Lessons from the Frogs I've Kissed: I have made all the mistakes in the book so you wont have to.

by Krystal Kolnik

Q. What does a dope addict, an abusive fisherman, a man still in love with his gay ex-wife, the eternal bachelor, he-who-made-me-the-centre-of-his-universe and a sexy Chilean all have in common? A. Me! I invite you to be a fly on the wall as I revisit all my significant adult relationships and share the invaluable life lessons I have learnt over the last 20 years. In my most desperate moments, whether dating or married, I searched for a book that could give me some much-needed perspective on my current circumstances. That book did not exist - until now.Many of us have been in romantic relationships which feel incredible in the beginning but end up in trauma, regret and despair. How do we stop ourselves from becoming locked in cycles of abuse? What are the unconscious dating patterns that underlie our romantic interactions? How do we know what we are looking for in a partner ? And most importantly why do we need to learn to love ourselves first? Written with dashes of humour and cringe-worthy honesty, I am sure you will find Lessons From the Frogs I’ve Kissed to be an entertaining and powerful read, which should help you in your own personal journey in finding ever-lasting love and happiness.

338 pages, Paperback

Published February 12, 2019

About the author

Krystal Kolnik is an estate agent
in the Western Cape, South
Africa. This is her debut book.
Although she has always been in
awe of other authors, she never
dreamt that one day she would
be writing a book of her own.
Krystal is happily married and
the proud mother of her two
teenage daughters. When asked
about Lessons from the Frogs
I’ve Kissed, she says, “The story just came through me, and I
believe this book is meant to be here and can help many people”.

Reviews

[Nina Bothma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Very well written. Easy to read. Many colourful characters. Great humour and insight to balance the more challenging parts. This book is a must read. It has the potential to help a lot of people navigate their way out of unhealthy relationship patterns.

[RM Stoltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unputdownable!! A real page-turner, do yourselves a favour and read this book. Highly addictive! I didn't want the story to end. Don't be fooled by the pink cover, men can learn from this book too. A total journey of self-reflection. At times I felt like I was slightly voyeuristic as I read all about the authors trials and tribulations in love. One thing is for certain she never gave up! And everyone enjoys the story of the Phoenix when it rises from the ashes of life and becomes empowered.

[Jessica Chand · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly recommendble book to read, written by a very Bold, Beautiful and Brave Author.
I applaud her for sharing her personal journey of Life and Love in the wrong Lane, which so many of us can relate to.
This book definitely takes you on a rollercoaster of Life's emotions, therefore making it a very interesting and Heartfelt Book.
On completion of the book, I must say that it was very inspiring, and also a lesson learnt of how never to give up on Self-Worth and True Love.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story connects you straight to those moments when you know that things are not going well in a relationship but you still feel too scared to do something about it. It pushes you to see things in an honest and clear way, and gives you courage to create the relationship that you really want and to not settle for less. I couldn't put this book down, and then kept thinking about it for days. Really recommend it.

[Beth Cerff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. I could not put this book down. Such an honest and open account of the authors life. Will definitely help younger readers with life skills which are badly needed when choosing life partners today. Refreshing to see the older moral and ethical values are still vital with younger generations today when choosing life partners or friends

[Sarah Larter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. A very easy to read and insightful journey told with honesty and a very accessible style. Would recommend this to anyone who wants to understand their relationships in more depth with the aim to having more productive and healthier relationships and a happier more balanced life in general. Krystal thank you so much for writing this and sharing your experiences in such a courageous way. Simply wonderful to read.

[Tarryn Van Wyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can certainly relate to many of the life's lessons learned in this book and found myself squirming a bit as I relived them again. There were also a few moments of shouting out to the four walls "no man, don't be so silly" or "Sheesh, I'm going to have to smack that guy next time I come across him". Heartfelt and brutally honest, touching on some very sensitive areas, hopefully many women, and men, will learn from these stories and be able to avoid making the mistakes themselves. Look forward to more stories from this author.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading the book!! Could literally not put it down! Captivating life story, very honestly written and it spoke to my heart. Her insights in the lessons she learned resonates perfectly with how I experience life. And could totally relate and see that I am just a normal, typical, passionate woman, struggling with the same fears as others. There are always, álways something we can learn from other's experiences. I definitely recommend the book. Go get it and read it!!

[Madelein Wohler]

When I started this book I did not know what to expect as the author is a friend mine and not a writer by trade. It started off cringe-worthy and there were times I could not believe what I was reading but by the end of it I was transfixed, in awe of the lessons I was learning from the book and up at 4:00 in the morning to read it to the end. The author bravely wears her heart on her sleeve in an endeavor to impart her wisdom to the reader. What started off as a book I wasn’t sure of ended with me cheering on the heroin, devouring the pages in the early hours of the morning and finding some simple truths in my own life. Thank you Krystal for a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening read!

[Shakira Abrahams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yikes what a rollercoaster ride. This must be one of the best and most relatable books I have read in a while. The author tells her story with such refreshing candour that you can't help but become transfixed. I took away a lot of inspiration and truths about my own life in so many ways. It's great when authors take you on a journey that enriches your life in real terms, but when they do it in a way that makes you chuckle (out loud at parts) then they win my vote. So yay I'm super pleased I read this book and would highly recommend it to everyone and anyone.

[Angela Punnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were so many things I could relate to in my own experiences. It’s very well written and I couldn’t put it down. I’d highly recommend it

[I R Frog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read...upfront honesty with light humour ...a life journey of self discovery that we can all identify with as we navigate the treacherous world of relationships and try to grow and recognise the patterns we repeat......

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is phenomenal! I needed to read it. I felt like it was talking to me..about me. My relationship with my husband of 30 years was shaken for i got strength to voice and stand my ground in a way i would never have done in my life if i had not read Lessons from the frogs I kissed.
Thank you Krystal for letting me know myself better.
I wish every woman would read rhis book.
Entirely well wrtten.

[Julie Edmundson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a single person , I can relate so much with this book. She goes through the different men she has dated and you can see the growth in the author as she goes through them. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!

[Lindi Brougham-Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most honest, soul bearing and cringe worthy books I have ever read! It must have taken so much courage to write about your own experiences in love and brutally exposing yourself to the world. I think in today's digital world this book will come a a welcome nurturer and assist so many woman going through the same thing. (I am sure there are some lessons for the guys too!) At first it was hard to identify with the author as I myself had found my prince at age 19, and still happily married after 22 years together. But later I was cursing the men that brought out the worst in us and face-planting myself when the author shared some of the things she herself did. "Don't do it!" and "Get out of there" echoed in my home. The Lessons from the frogs she kissed is very relatable and also got me thinking, exploring and implementing strategies in my relationship for improved communication. Thank you for sharing your story with us! Do yourself a favour and spend some time with this great book!

[Wilhelm G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here follows my first Book Review: Lessons from the Frogs I've Kissed by Krystal Kolnik. This book takes you on a heartfelt journey of Krystal's self realisation, through the common mistakes one makes in finding a life partner. I must admit, it is very much a “girlie" book to which I am rarely, if ever drawn too. I did however find that Krystal's honesty with herself to be a definite page turner and even at times I would want to scream, "What are you doing girl?" But then she somehow works through her insecurities and eventually after massive trial and error finds herself with the man of her dreams. I can honestly recommend this book for all the ladies who find themselves in a dead-end relationships. And if there are any men out there, who would like to have a good understanding of how woman think and work within their relationships, this material is for you too, as I feel we can all benefit from the lessons shared in this book. My personal favourite lesson is towards the end of the story, and I found it certainly worth the read to get there!

[Lenerd Louw · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey! I could not put the book down. Krystal took me on a journey, not just of her relationships, but of her inner world and the growth that she was experiencing in the process. By being so vulnerable in her story telling, she gives us all the permission to be vulnerable too. She illustrates in a light humorous way the truth that happiness can’t be found outside of ourselves, but only within. That only when we get to that place of peace and happiness within, will we attract that in the outside world. Including the partner that we are so often searching for! Thanks for the reminder Krystal. Riveting! A beautiful authentic read not to be missed.

[Kate Valdes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this memoir of Krystal’s journey through life and love. She is incredibly open and honest about her experiences which makes the book very relatable. The writing flowed easily and kept me engaged. It was an easy read and I devoured the book in 3 days.

Krystal shares some excellent lessons that we can all relate to, whether dating or married. Her spiritual connections and signs along the way made this such an intriguing read.

I highly recommend this one. Would be a great read for book clubs, sparking discussions about love and mutual respect.

[Jennifer Brummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi Krystal, I have just finished your most intriguing book. It hooked me like my favorite series did. It was incredible, that you remembered all those details and what you have actually been through. I congratulate you, so well written, I hated having to put it down and looked forward to picking it up again. I’ve got a smile on my face, you amazing woman. Thank you for those hours of reading, I’m really sorry the book is finished. See you soon, love Jenny

[Janine Le Roux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end.It is a true story of how easy it is to get caught up in co dependent relationships rather than address underlying issues in your life.Krysyals parents display true unconditional love for her.I am so glad Kyrstal finds her prince.Wriyten with true honestly and humility this book is definately worth reading.

[Nicola Davey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly inspiring.... I felt such a connection to the subject, as i am sure most women will when reading this captivating novel. A book full of reflection, love, heartfelt emotion, fear and bravery. Thank you for sharing your story, your journey and life changing discovery of yourself. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever loved, lost and still learning life's lessons. Outstanding!

[Eulalie Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing insight into a very brave lady's early life. Through all her trials and tribulations she has come out at the other end so much stronger and I am pleased that she has found a happy life for herself and her two girls. I don't know if I could have shared as much about my life as she has, but it has made the book 'unputdownable'!

[Sandy Bourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just done review in this beautifully written page Turner that just about everyone can identify with. Unfortunately the 5 star I was intending to give turned out as a 2 star. This book is definitely a 5 star book which I highly recommend

[Glenis Inglesby Du Toit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. I saw myself in many instances and could totally relate. This author has made herself vulnerable and she is honest, whilst giving us hope that we can grow and change. I couldn't stop reading it.

[Tanya Moller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please don’t make us wait too long for a sequel ☺️
Well written, excellent command of the English language. I honestly couldn’t put it down.
This book should be in every library.
Thank you for sharing your life so brazenly.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous read!
Heartfelt, humourous and honest. Really great to read a book that I identify with so much. It’s a mix of an awesome girly chat, psychotherapy and easy reading.
Well done Krystal....

[Sue thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much and could totally relate! Krystal you are very brave and honest and I have huge admiration for you. I also loved the South Africaness of the book which made it even more relatable. I am so happy that you finally met a lovely man, you so deserve it!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put the book down, really well written! Definitely a must read for the younger generation. My 21 year old daughter is finding the book so encouraging and helpful in her current relationship.

[Mary-Anne Coates Kolnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone will identify with the book - so honest, raw and quite funny at times. A MUST READ!

[Stephen White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of empowerment and a true reflection of the difficulty of human relationships shared with great vulnerability,clarity,humor and a positive message of personal transformation .