Praise for
From Broken to Brilliant: How to Live a Brilliantly Resilient Life
“As women, we often find ourselves navigating life’s unexpected sucker punches, those moments when our carefully laid plans seem to fall apart. But in From Broken to Brilliant, Mary Fran Bontempo not only helps us make sense of those moments—she teaches us how to rise from them. Her wisdom on resilience, drawn from her own heart-wrenching experiences, is a powerful reminder that no matter how broken we may feel, we always have the power to discover our brilliance.
This book isn’t just a guide—it’s a lifeline. Mary Fran’s stories and strategies are like beacons of hope, lighting the way for anyone ready to reset, rise, and reveal their true potential. What I love most about her approach is that it’s not about pretending everything is okay or fixing every problem at once. It’s about learning to thrive even amidst chaos and tapping into the brilliance that lives within all of us.
I’m beyond honored to be part of this journey with her, and I know that anyone who reads this book will feel empowered to turn their own broken moments into brilliant victories. So, buckle up and be prepared for a wild and wonderful ride ahead, presented with impeccable grace, oodles of inspiration and, of course, Mary Fran’s comedic personality that’s always a joy to behold.
Mary Fran, Well Done, Beautiful! Once again, you’re brilliantly busting hearts wide open while inspiring and empowering us all through your words, wisdom, and journey through life.
Catherine Grace O’Connell ~ Founder, Mastering Modern Mid-Life, https://catherinegraceo.com
“As a teacher, speaker, and writer, I could have grabbed any of Mary Fran’s chapters as inspiration, but Chapter 14, about the “Brilliance bucket”, snatched the gold medal spot for me. I’ve not always enjoyed the concept of a “bucket list”, but this fresh take speaks to my soul. I tend to promote the recognition of small successes in others and then hold myself to a different standard, acknowledging only the “big deal ones” and punishing myself with harmful feelings of defeat when those end poorly. Seeking, identifying, and celebrating the abilities and traits I have that can change the world, well, that is the refresher I needed, and I think you need it too. What a blessing this book is for all of us!”
Kathy Nimmer ~ 2015 Indiana Teacher of the Year and National Finalist, Motivational Speaker, kathynimmer.com
“When you are racing to respond to one of life’s many crises, you can’t drag a bookshelf of self-help resources around with you. Fortunately, Mary Fran Bontempo has your back. From Broken to Brilliant is a ‘go bag’ of useful strategies—nuggets culled from her own hard-earned experience and the wisdom of more than two dozen podcast guests. Delivered in her characteristic sassy style (she puts the ‘smart’ in ‘smart ass’), the book also includes practical reflection questions to help you apply each insight to your own life. It’s a master class in getting a grip while remaining endlessly kind to yourself!”
Christine Marie Eberle, Inspirational Speaker, Retreat Leader, and Author of Finding God Along the Way: Wisdom from the Ignatian Camino for Life at Home, christine-marie-eberle.com
“From Broken to Brilliant is more than just a book; it’s a wake-up call to anyone feeling stuck, broken, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. It offers not just inspiration but practical steps to reclaim your innate strength and transform adversity into an opportunity for growth. Mary Fran has written a book full of humor, knowledge, and understanding of what it takes to be resilient at all stages of our life.”
Lynnis Woods-Mullins ~ Holistic Living and Wellness Expert, Women Over 40, wellnesswoman40.com
“Ever feel like you’re on a path filled with potholes and dead-end signs? There is a way to make it feel like things are on track, and throughout From Broken to Brilliant, Mary Fran Bontempo shows you how. It’s time to step into your Brilliantly Resilient life and start making things happen, no matter what roadblocks you find in your way!”
Kate Erickson Dumas ~ Entrepreneurs On Fire, EOFire.com
“We all feel stuck sometimes, when you really need that friend who knows what to say to help you take action, even if it’s a first, small step toward needed change. Mary Fran Bontempo’s book is a gift because she’s given us that practical, generous inspiration in one place. She’s the friend you need until you learn how to be that friend for yourself!”
Sarah Gormley ~ Art Gallery Owner and Author of The Order of Things, sarahgormley.com
“As someone who spent many of my younger years feeling broken until one day someone called me brilliant, the title of this book immediately caught my attention. What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would resonate with my own mindset. In From Broken to Brilliant, Mary Fran Bontempo shows how our brilliance often lies within our greatest challenges. This message struck a chord with me, reaffirming my belief that even when we feel broken, there is brilliance waiting to be discovered. Thank you, Mary Fran, for sharing your light and empowering so many of us through your own brilliance.”
Sara Canuso, President, Women That Influence
“From Broken to Brilliant is an inspiring guide that offers a roadmap for anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of life’s challenges. Mary Fran masterfully combines personal anecdotes with practical advice, making it a relatable and empowering read. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to overcome adversity and live a life filled with purpose and empowerment.”
Donna Marie Hayes ~ Award-winning author of These Broken Roads, SAG-Actor, Life-Coach, Cabaret singer, www.donna-hayes.com
“If only I had this book 30 years ago, I would have saved myself time and money ruminating in the train wrecks and sucker punches which Mary Fran describes. This book is a great read for those of us struggling to move forward and a good reminder to all of us how to effectively deal with the next sticky situation that comes our way.”
Chrysa Smith ~ Award-winning Author of The Poodle Posse book series, The Upside-Down Gardner and Look Up, Little Mouse. wellbredbook.net
“From Broken to Brilliant is the reminder we all need as we move through life’s unexpected and overwhelming challenges. Fans of The Obstacle is the Way, by Ryan Holiday, will love From Broken to Brilliant. Mary Fran Bontempo presents tactical strategies to accept the storms but not let the crashing waves hold you down in a state of breathlessness. Instead, step into your own brilliance through your heavenly gift of resilience.
Dr. Robyn Graham ~ Business Growth Strategist and Master Certified Life Coach, www.therobyngraham.com
“In her book From Broken to Brilliant, Mary Fran Bontempo lovingly shakes you out of ‘stuck’ and leads you down a path to a life of exponential growth. Mary Fran is a unique expert who does not just tell you how to move forward; she shares the exact steps and actionable wisdom to get you to where you want to go. Readers are lovingly guided out of their current limitations as she shares her own walk out of a dark time. Mary Fran knows exactly what readers need at each step of this journey. As I read, I often wondered, ‘How can she read my mind and deliver the exact next piece of the puzzle that I need as I read this book?’
With each turn of the page, you feel Mary Fran cheering you on as you walk that painful path of getting over all that holds you back, including your limiting beliefs, bad habits, and negative thinking. She has you dream of your new life based on your wants, needs, and values and then helps you put supports in place to ensure you stay on the path to realize all that you desire. It is all out there waiting for you, and she helps you go and get it.
I have been blessed to have Mary Fran walk me (hold me up) through the tragic loss of my ex-husband as I was living in a marriage of domestic violence (and then escaping that relationship). As a friend, coach, and speaker, she walks the walk of every word that she writes while selflessly helping all who are lucky enough to cross her path.
Jennifer Gardella, PhD ~ Author, Listen for the Whispers of Abuse, https://jennifergardella.com
“Mary Fran Bontempo graces us with her warmth, wit, and wisdom in this gem of a book. Read it and learn more about ways to uncover, enhance and build your own Brilliant Resilience.”
Dr. Lise Deguire ~ Award-winning Author of Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor; Nautilus Book Award memoir: Gold; Living Now Book Award memoir: Silver https://www.lisedeguire.com