Books
Books Inspired by Life
Writing is one of the ways I share what life has taught me.
My books have grown out of different seasons of my life journey and explore themes such as personal experience, faith, restoration, relationships, identity, calling, and family history.
My desire is not to tell people how they should live their lives. I hope that my story and my words will encourage others to reflect on their own lives, recognize the lessons along the way, and find the courage to take new steps.
My Story
From Self-Loathing and Addiction to Self-Esteem and Freedom
My Story is my personal life story.
In this book, I take the reader on a journey through a life in which rejection, pain, addiction, and difficult choices all played a part. But above all, it is a story of change.
I share my story because I want to show people who are facing their own struggles that their circumstances do not have to determine how their story ends.
The past can leave deep scars, but restoration, self-esteem, and freedom can once again find a place in your life.
Available in Dutch and English. Available through Amazon and directly from Carmen.
Dutch edition: From Self-Loathing and Addiction to Self-Esteem and Freedom. Also available directly from Carmen.
English edition: From Self-Loathing and Addiction to Self-Esteem and Freedom. Also available directly from Carmen.
Life Is a Journey
My Second Life Journey
Life Is a Journey continues where My Story ends.
After change and a new beginning, life does not simply stop. New years follow, bringing new choices, new challenges, and new lessons.
In this book, I reflect on that continuing journey and on the baggage we carry with us along the way. Some things are worth holding on to; other things we need to learn to let go.
I also write about faith and the importance of spiritual support when life becomes difficult.
My hope is that readers will be encouraged to face their own life journey and to seek help or spiritual support when they need it.
Available in Dutch and English. Available through Amazon and directly from Carmen.
Dutch edition: My Second Life Journey. Also available directly from Carmen.
English edition: My Second Life Journey. Also available directly from Carmen.
What About Marriage
Is Marriage Still Relevant Today?
What does marriage mean today?
In What About Marriage, I reflect on marriage at a time when relationships, expectations, and society’s views have changed considerably.
The book invites women and men to think again, and critically, about marriage and the place it can have in today’s world.
Not to point an accusing finger, but to ask questions, consider different perspectives, and open up a conversation about marriage and relationships.
Available in Dutch. Available through Amazon and directly from Carmen.
Arise and Discover Yourself
Walk in Your Calling
Who are you really? What are your talents? And what place do they have in your life and calling?
Arise and Discover Yourself is for people who want to reflect on their identity and consider what they are called to do.
The book encourages you to look not only at what you do, but also at who you are. Your talents and potential are there to be discovered and developed.
From a perspective of faith, I invite the reader to reflect on God’s purpose for his or her life and to discover what steps may be needed to truly walk in that calling.
Despite its English main title, this book is written in Dutch.
Available in Dutch. Available through Amazon and directly from Carmen.
A Special Family Legacy
Surinaamse recepten uit de doos van Louise
This book has a very special meaning for me. I compiled it from the recipes of my late mother, Louise John-Knel.
My mother was a wonderful cook. Her recipes were closely connected to our family, our Surinamese heritage, and the times when family and friends gathered together. Many of these dishes were passed down from generation to generation.
With this cookbook, I wanted to make sure that her cooking and recipes would not be lost. To me, it is therefore much more than a collection of dishes. It is a tangible memory of my mother and a way of passing on part of her legacy to future generations.
The book contains authentic Surinamese recipes, with room to adjust quantities and flavors according to your own preferences.
Available through Amazon and directly from Carmen.
Prefer to Order Directly from Carmen?
All books are also available directly from Carmen. If you would like to order a book directly or have a question first, please get in touch through the Contact page.
