Description
Book SynopsisMelanie Brocklehurst hit rock bottom after the death of her soul-mate. Feeling she had nothing more to lose, she decided to follow a formula she created in her teens to achieve positive change. As a result, she embarks on a journey that changes her life. Along the way she quits her job, sells her house, and travels the United States dating fifty men in fifty states. And, eventually she falls in love again...in the most unexpected place.
Told with honesty, humor, and warmth,
50 Dates in 50 States clearly captures the ups,downs and hilarious moments of Internet dating and traveling alone across the United States. Melanie—shaped by events of her past but refusingto be defined by them—overcomes grief on a journey that is touching, delightful, and unexpectedly uplifting.
By turns joyful and melancholy, this wise and funny author will pull at your heartstrings in this inspirational, heartfelt, and beautifully written memoir.
Part travelogue, part romp, and part how-to guide,
50 Dates in 50 States, through its unique format, not only provides laughter and tears but also shows you how to build the life of your dreams by following the formula detailed throughout.
Trade Review“I could not put down this book once I had begun to read. Why? Because it’s compelling reading—as well as sharing her own remarkable story, each chapter gave me insights about my own life and work. I often say that our greatest strength is our fallibility—Melanie proves this in her open and honest portrayal of life and work and lets you into her secrets of success. Melanie is a wise practitioner, we can all learn from her book. I will keep this book close—like a best friend for life.”
-Dr. Andrew Machon, London, United Kingdom, International Executive, Business Coach and Author
“Melanie Brocklehurst is an exceptional executive and has now proved herself to be an exceptional author and coach.
50 Dates in 50 States: One Woman’s Journey to Positive Change provides a practical guide for those wanting to make positive changes as Melanie openly shares her 8-step Positive Change Formula wrapped wonderfully in the story of the past year of her life. You are going to love both the book and the positive changes that you achieve through putting her formula into practice!”
-Bonnie Boezeman AO, Sydney, Australia, Managing Director, Business Benefits International
“What’s better than a dating guide? Answer: A book that helps you with dating, provides you with a formula to achieve positive change and is wrapped up in a story! Melanie has created a unique and exciting book that is part travelogue, part romp and part how-to coach yourself happy. In her book,
50 Dates in 50 States, Melanie doesn´t patronize you. She, like me, shows that to find the right life partner isn´t necessarily ‘easy’ or ‘simple’ but that the results are worth it.”
-Marla Martenson, Los Angeles, United States, Author of
Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate is WaitingTable of ContentsFOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1 PROBLEMS
CHAPTER 2 THE POSITIVE CHANGE FORMULA
CHAPTER 3 OPTIONS
CHAPTER 4 SOLUTIONS
CHAPTER 5 IMPLEMENTATION
The Best Laid Plans...
The Start of the 50 Dates
California
Date #1: Chris – Life Is A Rollercoaster Date #2: Sam – Making Out At The Drive-In Arizona
Date #3: Diego – Allergies And Rock Concerts New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas
Date #4: Nathan – Scary Stalker Material
Dates #5&6: Dylan And Tom – Vegetarians And Memorials
Date #7: Josh – Another Ex-Girlfriend On The List? Tennessee
Date #8: Steven – You Missed Out On Some Great Hickory-Smoked Ribs! Mississippi
Date #9: Richard – I Need A Coke Hit! CHAPTER 6 TENACITY
Louisiana
Date #10: Max – Music And Magic In New Orleans Alabama
Date #11: Adrian – Safety First Florida
Date #12: Mark – Three’s A Crowd, Leave Your Smart Phone At Home Georgia
Date #13: Phil – Art And Truck-Driving CHAPTER 7 INTEGRITY
California again... and Nevada!
Date #14: Sam – The Official Date In Las Vegas A Military Operation
Maryland
Date #15: Andrew – Jumping Straight Back On The Horse Washington D.C.
Date #16: Luke – A Walk In The Park Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware
Dates #17-23: Too Many To Mention Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan
Date #26: Jacob – Moonwalking in Gary, Indiana Illinois
Date #27: Roger – The Job Interview Minnesota, North Dakota, Idaho, Utah
Date #28: Roberto – The Restorer Of Faith Omaha, Iowa, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas and Colorado... Phew!
Dates #34-36: Toby – Banter And Bickering In The Badlands Hawaii
Date #43: Jonny – Swimming With The Sharks Mexico
Date #44: José – My Unofficial Date Back in the UK with my family
CHAPTER 8 VICTORY
Mexico again... and 8 of the 9 states
New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Oregon and Washington
Date #45-50: Charlie – Charlie And The Hot Chocolate Factories of New England
Date #51-52: Harry And Ian – I Left My Heart In... Alaska
Date #53: José – My Last Official Date CHAPTER 9 EVALUATION
The Final Stage of the Positive Change Formula
Life After 50 Dates
CHAPTER 10 THE POSITIVE CHANGE FORMULA IN ACTION ALL OVER AGAIN
Kick-start the Positive
EPILOGUE
AFTERWORD
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
POSITIVE CHANGE COACHING AND CONSULTING
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
