Rebecca Laffey Phipps debuts memoir about connection and belonging

Rebecca Laffey Phipps is releasing her debut memoir, 'Reflections on Life, Love, and Lessons Learned at the Pool,' with an Amazon launch set for July 9, 2026. The book and upcoming Nebraska and Iowa events center on how relationships, community and shared experiences shape a life.

Why it matters: - The memoir lands amid broad concerns about loneliness and disconnection. - Phipps frames the book around a simple message: relationships, not achievements, define a life. - The launch adds a community-facing element, with events designed to bring readers, friends and family together in Omaha-area and Iowa settings tied to the author’s story.

What happened: - Rebecca Laffey Phipps has released her debut memoir, 'Reflections on Life, Love, and Lessons Learned at the Pool.' - The book will be available on Amazon beginning July 9, 2026. - The memoir was announced July 8, 2026, from Omaha, Nebraska. - The book is set around a small-town swimming pool and follows Phipps through childhood, first love, career changes, family milestones, loss and personal growth. - Phipps describes the book as a story about love, resilience, loss and belonging.

The details: - The memoir explores how family, music, friends, teachers, coaches, faith and other relationships shape identity and memory. - Phipps says the book is about "the people who shape us, the lessons that stay with us, and the communities that carry us through life's deepest waters." - The author’s signature talk, 'Live Your Life, Leave a Legacy,' focuses on defining legacy by the lives people impact. - Michael McKee, CEO of emPower Breakfast, said the memoir documents the influences of family, music, friends, relationships, teachers, coaches and faith. - McKee also said the book may prompt readers to think about their own experiences, strengths and challenges. - Book details list the publisher as Legacy Press Books, a subsidiary of S&P Production, Inc. - The ISBN is 978-1-959964-72-8. - The paperback price is $18.99. - The e-book price is $6.99. - The release date listed in the book information is June 17, 2026. - The book is available on Amazon and at select book events and author appearances. - The genre is memoir and inspirational nonfiction.

Between the lines: - The memoir is positioned as both a personal narrative and a broader argument for intentional living. - Phipps’ background as a former teacher, corporate executive and nonprofit director gives the project a leadership-and-service angle beyond a standard memoir launch. - The emphasis on community events in Gretna, Nebraska, and Onawa, Iowa suggests the launch is also a homecoming for the author. - The theme of vulnerability as strength runs through the announcement and matches the book’s focus on connection over self-promotion.

What’s next: - A book launch and signing will be held July 10, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gretna Crossing YMCA in Gretna, Nebraska. - A second launch event will be held July 19, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Onawa Public Library in Onawa, Iowa. - Both events will include author remarks and book signings. - Phipps is expected to continue promoting the memoir through book events and appearances. - More information is available through Rebecca-Phipps.com and her social channels, including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

The bottom line: - Phipps is using her debut memoir to make a case that the most durable parts of life are the relationships we build and the communities that sustain us.