Our gift to you.. with all Grit Before Grace books purchased, you will also receive a complimentary copy of Wise Heart, signed by Annah herself.

Annah's latest book..

Grit to Grace offers lessons from a life shaped by grit, self-belief, and unwillingness to give up in the face of adversity. It is full of personal insights, tools, quotes and wisdom; something to keep on the shelf and refer back to whenever you need some inspiration or guidance on how to navigate through one of life’s challenges. 

“This book is unlike any of the other books that I have written.  It is the product of a great deal of lived experience, self-reflection, and self-belief about the power that we all hold within us to live our best lives and help others live theirs.”   Annah Stretton

Written by Annah Stretton & Natalie Pearce

Grit Before Grace: A story 30 years in the making

 2022 will mark two significant milestones in Annah Stretton’s career: the 30th anniversary of her fashion business, and the 10th anniversary of her journey into the world of social disadvantage with Whakaruruhau Waikato Women’s Refuge and her charity RAW (Reclaim Another Woman).

 An entrepreneurial trailblazer in anyone’s books, Annah has decided to mark the occasion with a book that offers life lessons from a life shaped by grit, self-belief, and unwillingness to give-up in the face of adversity.  

 “This book is unlike any of the other books that I have written.  It is the product of a great deal of lived experience, self-reflection, and self-belief about the power that we all hold within us to live our best lives and help others live theirs.”  Says Stretton.

 Next year Annah will complete her Master’s Degree in Public Policy at Waikato University.  She doesn’t get stressed, she looks after her health, and she enjoys the fact that she still has so much she can learn and do better. 

 “I’ve spent a lifetime becoming the person I see in the mirror today.  A woman incredibly comfortable in my own skin with the energy and enthusiasm of my 30-year-old self.  Bottom line, I love my life and I can’t wait to see what opportunities the future will bring onto my radar.”

 So, what’s her secret?

 Well, you will have to read the book to find out.  Grit to Grace is the summation of lifetime of learning borne out of as many stumbles as successes.    Think of it like a recipe book; something to keep on the shelf and refer back to whenever you need some inspiration or guidance on how to navigate through one of life’s challenges. 

 Advance copies were sent out to a number of different women.  Here are some of the comments so far:

 “Given the past 18 months, where I’ve had to lead a team through making 2000 crew redundant and navigate the craziness of lockdowns, this book helped me get perspective again. It’s not just a book for women, it’s for anyone who is on a journey of change.”

 Leeanne Langridge - General Manager Cabin Crews, Air New Zealand

 “I love this work you have written.  It could be because of the space I am in right now but I couldn’t put it down.

 I finish my media career after 33 years at the end of this year because of a lot of what you have talked about.  6 months ago your book would’ve been a huge help so hopefully you can get it published sooner rather than later so many people can read it and take what they need to live their best life.  I suspect this book will become a reference guide, and I also love this is a NZ story so even more relevant.”

Kate Rigg -  General Manager, Coromandel & BOP, Media Works

This book is about sharing the wisdom from a lifetime of successes and failures and the power that comes from self-belief, calm reflection and grace.