As a teenager, Mattie Jackson Selecman dreamed of becoming an author, but she never could have imagined the circumstances that would cause her to turn that dream into reality. Today (11.16), Selecman releases her first-ever book ‘Lemons on Friday’ via Thomas Nelson, and it shares her deeply personal journey through a devastating loss, becoming a widow and trusting faith through the healing process.

After losing her husband Ben in a tragic accident at 28 years old, just three weeks shy of their first wedding anniversary, Selecman grappled with shock, anger, sadness and a whirlwind of emotions. The daughter of legendary songwriter and country artist Alan Jackson and New York Times best-selling author Denise Jackson, who together wrote the book’s foreword, Selecman had a natural instinct to write about the unfathomable experience and began journaling. Writing became a safe place for her to work through questions and fears during the grieving process. Coupled with her strong faith, the writing helped her move forward. With ‘Lemons on Friday,’ she offers hope for others who are struggling to cope with loss and grief.

Tune-in to the 4th hour of TODAY this morning (11.16) to watch Selecman share her story and discuss her first-ever book with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager (check local listings).

Today, Alan Jackson digitally released a song called “Racing The Dark,” which he co-wrote with his daughter. Selecman wrote the lyrics, telling the story of a woman grieving her marriage whose impulse was to run away from the darkness and find the only way to overcome it is to face it. Listen here: strm.to/RacingTheDark

‘Lemons on Friday’ is available to order, here: LemonsOnFriday.com.