Reviews & Recognition
Praise for Love, Loss, and Awakening – (Mis)adventures on the Way Back to Joy
Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D.
Creators of Imago Therapy and authors of Getting the Love You Want
Love, Loss, and Awakening: (Mis)adventures on the Way Back to Joy chronicles Dennis Freed’s deeply personal journey back to a wholehearted and meaningful life after the devastating loss of his wife of thirty-one years. Through tears, laughter, and honest introspection, the reader walks beside Dennis as he explores grief, love, spirituality, and the courage it takes to begin again.
As Dennis navigates society’s expectations of a long-term caregiver and widower, he gradually emerges from mourning with a heart open to life’s next chapter. Tentatively returning to dating after decades away, he endures the awkward, hilarious, and humbling misadventures that come with re-entering the world of relationships. Through persistence, vulnerability, and trust in the process, Dennis discovers that joy is still possible.
Love, Loss, and Awakening is a courageous and uplifting memoir of sorrow, resilience, and renewal. Dennis Freed does more than tell his story — he empowers readers to move forward, rediscover love, and embrace life fully once again.
With warmth and humor, this book is an ode to the power of relationship in the face of heartbreaking loss, and a reminder that even after profound grief, joy and fulfillment remain within reach.
BookViral Reviews
🔗 https://bookviralreviews.com/
“An ode to love, loss, and new beginnings — poignant and cuttingly insightful — Love, Loss, and Awakening will leave no heart untouched and is likely to be returned to many times over. It is recommended without reservation.”
— BookViral Reviews
Chanticleer Reviews
“Too personal to be a how-to manual, Love, Loss, and Awakening is more akin to a vivid portrayal of someone desperately stumbling in the dark — fumbling for a light switch, a flashlight, even a match — to find a way out of despair and hopelessness. After many bumps and scrapes, he finally discovers what he has been seeking: happiness.”
— Chanticleer Reviews
Midwest Book Review
🔗 https://www.midwestbookreview.com/
“Candid, intimate, compelling, exceptionally well written, organized, and presented, Love, Loss, and Awakening: (Mis)adventures on the Way Back to Joy is an ultimately inspired and inspiring memoir that is very highly recommended for community library collections.”
— Midwest Book Review
Adriane Berg
Host of Generation Bold Radio (BIZTALK), New York Times Age Beat Fellow, and author of How Not to Go Broke at 102
“Dennis Freed is an essential voice in the field of self-renewal, creation, and life purpose. His book is written in a strong, engaging, and distinctly masculine voice — one that pulls no punches, yet is unafraid to express emotion. It is time to hear the masculine side of pulling your life together and loving again. This is one of my favorites.”
Paul J. Krupin
Founder of Direct Contact Publishing and author of How to Save the World
“Love, Loss, and Awakening will make you cry, laugh, cringe, and howl with wonder and delight. Dennis Freed shares hard-won insights about grief, healing, and rediscovering happiness with honesty and compassion. A moving and deeply human journey.”
Cynthia Wall, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and author of The Courage to Trust
“A story of digging deep after loss, Love, Loss, and Awakening blends emotional honesty with thoughtful reflection. Dennis Freed’s willingness to share both sorrow and growth offers readers practical wisdom as well as inspiration.”
