Widows Among Us by Karen S. Justice, Karen Smith Racicot, and Rebecca LaChance begins with the varied personal experiences of the authors, all widows coping with the loss of a spouse. The book leans into the importance of self-care, such as prioritizing rest and seeking assistance with tasks like paperwork and decision-making. They talk about the emotional roller coaster, such as feelings of guilt and brain fog, and suggest physical outlets for anger. Widows are encouraged to maintain social connections, and the authors speak on the value of financial preparedness, including understanding income changes and having legal documents in place. They champion proactive planning in financial and household matters, and stress the need for consistent support from friends, urging empathy and patience as widows manage grief over time while recognizing the importance of respecting individual experiences and timelines for healing.

When I first picked up Widows Among Us: Stories and Insights, I thought it was a memoir with a section allocated to each of its three authors, Karen S. Justice, Karen Smith Racicot, and Rebecca LaChance. While these are the backbone of the work, there is so much more to it than that. The writing from each author is conversational and feels like a chat with friends. I connected the most with Justice's experience, which really stood out to me with its hopeful message and her portrayal of how she rebuilt her life after the loss of her husband. I admit I smiled a bit when she found companionship again in the most contemporary way possible: online, of course! The references and loads of advice given after the memoirs give readers a real opportunity to experience renewal, bringing to light the importance of community and self-discovery. Overall, this book is a powerful reminder of life's ability to continue after loss for widows as well as guidance for those in support positions with widows. Very highly recommended.

Karen S. Justice, Karen Smith Racicot, and Rebecca LaChance wrote Widows Among Us to give support to women who are widowed or may become widowed. In the first section of the book, the three authors share their stories, citing their reactions and what they each learned from their experiences as well as outlining the benefits of "intentional friendship". Part two supplies a wealth of information from the widows they interviewed and surveyed, providing suggestions for preparation and offering practical considerations to review before a loved one's untimely passing. The third section outlines "brain fog" and focuses on self-care, encouraging companionship. The final part can be a resource for readers as they help friends and family while they grieve for their spouses.

Look no further for a book full of hope and support! Karen S. Justice, Karen Smith Racicot, and Rebecca LaChance share their insights in hopes that widows and widowers will feel validated and inspired to grow through their circumstances. They relate practical advice that may escape the attention of you and those around you as you grieve for your partner. Even though you may encounter hardships, your future may still be filled with joy and positivity. As you read through their heartbreaking losses, you see the challenges they faced and their determination to keep going forward. You smile, cry, and hope that you have time to create lovely memories - like the ones they share about their husbands - before your spouse leaves this world. Widows Among Us will benefit readers who are married, as they see how important it is to make certain preparations, or those who have lost their spouses.