Stepping Stones

2021 eLit Book Awards Silver Medalist in Women's Issues
2021 15th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist in Addiction & Recovery
2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist in Memoirs (Personal Struggle/Health Issues)
2020 Best Book Awards Winner in Health: Addiction & Recovery
2020 International Book Awards Finalist in Health: Addiction & Recovery
2020 CIBA Journey Book Awards Semi-Finalist

"An inherently fascinating and ultimately inspiring read from beginning to end."
-Midwest Book Review

"The memoir is written in beautiful prose with insightful passages on life, suffering, inner freedom, and personal transformation. . . . I particularly enjoyed the honesty with which Marilea shares her story, pulling readers in with her strong, unwavering voice and exploring human nature and relationships with skill and mastery."
-Readers' Favorite

"This memoir, searingly honest in its description of substance use disorder, captures the cunning and relentless nature of the disease. Marilea says herself toward the end of her story, 'Hell was not arriving at the road to recovery sooner,' and one marvels as she points the way, after a lifetime of searching, toward reaching it."
-Marueen Cavanagh, MPS, MED, founder and president of Magnolia New Beginnings and author of If You Love Me: A Mother's Journey Through Her Daughter's Opioid Addiction

"Stepping Stones is an authentic glimpse into the life of a woman afflicted with multiple addictions. With stunning candor, Marilea describes the toxic and ruthless nature of this disorder as it escalates over much of her lifetime. I admire this author's courage in telling her painful story so eloquently."
-Kathleen Pooler, author of Ever Faithful to His Lead and Just the Way He Walked

"Marilea Rabasa's memoir will prove to be an eye-opener for many; and those who have known addiction may recognize its horrible descent into emotional and physical slavery. Read this book to meet a hero in search of her golden grail."
-Denis Ledoux, memoirist and director of The Memoir Network

"Marilea's journey weaves together critical pieces of her life; memories of heartbreak and triumph. This book offers compassion and understanding to every generation, reminding us to never give up hope!"
-Judy Herzanek, Director of Creative Development and Marketing, Changing Lives Foundation, and coauthor of Why Don't They JUST QUIT?: Hope for Families Struggling with Addiction