Peace by Piece
Some books are about breaking free. This one is about what comes after.
In Breaking the Shackles, Denis Ahern wrote about freeing himself from the invisible chains that held him back for years. Peace by Piece goes deeper. It's about putting yourself back together, one honest piece at a time, and learning to accept and love the person you find.
Denis set out to write one book, and then life changed everything.
Relationships shifted, people pushed back against the man he was becoming, and he had to face the question so many of us avoid: who am I when I stop living for everyone else's approval?
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What came out of that is raw, warm and real. It's a mix of short reflections, straight-talking truths, poems and deeply personal letters to himself. It reads less like a lecture and more like a conversation with a friend who's been through it and isn't afraid to tell you how it is.
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Inside, you'll find:
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How to stop comparing your life to other people's and start being enough for you
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Letting go of the people, habits and "familiar" places that keep you stuck
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Why the change in you can unsettle the people around you, and how to handle their resistance
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Owning your story, messy chapters and all, without being defined by your mistakes
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Letters to "Dear Me" and "Dear Younger Me" that will stop you in your tracks
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Choosing yourself, finding your tribe, and living unapologetically as who you really are
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Strength isn't about never struggling. It's about having the awareness to reach out and the resilience to keep going. Peace by Piece is for anyone who has outgrown the old version of themselves and is ready to make peace with the new one.
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You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to start - piece by piece.
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Yvonne Brewer
'Peace by Piece' is an inspiring, insightful read for anyone who needs encouragement on their path to self-love and self-awareness. A strong message shines through on the importance of being our true selves, despite the challenges that may arise. The book first appears to be a short, concise read, but every sentence is like a golden nugget of wisdom and guidance.
The latter pages feel raw, honest, and emotion-filled — the "Dear Me" letters in particular are intensively heartfelt. I've returned to it from time to time since, opening a random page for a bit of daily reflection. Highly recommend it for all ages, and it makes a perfect gift.
Eileen McCarthy
I told myself I'd read just a few pages before bed, but there I was hours later, completely hooked — one minute tearing up, the next laughing out loud, then crying again with pure happiness and pride. It flows so naturally you barely notice yourself being carried past the point where you said you'd stop.
I especially loved the idea of the letters to yourself — such a powerful way to reflect, heal, and move forward. Raw, real, and impossible to step away from.
Sarah Murphy
I slowed myself down reading this, wanting every sentence to soak in — that's why it's taken me so long to write a review. Raw, emotional, empowering, joyful, wise, relatable, and an extremely positive mindset — I could go on and on.
Pick up Denis's book, trust me, you will relate to it. And take the sound bit of advice inside: suit yourself, and forget everyone else. Well done, Denis.
More 5-Star Reviews
★★★★★ "A book of healing, a book of transformation - stays with you long after you turn the last page." Anna
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★★★★★ "The minute I picked it up I couldn't put it down. 10/10." Marion (verified owner)
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★★★★★ "Well worth a read, very inspiring and uplifting." Nuala Barrett
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★★★★★ "Feels like a trusted companion on the journey to inner peace." Ann O'Connell
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★★★★★ "A page turner that makes you stop and think." Ger
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★★★★★ "His sincerity and empathy are a testament to what an exceptional writer he is." Ciara, Le Grá Mór Holistic (verified owner)
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★★★★★ "Raw and honest but such a gentle read. Everyone should have this book." Miriam Collins (verified owner)
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★★★★★ "Loved it so much I gave one to every member of staff in my salon." Andy (verified owner)
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★★★★★ "Grounds you back to reality - the perfect poolside read." Hales (verified owner)