I can completely relate to what was happening, the next I’m crying, then I’m laughing. I find this so relatable. That’s what makes a good memoir in my opinion. Not that you can necessarily relate to the events that led to the writing of the memoir, but that the reader can relate to the author as a human. Ms. Hutchinson showed in her writing that she is a real human. I am so happy I grabbed this book. I’ve learned that the human spirit can survive anything if a person makes a conscious decision to. Thank you Ms. Hutchinson for selflessly putting your journey out there.
January 15, 2021
As a mother this was an emotional and heartbreaking book to read. The author takes us on a journey of how she meets her children's father and everything after. Giving birth to three children has her dealing with the struggles of marriage and the everyday task of working and taking care of them. She does the best she can to raise them with very little to no help from her distant husband. Soon her children are adults and living their own lives while she is now divorced and trying to find her own happiness. What she doesn't know is tragedy will strike not once, but twice. It's unimaginable for a parent to have to go through with the loss of a child, but two children? As a mother my heart goes out to her and any parent that has to endure this indescribable pain. The author describes how her feelings - shock, anger, guilt, confusion, disbelief - eventually led her to accept what she cannot change and has her holding onto the memories until she sees them again.
December 1, 2020
Author Susan Hutchinson’s warm, conversational writing style makes her memoir, Forever With Me, enjoyable from the start. It felt like sitting down with a friend—a particularly honest one—and talking things out, maybe over a cup of tea. I felt compelled to read, as I would have felt compelled to listen.
As one does with a friend, I smiled over some parts of her tale, I enjoyed her witty quips and oh, yes, I sympathized when the heartaches came. And they did come—be warned, there are passages in this story that will make you cry. It will also make you marvel at the depth of a woman who can keep marching on by sheer choice, putting one foot in front of the other till things get better. The wounds don’t heal completely, and as anyone who’s ever suffered loss can attest, the triggers can come from nowhere and be brutal. We are changed by loss, but hopefully not diminished.
Susan pulls no punches and makes no promises. Life can hurt. It can also be astonishingly beautiful, and those gone from us—well, they’re never completely gone. As a memoir, this one stands alone. Highly recommended.
As one does with a friend, I smiled over some parts of her tale, I enjoyed her witty quips and oh, yes, I sympathized when the heartaches came. And they did come—be warned, there are passages in this story that will make you cry. It will also make you marvel at the depth of a woman who can keep marching on by sheer choice, putting one foot in front of the other till things get better. The wounds don’t heal completely, and as anyone who’s ever suffered loss can attest, the triggers can come from nowhere and be brutal. We are changed by loss, but hopefully not diminished.
Susan pulls no punches and makes no promises. Life can hurt. It can also be astonishingly beautiful, and those gone from us—well, they’re never completely gone. As a memoir, this one stands alone. Highly recommended.
July 21, 2022
Forever with Me is one woman's love letter to her children, the one living and the two who now reside somewhere over the rainbow. It's about determination, dedication, the trials of motherhood while still discovering yourself, the pain of failure and the elation of success. They say there is never a dull moment as a mother, and the author captures that with the story of her life in a bright, positive, succinct way. There is grief, yes, but there is hope in her memories of her girls. If you're looking for a quick read to give you hope, this is the one. The book won't tell you how to walk through grief with grace or any of the other nonsense people feed you about losing someone you love. It will tell you how one woman survived it not once, but twice, and carried her girls with her in everything she did. A well-done memoir that will capture you and hold your attention from the first page to the last!
April 28, 2025
I recently started following Susan on TikTok and saw one of her videos where she spoke about losing her two daughters. She mentioned on another video that she wrote a book about them and that it was free on Kindle that week, so I downloaded it. Reading the book was just like watching her videos...she writes just the way she speaks, so I was able to imagine her speaking the story. As a mother myself, I cannot imagine the heartache Susan went through...twice!...but I am happy that she has survived and has a satisfying life with David, her son and all her grandchildren. Her daughters will always be with her. Bless her.
September 14, 2025
This memoir is a true account of Susan's life leading up to not one loss of a child, but two.
Her determination to survive amidst a broken marriage and then these losses proves she is a real fighter. We are not supposed to outlive our children but that's exactly what happened to her.
I myself have experienced the loss of a stillborn child and know the devastation it causes during that time and from then on. The tragedy of knowing you have to go on without them is like nothing you can describe to someone who hasn't experienced this. Susan does an excellent job of baring her soul and tells how she coped with these two great losses and moved on with her life.
Her determination to survive amidst a broken marriage and then these losses proves she is a real fighter. We are not supposed to outlive our children but that's exactly what happened to her.
I myself have experienced the loss of a stillborn child and know the devastation it causes during that time and from then on. The tragedy of knowing you have to go on without them is like nothing you can describe to someone who hasn't experienced this. Susan does an excellent job of baring her soul and tells how she coped with these two great losses and moved on with her life.
October 1, 2025
This heartfelt, honest, and very raw account is a poignant reminder that no matter who we are, where we come from, or what we do, at some point in our lives tragedy will strike. Sometimes, as in the case of the author, multiple tragedies can come in quick succession. But we ultimately get to choose whether we let those tragedies break us or accept that we inherently have the strength and resilience to go on, to survive. This simply penned story is beautiful and I certainly appreciate the author baring her truth to share the importance of speaking your love every day because you never know when could be the last day you’ll see that loved one.
November 6, 2025
Moving and Truthful
This is a memoir, and the writer has published some of the most heartbreaking events imaginable.
With incredible skill, Susan Hutchinson describes the mundane life she lived, so that the reader not only understands what later happens, but is emotionally affected, too.
An ordinary life, school, marriage, parenthood, work, and then things turn, and gradually, painfully, the author is attending funerals she never should have.
Moving and truthful, I described it, and viscerally raw. I wept.
This is a memoir, and the writer has published some of the most heartbreaking events imaginable.
With incredible skill, Susan Hutchinson describes the mundane life she lived, so that the reader not only understands what later happens, but is emotionally affected, too.
An ordinary life, school, marriage, parenthood, work, and then things turn, and gradually, painfully, the author is attending funerals she never should have.
Moving and truthful, I described it, and viscerally raw. I wept.
March 16, 2021
Wow. Very deep.
This book is super relatable and shows a strong woman. Its great. I'm glad I read it. I'm not glad anyone has to go through what this woman has and how she can breathe without it hurting is beyond me. I still can't breathe without it hurting personally after the loss of my loved one.
This book is super relatable and shows a strong woman. Its great. I'm glad I read it. I'm not glad anyone has to go through what this woman has and how she can breathe without it hurting is beyond me. I still can't breathe without it hurting personally after the loss of my loved one.
April 4, 2021
Emotional journey of healing
A beautiful written story of life and tragedies that happen along the way. This book made me laugh and cry hysterically. It ripped my heart out and made me appreciate the fact that things could be worse. If you love true journeys of life with the success and tragedies. This is definitely the book to read. Thank you Susan for this emotional journey.
A beautiful written story of life and tragedies that happen along the way. This book made me laugh and cry hysterically. It ripped my heart out and made me appreciate the fact that things could be worse. If you love true journeys of life with the success and tragedies. This is definitely the book to read. Thank you Susan for this emotional journey.
December 9, 2024
Normally I don’t read books like this but I am so glad I did. It was heartbreaking and beautifully written. I felt like I was just sitting across from Susan chatting about her life. Such a sad thing to happen to not 1 but 2 children in a parent’s lifetime.
Thank you Eva Winners for recommending this book. It deserves to be read.
Thank you Eva Winners for recommending this book. It deserves to be read.
April 24, 2025
Inspiring read
I learned of Susan from her TikTok videos. She always has something interesting to say. I can not image how she survived the loss of not one but two children. To read her story is not depressing but uplifting on how to be a survivor. I look forward to reading Life with David.
I learned of Susan from her TikTok videos. She always has something interesting to say. I can not image how she survived the loss of not one but two children. To read her story is not depressing but uplifting on how to be a survivor. I look forward to reading Life with David.
May 5, 2021
Inspirational, funny, tragic, poignant and much more. I am in awe of Susan Hutchinson and her capability to survive and enjoy life once again despite devastating losses that would break anyone. A true inspiration! Riveting!! A must read.
September 7, 2022
Feelings shared in a honest way and well written expression of the effects on all concerned.
January 9, 2022
Beautiful story of love, loss and survival
I read this book in just a few hours because I just couldn’t put it down! You will laugh and cry. You will feel what the author feels and have a respect for her strength that rivals that of anyone I know. It’s a story of love, loss and survival and finding your way in the darkest of times. Beautifully written!!
I read this book in just a few hours because I just couldn’t put it down! You will laugh and cry. You will feel what the author feels and have a respect for her strength that rivals that of anyone I know. It’s a story of love, loss and survival and finding your way in the darkest of times. Beautifully written!!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews