Following Sunshine
A Voyage Around the Mind, Around the World, Around the Heart
by Niamh McAnally
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Pub Date Sep 12 2024 | Archive Date Sep 13 2024
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Description
In her honest and heart-warming memoir, writer and adventurer Niamh McAnally shares the story of her liberating journey from being unemployed, homeless, and divorced in her fifties, to embarking on a global quest to find purpose through volunteering and ultimately finding a profound love that changed her life.
From volunteering for marine conservation projects on remote islands in Belize, Vanuatu, and Tonga, to exploring exotic destinations like Bora Bora, Palau, Fiji, and St Barths, Niamh takes readers on a captivating journey where each destination unveils a layer of her self-discovery. An encouraging read for the dreamer in each of us, you'll learn about unique cultures, dolphin research, turtle conservation, and coral reef protection. And be prepared for the most unexpected love story when she is selected as crew for a solo sailor in the Bahamas-a project that was only supposed to last a month but will now last a lifetime.
While telling the story of one woman's quest for meaning, Following Sunshine also serves as a roadmap for the rest of us, inspiring us to awaken to the potential that lies within and choose a path truest to our being. Perfect for fans of adventure travel, romance, and anyone seeking meaning and fulfillment through giving back.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
NIAMH MCANALLY (pronounced “Knee-if Mack-an-alley”) is an Irish-born bestselling author, keynote & corporate speaker, former TV director, and youngest daughter of the late BAFTA award-winning actor, Ray McAnally, and actor, Ronnie Masterson. Niamh has traveled all over the world and lived and worked as a volunteer in many island nations in the Caribbean and the South Pacific.
Niamh’s first book Flares Up: A Story Bigger than the Atlantic was shortlisted in the 2023 Sunday Times Vikki Orvice Award. The Ray D’Arcy radio show chose her memoir-short "Haul Out" from over 3,000 entries for a coveted spot in the anthology A Page from My Life, and her whimsical series "Falmouth Freddy and the Cruising Kanes" has been serialized in Caribbean Compass Magazine. Niamh has also been published in The Journal, Sail, The Irish Times Abroad, Writing.ie and Subsea magazines. Following Sunshine is the winner of the 2024 Literary Titan Gold Award for Nonfiction.
In 2016 she helped a solo sailor crew his boat from Florida to the Bahamas. It was only supposed to last a month. Niamh soon realized she had not only found the life she loved but also the love of her life. She and Captain Gary have sailed as far north as Maine in the USA and to Bonaire off the northern coast of South America. With toes in the sand in Antigua, Captain and Crew became Husband and Wife. Many of her stories are inspired by her travels on land and at sea. She now lives on the Southwest Coast of Florida.
In 2020 she founded an international writer’s group, with whom she meets monthly and has curated and contributed to an anthology of their work Stories of Place due out May 2025. Believing everyone has their own unique story to tell, Niamh also runs writer’s workshops, both in person and online, to encourage emerging talent.
Advance Praise
WINNER OF THE 2024 LITERARY TITAN GOLD AWARD FOR NONFICTION
"Gripping and heartfelt, Niamh’s beautifully written memoir [Following Sunshine] unfolds with warmth, courage, and a touch of cinematic magic. A truly brave, enriching read that will take you on a global adventure in pursuit of purpose, and leave you uplifted by the impact one person can have. A MUST-READ for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper connection to the world."
– Liam Neeson
“A story of an ordinary woman doing an extraordinary thing. As Goethe said, ‘Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it; boldness has genius, power and magic in it.’”
—Jeremy Irons
“A brave, honest memoir, at times introspective, poignant, and often funny. McAnally tells her story with humor, empathy and intelligence.”
—Caitlin Richard, Caribbean Compass Magazine
“The memoir is more than a mere travelogue; it’s an introspective look at McAnally’s personal growth amid life’s challenges, including dealing with loss, divorce, and financial struggles. Her expressive language enhances the narrative, painting scenes with phrases that capture the transition of seasons and emotions…Following Sunshine resonates with those who have a zest for adventure and nature and readers interested in the introspective aspects of travel. This book is an invitation to experience the world through the eyes of a thoughtful and resilient explorer."
—Literary Titan
“Few people see all the things Niamh’s seen and even fewer have the ability to put pen to paper and record their experiences with such beautiful vividity. Niamh’s writing is stunning.”
—Amanda Geard, author of The Midnight House, A Richard and Judy Book Club choice
“Niamh McAnally is a brave, fearless adventurer, who grabs life and lives it to the full, picking herself up when she falls and moving forward, always with hope in her heart. An uplifting read that will warm your heart.”
—Sinead Moriarty, bestselling author of The Seven Letters
“‘I am a child of the ocean.’ As the person who’s guilty of introducing Niamh to the underwater world, I can truly say that her opening line speaks for itself. She embraced the aquatic world, and her stories of adventures driven by the seas are honest, open, and humorous. Dare to dream. Niamh did.”
—Rory Golden, Titanic Explorer
“Niamh McAnally is an experienced and adventurous truth-seeker, with a passion for life, bringing joy and inspiration wherever she goes. Following Sunshine is no different. A beautiful read that will enhance your life.”
—Anil Gupta, relationship expert and author of Immediate Happiness: Be Happy NOW Using Practical Steps with Immediate Proven Results
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781685134778 |
| PRICE | $22.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 320 |
