Stories That Stay With You
Books That Inspire
Confidence, Connection And Joy
Why These Stories Matter
For years, I thought I was teaching pickleball.
Again and again, I watched ordinary people find extraordinary connection.
These books were born from those moments. My hope is that whether you read the stories, spend time in the journal, or share the discussion guide with others, you’ll be reminded of something I believe with all my heart:
One connection really can change everything.
Where Would You Like To Begin?
I Need Connection
Came for the Game...
True stories of pickleball, friendship, and belonging that remind you you’re
never alone.
I Want To Reflectc
Quietly Brave Journal
A quiet place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your own story — one honest page at a time.
I Want To Reflect
Quietly Brave Journal
A quiet place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your own story — one honest page at a time.
I Want to Talk About It
Reader Discussion Guide
Meaningful questions and conversation starters to deepen the story — whether you’re reading with a full book club
or just one good friend.
Came for the Game,
Stayed for the People
What begins as a story about pickleball quickly becomes a story about something much bigger. Through heartfelt experiences, unexpected friendships, and moments of personal growth, Came for the Game, Stayed for the People reminds us that the greatest victories aren’t always won on the court—they’re found in the people we meet, the courage we discover, and the communities that help us feel like we truly belong.
Inside You'll Discover
- Inspiring True Stories
- Friendship & Connection
- The Joy of Pickleball
- Finding Belonging
- Courage to Say “Yes”
Stay Inspired Between The Pages
Join my list for thoughtful reflections, book updates, journal prompts, and the free Reader Discussion Guide — plus simple encouragement to help you keep growing with confidence, connection, and joy.
Quietly Brave Journal
Quietly Brave is more than a journal—it’s a gentle invitation to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Created for anyone navigating life’s busy seasons, this beautifully guided reflection journal offers thoughtful prompts, meaningful exercises, and quiet moments of encouragement to help you process your thoughts, celebrate your progress, and embrace each new day with confidence.
Whether you’re searching for clarity, healing, balance, or simply a place to be honest with yourself, Quietly Brave reminds you that growth doesn’t happen all at once. It happens through small, intentional moments of reflection—and the courage to keep showing up, one page at a time.
Inside You'll Discover
- Guided reflection prompts
- Space for gratitude and self-discovery
- Encouragement for confidence and personal growth
- Simple practices for mindfulness and balance
- A meaningful companion for every season of life
Available Wherever Books Are Sold:
Every Great Story Deserves
a Great Conversation.
Inside You'll Discover
- Chapter-by-chapter discussion questions
- Prompts that connect the stories to your own life
- A few questions perfect for breaking the ice in a new group
- Space to reflect solo, no group required
Every Great Story Deserves
a Great Conversation.
Inside You'll Discover
- Chapter-by-chapter discussion questions
- Prompts that connect the stories to your own life
- A few questions perfect for breaking the ice in a new group
- Space to reflect solo, no group required
- Belonging
- CONFIDENCE
- CONNECTION
- COMMUNITY
- JOY
- FRIENDSHIP
- GROWTH
Testimonials
Real Stories. Real People.
Bestselling Author
CAME FOR THE GAME, STAYED FOR THE PEOPLE
— Christi Smith
Bestselling Author
CAME FOR THE GAME, STAYED FOR THE PEOPLE
— Cheryl Buro
Bestselling Author
CAME FOR THE GAME, STAYED FOR THE PEOPLE
— Susan Jarvis
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone who’s ever wondered if it’s too late to start something new, make a friend, or feel like they belong.
You don’t need to play pickleball, join a retreat, or know me personally — you just need to be curious about
what happens when people say yes to connection.
Chapter-by-chapter questions, reflection prompts that connect the stories to your own life, and an overview
of the life lessons throughout the book. It works just as well for solo reflection as it does for a full book club.
Not at all — Quietly Brave stands entirely on its own. That said, many readers say the two feel like
companions: the book tells the stories, and the journal gives you space to write your own.
Came for the Game, Stayed for the People is available on Amazon, Amazon Kindle.
I’d Love to Hear From You.
Whether you have a question, want to explore working together, or just want to tell me your story, don’t be shy — every great connection starts with a conversation.
call me
850-598-7263
Colleen@ColleenRiddle.com
Send Me a Note
call me
850-598-7263
Colleen@ColleenRiddle.com