ABOUT THE BOOK

The Story Of A Woman Reclaiming Her Power

After Sabina watches her rock star husband walk out on their marriage, a phone call reveals that her beloved grandmother is in the ICU in Santa Cruz, CA. So Sabina hits the road with a tear-stained face, a duffel bag of clothes, and no plan for her future.

In her grandmother’s seaside world, Sabina reconnects with several old passions: ocean swimming, process painting, and a long-lost summer love named Graham—all of which force her to confront the artistic dream she abandoned to support her husband. Meanwhile, a mysterious voice calls to her. Sabina wonders if it’s a Selkie, one of the mythical shape-shifting seal folk from her grandmother’s stories.

As both her marriage and her grandmother’s health deteriorate, Sabina wrestles with the choices she’s made. Is it too late to reclaim her dream? Must she choose between art and love? And is the voice she’s hearing a sign she’s lost it—or a key to unlocking her true self?

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

My Real-Life Journey That Inspired This Healing Fiction

Have you ever lost yourself in a relationship, giving up your dreams to support someone else’s?

I have, and I know how painful it is.

I began writing my novel after a major breakup in yet another relationship where I lost myself. The process of writing was cathartic and transformational. The main character of the story, Sabina, took me by the hand and showed me her story. Her story was my story, only with a different ending. She showed me how to reclaim my power from betryal and become the heroine of my own story, so instead of losing myself, I have my back 100%.

Now it’s my turn to pay it forward, and share Sabina’s wisdom with you and as many readers as possible.

“A tale of truth and transformation. A must-read.”
— Laura Munson, New York Times bestselling author of Willa's Grove

“A compelling novel about embracing one's identity and reclaiming power and control of one's life... dedicated to fans of profound character-driven women's fiction.”
— Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“A soothing portrayal of self-discovery for readers who enjoy relatable female characters.”
— Kirkus Reviews

“Intergenerational wisdom, the divine feminine, and a healthy dose of magic guide Sabina on her journey towards empowerment. Walrod has deftly woven a profoundly feminist tale.”
— Emily Wolf, author of My Thirty-First Year (And Other Calamities)

“It’s Always Been Me is a tale of personal rebirth and the transformative power of self-discovery.”
— Nicole Waggoner, author of The Circus of Women Trilogy

"In this empowering tale, art provides a language rich in metaphor and a path for self-actualization, mystical surprises, and the unfolding of women's wisdom."
— Jude Berman, author of The Vow, a 2024 Kirkus Best Indie Book

"When Sabina’s life shatters, art becomes a lifeline that puts her back together, providing a beautiful example of how creative expression through lines, shapes, colors, textures, and images plays a vital role in healing and starting over."
— Merryl E. Rothaus, LPC, LMHC, ATE-BC, CHT, ACS Somatic Art Psychotherapist