STRONG GIRL, BRAVE GIRL

A single mother's candid story of reconciling
a life unexpected and navigating the messy in-between

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON   |  READ THE INTRODUCTION BELOW

 
 
Strong Girl, Brave Girl by Kelsey Baldwin – www.paperandoats.com/book

When life-changing pain is coupled with the welcoming of a new story for yourself, the word bittersweet just doesn’t do it justice. You are quite literally in the middle — anchored between where you thought you were headed and where you’re going now. In that uncertain middle space is where this story takes place, and maybe where you find yourself, too. The life I had imagined for myself, the one I was right in the middle of, quickly crumbled around me on a single day as I was faced with a very unexpected looming divorce while staring at an equally-unexpected positive pregnancy test. It wasn’t the way it was supposed to go. With each uncertain transition I went through — divorce, pregnancy, giving birth, moving cities, dating, raising a child without a partner — I clung to what I knew for sure: I was a strong girl and a brave girl, and the middle was not the ending. (Spoiler: that’s why it’s called the middle.)

My story might look really different than yours, but I’m willing to bet you find threads from my messy middle that are also woven into yours.

 
 
 

My first book, Strong Girl, Brave Girl, shares my candid story of becoming a mom while going through a divorce, how I've reconciled a life that was completely unexpected, and my laugh-when-you-should-probably-be-crying way of navigating the messy middle stages of life.

 
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DOWNLOAD THE INTRO FOR FREE

Signup below and I'll send you the full Introduction PDF, plus I'll keep you in the loop with the latest book updates for the October 21st release.

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GLITTER GUIDE FEATURE

I’m so honored to have my little ‘ol book included in this Glitter Guide roundup of 9 Books to Add to Your November Reading List! I’m still pinching myself that it’s hanging out in this post with the likes of Ellie Kemper and Busy Phillips. As a self-published author, this kind of post on this kind of influential site is pretty darn cool. Super grateful. Click the button below to head straight to the Glitter Guide article!

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READ ABOUT MY WRITING PROCESS

I wrote all about my writing process and the whole experience of self-publishing this book over on my blog, if you’re one of those curious types. (Pssst, I’m one, too.) Here’s a few posts you might enjoy:

kind words from kind readers


“I really enjoy your writing style. It’s just the right amount of wit, sarcasm and honesty.”

Sonia c.

“I love the raw honesty you share while being respectful.  It’s so rare to hear someone tell their story without expressing hatred and painting a picture of a villain.”

jENNY P.

“I am not a single mom nor have I ever been close to married or divorced — but your story and vulnerability really set something off in me. Thank you for putting this out in the world!”

JENNI K.

“Your book not only gave me a new perspective on single motherhood, but also reaffirmed that when someone shares their heart in their voice, what an impact it can make.”

Kelli C.

“Holy moly girl, you have a gift. I may not have the exact story line as you, but I cannot wait to read your book, because I have experienced life changing pain.”

sTEPHANIE T.

“Thank you for summoning the courage to share your story and yourself in the middle. You write so beautifully, it feels so fresh and yet still fun!  Your warm heart shines through.”

Renée C.

“Thanks for sharing your story! It filled my eyes with tears; your honesty and bravery for sharing your story in the middle! I believe that a lot of people are going to learn from and looking forward to reading your book.”

jOLANDA J.

“Your writing is powerfully descriptive and tethers your reader to you every situation, inviting them into be in it, to feel what you feel, like the uneasy feeling of being in an in-between, uncomfortable space. And I admire your wisdom for carefully being respectful and mindful of who might be reading your story down the road. ”

linda

“I love it. I could feel your honesty without forgetting how to be respectful. I know your book will and can give hope, inspiration and encouragement to other single mamas out there.”

sen m.

“The real and raw honesty just in the introduction both intrigues and terrifies me. I don't believe anyone who implies they are ever living life free from mess, stress, and struggle. But few speak of it openly, without in some way attempting to improve the story line or mitigate the circumstances.  Thank you for being one of the few.”

Staci e.

This book is for more than just single moms,
it’s for any woman who finds herself staring back at Square One.

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