eBook Available for Pre-order (coming soon)!
What if one could navigate life’s most harrowing trials—from devastating accidents to government investigations—with an unshakable sense of peace?
Imagine building a legacy of resilience so powerful it can withstand the pressures of a high-stakes career and the complexities of raising seven biological and seven adopted children.
Author Sheila Porter Dutton has over fifty years of experience: as an educator, mother, and matriarch/CEO of one of the world's most successful family performing groups.
This memoir gives a behind the scenes look at the incredible behind-the-scenes story of The Duttons—how one small decision set them on a path they never predicted and how faith, discipline, and determination sustained them along the way.
In this true & captivating tale, you will find:
The harrowing true story of a 43-foot tour bus plunge and the divine intervention that left 23 family members alive.
Why "cereal box violins" were the secret weapon in building a multi-generational family legacy that spanned decades.
The "First One to Five" game that turns grueling practice sessions into an effortless and self-motivated habit for children.
How a simple 20-minute video filmed at a mountain resort opened doors to international stardom and 111 booked shows in a single year.
The high-stakes standoff at a Russian customs checkpoint where $20,000 and four adoptions hung in the balance.
What really happened when federal agents raided the family theater and why an international diplomat ended up in shackles.
The surprising reason a celebrity judge on a major talent show asked the family to "sack" half their members.
The specific nine-day jail stint that triggered an international diplomatic crisis reaching the desk of the U.S. Secretary of State.
Why a "hand-shaped" bruise served as proof of spiritual protection during a catastrophic vehicle disaster.
The unconventional approaches used to help some, but unfortunately not all, troubled teenagers learn to change their destructive behaviors.
The radical frugality and discipline used to pay off a $3 million mortgage in record time.
How often unseen protectors can stand over a family with arms outstretched during the darkest hours of life.
Imagine finding the strength to turn a demanding daily grind into a source of lasting joy and profound purpose for an entire family—a story nobody saw coming, least of all the mother who started it.
Pre-order a copy today to get a glimpse behind the curtain of how one family turned their daily grind into a beautiful legacy.
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW
Enter to win a free signed copy & get notified on release day
Leave your email and we’ll let you know the moment Raising the Duttons is available to order. Every name on this list is also entered into a drawing for a free signed copy of the book. The drawing will be held on October 19th.
By submitting my email address, I agree to be contacted by email about the release of Raising the Duttons and to have my name entered into the drawing for a free copy. I may withdraw my consent at anytime by replying to any email.
REVIEWS
What Readers are Saying
Real quotes from people who have enjoyed Raising the Duttons
"A compelling read! Sheila Dutton takes us behind the scenes of the Dutton family story. With warmth and honesty, she shares the perseverance behind their remarkable journey. I loved getting to know the woman behind the music and discovering the hard work that shaped three generations of performers. A beautiful reminder that the most meaningful journeys are often the ones we don’t plan."
— Kristine Delano, best-selling author of The Lies We Trade
“I loved the book. I had a hard time putting it down. I want to read it again.”
— Genene Hill, Journalism Educator
“A captivating tale of faith, tenacity, and determination—a multigenerational family that has weathered hardship and misadventure but also has brought joy to millions through the magic of their music. A must-read for the whole family.”
— Nyhl Henson, Technotainment® Founder; MTV, Nickelodeon, and CMT Visionary
“fourth quote goes here....”
— TBD, TBD
Newsletter
Stay updated with the latest news and information about The Duttons.
Raising the Duttons:
The Story we Never Saw Coming
© 2025 Serenity Way Retreat. All rights reserved.
A memoir about ....