Rita Henry smiling outdoors while holding a book titled 'Because of Angel' by Rita Henry, with a background of trees and sunlight.

The Book is Available Now!

Text that says "Because of Amy" in large, cursive, blue font.

With vulnerability and raw honesty, Rita takes you on a journey from the unimaginable pain of losing her daughter to knowing that that pain was actually a gift inviting her to show the f*ck up and really live.

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A white desk with a keyboard, a pair of black glasses, a clear mug filled with dark coffee, and a book titled 'Because of Amy' by Rita Henry with a colorful eye illustration on the cover.
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Get the Reader’s Guide, Book Club Questions, and More

Collection of printed materials including a reader's guide, a glossary, book club questions, and informational cards for 'Because of Amy' by Rita Henry, featuring colorful graphics and a logo with an eye and a radiant sun.

Rita’s story is the perfect entry point to start digging into your own. If you’re ready to unpack the traumas, triggers, misunderstandings, and held emotions keeping you stuck (or, you’re just curious about what any of that could even mean), download these free PDFs and fill them out as you read along.

COME AND GET 'EM!

  • The way you describe your experiences, with such detail and raw honesty, draws in the reader, including me, so profoundly that it feels as if we are walking beside you, feeling every triumph and every trial. Your book weaves an incredible narrative arc—moving from moments of pain and struggle to breakthroughs, triumphs, and ultimately fulfillment. This journey is universally resonant; almost everyone will see pieces of their own life reflected in your story, which is precisely what makes your book so impactful and valuable. To evolve is not a journey of ease; it is a road that demands courage, perseverance, and an unrelenting focus. Many are tempted to turn to distractions or take paths of lesser resistance. But, as your life so powerfully demonstrates, achieving profound personal and spiritual evolution requires a deep and unwavering drive to confront and transcend every obstacle. Your story is living proof that such dedication is not only possible but transformative.

    — Jonathan Parker, PhD

  • I’ve known Rita for a number of years and I knew her story and how Amy had died in her arms. The part that I never quite understood was how it broke her heart open until I read the first draft of this book a year and a half ago. It truly did break her heart wide open and in it’s own way, my heart opened too as a I read the gut wrenching and heart warming story of Rita’s healing journey. This book will change your life if you’re willing to allow your heart to open a bit more with each word. Thank You Rita and Many Blessings on your continued journey of healing and transformation!

    — Sheila Franzen, The Spiritual Geek

  • I was, I confess, not much looking forward to reading the book… I’d heard almost all these stories multiple times, over the course of any number of years. There wasn’t going to be a whole lot in here that I found “fresh”, or, at least, that’s what I thought, going in. The book kicks ass. K I C K S A S S Wow. The storytelling makes the stories fresh, and compelling. It is, surprisingly, a page-turner; I didn’t really want to stop reading it, (Though it also did make me want to stop, because much of it is intense, and given my sympathy for the narrator, it was often uncomfortable.) The book is deeply moving, compelling, and involving. It’s told in an intimate voice with raw, unvarnished, emotions. I’m dying to see how it lands with people who aren’t familiar with Rita and Julia. (It landed like a gut punch, with me.) The ending is pitch perfect.

    — Karl Lewis, Rita’s Husband, Lover, and the subject of chapter 15 of the book

  • I don’t cry much (though mom-life has changed that a bit). Mostly, I’ve lived a life of not touching feelings. I’ve worked for years to unlearn that, BUT… This book had me touching a lot of feelings and crying. (Like sobbing that I love my daughter so much and that our parents are going to die some day at the same time). It taught me how to keep working on having my own back—and not blaming others when I don’t. Thank you for doing your work because it’s a gift to me, to my husband, and to our daughter. I’m in awe and proud of you for being so vulnerable.

    — Kaitie H.

Rita and her family, circa 1994

Rita Henry kissing her baby daughter, Julia, on the cheek.
Rita Henry holding a newborn baby, Julia, with a nasal oxygen tube, in a hospital or medical setting.
Rita Henry in hospital gown standing next to her newborn baby in a hospital nursery.
Rita Henry holding a young child with medical tubes attached, inside a hospital or clinic.
Rita Henry and her mom smiling and hugging in a kitchen. One appears to be younger with dark, curly hair wearing a colorful sweater; the other is elderly with gray hair wearing a white sweater with a decorative pattern.
Newborn baby in an incubator, with a hand gently holding the baby's arm during medical care in a hospital setting.
Newborn baby in an incubator in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, surrounded by medical equipment and blankets.
Dr. Teri Wahlig in medical scrubs holding baby Julia Henry indoors, with floral wallpaper in the background.
A young boy holding a newborn baby in his arms, sitting on a couch with a festive holiday blanket in the background.