About the Book
What do you do when saving someone else means losing yourself?
Growing up, Amanda idolized her sister Jenna, a beacon of light in a household marred by turmoil. But behind Jenna’s vibrant smile was a devastating secret: a heroin addiction that had silently gripped her since her teenage years.
Years later, when a plea for help exposes Jenna’s unseen struggle, Amanda is thrust back into a world she thought she’d left behind—a world of unspoken agony, uncertainty, and heartbreaking decisions. Torn between her loyalty to her sister and the need to reclaim her own life, Amanda must confront the complexities of their bond.
Jenna’s descent into despair tests the indestructible bond the sisters once shared, pushing Amanda to the brink of hopelessness and helplessness. Midnight calls for help, tense confrontations, and fleeting glimpses of hope reshape their relationship, forcing Amanda to make an impossible choice: Cut ties with her sister—or risk being consumed by Jenna’s fight for survival.
In a family fractured by addiction, this gripping memoir unfolds with raw honesty, chronicling Amanda’s emotional journey through love, loss, and redemption. Living in My Sister’s Shadow is a poignant reminder of the strength it takes to fight for someone else—and the courage required to save yourself.
About the Author
Amanda Bourque is a certified addiction recovery coach and certified life coach who combines these unique skill sets to support people who suffer from addiction and their loved ones. Living in My Sister’s Shadow is Amanda’s debut novel and a memoir chronicling her and her sister’s true life stories.
After studying business management at Southern New Hampshire University and graduating summa cum laude, she founded her own addiction recovery coaching service, Sober and Beyond, in honor of her beloved sister, Jenna. Amanda also frequently volunteers at an addiction rehabilitation center, which has helped her better understand addicts’ struggles and mindsets, making her a more effective resource for their recovery journeys.
After enduring many personal ordeals, Amanda is now determined to live her life to the fullest and help others along the way. She has pursued her passion for travel all her adult life and even spent five years living overseas, including in India, her favorite destination. She loves planning her next adventure abroad, reconnecting with nature, and taking annual hiking trips in Utah. She currently resides in Tampa, Florida.
For more information about Amanda, her mission, and overcoming addiction, please visit her website at soberandbeyond.com
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book What is it about?
This book highlights the experience of having a loved one with an addiction. The reader joins me on the turbulent ride of having a younger sister with an addiction. It travels through the entire process from finding out about it, attempting to help, her death, the grieving process, and how I eventually found my way. There are parts of this story that I have never shared with anyone and emotions that I had never admitted to feeling. So be prepared to experience them alongside me.
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, is it directed at any particular market?
Family members are often unacknowledged and unsupported during such traumatic and intense events surrounding addiction. My goal was to be raw and forthcoming about the situation so that other people can connect with it in genuine ways. The main objective is to serve others who have experienced addiction either second or third hand. To be a resource for them and support them with connection and care.
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
Lately. I’ve been reading a lot of fiction books based in Florida. Tim Dorsey, Laurence Shames, Paul Wilburn, Tom Cooper and R.F. Seabury are just a few authors in my rotation. I also love personal development books such as The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks and Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
I personally worked with a life coach during the process of writing Living in My Sister’s Shadow. She kept me on track with weekly goals and held me accountable each weekly session. She helped me process through the intense parts of the book as well as personal limitations. There are also wonderful resources at local libraries, online communities or bookstore events. We can only get good at something if we are first willing to be an amateur. So lean into the newness and allow yourself to explore with a fresh perspective.
Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?
My website is SoberAndBeyond.com which is where you can find blog posts, addiction resources, family support sessions, as well as join our mailing list. I can also be contact at amanda@soberandbeyond.com
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