When you meet Julie Edelman, she’s unforgettable. With a larger-than-life spirit, Edelman has faced her share of challenges. A few years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a lump during a self-exam. But through, what she calls, life’s “detours,” Edelman’s zest for life has only grown.
Humor, a gift from her father, has been her anchor. Always choosing to see the glass half full, Edelman has leaned on laughter to navigate her toughest moments.
Edelman has made a unique mark helping working wives, and mothers, on a national scale. Originally an advertising executive, she balanced a thriving career with being a wife and mother—roles traditionally expected of women. While Edelman loved being a key part of her son’s upbringing, and supporting her husband, she also thrived professionally.
She found joy in the challenge of “love, marriage and a baby carriage.” With her wit and marketing know-how, Edelman compiled housekeeping tips into her book, The Accidental Housewife, which became a bestseller. Soon, she was an in-demand speaker, consultant and a frequent guest on shows like The View, Today and Rachael Ray. Through her lifestyle journalism, Edelman encouraged modern wives, and mothers, to have fun with everyday tasks.
Edelman has been writing for decades, from marketing catchphrases to her popular book. But after her cancer diagnosis, she decided to tackle a long-held dream — writing fiction.
“I’d always wanted to write a romantic thriller, but I kept putting it off,” she says. “When you’re diagnosed with something life-threatening, it’s an incredible motivator to live today and embrace your dreams now.”
In October, just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Edelman released The Accidental Sisterhood. The novel follows Jules Malone, who falls for the mysterious Sean. But after a change in his behavior, and his sudden disappearance, Jules learns that Sean was romantically involved with three other women. Together, the women bond over their shared experiences, forming a unique sisterhood.
The Accidental Sisterhood has already received acclaim on platforms like Goodreads. Edelman is donating part of the proceeds of the book to Moffitt Cancer Center. Empowering women has been a key mission in her career and her novel continues that legacy, encouraging women to embrace their true selves.
“The more life experience you have, the more you start shedding layers of inauthenticity or fear of being seen,” she says. “[Facing] life or death was a freeing moment for me.” Since her diagnosis, Edelman has focused on staying present and living in the moment.
This year, she’s been a guest speaker at multiple events including Moffitt Cancer Center’s National Board of Directors meeting and Hooters’ Women’s International Day luncheon. Her busy schedule is something she embraces and she continues to be available for in-person and virtual appearances.
With her signature optimism, Edelman looks to the future. She has more projects underway and is already planning a sequel to The Accidental Sisterhood. Her experiences have granted her wisdom that can inspire others to live their best lives now.
You can find Edelman’s novel at amazon.com.