Roller Coaster Road: Traveling Through Tragedy Towards a Destination of Love and Happiness

by Tammy Ward

Sometimes a family experiences a roller coaster of emotions that are too painful to confront. They are simply suppressed; life limps on. That was Tammy’s story of her teenage and early adult years. She continued to suppress the bitter memories until she courageously began to write about the pain of losing a sister in a tragic accident and her mother’s subsequent depression that deprived her of the support she needed to cope with her own loss. The raw truth conveyed in this story of how a young, insecure girl tried to make sense of her role in managing these losses is heartbreaking.
This is an incredible story of a journey through death, heartache, loneliness, perplexity and despair — until she met the man of her dreams who would rescue her from the sadness. He helped her overcome the sorrow and share with him an amazing, joyful life.
It was not an easy journey and her decision to share her story was not an easy one. But her story will connect with those who have dealt with tragedy and she hopes will encourage them to never give up on their dreams of finding happiness.

244 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2019

Reviews

[Linda Thompson]

Roller Coaster Road was one of the most gut-wrenching, yet poignant books I’ve read in years. The story is based on a particular road that is hilly, much like a roller coaster. However, the author takes her readers on a roller coaster ride as well. I loved how the story is presented – first person, from the present looking back. My heart went out to all the family members who lost a loved one on that fateful day. Yet, as tragic as it was (and still is to a lot of people) the ability for the human brain and heart to keep going is remarkable. Tammy Ward is an author from whom I want to see more books. She writes in an easy flowing manner, yet you just know that there are certain places where the tears must have been rolling as she wrote. I’d recommend Tammy’s book to anyone who has either experienced loss, knows someone who has experienced loss, or anyone who just loves a good, heartfelt read.

[Debra L.]

Excellent story based on true tragic events and how hope, bravery, strength and kindness brought the author out of the darkness into the bright future that saved her. A story about grief, parental dynamics and emotional neglect. This book should be a staple in all young readers’ book collections to help those in need of encouragement to know that no matter what happens in your life, there is always hope!

[Edie Hampton]

Memories of the past

Reading this book certainly made me think about this terrible event again. I was one year behind,knew the families and remember attending several of the funerals. Reading firsthand the impact on the authors life is sad and powerful. Glad writing the book was an opportunity to share with others her feelings and glad she found happiness.

[Debbie Myers]

I remember vividly to this day...

I still remember this tragic event. I graduated with this author and appreciate reading things from her perspective. I will never understand what these families endured. To this day they have been in my thoughts & prayers. Thank you and God Bless!

[Donna Stinman]

The inside look at how a tragic event can impact the entire family. I lost my cousin who I was very close to and the toll it took on our family was so similar. I appreciate Tammy's courage to ride this book.

[Sara Kendrick]

Beautifully written story of how one tragic event can permanently alter a family. Finished the book with tears streaming.