Chaucer’s Books will host a book talk for Deborah Samuel, author of “Grace Through Fire: A Memoir of Murder, Tragedy, and Resilience,” 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 3321 State St., Santa Barbara.

For fans of Cheryl Strayed and Glennon Doyle, Samuel’s book is a raw and redemptive memoir of surviving generational trauma, caregiving, and spiritual awakening that chronicles one woman’s journey from southern survival to West Coast freedom, Chaucer’s said.



In the book, when her elderly mother shoots her abusive husband (Deborah’s father) in their Arkansas home, Deborah is thrust into a storm of media frenzy, grief and caregiving.

As she fights for justice, supports her paralyzed wife, and battles personal demons, Deborah begins to unravel a deeper legacy of generational trauma, and realizes the need to rescue herself.


“Grace Through Fire” follows Deborah’s odyssey through murder trials, chronic illness, financial collapse, and spiritual reckoning.

“From the chaos of the rural South to the stillness of yoga studios and the healing waters of Lake Powell and Crater Lake, Deborah rediscovers her strength, sobriety and purpose,” Chaucer’s said.


Samuel was born in Rogers, Arkansas, and spent two decades as an award-winning educator for at-risk youth before being named National Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

A licensed pilot and aircraft mechanic, she also flipped nearly 30 homes before transitioning into luxury real estate.

Today, she is a senior specialist Realtor and a cofounder of SB SOS, an organization that helps older adults in transition. She lives aboard a classic yacht with her spouse and their cat in Santa Barbara.