"While reading this book, I felt every emotion imaginable. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, and I felt the strength of their true love pouring out of every page. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who is experiencing a great loss."

- Maddie Elie, Social Worker, LCSW, LMSW

"After reading Stephanie Duran’s book “Because I Loved You”; it really put life, love and companionship into perspective. Time and love are not a given so when true love is found we must learn to cherish every moment we have together. Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing your beautiful story. This should be an inspiration for all."

- Vanessa Velez

"A true labor of love, “Because I Loved You” is a memoir written with raw emotion and honest openness that takes readers on a very personal, heartfelt journey of love, loss, grief, and healing. It is an inspiring story, reminding us that you’re not alone and that you can “survive the unthinkable.” 

- Timothy S.

"Profoundly beautiful memoir of strength, courage, and love. Within its pages lies inspiration for anyone who has ever been a caregiver, for a family member, a friend or a lover. A powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the quiet grace found in showing up for those we love."

- Sheena Doherty-Farkas

"I felt the strength, hope, and courage of two people in love. What touched me the most was one of the last paragraphs, which highlighted how most things in life are temporary and obstacles in our path or space for growth. That seemed to sum up this beautiful yet heartbreaking story."

- Stephanie Anastos

"Wow! From the first page to the last, I was engaged in the whole story, love and compassion fly off the pages. What a powerful way to honor the love of your life! Compassion, raw emotion, and honesty. Stephanie writes with care and humility, as she opens her heart so that others may see hope as they face their greatest loss."

- Michelle Eienseberg

"This book has touched my heart. The love, the courage, and the promises between two people were so powerful and inspiring. Jeff & Stephanie both loved with all of their hearts. He wanted her to share their story to help at least one person, and it will help so many more. The way that Stephanie was able to pick herself up through the grief and move on was so inspiring. She was so brave and was able to find a new love. Thank you for sharing your story. It gives hope to so many others."

- Margo McGee 

"The love story of Stephanie and Jeff was absolutely beautiful. We all say the vows “in sickness and in health,” but Stephanie and Jeff lived them. While their relationship was so inspiring, it’s Stephanie’s ability to jump in with both feet and fully commit to an adventure or love without knowing the outcome that I found inspiring. It has made me realize that we should all strive to live that way because that’s how you find magic."

- Christine Horowitz

"Stephanie and Jeff’s journey is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Hopefully, sharing it will help others not only cope with their grief but also continue to live. This story shows us all that it’s not easy, but with love and support, it’s possible to keep living and loving while missing and grieving for a lost love."

- Ellen S.

"What a story of hope and healing. Stephanie inspires others that there's love after loss and that no matter your heartache, you can come out the other side. Inspiring, uplifting, and helpful to anyone dealing with loss or grieving. Highly recommend this read!"

- Heather Torigian

"In her book, “Because I Loved You,” Stephanie shares her journey of love & loss. The tone of her story is raw and authentic, allowing readers to really connect with what she went through. Her voice is tender & caring yet strong and powerful. So many people will benefit from reading this book."

- Jacki Riggs

"This book didn’t just move me, it changed my perspective on life and how to live it. It showed me how to find joy even in the darkest moments. Reading this story taught me to treat hardships not as burdens but instead as lessons and beautiful challenges we have to overcome."

- Jacob E.

"Because I Loved You is a heartfelt journey that touched my heart with both tears and smiles. The love story between Stephanie and Jeff, though tragically cut short, shines brightly through these pages. Stephanie endured the unimaginable loss of her love. Now she uses her experiences to bless and help others after the loss of a loved one. She's turned something good out of the tragedy, and that's the example we all need to remember, no matter what losses we face, through resilience, we can persevere."

- Janet Freedman

"Stephanie’s deeply moving memoir touched my heart in unexpected ways. It’s a powerful personal story of love, loss, and learning how to love again after unimaginable pain. It brings hope and strength to anyone caring for a loved one with a long-term illness, and sparks inspiration to live life in a fully present way, seizing the ordinary, everyday moments as the most precious. Thank you for helping us all to embrace the now and to see the light in life’s darkest times."

- Jenni Simmons, EmpowerMe Career Consulting Pty Lt

"Because I Loved You" by Stephanie Duran is one of the most moving books I’ve ever read. Stephanie’s writing drew me in immediately - beautiful, heartfelt, and so real that I found myself turning page after page, unable to stop. Her story about her relationship with Jeff and their journey after his terminal cancer diagnosis is deeply personal yet filled with universal life lessons that anyone can take to heart. This book made me cry, but it also lifted me with moments of love and joy. It touched my soul in a way few books ever have, and I’ll carry its message with me for a long time."

- Jill Klinge, Attorney

"After finishing the book, I found myself hugging my husband a little longer, reminded of the importance of not taking a single moment for granted. The story Stephanie shares is not only a testament to the power of love but also a reminder to live fully and fearlessly. It's an inspiring read that will touch your heart and motivate you to cherish every moment."

- Kathryn Boulanger, Retired banker and entrepreneur

"Stephanie’s book deeply moved me. Her vulnerability in sharing the pain of losing her true love, Jeff, and the healing journey that followed, is both powerful and inspiring. The way she turns personal grief into a message of hope and healing is a true testament to her strength. Her story is a gift to anyone navigating loss, a reminder that even in heartbreak, love endures and purpose can rise from pain."

- Kim Freedman

"Because I Loved You, by Stephanie Duran, reached the depths of my heart and soul. The loss of a loved one is part of life that many people go through, but rarely speak of after the initial pain and sorrow. This memoir allows its readers to go on a spiritual and emotional journey. It beautifully describes both trials and triumphs that resonate with everyone who has ever felt a profound loss. More importantly, the author leaves you with a sense of hope, inspiration, and a true belief that love is never-ending and can be found again in time if you choose to seek joy again."

- Laura Gilden