Debut Memoir · Coming Fall 2026

    From Fire
    to Freedom

    A Memoir of Transformation, Renewal, and Resilience

    By Dr. Bertina M. Hooks

    From Fire to Freedom book cover by Dr. Bertina M. Hooks
    Join the Launch ListMedia & Speaking Inquiries

    About the Book

    Synopsis

    From Fire to Freedom is an intimate and deeply reflective memoir about surviving pressure, rebuilding identity, and finding freedom after adversity. Through stories shaped by medicine, motherhood, personal loss, professional expectations, burnout, reinvention, and resilience, Dr. Bertina Hooks shares the realities that often exist beneath outward success.

    This is a memoir about the fires that test us — the pressures of a demanding career, the weight of unmet expectations, the grief that accumulates quietly, and the moments when everything we thought defined us begins to unravel. It is also about what becomes possible on the other side: clarity, freedom, and a more authentic version of self.

    At its heart, this is a story about becoming — not despite life's fires, but because of them.

    What This Book Explores

    Themes

    Identity and self-discovery
    Physician burnout and emotional exhaustion
    Family history and generational influence
    Reinvention and career transformation
    Motherhood and sacrifice
    Faith, resilience, and healing
    The search for meaning, alignment, and freedom
    Personal loss and grief
    Women in medicine
    Entrepreneurship and courage

    Release Information

    Coming Fall 2026 — available via major online retailers.

    Published by Phoenix Ascend Press

    Book Journey

    From Manuscript to Launch

    Every great story has a journey. Follow the path of From Fire to Freedom from first word to publication.

    Overall Progress0%

    3 of 6 milestones completed

    Completed

    The Story Begins

    Lived experience, reflection, and the courage to put it on the page.

    Completed

    Writing & Revision

    Drafting, refining, and shaping the manuscript over many seasons.

    Completed

    Editorial Review

    Manuscript in editorial and design development with Phoenix Ascend Press.

    In Progress

    Production & Print

    Cover design, interior layout, printing, and digital formatting.

    Coming Soon

    Launch Campaign

    Advanced reader copies, media outreach, podcast tour, and events.

    Coming Soon

    Publication — Fall 2026

    Available at major online retailers and select independent bookstores.

    Completed

    The Story Begins

    Lived experience, reflection, and the courage to put it on the page.

    Completed

    Writing & Revision

    Drafting, refining, and shaping the manuscript over many seasons.

    Completed

    Editorial Review

    Manuscript in editorial and design development with Phoenix Ascend Press.

    In Progress

    Production & Print

    Cover design, interior layout, printing, and digital formatting.

    Coming Soon

    Launch Campaign

    Advanced reader copies, media outreach, podcast tour, and events.

    Coming Soon

    Publication — Fall 2026

    Available at major online retailers and select independent bookstores.

    Want to be notified the moment the book launches?

    Join the Launch List

    Join the Launch List

    Be the first to know when From Fire to Freedom is available. Receive updates, behind-the-scenes reflections, and exclusive launch news.

    Phoenix Ascend Press

    Future Books

    More from Phoenix Ascend Press — Forthcoming titles will appear here as published.

    Book Excerpt

    Excerpt Coming Soon.

    Book Club Discussion Guide

    Discussion Guide Coming Soon.

    Book Clubs Welcome

    Book Club Inquiry

    Dr. Hooks welcomes book club appearances — virtual and in-person. Complete the form below and her team will be in touch to discuss availability and details.

    Dr. Hooks' team typically responds within 5–7 business days.

    Spread the Word

    Share the Book

    Know someone who needs this story? Help spread the word about From Fire to Freedom. Every share helps this message reach someone who may need it most.

    https://bertinamhooksmd.com/book

    "You are not broken. Give yourself permission to evolve." — Dr. Bertina M. Hooks

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