The Mother Vine
April 21, 2026. Paperback, 352 pages. Published by She Writes Press. Distributed by Simon & Schuster.
For fans of Eat Pray Love and Untamed, a soulful memoir of motherhood, mysticism, and plant medicine that chronicles one woman’s journey of healing and transformation in the lush wilds of Kauai.
EXPLORE FURTHER
After walking away from a high-powered TV career and a picture-perfect life in Canada, Shannon moves her family to the jungled slopes of Kauai in search of a more laid-back existence. But instead of fresh mangoes and good surf, she finds herself swept into a tide of unexpected revelations.
In the crucible of motherhood, Shannon’s two sons and husband become unlikely teachers, reflecting her forgotten pieces with unrelenting love and occasional ferocity. Their struggles crack her open in ways no self-help book ever could.
When deep-seated heartache has her seeking transformation, an invitation to drink ayahuasca becomes a lifeline. Guided by ancient wisdom and insatiable curiosity, Shannon begins a journey of remembering who she truly was—and still is.
PRAISE FORÂ THE MOTHER VINE
"Intimate, gripping, and so beautifully written.... it is truly unforgettable."
— Lisa Richter,
author of Searching for the Talisman and Fly, My Darling
"Loved it.... A victory for the forces of natural living."
— David "Avocado" Wolfe
author, international speaker, and biodynamic farmer
"A rare blend of humor, heart, and holy reckoning.... about facing your own darkness with grace and grit."
— Laura Lentz, author of Freezing the Turkeys and Storyquest
"Brave and deeply honest.... Shannon's story will leave you changed."
— Cea Person, author of North of Normal and Nearly Normal
"Dreamlike.... Poignant reflections.... A deeply personal story of ayahuasca’s transformative role in one woman’s life."
— Kirkus Reviews
Featured Review in Reality Sandwich
Thanks to Holly Crawford for her review in Reality Sandwich, a leading voice in the consciousness and psychedelic space. “There are plant medicine memoirs that read like travel brochures. Then there are the ones that bleed.”
New interview at Misogi Method
I'm grateful to Jody B. Miller for conducting this great interview at her Misogi Method podcast. Click below to listen to the podcast: "Shannon Nering: From Television to Transformation."
The Best Books About Women Telling the Messy Truth.
I’ve spent most of my life fascinated by what happens when women stop editing themselves.
No One Wants Another Middle-Aged Woman’s Memoir
That realization hit me like a bag of books to the chest at the Kauai Writers Conference.
DISTRIBUTED BY
BOOK TOUR
DATES & LOCATIONS
Join me for a series of intimate gatherings inspired by The Mother Vine—part reading, part conversation, part shared experience. The private parties near you are open to the public—just drop me a note if you’d like to attend.
KAUAI, HI
Saturday, April 18th, 4:30 pm
Launch Private Party
(contact for invite)
BOISE, ID
Tuesday, April 21st, 5:30 pm
Barnes & Noble
1315 N Milwaukee St.
MEDICINE HAT, AB
Thursday, April 23rd, 3:30 pm
Nirvana 101
101-616 Kingsway Ave SE
CALGARY, AB
Saturday, April 25th, 4:30 pm
Private Party
(contact for invite)
CALGARY, AB
Monday, April 27th, 6:30 pm
Private Party
(contact for invite)
REVELSTOKE, BC
Wednesday, April 29th, 6:30 pm
Revelstoke Library
605 Campbell Ave
KELOWNA, BC
Thursday, April 30th, 2:00 pm
Downtown Library
1380 Ellis St.
VANCOUVER, BC
Saturday, May 2nd, 3:30 pm
Private Party
(contact for invite)
LIONS BAY, BC
Sunday, May 3rd, 7:00 pm
Private Party
(contact for invite)
PARKSVILLE, BC
Tuesday, May 5th, 6:30 pm
Private Party
(contact for invite)
SUNSHINE COAST, BC
Wednesday, May 6th, 1:30 pm
Robert's Creek Market
1309 Roberts Creek Rd
SUNSHINE COAST, BC
Thursday, May 7th, TBD
Private Party
(contact for invite)
VANCOUVER, BC
Friday, May 8th, 6:30 pm
Banyen Books
3608 West 4th Ave
VANCOUVER, BC
Saturday, May 9th, 6:30 pm
People's Co-op Bookstore
1391 Commercial Dr
MOUNT SHASTA, CA
Tuesday, May 12th, 7:00 pm
Crystal Tones
201 N Mount Shasta Blvd.
TAHOE CITY, CA
Thursday, May 14th, 6:00 pm
Tahoe Wine Collective
760 N Lake Blvd.
PARK CITY, UT
Saturday, May 16th, 2:00 pm
Dolly's Bookstore
510 Main St.
BOULDER, CO
Tuesday, May 19th, 6:30 pm
Trident Booksellers & Café
940 Pearl St.
TELLURIDE, CO
Saturday, May 23rd, 8:00 am
Mountainfilm
Coffee Talk Panel
Hotel Telluride
199 N Cornet St.
Download the Ceremonial Cleanse
A modern dieta for body, mind + spirit
There’s something powerful about preparing the body before a meaningful experience. Not just physically… but mentally, emotionally, energetically.
This is a simplified, real-world version of a traditional plant medicine dieta — designed to help you clear, reset, and become more receptive. You can use it before a plant medicine ceremony, a cacao ceremony, a birthday or personal milestone, a retreat, or anytime you feel called to reset your system.Â
Think of this cleanse as creating a cleaner signal in the body… so whatever you’re stepping into can actually land.
Sign up for my newsletter and download the free cleanse below. (If you've already joined my newsletter, don't worry, you won't receive duplicates! :-)
Book Club
There’s something powerful about women gathering in living rooms, on Zoom, or around a table — reading, reflecting, and telling the truth.
If your book club is exploring meaningful, growth-oriented, or spiritually curious work, I would love to join you for a special guest session around The Mother Vine.
Together, we’ll share a heartfelt reading, open into honest conversation, and (if it feels aligned for your group) close with a short, grounding blessing or reflection. These gatherings are intimate, thoughtful, and often deeply connective.
Because I want these conversations to feel aligned and meaningful for everyone involved, I ask that all groups apply below. Please note: Book clubs are responsible for ensuring members have access to the book (via purchase or shared copies).
Application Form
