I loved your book so much! It was such a beautiful read, written simply and eloquently for all to enjoy. I felt your journey deeply throughout. I saw the impulsive boundless, adventurous teenager over the years grow into a mature, wise healer and teacher all through life's hard yet somehow beautiful experiences. I learnt that it's not what happens to you that defines you, but how you deal with all things that come towards you and Mari you dealt with the hardest of circumstances with only Grace and Grace of God. I am positive that God and some higher energies are blessing you constantly. Your resilience is something else! You went through so many trials and tribulations and still emerged on top, strong and more beautiful than when you first began. It's an experiential journey which you took us through and I felt every feeling with you. I'm in awe of you and know this book will touch millions and become a worldwide best-seller. I learnt so much. Must read ;0) PS... There are so many golden nuggets throughout this book for anyone who wishes to heal their mind body spirit and being, I loved how you weaved The Willow Tree into all experiences. I loved the miracles that surfaced at every stage. I also loved how nature and the love of close family and friends was the healing balm that walked with you throughout, also the deep connection to life and spirit and God. Oh I could go on but I will end with this: Your book is a magnificent read for all who want to heal and be inspired by you: You wise, amazing human!

Rarely have I been so profoundly moved, or encountered a journey into the unfolding of such depth of spiritual truth, as in this book. Mari writes with such vivid eloquence, in a style that is intimately conversational, yet at the same time reflective and considered. This is mature writing arising out of lived experience fully embraced. You know as you read each new revelation, and its accompanying process, that what you're reading is integrated soul wisdom. You know it because your own soul resonates with every word. Throughout is the willow tree. Its meaning and significance, its innate wisdom and timeless lessons, are interwoven so skilfully with the events and experiences Mari shares so vulnerably that you realise, very gradually, that the two are becoming one in the most enlightening way. And you are left in awe, both at the path the author has invited you to walk with her, and the way that accompanying her has influenced your own inner resilience and conviction that we can survive. This is not a heroic story of a fighting and winning. That, we come to realise, is not the way. It is gentler, braver than that. It is about the release and relief of surrender. It is about trust that is fearless because it has transcended fear. I urge you to read this transformational book! It is rare indeed! Thank you, Mari - I am so full of gratitude for all you have shared!

As someone who has a habit of starting a book but rarely completing it, this was certainly the pager turner! I could not put it down! Mari’s way with words has the ability to make you feel you’re sitting next to her - Every emotion, good & bad, every hurdle & milestone acknowledged will have you crying tears, laughing out loud & counting your blessings on another level. Truly captivating, inspiring & moving in every way - You will find yourself sharing her story with those you feel need to hear it the most. Thank you for trusting us & sharing your journey x

Mari has a way of sharing her journey in not only an authentic way, but in a way that allows you to really feel her emotions at every step of her journey. She shares vulnerably and candidly, opening her heart to you, so that you can connect with her experience and apply the wisdom and lessons she learnt to your own life. This truly is a story about resilience, re-birth and second chances, that not only empowers, but also reminds you that you're never alone as you walk through life, no matter what challenges you may be facing. Thank you Mari for sharing your story, so that I, and many others could feel safe to share and find the wisdom in our own lives.

This book is packed full with eye-opening, mind shifting wisdom.

Such a touching and inspirational story. The more I read, the more I connected with every word. I had so many lines I wanted to highlight. One that really stuck out to me was, "I realized that nothing external could define me. Any part of me that can be taken away, cannot be part of the definition of who I am..."

If you're reading the review section debating if this book is worth purchasing, do not hesitate.

It is an absolute must read :)

A beautiful life story that defines what courage and strength is.

Marie has given strength and courage a new definition with this beautiful life story. She takes us on a journey from beginning to end. Reading every page makes you feel like you’re with Marie every step. You can feel her pain, worries, sadness, and happiness. Life will put so many obstacles in your way, but it’s how you rise from them that defines you at the end. Marie shows us that when it seems like all hope is lost, the fire in you will rise and help you overcome the one thing that you thought could destroy you. Marie you’re a force of nature and you have blessed us with a life changing story.

OMG! I would be rating this book 5+! I could not put the book down when I started. It's been written from the heart and I could feel Mari telling me about her journey. Everyone should read this.. it gives you hope and trust to the universe. It resonated to me in many ways, just when you think should I give up there is a sign that comes in many forms to explain the purpose for us. Thank you Mari for sharing your story and you are my true inspiration!

I usually chew on books for weeks or months. I read “The wisdom of the willow tree” over a weekend; it was so engaging. It could had been a book of drama, pain, and suffering. Instead, it is a book of resilience, hope and joy. Humanity, generosity and above all, gratitude are pouring out of every page of the book. It is clear from the very beginning that the book is written from the heart of its beautiful author, describing her journey in life. A journey of resilience, soul searching, evolution and transformation. The title is perfect and the link to the willow tree is regularly made for the reader. The book is a must read for everyone as the messages are universal. From the privileged to the less fortunate, from those stuck in the rat race to those who finally found something the love, for everyone who is searching for their purpose. Mari I am so proud of you!

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very easy to read and I read it in a very short time.

This book was Inspiring and positive! A book about life, resilience, how to overcome obstacles, evolve, transform. A story about faith!

A book I will carry with me throughout my life.

I am continuously impressed by you!

I read this book within a very short time as it is very engaging and kept my attention to the end! It contains so many teachings and positivity. It effortlessly encourages you to see things from a positive perspective, even in the worst conditions. I couldn't expect anything less from such a charismatic and inspirational person as Mari. Thank you for sharing your journey with us Mari!

An incredible book, so captivating and inspiring. Major life lessons. A must read!

I’m around 3/4 of the way through & I can’t put this book down when I am reading it. It is thought-provoking, mind-altering and truly enlightening. I was captivated from the first page. I thought I knew Mari well, until I read this book. I feel honoured for her to give such a vivid and authentic insight into her life and past, whilst also blessing us with life lessons for us to live by and receive as a gift. Thank you for writing this. It has already touched me so much ❤️ Emily x

What a brave decision to leave the security of a "city job" with the security and independence it gives after such a traumatic marriage. Then to take that step to analyse your current situation asking yourself three honest questions and then decide to take on a new chapter in a different country, different type of employment!!

Good for you girl!!!

On to part two !!

Mari appeared in my life like an angel about a year ago. As we started getting to know each other and she told me briefly about her brain surgeries, I was in awe how it was even possible that this wonderful woman went through all this and is now healthier and stronger than ever and talks so gracefully about the wisdom and the revelations she gained through the entire process.

Little did I know this was only a tiny part of her story. Not until I read her book, have I started to understand what she has really been through from early adulthood on.

There is a saying that all the great teachers had a tough and challenging life - I think it is very true and Mari is a real-life example of that.

Despite all of the challenges she has faced, she has always kept her unshakable faith that everything was going to work out perfectly.

Her book is a guide on how to make it through any situation while staying humble and grateful. It not only gives us hope but also helps us recognize what is truly important in our lives.

Mari’s story draws you in and leaves you with challenging and thought provoking questions! I loved it!

From the moment you turn the first page you are completely sucked into this incredible story of a woman who made some ballsy decisions throughout her life trusting her gut/instinct.

For me, this story highlighted two things about Mari:

She was incredibly resilient. Some may read the book and say life was unkind but the more you read on you can see how Mari sees the ‘silver lining’ in every challenge and finds a way to overcome.

She had huge trust in something bigger than herself which allowed her to surrender when she encountered so many difficulties.

I know this is her story but her chapter ‘From Mud to Gold’ is though provoking and packed with questions we all need to ask ourselves.

I am so grateful I read this.

Transportive, unputdownable and highly motivational! Marie has laid open the doors to her life in the most honest way an author can. She has communicated the most delicate, fragile and profound moments of her life with utmost sincerity, to inspire readers with her fascinating journey.

Her way of writing is not just articulate but also unusually gripping and moving. One can envisage every passage with the clarity of a scene in a movie. Her spirit is exemplary.

I strongly recommend this deeply inspirational and evocative book to anyone who wishes to understand what it is to truly live, surmounting every curveball life throws their way.

The book you wrote is full of feelings, emotional states of all kinds for everyone.

It moved me deeply and I can say that I still admire you for what you are, for what you love, and you do it with passion with your loved ones.
You are a strong woman; I admire perseverance and the style of fighting for something beautiful. You are an extraordinary mother and an extraordinary woman.

Regarding the soul and the body, your message in the book is for me - to love the body, to listen to our body and to create symbiosis with nature and God.

I had moments when it was difficult for me to go through certain chapters in your book because of the conditions you experienced. I was overwhelmed, I cried, and I am glad that you were not alone and your wonderful family (your mother, your sisters, and your son) and your close friends were with you.

Don't forget you are a fantastic woman, you have a beautiful smile, a wonderful soul.

Live your life, the way you want and be in symbiosis with the Mother Nature and God.

Mari, what a journey and inspiration your book is!! It is such an incredible life story in which I found myself! It reminded me of my childhood at the country side with grandparents. The message and life lesson that literally teaches you, it’s undescribable! I had the chance of meeting the beautiful author, Mari, in person and believe me when I say: she is a joy to be around! Thank you for writting this amazing life story that made me rethink of decissions I should take in life, of how God allows people to go away from our life, to leave the best to come! Thank you for your time and for sharing your memories with us! I purchased the book in the time when I needed the most, to understand that loving yourself is the most important and, being single at 32 and enjoying life is absolutely fine! Thank you, beautiful! You, that reads my comment now, get this book! You will not leave it down from your hands until you get to the last page!! Trust me!!