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About the Author
Danielle Ledezma
Hi friends! So glad you stopped by. Whether you are just beginning your journey with Izzy, or you have traveled through Mexico with her, I hope you will find your connection with her continues on. Not just the stories and the laughs or the tears, but the lessons and the challenges you grow through alongside her as you read.
My wish is that as you get to know Izzy, you start to understand her in ways that touch your heart and soul. That you return here to connect with others who may also understand, in very personal ways, the difficult emotions and situations Izzy goes through. There is a huge community of us out there who have felt shame, who battle with vulnerability, and who feel strong one minute and totally lost the next. You are not alone! We are all here together, as Prince once said, “to get through this thing called life.” Let’s do so whole heartedly with open minds, with walls lowered, and with eyes open.
I just recently found my way back home to Texas and met my now husband, Pedro. We live in San Antonio with our puppies, Cali and Cole. Well, Cali is almost 11, but she’s still my first baby. And Cole is a rescue that is teaching us patience and perseverance in ways only dog owners (or maybe parents) can understand. While we don’t yet have children, we hope to in coming years.
Lastly, I hope you and I can connect and share our stories together. Follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook, and let’s get to know each other! I can’t wait to meet you and learn more about your journey and your story!
See you soon,
Danielle
mareo, el
- noun, from Spanish
- seasickness, dizziness
- confusion, muddle, mess
from el mar (Spanish for the sea)
Izzy in El Mareo is dedicated to any woman who has left behind who she used to be.
Izzy’s trying to cope with life, love, and loneliness, but her fast life in Houston is rapidly spinning out of control.
So when the twenty-three-year-old American takes a job at an international resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, she hopes her old life is behind her at last—and with it, all the self-doubts and insecurities that have plagued her since young adulthood. She’s wondering if she’ll be able to survive in a new job in a strange country, but for now, the city’s breathtaking ocean views by day and sexy club scenes by night look like paradise.
Happy and energized by the unfamiliar sights and sounds of her surroundings, Izzy sets out to prove herself in the Spanish-speaking office. Soon she’s making strides at work, hanging with new acquaintances, and all the while gaining confidence as she successfully navigates the local culture (and the men in it).
But soon the lines start to blur in paradise. Izzy misses her family and her boyfriend back home; she senses her new friends may be ignoring her; and when she returns from travels for work, she feels insecure and out of place. Her self-esteem takes a hit. Confusion and disorientation set in. Returning to old habits—drinking, partying hard, and looking for love with strangers—Izzy is feeling more alone than ever. When an office gaffe threatens to ruin her much-anticipated trip home for Christmas, Izzy is forced to take stock: Was the whole move to Mexico a mistake? Can she find a way to get her career—and her life—back on track?
This poignant, funny, and edgy coming-of-age story shows us that there’s strength in being vulnerable, it’s all right not to be perfect, and most of all, we have to learn to love ourselves before we can truly love anyone else.
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Inspiration
As an avid reader, my favorite books have always given me much more than just pure entertainment or new information. They have taught me life lessons, helped me see myself and the world around me in a new light, and filled in parts of my heart that I didn’t even know existed.
When I decided to write Izzy in El Mareo, my goal was to deliver a similar experience, drawing inspiration from my own life, and all of the real impact I’ve felt from my favorite authors. If you enjoyed reading my book, you might also enjoy these:
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Brené Brown:
Rising Strong; Braving the Wilderness
After going through a divorce, a friend of mine handed me Rising Strong and said I had to read it. She was right. The realization that we can find ourselves as Brene says “facedown in the arena” and still get back up was life changing. Owning the mistake, owning the present emotion and yet feeling my way back to truth that I am good enough and I am perfect have made me a better version of myself. I can’t wait for you to experience the freedom that comes from recognizing shame so you can battle with it, and recognizing the bravery in being vulnerable.
Jennifer Weiner:
Having a younger sister, In Her Shoes was totally relatable and totally prying. I felt like Jennifer had listened to my personal private conversations with my own sister and put them in her story. It was wonderful to watch this relationship and start to understand that family is complicated no matter what and that it’s not uncommon to have these kinds of issues. I’m not alone! All Fall Down is just an amazing insight into a world, which I don’t know much about yet is a crisis in our society today. Abuse of prescription drugs is a real and moving journey to get into and out of.
Jennifer Crusie:
I picked up this book in an airport somewhere between the U.S. and Mexico, and it is the reason Izzy in El Mareo exists today. The honesty Jennifer writes with, the joy in seeing the inner workings and insecurities of her character in this book, just completely moved me. It helped me feel “allowed” to relate to her and admit, I felt that way, too.
John Maxwell:
15 Invaluable Laws of Growth; 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership; Everyone Communicates, Few Connect
Certified by the John Maxwell Team in speaking, training and coaching I seek daily to improve myself in every area of life using so many of John’s books. From understanding that what I do today will be what I live tomorrow, to strengthening how I relate to others, are all incredible tools John provides through a multitude of amazing resources.
Elizabeth Gilbert:
This one seems a tad obvious, but it came out just a couple years before I took a job in Mexico. Needless to say this heartfelt, open look at her journey through herself and back again by way of international travel was a huge encouragement for me to do the same. There is so much solace in leaving behind what you think you know about yourself and your life, and finding an entirely new energy when you put yourself outside your comfort zone. Whether that’s India or Indiana!
John O’Leary:
John is an incredible story of survival, and with that story, he’s become an amazing motivational speaker. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a conference, and listening to his story before reading his book in nearly 24 hours. Talk about brave! But also, talk about feeling the weight of shame on your shoulders, and the journey to recover not only physically but emotionally to a confident little boy who still loved himself no matter how different he looked. His podcasts are a weekly ritual for me now, and thanks to John I am excited to follow in his steps as a speaker and trainer!
Speaking
Izzy in El Mareo follows a particularly eventful chapter in her life, which was partially inspired by my own experiences. I relate very strongly with her story, and I believe in the power of both personal reflection and sharing experiences with others as a way to grow and evolve. That’s why I love interacting with people who have read—or are reading—Izzy.
I am honored whenever I have the opportunity to speak with groups—from small book clubs to large audiences—to provide deeper detail and insight to Izzy’s story, discuss the ideas presented about personal love and acceptance, or speak on leading from the heart in all areas of life.
As a certified John Maxwell speaker/trainer/coach, I specialize in personal growth/exploration, motivation and mindfulness to engage and inspire you through humor and relatable stories that will touch your heart and soul.
To arrange for a virtual meeting with your book club, or an in-person presentation for your group or organization, please send me a note using the form below.
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