This is the book cover of "The Plans I Have For You" by Marie Contino. It's an inspiring memoir about a woman who survived her battle with cancer twice.

An inspiring memoir about a young family’s dreams coming true against all odds

About the Book

This memoir has been in the making for just over ten years. It is my very personal journey of battling a life-threatening illness as a young mother and wife. It’s a story of faith, courage, and never losing hope even when all seems lost.

My greatest wish is that it might provide encouragement and inspiration to someone else, regardless of what type of struggle they may be facing.

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This is a mockup of the book cover of "The Plans I Have For You" by Marie Contino. It's an inspiring memoir about a woman who survived her battle with cancer twice.

Table of Contents

Chapters

Part I: The Warm-Up Period

Defy Logic; Pacentro

Part II: Round One

Follow the Order of the Universe; When the Universe Doesn’t Comply; Antonio; “There’s Not a Spot Where God Is Not”; I’m Really Not Like You; Fallout; Barbie; Question Authority; Ring the Bell; The Decision

Part III: Round Two

Shattered; Get In the Bounce House; Tiger Mom; The Plans I Have For You; Happy Place Meditation; Ducks; I Just Can’t; Strong Women; La Speranza E’ L’Ultima a Morire

Part IV: Victory Is Ours

The Phone Call; The Strange Nature of a Miracle; Right Is Right; “Go! Live Your Life!”; La Vita E’ Bella!

About the author

Marie Contino

photo of Marie Contino author of "The Plans I Have For You"

Marie Contino, author

Writing has been a part of who I am since I was a very young child. I used to create short, illustrated stories in early elementary school and continued journaling and writing poetry through high school. I recognized that it was an outlet for me and found that I could express myself much easier in written words than by speaking. (I was the student that never raised her hand). When I was faced with the battle of my life, I found that, just as it always had throughout my life, journaling and writing poetry, provided comfort.

I now live in Italy and find inspiration everywhere I look! The cultural differences often fuel lighthearted, comic relief for my blog. When I’m not writing, in my free time I enjoy traveling with my family and discovering Tuscan villages, photography, and cooking. I try to strike a balance between the Italian culture while maintaining my American roots and traditions.

What readers are saying

★★★★★

Marie’s honesty in The Plans I Have for You not only gives the reader a rare glimpse into the vulnerability and anguish of cancer treatments, but also provides an example of overcoming negative thought processes and focusing all energy on gratitude, healing, and survival. It is an inspirational example of opening one’s heart to the possibility of miracles, the power of love, and the strength of will that are required to survive when all odds are against you.

★★★★★

Marie Contino shows remarkable bravery in reliving such a difficult physical and emotional part of her life with readers. She offers insight and hope to anyone who might be traversing the same path. But this is primarily a love story. 

★★★★★

This book is a love story, a struggle for health and ultimately proof that God is still in the miracle business. It made me cry and laugh and then cry again. And at the end cry another time with joy over how good God is! This book is an easy read but packed with wisdom on how to have courage to fight a battle for your life.

★★★★★

The Plans I Have for You is a story of faith, family and sheer determination.
Marie tells the story of a devastating health crisis and how with strong faith she persevered through such a life changing season. The story ends with a new beginning in the Tuscany region of Italy where she currently resides enjoying every precious moment of life. This book is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story with the world Marie.