5"Mariliz's story comes from a free-spirited soul convinced that no singular belief, no stereotype of women or relationships, applies to everyone. She persists to embody that freely, on her own terms. As we all should Her vulnerability is beautiful. Her heart is raw and hopeful. Her story is something we've all lived to one degree or another and suffered the pain of. The safe place she makes for us readers in this book to be and heal from our own choices is priceless. The honour she paid me of assisting her in getting her story told has made me realise that it comes from a woman with a fierceness that I underestimated. The pull inside her, to live and love without boundaries, is more powerful than I realised; all with her beautiful heart flung wide open She is what I aspire to be".Kiersten Garrison--------------------"Mariliz's story reveals the raw courage, determination, and fearlessness, of a woman searching for love and her 'place'in life. With many hurdles and insecurities to face after moving halfway across the world, her story shows many facets of her life and personality. Mariliz opens herself up to the reader in a raw and honest way. Showing that no matter what life throws at us, we can all overcome adversity; we can search within ourselves for the real "meaning" of our lives; and we can still haveenduring hope that everything will turn out just that way we have always dreamed. As a friend of over nine years, it was my pleasure to both read and help edit Mariliz's story. It gave me a greater insight into the fabulous, strong woman she is, and a new appreciation of my dear friend".Kim Hull