Rising From The Ashes
The Healing Power Of Becoming
About the Book
Rising From Ashes: The Healing Power of Becoming What if your most broken moments held the keys to your becoming? Amy Bragdon’s life unraveled slowly, then all at once—a family medical crisis, a house fire, career overwhelm, caregiving roles… and yet, something powerful emerged from the ashes. In this soulful and compelling memoir, Amy shares how she rose—not in spite of the chaos, but because of it. Through moving reflections and transformative travels across Venice, Paris, New Orleans, Quebec, and beyond, she captures what it means to find peace without perfection and purpose through pain. From building saunas with her father to hosting strangers at Bragdon Airbnb… From walking with her sister through trauma to lighting candles in cathedrals… From crumbling under the weight of responsibility to daring to dream again… This is a story about faith, resilience, restoration—and the beauty that waits on the other side of surrender. Whether you're grieving, caregiving, surviving, or simply searching, this book is a hand on your shoulder whispering: "You’re not alone. You’re not too late. And you can still Become Anyway."
Reader Reviews
Raw honest and full of hope! A must read! Reading Rising from the Ashes, I was struck by how real and relatable it felt. Amy’s honesty about exhaustion, loss, and carrying heavy responsibilities hit close to home. What stood out most was the balance of raw emotion with hope—you see the struggles, but you also see the growth. This isn’t just a book about healing; it’s a reminder that even when life knocks you down, you can become stronger through it. I closed the last page encouraged to keep pushing forward and to embrace the process of becoming, even in hard seasons.
Rob Titcomb
A great addition to your self-help collection An engaging account of resilience and meaning making. The author offers hope and guidance by reflecting on her own life experience. The action and reflection segments facilitate personal processing making this a great addition to any self-help collection.
Julie McConaghy
A must read for the soul Rising from the Ashes is beautifully written and easy to follow—like sitting down for tea with your best friend. Heartfelt, relatable, and inspiring, it’s truly a must-read!
Debora Bragdon
Amy’s story touched me deeply. It reminded me that even in the darkest times, there’s always a spark of hope waiting to rise. Her words felt like healing in book form.
Sarah L
I picked this up during a rough time in my life, and I’m so glad I did. “Rising from the Ashes” gave me the courage to start again — it’s truly life-changing.
Jennifer M
This book is raw, honest, and beautifully written. You can feel Amy’s heart on every page. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you finish it.
Michael R
About the Author
Amy Bragdon
Amy Bragdon’s story isn’t simply one of milestones—it’s a living, breathing testimony of faith, resilience, and the beauty of becoming. Raised in the heart of rural New Brunswick, Amy grew up in a bustling home filled with love, laughter, and the scent of her mother’s cooking drifting through a house always humming with life. Her father, a hardworking man at the AV Nackawic pulp and paper mill, and her mother, a multitasking powerhouse who held multiple jobs while raising their children with fierce devotion, taught her that grit and grace could coexist—and that giving your best, even on your hardest days, is what defines true character. It was in this environment of unconditional love and unwavering work ethic that Amy’s spirit was shaped. Her heart for people, justice, and transformation was stirred early on—especially by the mission of World Vision. That seed of compassion has grown into a life of deep calling and purpose. Today, Amy serves as a Regional Engagement Advisor for World Vision Canada, continuing the very mission that first moved her heart as a little girl. But Amy is also a woman of many callings. A top-producing Realtor, she has blended her passion for community with her professional success—giving back with every transaction through initiatives like the YMCA Strong Communities Campaign and Habitat for Humanity, where she also serves on the Board of Directors. Her clients quickly learn that she’s not just helping people find houses—she’s helping build homes, dreams, and hope. At the core of Amy’s life is story. She is a storyteller in every sense—whether she’s writing from her sunroom, welcoming guests at her Airbnb, or sharing tales of her global travels. Her first book, Beauty for Ashes, invited readers into the sacred spaces of loss, faith, and healing. Her second book, Rising From Ashes: A Symphony of Destinations, is a deeply personal continuation—a tapestry woven with travel, trial, music, family, and grace. With over a decade spent sailing the seas aboard cruise ships and years devoted to hospitality, marketing, tourism, and philanthropy, Amy’s experiences stretch far beyond borders. Her passion for culture, food, music, art, and people shines through every story she tells. Whether she’s dancing in the snow in Quebec, walking through the 9th Ward of New Orleans, or standing under cathedral ceilings in Paris, Amy captures the soul of a place—and the sacred thread that connects us all. Her life mantra: “Cease not the day, for within its fleeting hours lie the seeds of tomorrow’s dreams.” Her anchor: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) As this next chapter unfolds, Amy Bragdon remains a beacon for those navigating loss, longing for healing, or simply seeking the courage to rise. She is a realtor with a mission, a dreamer with a passport, and an author whose heart beats for beauty, even in the ashes.