For anyone who is into open water / wild swimming...this is a book for you, but not just for you. It is for anyone who has loved and lost, who has experienced the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows, for anyone who has grief embedded as part of the fabric of their soul, for anyone who has had to take a step back and reassess / reset the life SatNav. It is, quite simply, a beautiful, and at times, heartbreaking take on love, life, growth and the journey that all of that takes us on.

Breaking Waves takes readers on a deeply emotional and transformative journey through Emma’s life, offering a raw, authentic, and unfiltered portrayal of her personal growth. Her narrative is incredibly captivating, drawing you into her world as she navigates grief, self-discovery, and the often messy yet beautiful process of becoming a new version of herself. The way Emma weaves her story is not only relatable but powerfully immersive, her struggles and triumphs are felt so deeply that you find yourself experiencing every moment right alongside her. What makes this book even more remarkable is how it celebrates the strength of other ordinary women who have inspired Emma on her path. Each woman in Emma’s life has faced her own adversities, overcoming them to find their own sense of self and peace. This collective resilience is a testament to the power of solidarity and shared experience, making the book all the more powerful for those who, like many of us, juggle the demands of work, parenting, ageing, and the pursuit of personal happiness. Breaking Waves resonates on a personal level because it taps into universal themes. It speaks to the struggle of balancing external expectations with internal needs, of finding peace in your own skin and with the support of those around you. As I turned each page, I felt Emma’s emotions as if they were my own—her sorrow, her joy, and her hard-earned sense of peace. I devoured this book in one sitting, at times moved to tears, and at others, filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the beauty of living intentionally and being present in the moment. Breaking Waves isn’t just a book; it’s a life-changing experience. It reminded me of the profound joy that comes from embracing the messy, imperfect moments and finding beauty in the struggle. I was so deeply moved by Emma’s journey that I’ve gifted copies to friends who, like me, have found solace and peace through cold-water swimming. This book will resonate with anyone who’s ever tried to find their true self amid the chaos of everyday life.

I received a pre-release version of this book and I'm so glad I did. Breaking Waves offers a deeply emotional journey that resonates with anyone who has experienced profound loss, even if, like me, they’ve never set foot in open water. While the wild, expansive seas remain foreign to me, the themes of grief, healing, and self-discovery feel strikingly familiar. Emma Simpson’s portrayal of her raw emotions after loss speak to the universal pain of losing someone you love. The way she turns to the water for solace, gradually finding herself again, mirrors how many of us search for something - anything - that can anchor us in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. The water becomes a symbol of renewal, not just for the author, but for the women she meets, each with their own remarkable story of survival and transformation. Her journey shows us how nature can provide a sense of freedom and connection when words and conventional comforts fall short.