A Powerful Memoir of Survival, Sisterhood, and HopeAfter losing everything she loved, Mia Godfrey faced a stay buried in grief-or grow toward grace.
In Buried, Not A Memoir of Survival, Sisterhood, and Starting Over, Mia shares her deeply personal journey through trauma, widowhood, and the rediscovery of hope. What begins as a story of heartbreak becomes a testament to faith, resilience, and the quiet strength that rises from the ashes of loss.
More than a story of pain, this memoir is a testament to resilience-the kind that grows stronger in life's darkest seasons.
For anyone who has felt unseen, unloved, or unworthy, Mia offers hope and companionship through every page. With raw honesty and grace, she reveals how loss can become the soil from which new life blooms and how even broken hearts can rediscover purpose, belonging, and joy.
Through her reflections, readers will
How to reframe pain as a path toward emotional and spiritual growth.Practical reflections for releasing guilt and embracing grace.The quiet miracles that appear in ordinary acts of kindness and connection.
Unlike traditional self-help guides, Buried, Not Broken doesn't offer quick fixes or formulas. Instead, it offers something far more the truth that hope can survive even after everything else has fallen away.
If you've ever felt buried by pain, let Mia's story remind you-you're not broken. You're being planted for something beautiful.
Mihaela (Mia) Godfrey is a certified life coach, Bible counselor, EME (Emotions, Mind and Energy) practitioner, public speaker, and author of Buried, Not Broken: A Memoir of Survival, Sisterhood, and Starting Over. With more than 17 years of leadership experience at Cellular Sales, where she serves as talent acquisition operations manager, Mia brings authenticity and compassion to every area of her work. Her professional success is matched by her lifelong devotion to helping others find healing, strength, and renewed purpose.
Mia has built a career on showing empathy, upholding integrity, and helping others rise to their potential. Beyond the boardroom, she is a guiding voice for women navigating grief, trauma, and life transitions, offering practical tools for rebuilding confidence and rediscovering purpose through faith.
Born in Romania as the youngest of 10 children, Mia learned resilience and faith early. After earning her bachelor of science in education, she immigrated to the United States at 27, carrying with her an unwavering belief that every challenge holds the seed of growth. She has since earned multiple leadership and public speaking awards through Toastmasters International and is an active member of the AACC World Counselors.
In "Buried, Not Broken", Author Mia Godfrey shares her deeply personal story of surviving trauma, widowhood, and the long journey toward healing. This memoir is a powerful, honest account of loss that also celebrates the quiet strength found in faith, sisterhood, and community. Rather than offering a quick fix, it provides companionship for anyone who has felt unseen, unloved, or overwhelmed by grief.
A Story of Heartbreak and Resilience She begins by detailing the devastating loss of everything she loved, leaving her buried in grief. She doesn’t sugarcoat the pain—readers feel the rawness of her trauma, widowhood, and the weight of guilt and doubt that followed. Yet, the narrative quickly transforms into a testament to resilience, showing how even the most shattered heart can rediscover purpose and joy. The book’s pacing is steady, with selective descriptions that enhance atmosphere without dragging the story.
Themes of Faith and Sisterhood The memoir leans on the idea that being “buried” isn’t the same as being destroyed—it’s more like being covered for a while, not erased. Mia highlights how faith and acts of kindness from others—like support from friends, sisters, or community—become the soil for new life to bloom. These moments of sisterhood appear as quiet miracles, such as shared meals or simple conversations, that remind readers of hope’s persistence. The spiritual depth adds layers without preaching, making it relatable for a broad audience.
Why Readers Will Connect This memoir is especially resonant for anyone who has faced loss, felt unworthy, or struggled to start over. It’s raw yet hopeful, offering practical reflections on releasing guilt and embracing grace, framed through real-life experiences. On the whole, it’s an accessible, moving read that accompanies readers through their own dark seasons, proving that survival can lead to renewal. Mia Godfrey’s courage invites readers to find their own strength in sisterhood and faith.
Have you ever read a book that makes you feel like you’re living someone else’s life feeling their pain, their happiness, their warmth❓❓ “Buried, Not Broken” is one such book.
It starts with the author talking about her beloved sister Mona and her death due to ovarian cancer. From there, the book explores their deep bond and how it evolves over time. From childhood in poverty stricken Romania to surviving abuse, loss, and identity struggles, Mia Godfrey takes you on a journey that is as painful as it is powerful.
What truly sets this memoir apart is the way sisterhood is portrayed. Mona is not just a part of the story. She is the author’s strength, her safe place. Along with that, the author’s journey of turning inward to understand herself adds a deeper emotional layer to the book.
One of the most striking moments for me was when the sisters stood up against the bullies. That scene stayed with me not just because of the action, but because of the courage and bond it reflects.
Unlike many memoirs that move from struggle to a perfect happy ending, this book shows that pain and joy can exist together just like in real life. The writing is simple yet gripping, making you feel like you are in the author’s shoes.
Some chapters are easy to read, but some are heavy because they are too real. The raw and unfiltered writing makes everything feel intense. You can almost feel the fear, the hunger, the helplessness. Some parts genuinely give you goosebumps.
Overall, this is not just a story of survival. It is a story of finding your voice, healing through pain, and choosing to rise again.
There are books that entertain, and then there are books that leave a lasting impression on your heart. *Buried, Not Broken* by Mia Godfrey falls firmly into the second category. This memoir is a remarkable testament to resilience, courage, and the determination to keep moving forward even when life seems unbearable.
What stood out to me most was Mia's willingness to be vulnerable. She doesn't present herself as someone who always had the answers or who magically overcame every obstacle. Instead, she shares the reality of grief, loss, pain, and healing with honesty and grace. That authenticity makes her story incredibly powerful and relatable.
As I read, I found myself admiring her strength. Not because she never struggled, but because she continued to rise after being knocked down by circumstances that would challenge anyone. Her journey is proof that surviving isn't just about enduring hardship—it's about finding the courage to rebuild, rediscover hope, and embrace life again.
This book is inspiring without feeling preachy and emotional without feeling overwhelming. It's a story that reminds us that while pain may shape part of our story, it doesn't have to define the ending. Mia Godfrey's message is one of perseverance, hope, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. I highly recommend this memoir to anyone who needs a reminder that even after life's darkest moments, healing and purpose are still possible.
I almost didn't pick up "Buried, Not Broken", Memoirs about grief can sometimes feel heavy in ways that close you off rather than open you up. But Mia Godfrey's voice does something rare — it holds your hand through the darkness without pretending the darkness isn't real. By the second chapter, I wasn't just reading her story. I was sitting inside it.
What strikes you immediately is her honesty. Mia doesn't perform resilience — she stumbles toward it, page by page, with doubt and grace existing side by side. There's no tidy redemption arc forced upon messy emotions. That authenticity is what separates this memoir from anything that feels remotely self-help adjacent.
The sisterhood woven through this narrative gave it unexpected warmth. Healing, Mia shows us, is rarely a solitary act. It happens in quiet rooms, in small kindnesses, in people who stay when staying isn't convenient. Those moments moved me more than any grand revelation could have.
By the final pages, I felt genuinely changed — not fixed, but softened. *Buried, Not Broken* doesn't promise transformation. It simply offers truth, companionship, and the profound reminder that being broken open is not the end of your story. It may just be the beginning.
Buried, Not Broken is one of the most empowering memoirs I've read in a long time. Mia Godfrey's story is a powerful example of what it means to face unimaginable challenges and still find the strength to move forward.
What makes this book so inspiring is that it doesn't ignore the reality of pain. Mia openly discusses difficult experiences, moments of doubt, and seasons of grief. Yet through it all, she demonstrates extraordinary resilience and determination. Her story shows that strength isn't about never falling it's about getting back up, even when the odds seem impossible.
As a reader, I found myself constantly inspired by her courage. She reminds us that our circumstances do not have to define our future and that healing is possible even after devastating loss. The lessons woven throughout the memoir feel authentic because they come from lived experience rather than theory.
This book will resonate with anyone who has ever faced adversity, especially women searching for encouragement and hope during difficult seasons. Mia Godfrey's story is proof that brokenness does not have to be the final chapter. It can be the beginning of a new story filled with growth, purpose, and strength.
Every once in a while, a book comes along that makes you stop, think, and reevaluate how you view life's challenges. For me, Buried, Not Broken was one of those books. Mia Godfrey shares her story with incredible honesty, courage, and wisdom. Her journey through loss, grief, healing, and personal growth is both heartbreaking and inspiring. What makes the memoir so powerful is that it never pretends the road to healing is easy. Instead, it shows that progress is possible even when the path forward seems impossible to find.
Throughout the book, I found myself reflecting on my own life and appreciating the strength people are capable of showing during difficult times. Mia's story is a reminder that resilience isn't something reserved for extraordinary people, it's something that can be found within all of us.
Also, fair warning: this is one of those books that makes you say, "I'll read for ten minutes," and then somehow you're still reading an hour later. Apparently Mia Godfrey didn't get the memo that readers occasionally need sleep. This memoir is inspiring, uplifting, and deeply memorable. If I could give it 20,000,000,000,000 stars, I probably would. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.
We all read different types of Book, but this feels different to me from all those as this Book speaks about pain, courage, and quite strength in people. Buried, Not broken by Mia Godfrey is a memoir that shares a journey of survival and healing.
As I was going through the book, I felt like the author is opening her heart and letting me know through this book her life experiences.
The story Shows moments that author faced and how those experiences shaped her. What I loved most in this is its sincerity in her words, the emotion which feels real, and the story carries a sense of truth.
I saw another meaningful respect of the Book and importance of about sisterhood and their support. The relation in authors life shows that how people around us can give us strength during our hard time and low faces.
By the end, this book gave me a strong message which I want to share with everyone about resilience, life can bring moments that feel overwhelming yet the human spirit has an incredible ability to rise again. This book stays with me because it shows how courage can slowly grow even after deep pain.
We all read different types of Book, but this feels different to me from all those as this Book speaks about pain, courage, and quite strength in people. Buried, Not broken by Mia Godfrey is a memoir that shares a journey of survival and healing.
As I was going through the book, I felt like the author is opening her heart and letting me know through this book her life experiences.
The story Shows moments that author faced and how those experiences shaped her. What I loved most in this is its sincerity in her words, the emotion which feels real, and the story carries a sense of truth.
I saw another meaningful respect of the Book and importance of about sisterhood and their support. The relation in authors life shows that how people around us can give us strength during our hard time and low faces.
By the end, this book gave me a strong message which I want to share with everyone about resilience, life can bring moments that feel overwhelming yet the human spirit has an incredible ability to rise again. This book stays with me because it shows how courage can slowly grow even after deep pain.
If I could give *Buried, Not Broken* more than five stars, I absolutely would. This book deserves 20,000,000,000,000 stars. Mia Godfrey has written a deeply moving and inspiring story that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
What makes this memoir so powerful is its honesty. Godfrey shares her experiences with remarkable courage, allowing readers to witness both the depth of her pain and the strength that helped her keep moving forward. Her journey is heartbreaking at times, but it is also filled with hope, resilience, faith, and healing.
The writing is heartfelt and genuine, making it easy to connect with her story on an emotional level. Rather than simply telling a story of survival, *Buried, Not Broken* shows what it means to rebuild a life after unimaginable loss and to find purpose and hope again.
This is one of the most inspiring memoirs I have read. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories of perseverance, personal growth, and the triumph of the human spirit. Mia Godfrey's story is unforgettable, and I am grateful she chose to share it with the world.
If a friend asked me for a memoir recommendation, *Buried, Not Broken* would be one of the first books I'd mention. Reading it felt less like reading a book and more like sitting down with someone who is sharing their life story with complete honesty.
Mia Godfrey has a way of making you care deeply about her journey. You celebrate her victories, feel her heartbreak, and find yourself rooting for her every step of the way. What I appreciated most was how genuine everything felt. Nothing seemed exaggerated or forced. It was simply one person's story told with courage, vulnerability, and hope.
This book reminded me that life doesn't always go according to plan, but that doesn't mean our story is over. There is so much wisdom packed into these pages about resilience, faith, healing, and finding strength when you think you have none left.
By the end, I felt inspired, encouraged, and grateful that Mia chose to share her experiences. It's the kind of book you finish and immediately want to tell someone else about. If you're looking for a heartfelt memoir that feels personal and uplifting, this is absolutely worth reading.
Some stories don’t just inspire you they hold your hand while you heal. Buried, Not Broken by Mia Godfrey is one such memoir.
What begins as a story of devastating loss slowly unfolds into a powerful journey of survival, sisterhood, and rediscovering hope. After losing everything she loved, Mia is forced to face grief in its rawest form. But instead of staying buried in pain, she chooses something braver healing, faith, and starting over.
What makes this memoir truly impactful is its honesty. Mia doesn’t hide the darkness of trauma or widowhood instead she shares it with vulnerability and courage. And through that honesty I found comfort strength, and the reminder that pain doesn’t have the final word.
This isn’t just a story about loss. It’s a story about resilience the kind that quietly grows even in the hardest seasons of life.
If you’ve ever felt unseen, broken, or overwhelmed by grief, this book gently reminds you:
You are not buried. You are being planted for something beautiful.
This book deeply moved me from beginning to end. Every chapter shares a powerful story of overcoming hardship and facing fears with courage and honesty. What stood out most to me was the beautiful thread woven throughout the entire book — a story of redemption and grace.
The author doesn’t just tell her story; she invites you into it. There is vulnerability, strength, and so much wisdom layered into every season she shares. I found myself inspired not only by what she endured, but by how she allowed those difficult moments to shape her into someone who now offers hope to others.
There is such a richness of insight throughout this book. It’s encouraging, faith-filled, and incredibly uplifting. I’m so thankful the author chose to share her redemptive journey — it’s a reminder that hard seasons are not the end of the story.
If you need hope, perspective, and a reminder that grace can rewrite even the hardest chapters, this book is for you.
This book is a deeply moving memoir that explores resilience, healing and the strength that comes from human connections. What struck me the most while reading this book was the author's honesty in sharing painful experiences and the courage it takes to rebuild life after trauma.
One thing I really liked about this book was the simplicity and the sincerity of the writing style. The narrative feels personal and heartfelt, almost like the author is directly speaking to the readers. It made the story even more impactful and easy to connect with emotionally.
The title itself, perfectly captures the message of the memoir. Even when life pushes someone down, it does not mean they are defeated. Instead, it shows that people can rise again, stronger and more determined than before.
Overall, I found this memoir inspiring and thought-provoking. This book is a powerful testament to resilience, courage, and the importance of supportive relationships.
Generally, I am not a fan of Memoirs or biographies, but this one was different. The title itself is very intriguing, making the urge to pick up this book even stronger.
The story is beautifully crafted and it keeps you hooked until the end. While reading the book I can easily feel the deep emotions whirling inside the Author. Her transformative journey from Romania to the USA is nothing short of exceptional. The way she crafted a life for herself in the USA after coming from Romania is inspirational.
What I liked most while I was reading the book was her unwavering love for her sister. Their sisterhood bond is very inspirational. Language is easy, narration flows beautifully and it feels like stepping into the author's life and witnessing it closely as the events unfold.
The book is not very lengthy. It is such a short yet comforting read that you can finish it in one sitting.
A book with such a strong title that speaks for itself. The narration is easy to read, with the story flowing without effort. The author has penned down her life story in a way that all characters came alive.
When I started reading it, I wasn't sure if I would be able to finish it. But as I started reading it I was hooked. This is the kind of book that many of us coming from a small town could relate to. Though what stands out most in the author's life is her Family's unwavering support for her. The love that enveloped her every time she felt alone.
Though this book is about her bond with her sister, it is also the story of her struggles and how she tackled them with unwavering belief in god and positive attitude.
Though my heart goes out to her every time her heart gets broken by Men who don't deserve it, it truly made me happy to see her finally being happy in her life with her partner and family.
Kind of book that makes you believe in happy endings in real life.
This is the kind of book that makes you feel warm at heart. The author has described or I would say narrated her life Story very incredibly in a way that I feel like I'm a part of her story.
The book gives a beautiful glimpse at the author's tough life but a closely-knit family and how they survived through all the difficulties of life with love and the strength of family. This is a collection of events that stood out in the author's life, not in a sequential manner but in the way they impacted the author's life.
It is such a refreshing read for a person like me who is very close to family. And this book is a testament to the love and support of our families. And the author's bond with her sister is truly exceptional.
This book is a story of family love and Bonds and how you can navigate through the toughest of times if you support of your loved ones.
Buried Not Broken by Mia Godfrey is a deeply moving memoir of survival, sisterhood, and the courage to begin again. It beautifully explores themes of resilience, healing, and the quiet strength that comes from community.
The book reminds us that being broken is not the end—it can be the beginning of something new. It offers a fresh and respectful perspective on relationships, showing how connection and support can help rebuild even the most shattered parts of life.
Through a raw and honest narrative, Mia shares glimpses of her difficult journey, balanced by the warmth of a closely-knit family that stood strong through every hardship. Her story, marked by loss and pain, gradually transforms into one of healing, faith, and rediscovering the will to live. The emotional depth of her writing makes you feel closely connected to her experiences.
This is not just a story of suffering, but of strength, love, and hope.
No spoilers—just pick it up and read it without a second thought
I picked up Buried, Not Broken thinking I'd read a few chapters before bed. Several hours later, I was still reading and wondering why sleep suddenly seemed optional.
This book pulled me in from the very beginning. Mia Godfrey tells her story with such honesty and heart that I felt completely invested in her journey. One minute I was reflecting on a powerful life lesson, and the next I was telling myself, "Okay, just one more chapter." Famous last words.
While the subject matter is serious and deeply emotional, the book never feels hopeless. Instead, it serves as a reminder that people are capable of incredible resilience. Mia's courage and determination shine through every page.
By the time I finished, I felt inspired, moved, and slightly annoyed that I couldn't give the book more than five stars. If Goodreads allowed me to rate books based on emotional impact, determination, and keeping me awake past my bedtime, this one would break the rating system. Highly recommended.
We are warned at the beginning that the story doesn’t follow a timeline but it is more like sitting across from someone as memories are caught and stories shared. It is the feeling of sitting with a relative and learning about what they have gone through to be the person you know now.
A book chronicling this many hardships and struggles is often bleak beyond hope or covers everything in toxic positivity. The thread running through each and every one of these is the realness of pain and struggle with the lessons learned in each overcoming. Not everything is tied in a neat bow and I was left knowing that there were going to be high’s and low’s once the book of finished. It is a testament to the strength of community and what it can look like to keep moving forward.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but it truly moved me...
It begins with Mia’s heartbreaking story of loss and slowly becomes a journey of healing faith and learning to live again. She shares her pain so honestly that you feel connected to her story. What also stood out to me was the theme of sisterhood and the quiet strength that comes from having someone beside you in your darkest moments...
What stayed with me most was the courage she finds along the way. The book is not about big dramatic moments. It reminds us that healing often comes through small everyday victories. A beautiful and comforting reminder that life may bury us in pain but it does not have the power to break us.
Buried, Not Broken" by Mia Godfrey is raw, honest, and quietly transformative. The book is touchy and catchy. It holds readers till the very end sometimes with tears in eyes.
The writing style is very easy to connect and understand. Honesty and courage of the author is extreme.
This memoir doesn't promise to fix, but reminds, gently and powerfully, that being broken is never the end but a fresh start. This book also give a new respectful vision to see relationships.
The title itself, perfectly captures the message of the memoir. Even when life pushes someone down, it does not mean they are defeated. Instead, it shows that people can rise again, stronger and more determined than before.
One thing I genuinely liked about Buried, Not Broken is the writing style. It’s simple, clear, and very easy to connect with. Even though the story deals with heavy emotions, it never feels overwhelming while reading.
The way Mia moves between her experiences, thoughts, and moments of hope feels very natural. Nothing feels rushed, and that makes the journey feel more real. I also liked the small moments she shares—those little acts of kindness and connection really add warmth to the story.
What makes this book different is that it doesn’t feel like a typical self-help book. There are no instructions or rules—just honest experiences that make you think.
It’s the kind of book you read slowly and reflect on, rather than rushing through it.
Buried, Not Broken is a very comforting and inspiring read. Mia’s story is emotional, but what makes it special is how it slowly brings in hope without forcing it.
The message that stood out to me the most is that feeling “broken” doesn’t mean it’s the end. Sometimes it’s just the beginning of something new. That idea really stayed with me even after I finished the book.
I also liked how the book talks about healing through simple things—faith, connection, and everyday moments. It doesn’t feel unrealistic or over-motivational. It feels grounded and genuine.
If you’re looking for something that gives you hope in a calm and honest way, this book is definitely worth reading. It reminds you that even after tough times, life can still move forward.
Buried, Not Broken is one of those books that stays with you even after you’ve finished it. What really touched me was how honestly Mia shares her story. It doesn’t feel exaggerated or dramatic—it feels real, like someone genuinely opening up about their life.
I especially connected with how she talks about moving from pain to hope. It’s not shown as something instant, but something that happens slowly through small steps, and that made it feel very relatable. This book doesn’t try to give solutions or tell you what to do—it simply makes you feel understood.
If you’ve ever been through a difficult time, this book feels like quiet support. It reminds you that even when everything feels heavy, there’s still strength inside you—you just don’t always see it right away.
What I liked most about Buried, Not Broken is how real it feels when talking about strength and healing. It doesn’t make things sound easy or perfect. Instead, it shows that growth actually comes from going through pain, not avoiding it.
Mia’s journey really made me think differently about difficult phases in life. The idea that pain can slowly turn into something meaningful felt very powerful. It’s not about “moving on” quickly, but about learning and growing at your own pace.
I also appreciated how the book talks about self-worth. It reminds you that what you go through doesn’t define who you are.
Overall, it’s not just a story—it’s something that makes you reflect on your own life and helps you see things with a little more clarity.
Book ' Buried, Not Broken' highlights the untouched story of Mia who had lost her sister, became a widow and experienced a array of trauma in her life . The title is absolutely perfect as the hope of a seedling to grow again after the heavy stormy rain. The hope to rise again, more stronger and determined is the message of the memoir by the author to the readers.
The storyline revolves around the experiences and struggles faced by the Mia Godfrey in her life. The author crafted the story of Mia as a brave, inspiring girl carrying a ray of hope. Each and every Character in the book is well described. Language is easy and lucid with simple narrative style of writing. The details are captured beautifully and designed absolutely. Overall it's a great read.
When I hear the word' memoir,' I expected a boring life story, but this turned out to be a book that every woman can relate to. As a female, there are many events in the author's life that you might relate to.
The author has shared her life's events, which deeply impacted her and shaped the woman she is today. What I loved about the book is that it's not just her story, it's every female's story who settles in a foreign land and makes a life of her own.
Very inspirational, very motivating story. The author hasn't described her story as perfect but she embraced her life's imperfections so beautifully that it really takes courage to do that and I really admire her for that.
I honestly didn't expect this book to affect me the way it did. I thought I'd be reading a memoir about hardship, but what I found was a story about hope, resilience, and refusing to let life's darkest moments have the final word.
Mia Godfrey writes with so much honesty that it never feels like she's trying to impress the reader. Instead, it feels like she's sitting across the table sharing her story over coffee. There were moments that broke my heart and others that reminded me how incredibly strong people can be.
This is the kind of book that makes you pause every few pages just to reflect. I finished it feeling encouraged, grateful, and inspired. If you've ever wondered whether healing is possible after tragedy, this book answers that question beautifully.
Buried, Not Broken: A Memoir of Survival, Sisterhood, and Starting Over by Mia Godfrey is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir about resilience, healing, and the power of community. Through honest storytelling, the author shares her journey through grief and rebuilding life with courage and hope.
What makes this book stand out is its vulnerability and emotional depth. The story gently reminds readers that healing takes time and that even the hardest seasons can lead to growth and new beginnings.A touching and encouraging read for anyone who enjoys powerful, real-life stories of strength and transformation.
I made one mistake when I started Buried, Not Broken, I assumed I'd read "just one chapter."
Three hours later I was still reading, my coffee was cold, my phone battery was dead, and my to-do list was giving me dirty looks.
Mia Godfrey has a way of pulling you into her story that's impossible to resist. The emotions are genuine, the writing is engaging, and every chapter leaves you wanting to know what comes next.
This memoir is heartbreaking, inspiring, and full of hope. It reminds us that even when life buries us under impossible circumstances, we can still find the strength to rise. Outstanding book.