Welcome to
Pen Paws Pitstops
Real stories, unforgettable journeys
and adventures with Willow.
The journey of one woman, her scruffy little dog Willow, and the open road.
Here you'll find musings from the driver’s seat, muddy paw prints on the page, and honest stories from life off-grid.
Welcome to
Pen Paws Pitstops...
Coming Soon
What begins as an unexplained series of fractures becomes a life-changing journey of discovery, resilience and hope.
In Unbreakable Spirit, Karen Bradley-Edwards shares her deeply personal experience of living with severe osteoporosis, from years of unexplained injuries and missed opportunities for diagnosis to life in a wheelchair and the determined fight to walk again.
Blending personal experience with clear, practical information, this book helps readers understand osteoporosis, navigate the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, and discover ways to live positively despite the condition.
More than a story of illness, Unbreakable Spirit is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It is a book for anyone living with osteoporosis, caring for someone who is, or searching for hope in the face of adversity.
Sometimes life breaks our bones, but it never has to break our spirit.
Beta Reader Review: Lynne Bonner 75 years young
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"Hi Karen, I've just read your book on osteoporosis. It honestly blew me away. So well written and honest but with the tenacity I know you so well for. I cried reading it because so much I can relate to in my current new life. It's really applicable to anyone who experiences major unchosen and unexpected life changes.
I applaud your courage and tenacity through such challenging times. At the moment I fall well short but you have given me hope, acceptance, and to make some changes as I get stronger.
Congratulations on a superb, uplifting and very informative piece of work."
Early Reader Review: Emily Farrimond 37 years
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"Your book is great. Very informative! Love the end where you talk about changing your van. It’s amazing how attached we get to things. A lot of the stuff is relevant to most people in everyday life too, especially about adapting rather than burying your head in the sand and hiding, or doing nothing but hoping for the best, which a lot of people do. I really enjoyed reading it.
And that’s saying a lot, as I generally prefer fiction books because I like to zone out while I’m reading. Haha. It’s my stress relief. It takes a lot to hold my attention with non-fiction, and I was just reading away. It was just written really well.”
I knew nothing about osteoporosis but it was very clear to understand what was written. There's a lot to take in but that's understandable too given the nature of the book".
Becoming Willow
An honest story from a woman shaped by survival, sharing her experiences to help others feel seen, heard and less alone.
Becoming Willow has a deeper meaning. I became like the willow tree itself. Throughout my life I have bent in the strongest storms, yet somehow I never broke.
Each challenge shaped me, strengthened me and taught me that resilience is not about never falling. It is about finding the strength to stand again.
As the chapters unfold, I explore how our experiences, especially in childhood and throughout life, shape the way we see ourselves, respond to stress, build relationships and cope with trauma.
I look at how our minds and bodies carry those experiences and why healing is often a gradual process.
Recovery takes time. It takes kindness towards yourself, patience and determination. Slowly, the cracks begin to heal, our confidence returns and the road ahead becomes clearer.
My hope is that, by sharing my own journey, you may find the courage and belief to continue yours.
The Off-Grid Store
Soon to be available for purchase
