It begins with their final visit, ends with a letter straight from the heart, and in-between, takes you on a journey through the murk and occasional lightness that is the first year without her most treasured maternal one. It does so, not only for personal healing, but to gently inspire others to let themselves grieve openly, without shame, and to work through the dark moments within their own lives to get to the other side

"In her latest book, Azaleas In The Dark, Melissa pours out her story of love and loss so eloquently on the page. Melissa has found a way to reach the reader by sharing her layers of grief, following the loss of her dear mother, sprinkled with thoughts of hope for a brighter future. Hearts and minds will be touched and inspired by reading Melissa's poetry."

- Judy Wood, Artist/Poet