I am a big fan of self-published authors. It wasn’t terribly in vogue a few years ago, but their rise to prominence has stimulated a certain amount of competition in book publishing and brought some really interesting writers to the fore.

Amongst these is Cassie Farren – mum, entrepreneur, and self-published author. Having been sent Cassie’s book to read, I was touched by the simple prose and uninhibited honesty in the book, The Girl Who Refused to Quit.

Charting personal triumphs and disasters – divorce, depression, motherhood and career changes, Cassie’s story is unique because it’s hers, but it also contains so many things that we can all relate to, and that is what makes it special. A real woman with real emotions, worries and doubts she shows determination to succeed even at the times when a good three weeks under the duvet would probably have been preferable.

Crucially, (and without giving too much away) the book concludes with Cassie finding her place in the world by helping all women to overcome the confidence issues that seem to stand in the way of achievement and happiness.

The little book took me an afternoon to read and ended with a smile for the girl who has discovered the resilience that we all hope we can find deep down. To get better acquainted and inspired, check out her article Who do you think you are?