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Sunday, November 15, 2026 Independent editorial reviews. No user ratings, no paid scores.
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The Moment We Rise Review: Stories of Healing and New Beginnings

This anthology shares powerful personal accounts of transformation and resilience. Crystal Soleil's chapter highlights a near-death experience that led to a holistic healing path.

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The Moment We Rise: Stories of Healing, Purpose, and the Courage to Choose a New Beginning
Image: Morning Oak Publishing

The Moment We Rise: Stories of Healing, Purpose, and the Courage to Choose a New Beginning is an anthology that brings together fifteen voices, each sharing a personal journey of transformation. Published by Morning Oak Publishing and compiled by Vickie Gould, this collection explores how unexpected events can reshape lives. Among the contributors is Crystal Soleil, a Saint Lucia wellness practitioner whose chapter recounts a near-death experience that redirected her path toward holistic healing. The book reached bestseller charts in multiple countries and categories, including Biography Reference and Mental & Spiritual Healing, reflecting its broad appeal.

Readers will find themselves drawn into narratives that span illness, grief, trauma, relationships, and self-discovery. The anthology is structured to offer hope and practical insight, showing how courage can emerge from difficult moments. Each story stands on its own, yet together they create a cohesive message about resilience and the human capacity for change. The writing is accessible and heartfelt, making it suitable for anyone seeking inspiration or a deeper understanding of personal growth.

What is The Moment We Rise?

The Moment We Rise is an anthology of personal essays that explore themes of healing, purpose, and new beginnings. The book features fifteen authors who share their experiences with life-altering events, from medical emergencies to emotional turning points. Crystal Soleil’s chapter, “The Peace I Found Within,” describes a dental procedure that led to a medical crisis and a subsequent journey into mindfulness and energy work. Her story is a centerpiece of the collection, illustrating how peace can be found even in the most frightening circumstances.

The anthology is designed to be both a source of comfort and a catalyst for reflection. Each author brings a unique perspective, but the underlying thread is the idea that challenges can open doors to new possibilities. The book is part of a series of bestselling anthologies, including The Call Within and Whispers of the Soul, and continues the tradition of sharing transformative narratives. All proceeds from sales benefit the Brighter Healing Foundation, which supports holistic healing education and resources.

What Stands Out

Authentic and Diverse Voices

Each contributor offers a genuine account of their personal journey, creating a rich tapestry of experiences. The variety of backgrounds and situations ensures that readers can find stories that resonate with their own lives. Crystal Soleil’s narrative is particularly compelling, as it details a rapid descent into a medical emergency and the unexpected calm that followed.

Focus on Inner Peace

The anthology emphasizes that peace is not dependent on external circumstances. Soleil’s realization that “peace was not dependent on circumstances” becomes a recurring theme. This message is delivered through vivid storytelling rather than abstract philosophy, making it accessible and memorable.

Holistic Healing Perspective

The book introduces readers to practices such as mindfulness, Reiki, and meditation through real-life examples. It does not preach but instead shows how these tools can be integrated into recovery and daily life. This practical approach adds depth to the narratives.

Charitable Impact

Every purchase supports the Brighter Healing Foundation, which works to expand access to holistic healing education and resources. This gives readers an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while enjoying the book.

Who It’s For

The Moment We Rise is ideal for readers interested in personal development, holistic wellness, and stories of resilience. It will appeal to those who have faced their own challenges and are looking for inspiration or validation. The anthology is also suitable for book clubs, as each chapter can spark discussion about themes like courage, identity, and change. Because the stories are relatively short and self-contained, the book is easy to pick up and put down, making it a good choice for busy readers.

Additionally, anyone curious about alternative healing practices will find value in the firsthand accounts. The book does not require prior knowledge of mindfulness or energy work; instead, it introduces these concepts through personal experience. This makes it accessible to newcomers while still offering depth for those already familiar with holistic approaches.

What Makes It Worth Considering

The anthology stands out for its emotional authenticity and practical wisdom. Rather than offering generic advice, the authors share specific moments of crisis and discovery, allowing readers to draw their own lessons. Crystal Soleil’s story, for example, illustrates how a terrifying medical event can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and a career in healing. This kind of concrete example is more powerful than abstract motivational writing.

The book also benefits from its collaborative nature. Fifteen perspectives provide a range of insights, so readers are likely to find at least a few stories that deeply resonate. The writing quality is consistently high, with each author bringing their own voice and style. The pacing is well-managed, as the shorter chapters keep the narrative moving without becoming repetitive. For those seeking a meaningful read that also supports a charitable cause, this anthology is a strong choice.

Verdict

A moving collection of real-life stories that inspire reflection and courage, perfect for anyone seeking hope after hardship.

Frequently asked questions

It is an anthology of 15 personal stories about healing, purpose, and choosing a new beginning after life-changing events.

The anthology was compiled by Vickie Gould, founder of Life Changing Energy.

Yes, she contributed a chapter titled 'The Peace I Found Within' about her near-death experience.

The Moment We Rise is available in eBook and paperback formats on Amazon.

All proceeds benefit Brighter Healing Foundation, which expands access to holistic healing education and resources.

It follows earlier bestsellers like The Call Within and Whispers of the Soul.

Readers interested in personal growth, resilience, holistic wellness, and inspiring true stories.