Great reviews – and the audiobook is on its way

Spring has arrived here in the Pacific Northwest. There is a certain light in the spring that makes me see the trees and experience the air in a different way. I wish I had had more time to take a moment to enjoy, but I’ve spent the past several weeks somewhere else entirely: in a recording studio in Seattle.

Picture this: me in a corner, focused, the manuscript open in front of me while Mary Kay is at the microphone narrating — completely present in the story.

Mary recorded The Scandinavian War Bride at Hazy Bay Studio, and I sat beside her throughout the entire process, guiding when the Danish and German pronunciations got tricky. It’s a very special experience to hear your own words come to life like that. She has exactly the right voice for the story—and working with her was both easy and intense in the best way. The audiobook is scheduled for release next month, and I truly can’t wait for you to listen to it.

At the same time, the printed book and e-book has found its way out into the world—and it has been met with great reviews. You can read some of the reviews here:

Reedsy: Read the review

Coffee Pot Book Club: Read the review here

About a week ago, I said yes to something that made my stomach drop. An interview on the YouTube channel Cults to Consciousness, where I spoke about my upbringing in Jehovah’s Witnesses—about the vulnerable parts, the complexity, the things that are still unfolding within me. Before going on, I made a decision: to show up as myself. Authentic. Honest. Raw. Unfiltered. The interview has been viewed by more than 60,000 people, and the response I’ve received are deeply moving. It has confirmed for me that what I’m writing right now is necessary. That there is something that needs to be said. More like an echo—something that doesn’t belong to me alone.

Several people have encouraged me to share my voice even more. And maybe that’s why the next step feels both frightening and completely right: I’ve decided to create my own YouTube channel. The name is in place. The direction is clear. But before I “publish,” there’s work behind the scenes I want to do properly. It feels vulnerable—but also inevitable. I’m not fully ready yet. But I’m on my way. And I’m excited.

Until then, I hope you will welcome The Scandinavian War Bride—soon also as an audiobook.

Warm regards,

Désirée