A Message from Cynthia
There are moments in life that quietly invite us to become more than we imagined.
Not because we were ready, but because something deep within us knew there was more to see, more to feel, and more to understand about who we are and why we’re here.
Song of the Cardinal emerged from one of those moments.
It began in a season shaped by sudden change, but it quickly became a journey of intuition, courage, connection, and unexpected guidance.
What started as a personal search for meaning unfolded into something far larger—a reminder that transformation is possible for any of us, at any time, no matter what we’re facing.
This isn’t a book about grief.
It’s a book about awakening—
about the subtle ways life speaks to us,
about the dreams that follow us until we finally say yes,
and about the steady presence of love and grace, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.
My hope is that these pages meet you wherever you are, offering not just comfort, but a sense of possibility.
A reminder that you are never alone, that your story still has chapters waiting to be written, and that the guidance you need has a way of finding you when you’re willing to listen.
Welcome.
I’m grateful you’re here, and I’m honored to share this journey with you.
A Conversation with Jack Canfield
There are moments when a conversation shifts into something deeper—when it becomes a shared recognition of truth, transformation, and possibility.
That’s what happened when I sat down with Jack Canfield, America’s #1 Success Coach and Coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, to talk about Song of the Cardinal.
When Jack said, “Song of the Cardinal is one of the most beautiful and captivating books I’ve ever read,” I was deeply moved. And when he added that it felt “like a 360-page Chicken Soup for the Soul story,” it meant the world to me.
But his words were more than an endorsement.
They were a validation that the themes woven through this book would truly resonate with readers—bringing comfort, connection, and hope.
That you might be inspired by:
- the miracles and synchronicities that shaped my journey
- the power of saying “yes” to your heart—even after loss
- the importance of celebrating the people we’ve loved
- and the beautifully unexpected places intuition can lead us
I hope this conversation offers you a glimpse into the heart of Song of the Cardinal—and reminds you that your own path is unfolding with purpose.
Why
Readers Love This Story
What moves them most isn’t the heartache and sadness.
It’s the awakening—the reminder that even in the darkest seasons, we are held, guided, and invited into something more.
A Story that Resonates
There’s a moment in every powerful story when something inside us says, Yes… that’s true.
Readers tell me that Song of the Cardinal speaks to them in that way—not because our stories are the same, but because the deeper themes are universal.
A Journey of Hope & Healing
We all long for meaning and to feel connected. Readers have shared that this book became a companion for healing, gently reminding them of their dreams that refuse to let go and inspiring them to rediscover parts of themselves they thought they'd lost forever.
A Guide for Your Own Path
Whether you’re grieving, awakening spiritually, or simply seeking connection, this story will encourage you to trust your intuition, reconnect with a sense of guidance, and notice the signs and synchronicities that are always available to show us the way forward.
What Readers Have to Say
“I was inspired & entertained. Cynthia's a master at painting ‘word picture’ — so much that reading ‘Cardinal’ is like sitting at a table ‘taking a coffee’ and listening to her tell you her story in person.”
Mrs. A
Amazon Review
“I found it Comforting, Heart Breaking, Entertaining, and Life Changing.
I am inspired to Paint Again.”
S. Lindop
Amazon Review
“Cynthia Waine Brandt punctuates her deepest personal pain with passion and humor that feels intimate and relatable... The writing style is eloquent but evocative, like catching up with a long lost friend. And you cannot wait to hear every last detail.”
George Johnson
Amazon Review
“It made me cry, laugh and want to focus on finding my authentic self!”
Stacey Mills
Amazon Review
What Leaders Have to Say
Jack Canfield
Coauthor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series
"Song of the Cardinal is one of the most beautiful and captivating books I have ever read. It is a 360-page Chicken Soup for the Soul® story."
Kyle Cease
Transformational Comedian and New York Times Best-Selling Author of I Hope I Screw This Up
"Cynthia's story is a mirror reflection of our own potential for growth and enlightenment. If you're ready to be inspired and awakened, this book is a must-read."
Tanya Thomas Scott, PhD
Entrepreneurial Coach & Master Trainer
"In Song of the Cardinal, Cynthia demonstrates that peace can reign supreme even in grief, and that profound meaning awaits those willing to listen."
Bedford Combs, LMFT
Program Director, Heartstream Journeys
"Song of the Cardinal is a landmark writing that teaches us how to truly grieve and leaves us with the understanding that nothing loved is ever truly lost."
Three Assurances
This story provides
You're Never Alone
Love does not end.
Connection doesn’t disappear.
And the signs, symbols, and synchronicities that appear on our path are often reminders that we are supported in ways we can’t always explain.
It's Never Too Late
There is no age limit on saying "yes" to your heart and following your dreams. Reconnecting with who you are - rediscovering interests and passions will change your life in ways you've never imagined.
Grace is Present
Not the kind of grace that fixes things…
the kind that lifts you, nudges you, and quietly guides you toward the next right step. The kind of grace that finds a way through the dark clouds to shine the light of love on your life.
What if that connection didn't have to end?
Again and again, readers told me, “I didn't want the story to end.”
So I've created a unique opportunity for you to continue the journey with me through a guided experience created around the deeper themes woven throughout the book.
In The Cardinal Connection, we'll explore loss and grief, signs and synchronicities, permission, creative curiosity, and what comes next—through conversation, reflection, music, stories, and even a little laughter along the way.
It's not another book to read.
It's not a course to complete.
And it's not a continuation of MY story. It's an opportunity to apply the themes in Song of the Cardinal to YOUR story.
If you'd like to learn more:
Explore The Cardinal Connection Here
Watch the Introduction - Complimentary Access
I'm excited to offer this unique companion series and believe that it will enhance your experience of Song of the Cardinal in a profoundly personal way!
Recognized for Excellence
Song of the Cardinal has been honored with national and international awards for its blend of memoir, spirituality, inspiration, and transformational insight.
This recognition means a lot—not just because it affirms the book, but because it affirms the very things the book stands for: awakening, courage, connection, and the quiet miracles that help us find our way.
Honors & Awards
Personal Transformation | Spirituality | Inspirational | Grief
Nonfiction Cross-Genre | Memoir | Regional Nonfiction
eBook | Audiobook | Book Cover Design
Recent Recognition
Eric Hoffer Book Awards
Grand Prize Finalist
New Horizon Award Finalist
Honorable Mention — Nonfiction eBook
Chanticleer International Book Awards
First Place - Hearten Award for Inspirational Writing
American Library Association
Selected by IngramSpark for display at the 2025 Annual Conference
Your Journey Awaits
Every story has a beginning.
Yours may be waiting inside these pages.
If something about this story speaks to you—if you’re feeling a nudge, a curiosity, or a quiet yes—I hope you’ll take the next step.
Wherever you choose to begin, I’m grateful we’ve met here
