If you don’t already know me, I’m Adrienne Rouan, and I help humans create incredible comebacks after traumatic events. You can watch my TEDx or Google me to learn more about how it IS possible to overcome serious past traumatic events resulting in PTSD and other struggles.

Today I want to share a story is about a beautiful human I know whom I am proud to introduce you to. My dear friend, Leigh Simmons Skellenger.

I met Leigh a little over 4 years ago in 2021. Victoria's high school required she volunteer 50+ hours to our local community, and she chose to do so at Leigh's bookstore, the Book Haven.

Victoria loved volunteering with Leigh and her bookstore so much that she ended up spending all 4 years of high school putting in her time there.

Leigh is a tough cookie, and I admire her very much. She is cheerful, hilarious, her extensive vocabulary is astounding, and she has staunch values around humanity being happy. Yet most of all, Leigh loves, loves, loves cats.

Until recently, I had not known Leigh's incredible story of resilience.

Leigh served six years in the Army, several as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. She earned an honorable Discharge in 2000. She does continue to struggle with service-connected injuries she received during her time in service and since the bookstore opened has had both hips replaced.

She first met the love of her life, Vaun Skellenger, through the 82nd Airborne Division's All-Airborne Chapter; they were friends for many years before eventually falling in love and getting married in 2011.

Mr. Skellenger was a skilled draftsman and cabinetmaker. They dreamed of combining his love of furniture and cabinetry with Leigh's love of books. Eventually they opened the Book Haven in Prescott Valley, Arizona. The grand opening was in 2016.

Unfortunately, this was overshadowed by Vaun experiencing a health crisis while driving. The resulting car accident was minor, yet Vaun's health never fully recovered.

As it has for so many others, the healthcare system failed Vaun. It was discovered too late in 2018 that he was suffering from a severe form of cancer. Only 10 days after diagnosis, he passed away.

Leigh was devastated, and yet, she kept attempting to move forward with her life and sustain the Book Haven.

Since then. Leigh, along with a dedicated volunteer Rich, and faithful shop cats Isis (2013-25) and Moonshadow, have all poured their hearts into the Book Haven.

But it’s been a battle from the earliest days. Personal health struggles, intermittent roof leaks and floods, economic disasters (can you say Pandemic?) have all added their weight to the difficulty.

In January, her loyal best friend Isis the Bibliocat passed away. Then this summer (2025) a flood and a water heater failure truly made this journey through life more than she can handle alone.

Needless to say, Leigh has been fighting like a warrior to keep her store through all this.

Leigh needs our support.

I am asking each of you who reads this to PLEASE feel into this woman's story. Imagine how much strength it takes to still be standing after what she has been through. She is an amazing wealth of knowledge, has the ONLY (and loveliest bookstore) in Prescott Valley, and yet, life has been too, too much.

It's time she stops doing this alone.

Besides donations, we also need many shares, and in-person volunteers. Please message me if you can spend some of your time with us at the store.

Let's help Leigh have an incredible comeback over this next year. Donate, share, share, share!