Forget the Fairy Tale
and Find Your Happiness
Deb Miller learns to slay the myth of Prince Charming and redefine what it means to live happily ever after.
In this uplifting debut memoir—perfect for fans of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and readers of Brené Brown or Mel Robbins—Deb Miller discards the myth of Prince Charming once she realizes he can’t get her to happily ever after. Instead of waiting to be saved, she gets on the white horse herself, safely straps her kids on behind her, and figures out how to get there on her own.
Forget the Fairy Tale and Find Your Happiness is part personal growth guide, part motivational memoir, and all heart as Deb rewrites her story. Her passion for tennis opens unexpected doors—from motherhood and midwestern housewife life to global marketing exec. Along the way to pursuing a better life for her children and chasing her own version of fulfillment, she experiences the turbulence of divorce and the thrill of reinvention.
Through it all, Dr. Miller draws rich parallels with the evolving Disney princesses—from Snow White to Moana—who, like her, break free of outdated roles and embrace self-discovery, resilience, and independence. This empowering story challenges societal expectations for women and encourages readers to rewrite their happily ever after and be their own hero.
Whether you’re navigating single parenting, pursuing your own transformation, or simply craving an inspiring story of self-help and second chances, Forget the Fairy Tale is your permission slip to take control of your narrative—and find joy on your own terms.
Praise
—Readers’ Favorite (read full 5-star reviews)
“Pure magic! Deb Miller’s story is proof that we live our best lives when we refuse to settle for less than we deserve. Inspiring and powerful; every woman should read this.”
—Jill Zarin, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and original cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City
“Deb Miller’s extraordinary memoir, Forget the Fairy Tale & Find Your Happiness, reveals that women will always be deceived if they do not break with the traditional depictions of women’s roles in both life and classical fairy tales. Miller’s insights guide women toward finding happiness by rejecting societal expectations and not depending on men to be heroes on white horses.”
— Jack Zipes, author of Fairy Tales and the Art of Subversion and Breaking the Magic Spell
“Although women have come a long way, they still need to hear the wisdom in Miller’s story: be the CEO of your own life.”
— Bonnie Comfort, author of Staying Married is the Hardest Part: a memoir of passion, secrets and sacrifice
“Deb Miller challenges the path she was prepared for and instead chooses one driven by aspiration, adventure, desire, and a deep commitment to motherhood. Brilliantly weaving her own courageous story with those of fairytale princesses, she cleverly winds through decades of pain, joy, heartbreak and healing. I could not put down this glorious memoir.”
—Marty Ross-Dolen, author of Always There, Always Gone: A Daughter’s Search for Truth
“Beautifully told, Deb Miller’s story illustrates the shift from dependence to strength and self-reliance. It offers an entertaining and thought-provoking reflection on how societal expectations shape both fictional princesses and real women. I highly recommend this captivating read.”
—Jelaine Lombardi, author of Running Around Naked: A Memoir
“Written with honesty, depth, and courage, Deb Miller’s engaging memoir is a cautionary tale for all ages. Many readers will identify with her struggle against the pervasive pull of cultural expectation and be inspired to chart their own life’s path.”
—Dianne Ebertt Beeaff, author of Infinite Paradise, Witnessing the Wild
“An engaging and rollicking ride!”
—Suzanne Parry, author of Lost Souls of Leningrad