New York Times and international bestselling mystery author Clare Mackintosh makes her nonfiction debut, based on her own experiences, offering readers a candid, accessible path through grief

When Clare Mackintosh lost her five-week-old son 18 years ago, she soon discovered there are no neat, labeled stages of grief like so many books on loss insist. Searching for help in books she was met with advice as absurd as a grief crash-diet and struggled to understand her loss. This is the book she needed then.

Inspired by a viral Twitter thread Clare wrote on the anniversary of her son’s death, this book offers 18 short assurances that are full of compassion. This book is for the loved ones offering support but don’t know what else to say and for the grieving who are searching for answers and a kind voice to turn to.

For those who need a little voice saying: I Promise It Won’t Always Hurt Like This.