bestseller status
First, let us begin by stating that we did NOT write this to be a bestseller.
When we started writing, it was sticky notes on the wall, journal entries we swore would never see the light of day, and raw conversations that hurt to say out loud. We were writing to survive. To tell the truth. To maybe help one person feel less alone in the chaos of addiction, love, and healing.
Coloring Outside the Lines was written to be a resource for others in the throes of addiction or grappling with the impact of a loved one’s struggles. We knew some bad reviews would come out but guess what? Far more friends and family reached out with support and gratitude.
This is all bigger than us and even this book. You helped prove that there is space for the gray. That stories like ours matter. That love, even when it’s messy and imperfect, deserves a voice. On Amazon, people found us through these categories where we topped the bestseller lists of New Releases:
Substance Abuse Recovery
Drug & Dependency (eBook) and (book)
Codependency
Psychological Pathologies
Thanks to all twenty-two of you (and counting!) that shared reviews. Here they are:
★★★★★
“A true must read! Struggling with addiction yourself, know someone who is, looking for a heartfelt, brave, tell all story this book is it.” — Brandon S.
★★★★★
“A story for anyone going through addiction, anyone supporting someone in addiction, anyone who loves others deeply, and anyone who wants a raw, honest look at life. The realities of love are messy and beautiful and hard and heartwarming, and this book captures it all. Reading this not only helped me look inward, but also understand what others might be going through below the surface. A beautiful story!” — R.S.
★★★★★
“Wow! These two hold nothing back. Great read. The humor infused with hard lessons learned and the brokenness with the greatest capacity to love makes this book one that touches every part of your heart. You ache for them, cry, and laugh more than expected. Getting to hear the same story of addiction and redemption told from both sides who lived it is like nothing I’ve ever read before. Feels like the kind of book everyone, who has struggled with something or supported someone through their struggle, needs to read. I like their take on the “Adrift” and the “Anchor.” Hope they do an audiobook! I’d love to hear this told in their voices. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that’s so relatable.” — Paige K.
★★★★★
“This is the unspoken story of so many people and Katie and Chris are incredibly brave for sharing so vulnerably. A must read for anyone who’s been touched by addiction in any way!” — Izzy
★★★★★
“This is the unspoken story of so many people and Katie and Chris are incredibly brave for sharing so vulnerably. A must read for anyone who’s been touched by addiction in any way!”— Regina G
★★★★★
“First off, the courage that it took to share their story is commendable. The way that they each articulated their story is commendable. The elegance and kindness that was shown to the reader is outstanding. You must read this. It will impact you in ways you can’t fathom.”— Dani
★★★★★
“Give this story a read! Can’t wait to get a hard cover copy.”
★★★★★
“Coloring Outside the Lines is one of those books that stays with you long after the last page. It’s honest without being hopeless, tender without being sentimental, and real in a way that only people who have lived through addiction and recovery can write.
What I loved most is how human this story is. It’s not just about substance use or healing, but about the quiet moments, the hard truths, the small choices, and the brave, messy love that carries you through the gray. The authors let you into their hearts in a way that feels intimate, vulnerable, and deeply generous.
If you are sober, sober-curious, loving someone who struggles, or trying to make sense of your own story, this book will meet you exactly where you are. It’s the kind of story that reminds you redemption is possible, healing is real, and none of us are as alone as we think.
A beautiful, necessary read. Highly recommend.” — Kaitlin H.
★★★★★
“Coloring Outside the Lines is one of those rare memoirs that doesn’t just tell a story, it invites you into it with unflinching honesty and unforgettable vulnerability. Told in alternating voices, Chris and Katie open the door to the messy, painful, hopeful world of addiction and recovery with a level of candor that feels both brave and deeply human.
★★★★★
”What struck me most is how the book refuses to offer easy answers. Instead, it paints recovery as it truly is: nonlinear, courageous, humbling, and sometimes held together by nothing but hope and a willingness to keep going. The love between Chris and Katie is not romanticized but instead shown through its grit, growth, setbacks, and quiet moments of grace.
This memoir is for anyone touched by addiction, codependency, trauma, or complicated love, or anyone who simply appreciates a beautifully written story about resilience and redemption. It’s honest. It’s messy. It’s healing. And it’s absolutely worth reading.
Highly recommend.”— Taylor
★★★★★
“This book isn’t just about addiction, it’s about the slow erosion and unexpected resilience of a marriage pushed to its limits.
It’s messy, heartbreaking, infuriating, and at times so intimate it almost feels wrong to be reading it. But that’s exactly what makes it powerful. A must read for anyone going through something similar!!” — Jess F.
★★★★★
“A beautiful love story, for better or worse…in sickness and in health. This couple was brave enough to tell their story and love each other through the ups and downs of life. I can see their story helping so many others through hard times. Thanks for sharing!”— E.B.
★★★★★
“What an inspiring story. Really a tough thing to let it all out there, and this book with no doubt help anyone struggling with addiction and relationship.”— Allie M.
★★★★★
“Very powerful story. Raw and honest. For those of us that either know someone that has struggled with addiction or is struggling themselves this story will stick with you. Highly recommend this book.” — Brent M.
★★★★★
“WOW, such a powerful read! If you have struggled with any type of addiction, this is a must-read. Thank you for sharing your story!” — Mark
★★★★★
“Worth every page. A new perspective gifted between the covers.” — Matt L.
★★★★★
“Highly recommend. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you and makes you feel less alone.” — Autumn M.
★★★★★
“Raw, beautiful story that captures all sides of addiction!” — Jesse
★★★★★
“A truly honest, vulnerable, and heart opening love story.” — Angela R.
★★★★★
“Coloring Outside the Lines is one of the most honest and courageous memoirs I have read about addiction and the toll it takes on a marriage. The dual perspectives give readers a rare look at both sides of the struggle, the voice of someone drowning in addiction and the voice of the partner trying to stay steady while everything around them is collapsing.
It is raw, emotional, and full of moments that show how complicated real healing can be. What stood out most to me was how willing Chris and Katie were to tell the truth about their experience, even the parts that are uncomfortable. You can feel the weight of their story on every page, along with the love, growth, and hope that come from choosing recovery again and again.
This memoir lingers long after you finish it. It is powerful, heartfelt, and important for anyone who has ever loved someone through darkness or tried to rebuild their life after breaking. A truly unforgettable read!” — Val S.
We’re still in awe. Still tired. Still messy. But right now, we’re mostly just grateful. So, THANK YOU for believing in us. For helping us carry this story into the world. For being part of this fight.
With everything in us,
Katie & Chris
Overwhelmingly, our readers found it honest, heartfelt, inspiring, thoughtful, gripping, raw, powerful, beautiful, brave, emotional. Some of you even said life-changing and redemptive. If you got our book (available in eBook, Paperback, and Hardcover) and have a moment, please leave your review too!
