Amanda never imagined that after uprooting her comfortable, stable life to make room for her soulmate that he would decide to go his own way. They agreed that their connection was unbelievably cosmic. So why did he say no?
A fearless voyage of self-discovery fueled by stubbornness, tenacity, and an unquenchable thirst for answers to the great mysteries of the soul. Amanda shares the intimate details of her transformation with unapologetic vulnerability and effervescent humour.
Through the exploration of grief, spirituality, energy therapies, self-acceptance, and the undeniable healing power of a good Diana Ross song, Amanda’s story serves as an example of what is possible when we dare to dream of a life that’s nothing short of miraculous.
A financial services professional of twenty years, I traded my white blouse for activewear as the pandemic collected steam in early 2020. Recognising my professional life wasn’t a true reflection of my authentic self, I embraced the opportunity presented by the global disruption to recreate it.
I dedicated myself to finishing my memoir ‘When a Soulmate Says No’ over toasted sandwiches and too much caffeine. It’s my mud map of how I survived the experience of meeting my soulmate and not enjoying my happily ever after - at least not in the way I had so audaciously dreamed.
My sincere wish in sharing this very personal account of heartbreak and loss is to demonstrate the incredible power of hope. That although it may seem like the end of the world, an experience like this can be the spark, the catalyst, that leads to a courageous, transformative, and authentic life.
Having written the book, I had to be brave, step up and into my personal transformational journey. I locked myself in my home office, put my soundtrack on and studied furiously.
I now run a successful private consulting practice that embraces my two passions: guiding women to embrace their true self, and businesses to embrace the uniqueness of their employees.
When I’m not consulting, studying, or taking an afternoon nap, I love exploring the incredible natural environment, weekend adventure escapes with girlfriends, and long lunches.
I’m a mum to two gorgeous daughters who inspire me daily to be a better human. My sincere wish is to demonstrate to them that women of any age can embrace their fears and unhook themselves from outdated social norms to create the life of their dreams.
I interviewed the author on my blog as part of this book's release. Unfortunately When a Soulmate Says No is not my kind of book. I appreciated the author's intent and honesty.
I read articles absolutely destroying this author and the book, and decided to read for myself thinking it couldn't possibly be so exaggerated. Oh it is. It's 208 pages of romanticising an incredibly unhinged, one-sided affair that the author blew up her entire life over. I feel for the ex-husband and children, imagine being worth so little to a person they'd throw you away over a man they've known for literal hours and only met once. Not to mention the fact her husband was at the very same conference where she actively admits to chasing and kissing this other man. She then extensively talks about her own "healing" journey that involves yoga, rampant alcoholism, frequently calling in sick for work because of the former, and going to an infrared sauna, and spiritualism. Not one ounce of actual therapy, work, or self reflection and growth to be found. I'm not gonna dismiss someone's spiritual work but there's a time and a place and sometimes medically evidenced mental health treatment is what you need moreso than spiritualism as is abundantly the case here.
This book romanticises her own mess with paragraphs of self-indulgent, flowery language talking about her soul, how she felt, followed up with only the odd sentence or two, considering on a very surface level how this impacted her husband and children.
During the separation and split custody arrangements she writes, "I had to redirect my limited energy from my internal, all-consuming grief to ensure they were fed and watered. At times it was all I was capable of. I used to joke that they were still alive when I returned them to their father. Luckily for me he managed to retain his sense of humour!" Which is prefaced by stating she calls each of her daughters "darling girl" which supposedly fostered a "deep bond" between them, there is so much to unpack here I can't even begin to have the words. Is that not...the bare minimum of being a parent? Earlier in the book she mentions the youngest was barely out of nappies! She then continues to state that she was by no means "easy on herself" during this period. Not because she felt any guilt for what she'd done to her family, but because she was obsessively insecure about not being good enough for a man she didn't even know.
Therapy. So much therapy is required here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
While researching limerence on a popular website dedicated to the topic, I came across this book. I ordered this memoir and dug right in when I received it in the mail.
I wanted to love this book. But I just can't give it a glowing endorsement.
I applaud Amanda for having the courage to publish this deeply personal memoir. It does have some positives, including a multifaceted approach to her journey and her healing, as well as a fair dose of humility. However, (and this could be a 'me' thing), I just feel like the book didn't really address the circumstances of her life that led to such a dramatic upheaval (leaving her husband of 14 years to start a relationship with someone she didn't even know). It also felt a bit confusing, as it jumps back and forth and is organized and structured by types of healing or therapies rather than chronically. I kept reading, wondering if we were going to get into the 'meat' of her separation - namely, how her husband really felt, how her kids really reacted and were coping, what her work was thinking as she was taking days/weeks to grieve (lie in bed and cry) about the loss of a person she never really had any claim to. The entire thing left me wondering if she had ever considered trying talk therapy or speaking with a psychologist before she left her husband and turned her children's lives upside down for a complete fantasy.
I think it's easy for me to judge a person who takes a course of action such as this. It's harder to try to understand. But truly, the memoir reads as if it is a teen or early twenty something indulging in things like music playlists, chakras, oracle cards, angel spirits, past lives, and the like, instead of a late thirties/early forties woman who is hell-bent on reshaping her life. Some parts were relatable and raw, and others felt like complete nonsense. It was hard to get a grip on whether you, as a reader, felt sorry for her, disliked her ambivalence and naivety, or were cheering for her at any given moment.
All in all, I think if you like a spiritual approach to problem solving, this may be a good book for you. If you are looking to learn more about limerence or similar topics, this might not be the right resource!
First of all let me say that this is not a book for everybody, many people will find it unbelievable, or incredible, even uncomfortable…but it’s not their story to live in, so not their story to judge. Not everyone is in a place to hear these kind of revelations, especially anyone skeptical of things of a spiritual nature. An open mind is really important if you are going to read this book, bearing in mind also that this is a first book, and a memoir, not a work of fiction to be criticised for its flawed plots.
I don’t believe it was written to encourage judgment from readers but rather as a (cathartic) way of sharing what was a really difficult and life altering experience which so affected the author…and still does.
You are not asked to believe it or even condone it, just accept that it was the experience from the authors position. A point of view which she explains comes from a position of honesty and a need to share her experience. Some will certainly find it helpful to read the experience of another.
This is a memoir about one woman’s journey through a deeply personal and transformative time in her life, where she felt compelled (for the Highest good of all concerned) to make some radical changes to her life and lifestyle. These were not easy changes to make but changes she felt were necessary if she was to recover her senses and become her authentic self, and live with integrity. She didn’t shirk or shift responsibilities or blame, she just faced it head on and trusted that what she was doing was for the very best for all concerned.
I believe it would have to be one very evolved soul who thinks they can sit in judgement of another person’s spiritual encounters…. …to coin a phrase…”There are more things twixt heaven and earth Horatio”. We can’t ever truly know another person’s anguish, they are expected to wear a mask and soldier on…but some can’t. The author of this story could not, in good conscience live like that, so she made the hugely courageous decision to change her story to the more authentic (emerging) one.
I say Kudos to the author for having the courage to do what she felt necessary, but also to write her story and put it out there. And kudos to her family and true friends for enabling her in the best possible ways…that’s love. I wish all of them the very best going forward, so many more opportunities opening for them all! 🤗 ❤️ & 🕯
Well this went in a different direction than I was expecting. I thought she would meet a guy and they would talk for a few months then she would leave her husband and he would bail. I didn't think she would meet a guy, spend one afternoon with him, then leave her husband a month later without even talking to the guy.
The rest of the book is just her using WooWoo spiritual crap to justify her bad decision. If you're into angel spirit guides and energy healing and stuff then maybe this is the book for you. If you don't want to sit through like a dozen angel spirit guide tarot card readings then it's not the book for you.
This was truly terrible. I did not find her to be the slightest bit interesting outside of the story of meeting this random guy and deciding they were soulmates - which was about 10% of the book.
Otherwise it was about the minute details of her "healing journey" which included every kind of prayer, meditation, and tarot cards that exist. And the stories of how she crashed and burned with some other guys too.
She seems like one of those people who is fun when you first meet them and then suddenly they've sucked you in too far and you realize they're just Way Too Much but it's too late but they've already decided you're soulmates and won't leave you alone.
The author writes a book about her soul mate who is literally a guy she exchanged glances with over a bar for a few hours. Then “finds herself” in Bali through yoga & meditation, because of course. Good grief. No wonder the soul mate ran for the hills.
Thank you Catherine and DMCPRMEDIA for sending us a copy to read and review. I do believe you know when you have found your soul mate. The fit emotionally and physically is perfect, ready for a journey that will reinforce it and test it. To find your soul mate after being in a marriage is confronting on many levels, making this book a valuable and reassuring guide. Amanda met Jason at a conference she was attending with her husband. Once the eyes locked she knew. Every ounce of her body and mind wanted to explore this. Although the encounters were brief during the conference it triggered Amanda into action. A rollercoaster that included marriage annulment, a wave of enlightenment and sadly rejection from the soul mate. This is an incredible story of transformation, self awareness and self respect. Highlighting the coping mechanisms, the road blocks and maintaining self esteem. It’s an anecdote that was experienced and acts as self help book for those in need and an incredible insight for those who have found our soul mate.
Amanda's journey is so relatable. Im so impressed with her strength, her honesty and the respect with which she handled her existing marriage. This book gripped me from the first chapter. I've also been lucky enough to have some incredibly transformation sessions with her for my business and I have completely changed the way I handle invoicing and asking for money that has resulted in massive positive change for me. She is insightful, sensitive and such a support. Thank you Amanda!!
I really wanted to love this book however, it was poorly written, lacked structure and was largely self-indulgent waffle using spirituality as an excuse for bad behaviour. With so many regurgitated excerpts from her personal diary, it was like watching a Mum with her kids in the car drive through a red light at high speed and wonder how she got hit.
Some beautiful pointers for your amazing book/memoir.. If that's what u want to call this.. 1. "uprooting her comfortable, stable life to make room for her soulmate"; Who the fuck was the person who bore 2 children with you and devoted 14 years of their life and marriage to u?
2. "that he(soulmate) would decide to go his own way."; Please remind me when did u think he came your way in the first place, I think you've become so delusional that you don't remember the fact that the other person has to consent to get in a relationship also, the othe other person never considered you even in the realms of girlfriend let alone a " SOULMATE ", Stop making yourself look good in front of the public by calling him your soulmate.. Gimme a break...
3. Do u know in many countries life sentences span upto 14years, your husband gave his 14 years to you and u shameless call the other person your soulmate. First learn to appreciate what you have before u think u deserve anything better. Actually it would be fun to read your ex-husband's book cz it most probably would be titled as "my life with a dumb, scummy and self-centered wife" OR "My ex-wife who stinks worse than dog's shit"
4. How scummy do have to be to write a book to gain a social clout/readers by pretending to be honest and accepting your mistake.
5. Last but not the least, cz this pissed me off the most... Read the title of your book please.. "When A Soulmate Says No"... I mean, how dirty do have to be that you not only got rejected by him but u still included him in a book, put him in your title, AND had the audacity to call him your soulmate... I feel very sorry for your husband and kids... The husband gets less credit than the person you shamelessly wanted to runaway with.. I really feel for ur husband.
wow..ok deep breath as there is a lot to take in here and good on you for saying what you really think but especially for following your gut. Many people stay in their current situation (work or personal) and are unhappy for the rest of their life. It takes guts to change as the unknown is a scary thing. This book will certainly resonate with many people around the world and hopefully help them one way or the other.
hats off to you for doing what you did and having the courage to tell the whole world about it.
Wonderfully written. Powerful message. Raw emotions. Once I'd started I just kept reading until the end. This is a great read for anyone who has drifted from their true self - regardless of whether your wake up call was via a relationship (like Amanda's), financial or health related. It provides nuggets of gold as to processes you can use to return to your true self. It takes courage to share the range of authentic emotions that are shared in this memoir - because in the end we all want to feel that we matter.
Thanks Amanda for being brave and sharing your story so others can benefit from your experience of the steps to take to learn to love yourself. ❤️
Just finished the book. It’s been over 20 years since I read a book in one sitting. I just could not put it down. Im still trying to settle myself for I was rocked along the way. I had judgements and realisations, I would grin then wipe away tears, I pondered and learned, I became increasingly curious… Mostly the perspective was Amanda’s, in some chapters other’s insights led, adding to a growing fascination. Amanda on a few occasions reached out to myself as the reader, seemingly knowing what I was thinking and connecting me to her journey. What an enjoyable, thought provoking read. I want to read it again; never done that before!
When life doesn’t work out the way you expect you have to choose again. Amanda articulates this gut wrenching journey with raw honesty, sharing the choices she makes and how to live regret-free when your heart is broken. At times uncomfortable and unconventional there is wisdom here for anyone who dares to go on this ultimately triumphant journey. The pages are constantly calling out for the reader to examine their own choices and possibly ask what you would have done if you were in Amanda’s situation. Go there. Ask yourself the tough questions. Be brutal. Get ugly. Look within. What do you see? And now make a choice. Who do you want to be in this life?
The extract of this book was intriguing. But reading the book in full (cover to cover... in one sitting) I discovered it was so much more than what the title suggests. Amanda's approach to healing and self-discovery is intense - she does more work in mere months than most people would do in a lifetime. But all for the better. Her approach is direct, deliberate and determined. Not for a soulmate, but for fulfilment. Her story was raw, honest and frankly, inspiring enough to guide anyone into a little self reflection.
This book is a marvelous read and I really hope it becomes a movie! Amanda writes with such honesty and humor that it makes the whole journey feel so relatable. I have always craved a manual for when life throws us curveballs and I finally feel we have been given that guidebook. If you're going through a transition or considering making some life changes, pick this book and feel you are not alone.
A brave and honest book. Everyone can learn from it. It’s never too late in life to realise that we’re on the wrong track and need to make fundamental changes to our choices in life
Like others have written, this is more of a reflection of self-help than a memoir with a point. The parts with her “soulmate” could have been an article. Maybe it’s just the recovering alcoholic in me, but the lack of accountability she takes in her alcohol consumption is shocking. How was she able to function at a high-pressure job, be a mother of two small children, and still manage to take whole days off because she drank 3 bottles of wine on her lunch break the day before? This book is lacks so much self-awareness, and the author is incredibly privileged and self-centered, but somehow makes every situation all about poor little her.
Amanda, thank you for bravely writing your beautiful memoir. You're not alone in your experience, by any means. Even if many won't admit to what happens behind closed doors of a marriage. I, too, walked a similar path. A perfect storm of job loss, awakened memories of childhood sexual abuse, and deep-rooted issues in my then 18-year-marriage led me to fall into the arms of a man that felt like a soulmate but turned out to be an abusive predator. In actuality, what felt like soulmate love was wound-mate love—something I knew nothing about until after I escaped the abuse and started to understand why, as a childhood sexual abuse survivor, I was drawn to him. In my case, my husband and I were meant to come back together after we both healed many codependent patterns, but I know many more times than not, partners are not meant to reunite. And that's a beautiful thing, too. Releasing each other can be such a gift.
Anyhow, I just wanted to say—in this review—THANK YOU for sharing your journey. I know the mean comments can't be fun to see, but they are proof that you've touched on something that many won't ever admit to themselves or others. You've authentically, courageously held up a mirror, and it's a wonderful thing! Congrats on your book and your success.
An extraordinary memoir, beautifully crafted with bravery, honesty and integrity. I loved the way Amanda weaves her story through her spiritual awakening, tempering the raw pain with growth and progress. It’s a compelling read, written with a real sense of purpose. I was captivated to the very end!
Raw, vulnerable and thought provoking read. It’s written in such a personable and relatable way that it allowed me to open up and see areas in my life that were due/overdue a course correction. A lot of Amanda’s experience and insights can be applied to any catalyst moment- career, health, intimate relationships, friendships. To me, the heart of this book is about coming back to yourself.
I loved the author’s real, raw story of her journey. Unless you have experienced this kind of life changing meeting with another soul, you can’t understand it. But if you have experienced it, you will be so thankful to have someone to identify with. I’ve experienced this type of meeting, and like the author, it sent me searching for answers, validation and direction. The spiritual journey of healing and course correction these meetings evoke are the toughest but most rewarding struggles a person can live. Thank you to the author for being brave enough to share her journey, endure the unfair judgments and the courage it took to be true to herself. This is a lifeline to those of us finding our own ways after a soulmate/twin flame experience.
I'm not usually one to finish a book quickly but I genuinely could not get enough.
Amanda's story & her brutal honesty about herself & her life was so refreshing in a world where we often hide our true selves & feelings in order to portray an unobtainable 'perfectness'.
I can resonate with so much of her journey that I found myself reading with tears down my cheeks that not only was I not alone but that I felt seen & that there is hope when you choose to course correct your life in ways people around you don't understand.
This book chronicles the journey to self of the author after a life changing event. The first chapter (and extract encapsulated in recent press) is just the start of an extraordinary story.