My
Story
The Prairie Collection grew out of my personal bookshelf — one stacked with books I didn’t just read, but lived through.
These pages helped me walk through healing, faith, heartbreak, trauma, leadership, and everything in between.
I’m not a counselor or expert, just someone who’s been through a few storms and found comfort in written words and shared stories. I read to learn, but I write — and share these books — from experience.
Whether you’re navigating something hard, looking for a way forward, or just curious about what shaped me… you’re welcome here. Take a look around. If a book calls your name, I hope you’ll reach out and I’ll send it your way.
xx.
BR
As you browse the collection below, I hope that you are able to refer back to this page as a place to find your next read. Please feel free to get into contact with me to inquire about "renting" a book.
In Pursuit of Love
Rebecca Bender
'Through her own gripping story of escape from human trafficking, Rebecca Bender reveals the inner workings of the underground world of modern-day slavery and helps us learn how we can be a catalyst for change where we live.'
I got this book a few short minutes after meeting Rebecca in the Dallas airport on a layover. Her personal story is one that I couldn't put down and finished over the weekend at a rodeo. I recommend reading the terminology dictionary in the back before reading to become familiar with situations that I hope you as the reader have never had to deal with.
Forgiving What You Can't Forget
'Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That’s Beautiful Again.'
I purchased this book in 2022, as if a pandemic wasn't enough to deal with, let's throw a breakup on top of it. I knew at this point in my life, I really needed to start actively speaking up and reaching out to dig myself out of the hole that I had just mentally and physically endured. This was my first book I purchased to start my "self help" journey. There's a reason it's a #1 NY Times Bestseller.
Greenlights
Matthew McConaughey
'The life-changing memoir that has inspired millions of readers through the Academy Award–winning actor’s unflinching honesty, unconventional wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction.'
Matthew McConaughey anything - I recommend! Lexie lady let me borrow this book and I never gave it back as I didn't start it for probably a year or so getting moved from college. The diary he keeps that he reflects on and stories he tells from his adventures are all captivating. I still have little sayings from this book that pop into my mind on random days.
She Thinks Like A Boss
Jemma Roedel
'9 Essential Skills for New Female Leaders in Business and the Workplace. How to Influence Teams Effectively and Combat Imposter Syndrome.'
I purchased this book right after college when I was first headed into corporate America. As a female in the ag industry, I can't recommend this book enough for young professional females!
Want
Julie Peters
' 8 Steps to Recovering Desire, Passion, and Pleasure After Sexual Assault.'
Sexual assault is something that I personally don't speak out on. I have been fortunate enough to come into contact with really brave woman that have spoken up, around and to me and others that aren't able to find the right words to describe our assault. I got this book years after my assault - still mentally battling the trauma that had occurred and I came across this book in hopes to continue to piece myself back together as I struggled in my relationships after my assault and before entering my current relationship, I made a promise to myself to finish this book before starting something with someone new. This book took me a very long time to finish as I had to take several breaks to sit and feel but was well worth it.
Everything Will Be Okay
Dana Perino
'A no-nonsense how-to guide to life for young women looking to reframe their thinking, to believe in themselves, to take risks, to understand their power, and to feel better overall through finding serenity and taking action.'
My gf Katie bug in college let me borrow this book, I honestly need to re-read it again as I grow. There are highlights in the book as we truly worked through this book at the stage of life we were at and/or trying to get to. This was a good reminder that real people deal with real things every day too but Perino breaks everything down and provides tips & tricks to make it through those real life situations that arise.
