piece by piece

On Shelves January 27, 2026! 

If things are “just things,” why does it hurt so deeply when we lose them? A soulful and heartfelt memoir, Piece by Piece offers a unique take on loss through the lens of stolen objects and empowers readers to take charge of their own legacies.

A well-crafted, touching reminder of the power of prized memories.Kirkus Reviews

Support local bookstores by ordering through Tattered Cover

Praise for Piece by Piece

A work of appreciative reflection. Indeed, the book focuses on the loved ones and personal milestones that gave the stolen jewelry meaning—the memories that were Danielson’s real treasures.

– Foreword Reviews


This is a book about collecting, not just things, but the stories they contain, reminding us that what’s precious isn’t always what we inherit, but what we create from the fragments left behind. 

– Joselin Linder, author of The Family Gene: A Mission to Turn My Deadly Inheritance into a Hopeful Future


Poignant, tender, and full of hope, this memoir will leave you reflecting on what we leave behind, and what we pass on.

– Mary Adkins, author of Palm Beach and You Might Feel a Little Pressure


The stories in Piece by Piece underlie the true value of a person’s precious objects, as punctuations of their triumphs and struggles. Danielson utilizes the jewelry she lost as a vehicle to reflect on a life deeply felt and fully lived. Piece by Piece is a reminder of why humans have always adorned themselves, as proof of our existence and symbols of connection. 

– Ashley Davis, jewelry journalist 

Five Things I’d Tell You

  1. I write about objects, but really I’m writing about connection.
  2. My best ideas show up in the shower. My worst problems show up in the middle of the night.
  3. I’ve fully embraced middle age with my 40 oz Stanley cup and weighted vest.
  4. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than the Northern Lights—God’s kaleidoscope.
  5. I find inspiration everywhere: alongside a running trail, in Taylor Swift’s lyrics, halfway through a Peloton class, and from the backseat chatter during my kids’ soccer carpools. 

The Unexpected Sacred 

An invitation see the world with a new lens,
one object at a time.

By subscribing, I agree to Substack’s Terms of Use
and acknowledge its Information Collection Notice and Privacy Policy

Scroll to Top