“Happiness: The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After” by Heather Harpham

Heather, a California girl at heart, and Brian, a New York City professor have a beautiful albeit unconventional relationship. When Heather discovers she is pregnant Brian sticks firm to his decision that he does not want to be a father. Heather chooses to return back to California to be near her mom. The next five months are filled with the support and love of lifelong friends and her sidekick dog, Lulu. Then Gracie is born. Just days after she enters the world something is noticeably wrong with Amelia-Grace. Doctors realize Gracie needs a blood transfusion immediately and they get sent via ambulance across the Golden Gate Bridge to the larger hospital in the city. This journey begins their family’s whirl-wind story of reconciliation, determination, defying the odds and conquering life’s scariest situation for any parent. How do you go on when your child is gravely ill and her fate is out of your hands? Heather Harpham has written the most beautiful memoir (the confetti scene had me in tears) that you won’t want to put down. Gracie’s battle to overcome the illness that is threatening to take her life is one that will touch your heart and make you squeeze your own children a little longer. This is a must add to your TBR list.

Pick up a copy of “Happiness” here.