Champagne for One: A Celebration of Solitude

by Rebekah Iliff, Holley Maher (Illustrator)

Simon says, raise your hand if you’re a single lady. Single or not, most women could use a little more solitude than the world typically offers. Like many, Rebekah Iliff has spent ample time pondering her need for it, how much to ask for, and wondering why the world paints it in such a negative light. After the sudden loss of a close friend, she decided to go forward with their birthday spa day alone, and found herself drinking a glass of champagne solo in a spa, much to fellow patrons’ concern. This experience later sparked the poem “Champagne for One,” a joyful reflection on intentional solitude , and bubbled into this namesake collection of poetry and essays. With sharp wit and sly satire, Iliff paints a picture of complete personal content, where you will finally see yourself embracing the value of solitary life and laughing along the way. Discover an array of conversation enders and a recipe for stag stew —the secret ingredient? 4 ounces of confidence—that will leave you equipped to take on even the most clingy companions and matchmaking expectations. Champagne for One is a delightful spotlight on how to own being alone , perfect as a gift to a friend or as a treat to your solitary self.

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Hardcover

Published February 8, 2022

Reviews

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

TITLE: Champagne for One
AUTHOR: Rebekah Iliff
ILLUSTRATED: Holley Maher
PUB DATE: 02.08.2022 Now Available

I love my alone time!

Whether you are single, or especially when you have a huge family, the precious moments of solitude is priceless. Rebekah celebrates those moments in this essay collection sure to satisfy the me, myself, and I’s.

In Champagne for one, Rebekah Iliff writes, and Holley Maher illustrates this gorgeous book that celebrates, in a witty and hilarious way, the way we should self care. The writing is beautiful and I loved getting lost in Iliff’s thoughts backed up with the science of psychology in how we can become better versions of ourselves.

I loved this book, and as I mature into my years, and also as a person who loves to please others, these precious times alone have been such a gift where I can focus on just being me and pleasing just me for once.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this day of social media, busyness, and connectedness, it's rare to find a book touting the joys of being alone. Sure, I know many people say take time for yourself, but how many truly relish solitude?

In 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞, Rebekah Iliff celebrates the aspects of being alone; whether you're single, married, a mother, or whatever stage of life you may be at. She delves into how to embrace moments of solitude to experience joy in those moments.

Through short essays, fun illustrations, and life applications, she also breaks down some common myths that society tends to push. Such as, we need a partner to be complete (thanks, Jerry McGuire).

I treasure my alone time, but I understand in this hectic world that many people don't understand the difference between being "alone" and being "lonely." I think this short but insightful book may help people see that being comfortable and secure with being with you is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

Thank you, @suzyaprrovedbooktours and @rebekahiliffweaver, for this gifted ebook.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Champagne for One: A Celebration of Solitude by Rebekah is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

I related to this book so much! I have been single for a long time and have lived alone for a long time.
I have my reasons, but I digress. I think especially in the time of COVID, it is important to be able to celebrate spending time alone.

This book is filled with essays and drawings that are so inspirational and wonderful!

This book is for everyone and is a great book to remind all that self care is important.

This book brought me peace, calm, and happiness and with the knowledge its okay to be alone.

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect add on gift book. Small and super pretty. The most wonderful, stylish illustrations throughout. Loved it!

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute brief book on being alone. Solitude is golden and the author deftly points out wonderful ways to find time for yourself and enjoy the comfort of being alone. Thanks to the Collective Book Studio and edelweiss for the early copy.

[Krista Hajjar-Nejad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book of essays and poems! The illustrations were beautiful. Champagne for One is a great reminder that self-care and solitude is okay anytime -- if you're single, a mother, a workaholic, or retired. Take that moment of solidarity. You deserve it!

I wish this book had been around in my late 20s when all my friends were getting married and some having babies. I definitely felt the pressure to get married by the time I turned 30.

This book would also appeal to mothers. Motherhood is a weird time. I know I longed for friends and felt like something was wrong with me that I couldn't find any I connected with, plus I moved twice to different states. I really embraced my alone time! I finally came to terms with being my own friend. I increased my self-care routine and felt more fulfilled.

This book would make a wonderful gift for any woman at any stage of life!

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun little book that celebrates alone time. The author reminds us there is a difference between being alone and being lonely.

This book embraces the art of being alone through essays, a poem, fun thoughts, conversation enders (that was my favorite), and even a list of sparkling wine definitions from around the world so we can all call the bubbly the correct name.

There are beautiful sketches in this one as well. I actually went back through the book just to enjoy those.

For all those that need a moment (that’s ALL of us).
This is the perfect book to read while sitting solo in a restaurant or just shutting yourself in a bathroom for a much needed break from all the noise around us!

[Melissa Levens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Champagne for One: A Celebration of Solitude
Author, Rebekah Iliff
Pub date: 2.8.22

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @rebekahiliffweaver for my #gifted e- book!

What a witty and wonderful way to embrace solitude! With quirky illustrations and heartfelt wisdom, Iliff writes with cleverness and compassion and invites her readers to enjoy spending time alone. You never know, you may learn a few things about yourself and enjoy yourself a little bit more along the way!

Cheers to finding delight in solitary moments and the inspiration, confidence, and encouragement given by Champagne for One to be alone!

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 3 out of 5]

Champagne for One is a fun book about finding ways to be alone and that it's ok to be alone. The poems, essays and funny thoughts are witty and sarcastic giving the readers plenty of laugh out loud moments! There's also beautiful illustrations in this book. It's a quick read one that would be great with a bottle of wine and just a few minutes to yourself! I don't know about you but that sounds like a fantastic way to spend the evening!

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Rebekah Iliff for sharing this book with me!

[Zuleida · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a very chick and short book about enjoying your own company without feeling guilty or incomplete if you don’t have that friend or partner with you. It’s very short with phrases and anecdotes about the author with a lot of sarcasms and humor. Loved the drawings and the aspect of the book itself. Perfect for a gift and add that bottle of wine or champagne for someone that needs some alone time or just enjoys it.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve followed me for awhile, you’ll know that there probably couldn’t be a more perfect book for me.  Champagne appears in my posts more often than not and as an introvert (although an outgoing one!) alone time is a MUST for me. This quick read is clever, witty and spot on for anyone who values their alone time. I nodded in agreement, smiled and actually laughed out loud several times. Cheers and happy reading! 

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘈𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵!

I’m not single, but with age I have learned to enjoy more moments with just myself!
I loved every pageof this book, it was clever, funny, refreshing and amazing!
You need to grab your favorite drink, pick up this book and treat yourself to this fantastic read.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and The Collective Book Studio for this tour invite.

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗻𝗲 by Rebekah Iliff Weaver released February 8, 2022.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...

[BreeAnn (She Just Loves Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book, I have a whole new appreciation for alone time!

This is an inspirational book that I think would be a perfect gift for anyone! It's got essays and illustrations, and it will make you self-reflect, laugh, and ultimately be happy to be alone. It's a wonderful reminder of how important it is to take some time for some self-care!

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Mariah Mehus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little book. As a woman who loves dining alone I was pleased by the relatability of other’s reactions and encouragement of other women doing the same. Enjoy your few moments alone, the relationship you have with yourself is precious.

Side: As a Nashville Native, I was pleased by Iliff’s accurate description of the Nashville Bachelorette groups in the beginnings. It certainly is difficult to enjoy a spa day with “woo girls” about.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's ok to be alone and enjoy some solitude. This was a quick read with some wonderful illustrations. Rebecca pointedly takes away the stigma of doing things alone and being alone with ourselves and our thoughts. Great read for any woman who is going through many of life's planned and unexpected changes.

[Teri Rizvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful gift book for all those who rejoice in solitude. “Life,” author Rebekah Iliff reminds us, “is too short to abdicate our thrones.” This is a book for women to relish — alone.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I related to this book so much! I love and find myself being recharged by being alone. I loved all the helpful tips as well.

[Anna Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful quick read. An appropriate first book of the year before life gets hectic again.

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read for an introvert who likes being alone, but too afraid to do certain things by themselves. It was funny but relatable. I loved the suggestions to end a conversation and while some were out there they made me laugh and others are what I’ve always wanted to say or do but never had the guts. I also loved the illustrations in each section. A quick read that reassured me it’s okay to want alone time because everyone needs it.

Thank you @rebekahiliffweaver and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.