The story was not written for me but for Tennyson and I appreciate that. The story has no chapters so that made it unique, however it seemed very long and drawn out. I found myself just skipping multiple pages as they just seemed to ramble on. The real life crime and survival is nothing short of traumatic and I appreciate the healing process she detailed and I hope it helps others heal. Overall, a very long book that could have been much shorter and without, what felt to me like, ramblings.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

read if you like:
🤞🏽 recovering after tragedy
🥹 therapy
📞 overcoming PTSD

summary:
This is a non-fiction story written by a woman who survived not one but two brutal home break-in’s, risking the life of her and her family. Back in 2013, outside of Seattle, a man broke into the Jacobson house during the day, stealing petty cash and hitting Tennyson in the face. But for some reason, she knew the battle wasn’t over. Later that evening, while Tennyson and her husband Kyle were sleeping, the man came back, beating Kyle nearly to death until Tennyson stabbed the intruder with a knife.

While that day itself was traumatizing for them, it was nothing compared to the trauma they faced in the aftermath. While the book discusses the event, it focused more on their recovery, and the various strategies and tactics they took to recover from that day. I found this particularly interesting, as Tennyson specifically tried various kinds of therapies and meditation to help her forget her memories, and she talks through how she felt and what progress she made as a result. She introduces the reader to her various therapists, and outlines their approaches and how they worked. For anyone struggling with PTSD or even who is interested in various kinds of therapy, traditional and less traditional, this book is a fascinating look in to that experience.

Thank you to R House Publishing and Net Galley for the advanced copy, and check this book out when it releases on May 13.

If you want to go through all the emotions in a book this is the one for you. The author goes through everything between traumatized by fear and carries you through her journey back to hope and healing.

In the middle of the night the world of Tennyson and her husband is changed forever. A violent home intruder forces them into a fight for their lives. The experience forces to rebuild her self-esteem while she faces her PTSD. She finds the inner strength not to only rebuild herself but also learns to thrive.

This book has given me hope that I too can learn to rebuild and thrive myself after longtime trauma.

~Thank you NetGallery and R House Publishing for the ARC.

Excellent book about coping with PTSD. This author went through a terrible attack in her home. It took her a long time to realize she needed help.
She writes about several coping strategies for dealing traumatic situations and dealing with PTSD. Most are aimed at women but men also could benefit from some of these.
A must read for women who have experienced trauma in their lives and are having difficulty coping.

I had the privilege of witnessing Tennyson bring The Mother Of All Days to life—from speaking her truth out loud to putting it on the page. Watching her step into that vulnerability with such raw courage was nothing short of inspiring. And that same vulnerability and bravery pulses through every word of this book. You don’t just read this—you feel it. And in feeling hers, you start to remember your own vulnerability and strength.

This isn’t just a story about surviving a violent home invasion with her husband, Kyle. It’s a three-part journey—life before that terrifying night, the brutal moment itself, and the long, silent, soul-wrenching road that followed. While headlines praised their survival, Tennyson was quietly unraveling—grappling with PTSD, unhealed childhood trauma, and the messy, miraculous work of healing.

If you’ve ever felt like no one could possibly understand your pain, her words will meet you right there. She’s the real deal—brave in a way that invites you to be brave too.

The Mother Of All Days isn’t just a book. It’s an invitation—to heal, to rise, to remember who you are and what you’re made of. Don’t just read it. Let it move you. Let it change you.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

What a book. This is a must read.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

Wow! That is all I can say about this book. It covers a range of emotions starting with fear, trauma and ending in hope and healing. This book details a time in the author's life where her and her family went through a traumatic event and it resulted in a long-term PTSD and depression.

Tennyseon Jacobsen was just a normal housewife trying to enjoy Mother's Day with her family which included her husband, her baby daughter and her mom. Her husband had gone out and left the girls are the house. Tennyson's life changed in a second when a man came into their house, forced himself upon her and ordered her to give him money. When she gave him the money she believe that the ordeal was over. He left. However, she felt like he would come back and he did. That night while they were sleeping, the couple's dogs alerted them that something was wrong. Thinking that they needed to just go to the bathroom outside the husband got up and let them out. Chaos ensued when the man had come back and decided to fight the husband attempting to injure him and kill him all while Tennyson looked on. During this time she didn't know what to do so she grabbed a knife from her kitchen and stabbed him inevitably ending his life. From here on out her life would be completely and utterly changed. The first half of the book covers the traumatic event and the second half covers how she dealt with after effects, a life after the news stories ended and after people forgot about what happened.

Tennyson went to work trying to figure out how to live her life again. Her and her husband were constantly scared. Trying to get through just the day without being terrified that somebody would come back and hurt them. They did therapy, medications, tried to forget about it and ignore it, and even exposure therapy. Finally, things started to change when friends started to get involved and help her and him get through things. She discovered that this was just a momentary time in their lives, and that while it would never be forgotten, it didn't have to be at the forefront of their mind everyday. I'm sure that she still gets triggered by things and that is totally normal but what an ordeal to go through and come out on the other side, still wanting to be a good not bitter person and wanting to live.

This book was great and I loved how the author wrote it. It didn't have any chapters, just subtitles and it felt as though I was curled up on her couch with a blanket as she was telling me her entire ordeal from start to finish. I felt like we were friends, she was just talking to me and explaining her situation. the book flowed so effortlessly from the time of her situation. I would highly recommend this book!

Thank you to Tennyson Jacobsen, Net Galley and R House Publishing for allowing me to review this ARC!