A Memoir by Julie Melanson
Not Yours
to Keep
A Story About Adoption and the Strength and Resilience of Women
Discover an unforgettable journey of identity, love, and the unbreakable bonds that connect us across time and circumstance.
About Julie
Not all adopted children get the chance to discover where they come from, but Julie Melanson did. Her journey to reconnect with her birth mother, Diana, revealed unexpected parallels, heartbreaks, and triumphs. With raw honesty, love, and compassion, she tells a story of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of family.
Julie is an up-and-coming author who has lived a tale that most adoptees would never have expected. She has sadly experienced the love and loss of two mothers, after which she was compelled to tell the story of both of these wonderful women who shaped her life in different ways.
Beyond her budding career in memoir writing, Julie brings a wealth of experience as a retired vice president of a cold chain/supply chain visibility company, where she dedicated twenty-five years of her professional life.
Residing in Michigan with her husband Rob, Julie cherishes her proximity to water, a lifelong source of inspiration. She and Rob live close to her family, which includes two grown sons, Kevin and Paul, and three bonus children—Renée, Evan, and Sam—whom she loves as her own, along with eight cherished grandchildren.
In her leisure time, Julie finds solace in reading, golfing, and treasured moments with her family. She shares these moments with Ome and Healy, their beloved Portuguese water dogs, who are loyal companions in her daily life.
A Journey to Healy Pass
This photograph was taken at Healy Pass in Ireland—a place that holds profound personal significance for Julie. Her birth mother's name was Diana Healy, and visiting this breathtaking mountain pass became a powerful connection to her Irish heritage and the woman who gave her life.
The winding road through Healy Pass symbolizes Julie's own journey of discovery—full of unexpected turns, stunning revelations, and ultimately, a deeper understanding of where she comes from.
The Book
A Memoir
Not Yours to Keep
A Story About Adoption and the Strength and Resilience of Women
Not Yours to Keep is a raw and emotional story that speaks to the resilience of women. It is a compelling tale about a young mother in the 1950s who fought against all odds to give birth to her child conceived by a brutal rape, only to give her up for adoption at birth.
Unknowingly, the baby girl, Julie, is adopted and raised by parents in a loving family only a few miles away from where her birth mother lives. There are many times throughout Julie's fifty-one years that their lives come very close to touching each other, but it's not until she and her husband decide to peruse the internet on a whim about their backgrounds that Julie and Diana connect.
This book gives the reader a thoughtful message about the parts of us that are from nurture and what comes from nature. It touches the heart and mind with its inspiring depiction of the ability to overcome and achieve success after life's heartbreaks, challenges, and struggles.
Media & Videos
Watch interviews and readings featuring Julie as she shares her incredible story of adoption, discovery, and resilience.
Interview with Shannon
Julie shares her story with Shannon Hazel from AuthorSuccess.com, discussing the journey behind writing her memoir.
Partial Reading
Listen to Julie read an excerpt from "Not Yours to Keep" — a powerful passage about discovery and connection.
Interview with Jack Canfield
A special conversation with bestselling author Jack Canfield about resilience, storytelling, and finding your voice.
Get in Touch
For media inquiries, speaking engagements, or to share your own story, Julie would love to hear from you.
Julie Melanson
Author of "Not Yours to Keep"
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