I’m so excited to share with you guys that my book is finally out today!
For those of you that know me well, you’ll notice I published this book using my maiden name. That’s my way of giving the gift of deniability to anybody who feels they might need it. Except for the two poor souls who had the misfortune of signing my birth certificate. My mom and dad are kinda hosed.
There are a few different ways you can help make this book launch a success.
1. Buy the book. It’s officially out today in paperback and e-book on Amazon.com and you can order your copy here. In celebration of Heart Month, I’m donating one dollar for every copy sold during the month of February to the Children’s Heart Foundation.
The book will also be available at Apple, Barnes & Noble and Kobo, but it hasn’t shown up on those sites yet. Go figure. I’ve been assured it could be as little as two hours, but could take up to two weeks, which is an enormous window. It makes you appreciate the four-hour window service people provide. And I must say, I never really feel all that appreciative when they say, “We can be there between 8:00 and 12:00 or 1:00 and 5:00.”
2. Review it. If you like it, I’d appreciate it if you would leave a review on Amazon. I’ve been told this is really important. It involves complicated algorithms and a bunch of other stuff that makes my head hurt. I don’t pretend to understand.
(Colman just pointed to a shape on a math worksheet and asked me, “Is this a polygon?” and I had to google it. So just know I’m way out of my league when someone mentions the word algorithm.)
You don’t have to write a lot, but just a few words to say why you liked it or didn’t like it. If you hate it, just make sure when you leave your review that you use all caps and lots of exclamation points. This will ensure I don’t miss it. You know, SHOUTY CAPS!!! I would sincerely appreciate it. 🙂
3. Share it. Tell all your friends about it. The e-book is lending-enabled so after you’re finished reading it, you can lend it to a friend.
(The cool thing about this feature is they HAVE to give it back at the end of two weeks, so they can’t keep your book forever like I’m wont to do with other people’s hardbacks and paperbacks.)
A few of my friends have already shared it on Facebook and twitter and every time I see it, I’m like, What a pretty cover! Oh, that’s mine! So I’d love to see you guys share it on social media. You can even use the hashtag #IHatePiñatas and #HeartMonth or #CHDAwareness. You can either do the fancy ñ or not. It’s totally up to you.
I think that pretty much covers everything. If you leave a comment in the “Comments” section of this blog, you’ll be entered to win a copy. I’m giving away two copies to kick off Congenital Heart Defects Awareness week, which is February 7th through the 14th. I’ll choose the winners using random.org. Only one comment per person, please. I’ll post the winners on February 7th.
Happy Heart Month, Y’all!
Crazy Heart Mama 
Damian Castro
21 months
Dextrocardia, Heterotaxy w/Asplenia, pulmonary atresia, TAPVR, dominant AV canal, Mitral Valve regurgation.
My daughter Arianna is 10. She has heterotaxy, hlhs and other conditions. I would love to win a copy of your Book. Thank you
My daughter is 3.5 years old, born in distress with SVT, officially diagnosed with Persistent Junctional Reciprocating Tachycardia at 3 weeks old, she’s been heavily medicated to keep the SVT at bay since her diagnosis, we’re looking at surgery, catheter ablation, around age 5 to hopefully correct the PJRT.
Kalleigh is 14 months with HLHS. She’s had two open heart surgery so far. She’s doing great. I’m excited to read your book! Thanks for doing this!
My son, Christopher will be 5 years old on Feb. 24th. He has Hypo-Plastic Left Heart Syndrome.
Awesome. Congrats.
Ezekiel “zeke” Caleb 5/24/11 hlhs etc
How do I do the fancy tilde “n”?
On a Mac, you hold the n key down and choose. Not sure about a PC. I haven’t figured that one out. Although I’m sure my little Spanish-speaking boys would know! 😉
Excited for you!
Caleb age 9. HRHS survivor!
I’ve ordered it and cant wait to read it. I’ve gotten extra copies for my sisters.
My son Bentley is 18 months old! VSD and ASD, open heart at 4 months!
Sophia Grace Gariel was born with TOF with Absent Pulmonary Valve in September of 2011and had her full repair in April 2013. She is awaiting her next OHS. 🙂 Can’t wait to read your book.
My 4 year old daughter was diagnosed with a large Artial Septal Defect on January 9th and Open Heart Surgery for the repair January 29th.
Chandler 8 years old COA and also had Aortic Arch Reconstruction with Bovine Pericardium Patch
My 7.5 son has DORV,Pulmonary Valve Stenosis,VSD.He’s had 2 open heart surgeries and just last year on the 12th of this month,they placed a stent.Thank you.
This book looks great! Might have to be my first download on my new kindle lol! My son Sawyer B was born 10/9/14 with pulmonary atresia and tof!
♡♡♥♥
Brooke, CCTGA, 19 months and totally amazing!
my son Brayden is 3 and was born with a double aortic arch and my daughter Makayla is 10 months and she was born with VSD. I would love to read about your journey!
Brenley 4 years old Tetralogy of Fallot.
My son is 3 and was born with a double aortic arch (he’s 1 in 10,000!) and my daughter is 10 months old and was born with VSD. I would love to read the words of another heart momma living this crazy journey!
My daughter Harper Knitter is 13 months old and has TOF with PA. She had open heart surgery at 2 weeks old. At her most recent cardio appointment the cardiologist was impressed with how her heart looks and says we may have up to 3 years before she needs to undergo another open heart surgery to replace her valve. I would love to get a copy of this book for myself and so my daughter can someday read it!
My son is a heart warrior. He has tetrology of fallout. Had his 1st open heart surgery when he was 3 months old. Now he is 8 and about to have his 2nd OHS in 3 weeks.
Hey! I am Lisa, mom to six, two born with complex CHD. My oldest son passed away as a baby due to complications from a pacemaker implant. My youngest is 9 and doing well. He was born with LTGA, DORV, Hypoplastic left vent, asd, vsd, ps, sub ps, ebsteinoid tricuspid and a crazy cross of WPW/PJRT. He also has autism and he happens to obsess over pinatas. I still hope to win a copy. 😉
Daughter is 12 years old. Coarchtation of the aorta, asd, vsd. Awesomeness !
My daughter is 8 years old and LOVES to read. She has aortic stenosis with a subaortic membrane (OHS at 2 years). She needs another OHS in the future to remove membrane and for an aortic valve replacement. Congratulations on your book! Bless you! ❤
I’ll put you in the drawing, but, please, do not let her read my book. Adults only! 🙂
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amazing! heart moms rule! what we can accomplish in a “spare” time is massive!
Greyson 3.5 HLHS, WPW
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Girl…you never cease to amAze me. I have loved reading your blog and am pumped to read your book. Ready to laugh and cry. Gotta go read!! Woohoo
Entering for a chance to win your book for my hlhs son Jackson!
Entering for a chance to win for my daughter! She’s about to be 6 months old with Heterotaxy, IIVC, COA, AVSD, and is facing her first OHS soon.
My daughter Brylee Holguin is 5 now. She was born with L-TGA, HLHS, ASD, VSD, STV, RAIV, ARSCA, PS, AND DEXTROCARDIA. She is Fontan complete and loving life.
So proud of you!!! Wow. And I do love the cover and want the art for my wall.
Big fan of yours!
Anne McG
As a mom to a 2 year old heart warrior born with CoA, BAV and hypoplastic aortic arch, I feel like I have dealt with my fair share of unexpected life challenges. I can’t wait to read the book!
2 years old. Hypoplastic right ventricle. Pulmonary Atresia. Tricuspid Atresia. Atrial Septal Defect. MAPCAs. Just joined a book club with friends and like the idea of making this my suggestion for reading when it’s my turn. Especially knowing that it’s not an “inspirational book” and since there are bad words in it. : )
Proud of you, HEATHER!!!! I will have to get a copy!
I am so excited about Heather Maloy’s book! I anticipate by reading this book I will gain a lot more information about anatomy and the incredible expansion ability of the human heart! And the unending love of a mother and father…
Bohdy, age 6. TGA, open heart surgery at 3 days old. Can’t wait to read your book!
CONGRATULATIONS! I will be ordering a book today! But if I win one..I will give it to a friend! Love you and so proud of you!
“Buy the book” CHECK. I just ordered my copy from Amazon, cannot wait to read it. “Share it” CHECK. Just spread the word with my book club. Fair warning that we’ll probably ask you to be our guest speaker (swear words and wine are a staple with us;-).
Congratulations, Heather. Many blessing to you and your family.
Love, Nicole Flowers and all the members of Between the Covers Book Club, Alamo Heights TX
Thanks so much, Nicole. And I’d love to come speak at your book club. 🙂
Robyn Howie
Coarctation of aorta and AVSD as part of CHARGE Syndrome
Nicole 08/03/06 VSD
As a patient with CHD secondary an underlying ultra rare genetic disorder I thought your book was great!
Erica
http://www.rarelydefined.blogspot.com
Thank you! I’m happy you liked it. 😉
My son had HLHS 29 years ago & passed away when he got an infection & went into shock after his Norwood surgery. Now his sister, my daughter, is facing the same thing with her unborn son. She read your book & I just finished it. It not only showed me how much has changed since our “rather experimental” surgery, but your humor & courage are daunting! Thank you for your inspiration!!!! Godspeed to you & your family!!
Cindy, I am so sorry to hear about your son. Things have changed quite a lot, even though it’s no walk in the park as you know. I’m sorry your daughter–and by extension you–are having to go through this all over again. Please keep me informed of how your grandson and daughter are doing. I’ll be thinking of them and sending positive and healing thoughts your way.