.Hi friend,
Yesterday, I clicked Publish.
Then I sat there staring at the screen for a very long time.
Not because I wasn't excited.
Because this book has lived inside me for decades.
And letting it out into the world felt a little like standing on the edge of a cliff.
For months, many of you have watched me disappear into a writing project I could barely talk about.
Well...
The Architect of Hope is officially available on Amazon.
Before I tell you more, one quick note.
You'll notice it's published under the name Michelle Kai.
That's my pen name.
I made that decision to protect the privacy and safety of my children and grandchildren. The story is deeply personal, and while I believe it needs to be told, I also wanted to give the people I love an extra layer of protection.
It's still me.
Still Jessi.
Still my words.
Still my heart.
Just under a different name.
This is unlike anything I've ever written.
It isn't a business book.
It isn't about making money online.
It isn't even simply a memoir.
It's the story of surviving nearly thirty years of coercive control, psychological/physical/financial/sexual abuse, gaslighting, and the slow disappearance of myself...and the even harder work of finding my way home again.
But here's something that surprised me while writing it.
This book isn't only for survivors.
It's also for...
❤️ the daughter trying to understand her mother.
❤️ the friend who keeps wondering, "Why doesn't she just leave?"
❤️ the coworker who suspects something isn't right.
❤️ the parent watching their child disappear inside a relationship.
❤️ the husband, wife, sibling, or best friend desperately trying to help someone they love.
If you've ever watched someone stay in a relationship you couldn't understand...
...I wrote this book for you too.
Because sometimes compassion begins with understanding.
The Kindle edition is available right now for $4.99, and if you're a Kindle Unlimited subscriber, you can read it at no additional cost.
Even better...
Amazon approved a Launch Week Deal, so from August 24–31, the Kindle edition will be just 99¢.
If you'd rather wait for the sale, please do!
I'd much rather you read the book than worry about saving a few dollars.
And if you'd simply like to see whether it's for you first...
I'm still giving away the Introduction plus the first two chapters completely free.
Just click this link (don't worry you won't get DOUBLE the emails!)
Can I ask one small favor?
Launching a first memoir is a little terrifying.
Every review helps another reader decide whether this book is the one they've been looking for.
If you decide to read it, an honest review—even if it's only a couple of sentences—would mean more to me than I can possibly explain.
Finally...
Thank you.
For reading my articles.
For cheering me on.
For believing in me while I wrote something I wasn't always sure I was brave enough to finish.
This book exists because enough of you kept saying,
"Your story matters."
I hope it helps someone feel seen.
With love,
Jessi Brooks
(writing as Michelle Kai)
P.S. If one person came to mind while reading this email, would you forward it to them? Sometimes a single email arrives on exactly the day someone needs it most.
(Believe me...I know)Some Stories Change You Twice.
The first time when you live them.
The second time when you finally tell them.
