7 Soulful Books That Helped Me Heal, Grow, and Let Go
A Journey Through Breakup, Depression, and Finding Myself Again
Hey beautiful souls, I’m Carmen, the creator behind eternalsoulwriter.com, and today I’m writing not just as a blogger or Amazon influencer — but as a woman who broke into pieces and decided, one tiny step at a time, to rebuild herself.
This isn’t a flashy blog post filled with generic book reviews. It’s a genuine letter from my heart to yours. These seven books weren’t gifted, recommended, or part of some brand deal. I found them randomly on Amazon in 2023, during one of the darkest chapters of my life — and I thank God I did.
They played a real role in my recovery. In my rebirth.
My Story (The Real One – Not the Polished Version)
Back in October 2020, my world collapsed. A breakup, after so much hope and emotional investment, shattered me. I held on — prayed, pleaded, waited — believing he would come back. I built a fantasy that love would win, that he must have loved me. I waited on a thread of hope so thin it cut through me.
But life, reality, and heartbreak had other plans.
Month after month, I started losing my glow, my appetite, my purpose. Depression crept in silently. I didn’t even realize how far I was sinking. My body started to break — hair falling, weight dropping, my brain foggy and flooded with shame, resentment, guilt, and terrifying thoughts. I couldn't sleep. I was jobless, single at 36, and drowning in grief.
Then one night in 2023, after two weeks of nonstop crying and praying, I heard God's voice so loud, so clear, it stopped my breath:
“Let him go.”
And that was the moment everything shifted.
I gasped. I wept. I finally understood that I had to save myself because no one else was coming. I moved back to my hometown, started therapy, took the meds, and decided to retrain my mind. To start all over again. And a huge part of that process?
Was books. 📚
The 7 Books That Lit a Candle in My Darkest Hours
I didn’t buy these books expecting miracles. But each one cracked something open in me — offering wisdom, validation, or even just the feeling that I wasn’t alone.
These are paperback versions (though most are available on Kindle or hardcover too). I’ll include my own photos of the copies I bought and read. Any Amazon images used are only to promote the books. And yes, this post includes affiliate links — if you buy a book or anything else through my links, I might earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Your support helps me keep writing and sharing, so thank you from the bottom of my heart. 💗
1. The New Dating Playbook for Badass Women by Scott McDougal
“How to go from dating sucks to we’re in love!”
This was like a jolt of caffeine to my tired heart. No fluff. Just powerful, relatable truths for women like me — strong, emotional, and done with BS. Scott’s voice is clear, confident, and slightly cheeky, but never condescending. It helped me reframe dating, love, and most importantly — my worth.
Why it mattered: It reminded me I am the prize. I don’t chase love. I choose it.
2. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
A masterpiece on trauma, healing, and the brain.
This one hit deep. It’s heavy, yes — but in the best way. It explained why my body was reacting the way it did. Why I couldn’t sleep. Why everything hurt. It taught me that trauma isn’t just in the mind — it’s in every cell. And it helped me feel less broken and more… human.
Why it mattered: It gave science to my suffering and grace to my healing.
3. Emotions Understood by Troy M. Covington
A guide to understanding emotional thinking.
This book made me cry — not because it was sad, but because it finally made sense. Why I feel too much. Why I think in loops. Why it’s so hard to let go. It's written in a clear, loving way, without preaching. I felt seen, not analyzed. And that’s rare.
Why it mattered: It gave my emotions a language. It gave my chaos some clarity.
4. Finding Love Again by Terri Orbuch, Ph.D.
Because yes — love is still out there.
This book held my hand when I was scared to even think about love again. It isn’t about jumping back into romance — it’s about healing, resetting, and preparing for healthy, fulfilling love. It reminded me that I’m not too late, too broken, or too far gone.
Why it mattered: It gave me permission to hope again — carefully, but joyfully.
5. How to Heal a Broken Heart in 30 Days by Howard Bronson & Mike Riley
A day-by-day guide for the brokenhearted.
Don’t let the “30 days” fool you — healing is not linear. But this book helped me structure the mess. Each day had something to think about or do. I didn’t always follow it religiously, but it became a comforting friend during the loneliest mornings.
Why it mattered: It gave me structure when everything else felt like chaos.
6. Never Chase Men Again by Bruce Bryans
38 Dating truths to reclaim your power.
This title is bold. Maybe even a little spicy. But behind it? Pure gold. It’s not about playing games — it’s about remembering who the hell you are. And for me, it was a wake-up call. I’ve given too much to people who gave so little. This book helped me unlearn that.
Why it mattered: I stopped begging for breadcrumbs. I started expecting the whole damn loaf.
7. Ditch Overthinking by William Anderson
Get out of your head, and into your life.
This was one of the last books I bought — and maybe the one I revisit most often. It offers tools, not just theories. My overthinking nearly destroyed me. This book taught me how to create space between my thoughts and my truth. Life-changing stuff.
Why it mattered: It helped me take back control of my mind — gently.
My Healing Continues — And So Does My Journey
In February 2024, I started publishing my own books on Amazon KDP. My first title?
"Eternal Soulmates – A Guide to Cultivate Profound Connections"
Available in both English and Romanian – a passion project born from everything I’ve lived, felt, and learned.
Then I turned to children’s books — activity and coloring books filled with joy and imagination. Even though I don’t have kids, I’ve always loved the innocence and magic they bring.
In October 2024, I officially became an Amazon Influencer and Affiliate. I turned my healing into helping. My heartbreak into hope.
In Summary
Am I fully healed? No.
Am I thriving 24/7? Not quite.
But am I proud? Hell yes.
I’ve been through hell — and I’m still here. Still rising.
Still believing that better days are ahead...
So if you’re reading this while crying on your pillow, or scrolling through Amazon hoping something will help — maybe this is your sign. Maybe these books will be your lifeline, like they were mine.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Author: Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
Description:
A groundbreaking and deeply compassionate book, The Body Keeps the Score dives into how trauma imprints itself not only on our minds but also on our bodies. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading trauma expert, blends neuroscience, psychology, and real-life case studies to reveal how trauma affects our ability to feel joy, connect with others, and stay grounded in the present. This book is a powerful resource for anyone on a healing journey, offering insights and alternative treatments like yoga, neurofeedback, and movement therapies that promote deep, lasting recovery.
Meant for: Anyone dealing with the effects of trauma—personally or professionally—seeking to understand it and explore holistic healing approaches.
Page count: 464 pages
Book size: 5.4 x 8.4 inches
The New Dating Playbook for Badass Women: How to go from DATING SUCKS to WE'RE IN LOVE! Faster and Easier
Author: Scott McDougal
Description:
This empowering guide is tailor-made for strong, independent, and ambitious women who are done with outdated dating advice. If you're a go-getter tired of failed connections, disappointing dates, and frustrating online swipes, this book will help you shift your mindset, uncover your blind spots, and attract high-quality men with ease. From flirting to commitment, Scott McDougal breaks down practical steps to help you navigate modern dating with clarity, confidence, and a playful edge.
Meant for: Women craving a fresh perspective on dating — especially high-achieving ladies in business, education, entrepreneurship, or leadership roles.
Page count: 242 pages
Book size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches
Emotions Understood: A Constructive and Easily Digestible Guide to Understanding and Managing Emotional Thinking
Author: Troy M. Covington
Description:
Emotions Understood is your no-fluff, straight-talking guide to making peace with your emotional world. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected, this book helps you pinpoint the why behind your emotions and teaches you how to take back control. With a strong focus on emotional intelligence, stress, trauma, and inner healing, Troy M. Covington offers simple yet powerful tools to help you build a stable emotional foundation for the life you truly want.
Meant for: Anyone seeking emotional clarity, inner healing, or a better relationship with their thoughts, feelings, and past experiences.
Page count: 142 pages
Book size: 6 x 9 inches
Finding Love Again: 6 Simple Steps to a New and Happy Relationship
Author: Terri Orbuch Ph.D.
Description:
Backed by a powerful 25-year research study, Finding Love Again offers hope and clear direction for anyone ready to open their heart after heartbreak. Dr. Terri Orbuch shares eye-opening truths and practical strategies for finding lasting love—without the usual guesswork. From debunking common relationship myths to explaining how small lifestyle shifts can lead to big emotional breakthroughs, this book gently guides you toward a healthier, happier connection the next time around.
Meant for: Anyone starting over in love—whether after divorce, a long-term breakup, or emotional burnout—who wants real strategies that work.
Page count: 272 pages
Book size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches
Never Chase Men Again: 38 Dating Secrets To Get The Guy, Keep Him Interested, And Prevent Dead-End Relationships
Author: Bruce Bryans
Description:
Want to stop wasting time on the wrong men and finally attract the right one? Never Chase Men Again lays out 38 clear, no-nonsense dating rules to help women stand in their power, keep their standards high, and avoid getting played. It’s not about manipulation—it’s about self-respect, boundaries, and knowing your worth. This smart, sass-filled guide is perfect for any woman tired of dead-end dating cycles and ready to level up in love.
Meant for: Strong women who are done with chasing, guessing, and settling—and are ready for real, lasting connection.
Page count: 111 pages
Book size: 5 x 8 inches
How to Heal a Broken Heart in 30 Days: A Day-by-Day Guide to Saying Good-bye and Getting On With Your Life
Authors: Howard Bronson & Mike Riley
Description:
Breakups hurt—but healing doesn’t have to be a mystery. How to Heal a Broken Heart in 30 Days offers a practical, daily roadmap to walk you out of heartbreak and back into wholeness. With compassionate advice and simple exercises, this book helps you move through grief, forgive the past, rebuild your self-worth, and open your heart again. It’s gentle, doable, and incredibly empowering for anyone ready to feel okay again.
Meant for: Anyone experiencing heartbreak, fresh from a breakup, or stuck in emotional pain—ready to finally let go and move forward.
Page count: 224 pages
Book size: 5.5 x 8.25 inches
Ditch Overthinking: Powerful Tools You Must Use to Get Out of Your Head, Relieve Stress, and Live the Present
Author: William Anderson
Description:
Tired of your thoughts running in endless circles? Ditch Overthinking is your go-to guide to calm the mental chaos, ease anxiety, and stay grounded in the now. Packed with powerful tools, mindset shifts, and exercises, this book helps you silence your inner critic, manage stress, and stop spiraling. Whether you're stuck in the past or panicking about the future, this book shows you how to take back control and finally feel present.
Meant for: Anyone stuck in the loop of overanalyzing everything and looking for real, practical ways to break free and breathe easier.
Page count: 199 pages
Book size: 6 x 9 inches
👉 To browse (and maybe discover your next must-have), check out my Amazon storefronts here:
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With deep love,
Carmen