If you feel stuck with no idea what you should do next, lifestyle celebrity and TV pioneer Debbie Travis's new book is for you. Drawing on the tough (sometimes hilarious) lessons Debbie learned in her own leap into a new way of living, and a multitude of stories, tips and ideas to jumpstart your dreams, she's created an inspiring roadmap for change. A few years ago, Debbie Travis realized that she was no longer challenged by her wildly successful TV career and she was so busy she was missing out on the people and things that made her happy. She dared to dream about a whole new direction in life--a plan to turn a 13th-century farmhouse in Tuscany into a unique hotel and retreat for people who need a change as much as she did. And now, after a crazy amount of work, she is not only living that dream but sharing it with others.
Her new book draws directly on her own experiences (when she started, Debbie could barely make a bed, let alone run a hotel in a foreign county) and the uplifting stories of personal u-turns shared by women who have come to her retreats. Debbie's "commandments" will inspire women (and men) who have lost track of who they are or what they want to be; who are going through the motions of a career that doesn't satisfy them anymore; who are wondering what to do with themselves now that their kids are gone or their marriage is over. On every page, Debbie shares the tools that helped her transform her life, and her example, her wit and her common sense advice will help motivate anyone who finds themselves standing at a crossroads wondering "What's next for me?"
NATIONAL BESTSELLER "Reflecting on her own experiences of personal U-turns, triumphs and challenges, as well as the stories of women who have come to her retreats, Travis's 'commandments' will inspire women of all ages who have lost track of who they are or what they want to be." --
The Suburban (Montreal)
"One of the most difficult things humans face in their lifetimes, and sometimes more than once, goes something like this:
What do I do now? How do I find my new purpose? What really makes me happy? Debbie Travis's new book,
Design Your Next Chapter, is the perfect literary companion to help you take the first step to actualizing your passions. Right from the opening paragraphs, you get a real sense that Debbie's experiences, both good and bad, will shine a light on taking chances and understanding that you, too, can take a leap towards new adventures in your own life. This book is not only inspiring but very funny, whimsical and infectious, and I know it will light a fire and motivate you to embrace the best things in life!" --
Jann Arden, singer-songwriter, and author of
Feeding My Mother and
Falling Backwards "In
Design Your Next Chapter, Debbie shares her courage, strength, beauty, confidence, experience and heart. I want nothing else in my own life than to surround myself with positive and inspiring people like this incredible woman. How wonderful that in her book she's offering us real ways to create a future for ourselves that is exactly as we dreamed it could be." --
Lynn Crawford, chef and cookbook author
"Honesty, passion and humour--these are the words I would use to describe my dear friend, Debbie Travis. She pours her heart and soul into everything she does. This book exemplifies exactly that.
Design Your Next Chapter takes you on a personal journey, in which you'll discover your own destination just as Debbie discovered hers. You will laugh and you will cry. And if you are searching for that missing piece of yourself, her book will throw you a lifeline." --
Marilyn Denis, television and radio host
"Debbie Travis combines her business, design and life experience in the most enjoyable, practical and stylish self-help book you'll read this year." --
Trish Halpin, editor-in-chief,
Marie Claire "Engaging and inspiring from start to finish,
Design Your Next Chapter is a powerful reminder that when we have the courage to speak our truths and step fully into our dreams, we can find the motivation to live our best lives. Diving into Debbie's new book is like spending a day with a really inspiring friend." --
Cathy Loblaw, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada
"Let Debbie Travis be your guide, guru or best friend. She knows how to live life to the brim. In these pages, she shares both her secrets and practical steps leading to her formidable and inspiring successes. This funny, touching and smart book will surely propel readers to make startling changes in their lives." --
Frances Mayes, author of
Under the Tuscan Sun "I loved it.
Design Your Next Chapter is wonderful in its honesty, freshness, self-irony and vital spirit." --
Patricia Reinmann, publisher, DTV
