A Girl Beyond Closed Doors

by Jessica Taylor-Bearman

Part three of the number 1 bestselling series. After twelve years of being trapped in the world of one room by the M.E. Monster, Jessica's dreams start to come true. She's pregnant! But Jessica has to adjust to being a disabled mum in an inaccessible world and face the critics who doubt her abilities. Balancing parenthood and chronic illness, expectations versus reality, Jessica discovers alternative fairytale endings are possible...

Genres: Disability, Ebooks

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2023

About the author

Jessica Taylor-Bearman was born in March 1991 in Kent, where she attended Rochester Grammar School for Girls.

At the age of 15, she became acutely unwell with an illness called Myalgic Encephalomyletis (M.E). She was continously hospitalised from 2006-2010, suffering with the most severe form of the condition. This included her being bedridden, unable to move, speak, eat and more.

She wrote in her mind, and when finally able to speak again, she began to write through her audio diary 'Bug'.

Despite still being severely unwell in hospital, Jessica continued to develop ideas, from creating a new method of painting, to starting a charity for other youngsters in her position.All her pieces have been exhibited since then.

Since she left hospital, Jessica's journey with severe ME has continued. She fulfilled her dream of becoming an author, she writes a blog, which you can see by visiting her website www.jaytay.co.uk.

Jessica has also featured in a film called Unrest. She advocates for voiceless people.

Her debut memoir is A Girl Behind Dark Glasses.

www.jaytay.co.uk

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Girl Beyond Closed Doors, by Jessica Taylor-Bearman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have read the two other books by Jessica, she has such an amazing story, her horrible disease, M.E. Jessica is now happily married to Sam and expecting a daughter. I do not know how Jessica does it, she is in so much pain, yet she rarely complains. I really enjoyed this book.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'A Girl Beyond Closed Doors' by Jessica Taylor-Bearman.


Read and reviewed a physical copy for Jessica Taylor-Bearman, Hashtag Press and Literally PR.


Publication date 19th October 2023.


This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the third book in Jessica's 'A Girl' series but can be read as a standalone.


This novel consists of a preface, 46 chapters and an update. The chapters are medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

I will start by saying that this isn't my usual chosen genre but I'm an eclectic reader and happy to read most books. I must say that if you are the same as me and don't normally read non fiction then don't let that put you off and pick up your copy of this great book today.

This memoir takes us on a journey through the author's life from 2017 until 2023 all through these years she is bravely fighting and living with MS which she calls the MS monster while struggling with a much wanted and loved pregnancy but one which the MS Monster makes so much harder for her!!! It is an emotionally packed book filled with romance, tragedy, loss, love, heartbreak, pain, struggles, happiness, tears of joy, tears of sadness, laughter and absolutely every emotion that you can think of. I will be honest and admit that i was not quite sure what to expect when I picked up this book but whatever it was I got so much more!! This is not just a story of Jessica's life during pregnancy but of her love, friendship and strength for her husband and carer Samuel, the struggles she goes through with the so called professionals along her journey who gaslight her, criticise her and make her second guess herself throughout, the support she has from her sister Becky and her parents amongst others and the pain, suffering and heartbreak they went through together and the family they made. Jessica's fantastic writing skills really sucked me deep into her life where I could see everything come to life in front of my eyes and he left me with the emotions that she was going through. My heart went out to both her and Samuel on so many occasions. Jessica and Samuel have wanted a baby for so long and didn't think it was possible and even when they find themselves waiting to bring life into this world, life and the MS monster has kicked them down so many times. The attitude on others angered me so much and especially when the people who should have been supporting her and Sam make them feel even worse than they already do. However, throughout it all you can see the strength that both Jessica and Samuel have both for and with each other and their baby and how they are both fighters and when most people would give up after going through just half of what this amazing couple went though, they both keep fighting strong as they know they have more fight left in them. I was absolutely intrigued in the life that Jessica tells me and it felt like she was sitting across the table from me telling me about her life over a cup of tea going from laughter to sadness and back to smiling several times. I absolutely loved some of the stories she told me and I enjoyed "listening" to her reminisce. While reading this book John will take you through her absolute joy when she discovers she is pregnant, her heartache when others kick her over becoming a mum with MS, the love and support that she has with her husband Sam, the struggles of living with MS, the fight she constantly has with so called professionals in hospital, her determination to keep her baby safe in the womb as long as possible, her heartache when she is struggling afterwards and so much more but I wont go into any more events from there as I don't want to spoil it for future readers.
It is a beautiful, heartbreaking and authentic read packed with life experiences, emotions and Jessica's writing skills ensures the reader that she puts all her emotions and strength into everything she has written about and you can hear the shock, pain, love, struggles, proudness and so many other emotions she has gone through to tell her story in her evocative writing. She gives his own experiences and tells us where she got any information and statistics from. One of the things that I absolutely love about Jessica and her book is that although there is so much tragedy and heartache in her life that she is so full of gratitude and thanks for what she has and her strength, hope and gratitude absolutely shines through the pages. I had never heard of Jessica Taylor-Bearman before picking this book up but I now feel I know her, Samuel and her family enough to want to meet them all and tell them how amazing they all are! Jessica and Samuel are both amazing and strong people that have gone through so much more than what most have broke most people as individuals let alone as couples yet they have fought individually and together every step of the way and you can just tell from reading this book how lovely this couple are! This book, although filled with tragedy, is an amazing read, inspirational and made me smile so many times that I would definitely recommend it to absolutely anyone looking for a pick me up, motivation or inspiration regardless of what is happening in their lives. I loved going on Jessica's journey with her from before the pregnancy to the end and I cannot wait to pick up her previous two books 'A Girl Behind Dark Glasses' and 'A Girl In One Room' and read her life experiences previous to 2017. Although this is the third book in Jessica's series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.


Clear your schedules, grab the tissues and get ready to take a journey with Jessica through her pregnancy journey!!! You wont regret it and you wont be able to put it down!!

Congratulations Jessica on a fantastic, poignant, beautiful read that takes the readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride. You truly are an inspirational woman and I hope to read more books about your life and hopefully soon! The best of luck to yourself, Samuel and your family!!

Overall an emotional rollercoaster ride through Jessica's struggle with MS, pregnancy and the love between herself and her amazing husband Samuel. A truly beautiful, poignant and authentic page turner that will keep you hooked through.

276 pages.


This book is just £4.99 to purchase on kindle and £13.99 in paperback via Amazon (at time of review).


Rated 5/5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.


Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews



#AGirlBeyondClosedDoors #AGirl #JessicaTaylorBearman #jayletay #HashtagPress #Hashtag_press #LiterallyPR #Bookworm1986 #bookworm86 #Goodreads #Netgalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #BookBlogger #KindleUnlimited


@AGirlBeyondClosedDoors @AGirl @JessicaTaylorBearman @jayletay @HashtagPress @Hashtag_press @LiterallyPR @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Netgalley @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger @KindleUnlimited




https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86


https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...


https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...


https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhi...


https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3...


https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86


https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/a...

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Literally PR for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review and a spot on the book tour.

This is book number three in the series, but only the first one I've read, but I won't say it really mattered as she provided a small backstory to the start of the book. I mean, if I had been choosing to read this off the shelf then I'd probably have read the first two first, and I'm sure they give you more context and more time to really invest in Jessica's story. But as someone who is just reading book three, it is perfectly pleasant enough to read one without the others, and I didn't feel particularly short-changed.

I was diagnosed with M.E myself in 2021, along with Fibromyalgia, and Functional Neurological Disorder in 2022, so I empathise with Jessica about her disability and I was keen to read her story, even if I'm only getting the tail end of it.

Even though words are my livelihood, I've always struggled in documenting just how my condition makes me think and feel. And whilst I know we have different disabilities and individual complex needs, but Jessica has got it down beautifully. It's like someone saw me and my illness and wrote it down perfectly.

I like the positivity she brings. When you're amongst all that illness, it can be difficult to find any positivity in life. But she's proven that you can do. You can have a husband and a family and a good life, and also still be struggling.

I also appreciate her honesty. Illness is so personal and often embarrassing that we aren't always honest to anyone other than our nearest and dearest, and sometimes not even to them. She could have kept the hardest parts a secret. Illness isn't pretty, in fact it can be pretty disgusting at times, but she's not sugar-coated it. This is what it is. So I really commend her for it.

Even if I do relate to some of her difficulties, this book was still eye opening to me, and a real credit to just how much the human body can actually cope with even if your mind doesn't think so.

She has managed to fill a relatively short book with so much power. Yes, at it's basic level it is about a woman with M.E who is expecting her first child. But it's got so much depth, there's love and friendship first and foremost, and hope and strength and joy, but also misery and sadness and wanting. But it never strays too far into unbelievable either end of the spectrum. It's sad enough for you to feel sympathy, but happy enough to feel hope. It just feels very human.

If you've got M.E or another immune condition, or you know someone who has, I thoroughly recommend this book (I can't speak for the whole series but I'm fairly confident it will be as good). Hey, even if you're lucky enough to have no ailments, I still think it's an important book to read, as it gives you a completely different outlook on your life, on your community, your loved ones, and just humanity as a whole, and you'll never take your good health for granted.

I know this had the potential to be quite morose and make you feel a bit low. But it actually is the complete opposite. I felt much lighter and more positive once I'd finished it and I can guarantee you will too.

[Bettie Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica described her life living with the ME monster in an interesting almost humorous way. It’s a story of love, superhuman bravery, and a fantastic way to create awareness for the challenges that people suffering from ME face on a daily base. I could not put the book down as it held my rapt interest from beginning to end. I look forward to reading another book about the Taylor Bearman adventures. I can recommend this book to everyone

[Kirsty Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone living and working with people living with Long Covid, earlier this year I read the first two books in Jessica’s series. A Girl Behind Dark Glasses shows the start of Jessica’s experience with severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME - also referred to by Jessica as the ME Monster). This book frustrated me as much as Jessica awed me. The frustration comes from how Jessica was treated particularly by healthcare alongside the knowledge that similar attitudes are being faced today by those with Long Covid. Please note this book has a trigger warning for sexual abuse also.

A Girl In One Room follows Jessica’s online dating experience and her challenge to develop into adulthood as someone who needs a high level of care.

So when Literally PR said they were looking for bloggers to read the final book in the series A Girl Behind Closed Doors I definitely jumped at the chance.

I knew that this book of the three would be a harder read for me because it focuses on pregnancy and motherhood - something that for a number of reasons I don’t think will happen for me now.

But neither did Jessica.

We follow Jessica’s entire pregnancy - from the range of reactions she experiences to it, to multiple hospitalisations and past the birth of her first child. We also cross over with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic which has sadly added more people to those who share a similar healthcare experience to Jessica. There is research ongoing to explore the overlap between ME and Long Covid, with some people with Long Covid already getting diagnosed with ME.

I love the chatty style that the books are written in, it makes them so readable. And despite this, Jessica doesn’t sugar coat her experience, sharing with us the lowest lows as well as the highest highs. Many people with disabilities will recognise the ableist attitudes that often face people who live a disabled life.

A big question some people might have is, is this the story of someone that overcomes their disability. The answer to that is No. Disability is not always something that can be overcome. It is something that we live with on a daily basis. And sometimes it really sucks.

But does that mean we can’t live fulfilling lives? Not at all. And the A Girl series demonstrates this beautifully. It is not about an inspirational person’s journey to overcome adversity to climb a mountain, but about an ordinary woman with goals of sitting up, finding someone to love and being the best parent they can be. Inspiration in the everyday.

I did like how the story was bought full circle with people from book 1 making an appearance in this final book. And a big message for me is to try hard to be one of the people that others would be happy to see again later in life rather than someone you’d want behind closed doors!

A huge thank you to Jessica for sharing her experience, raising awareness for those living with severe ME and to Literally PR for the gifted copy for the purposes of an honest review. I definitely recommend this series.

[Zara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and independent voluntary review. Thank you to Jessica Taylor-Bearman, Hashtag Press and Literally PR for my copy.

A Girl Beyond Closed Doors is the third in a trilogy from number one bestselling author Jessica Taylor-Bearman.

We first meet Jessica in A Girl Behind Dark Glasses when she is 15 years old and the Monster arrives in her life. The Monster is the severest form of a neuro-immune disease called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E./CFS). Living in a hospital, bedbound and wearing dark glasses, Jessica fights the Monster in a bid to stay alive.

In the second instalment, A Girl In One Room, Jessica recovers enough to leave the hospital after four years as an in-patient, but is still confined to one room. However, this does not stop her from meeting the love of her life, Samuel.

Now, in A Girl Beyond Closed Doors, after 12 years in her own version of lockdown, we join Jessica at a moment she thought would only ever be a dream: she is pregnant.

Balancing motherhood, a chronic illness, and a new version of lockdown as we enter a pandemic, Jessica takes us once again into her world to show the debilitating effects of M.E. on the body.

In the latest compelling instalment of her story, Jessica shows courage, resilience, and perseverance in the face of the M.E. Monster as she faces new challenges every day, proving that her story is far from over.

Although the latest book can be read as a standalone, it is best to read the series in its entirety to understand Jessica's inspiring journey and watch as she goes from surviving to thriving.

As someone who has M.E. – albeit a mild form – I have always followed Jessica’s story since she appeared in the documentary ‘Unrest’ and have always been inspired by her positive mindset.

I highly recommend this brilliant read, which will be inspiring to many, whether they fight hidden battles or not.

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Girl Beyond Closed Doors by Jessica Taylor-Bearman is the third of her ME memoirs, chronicling her life with this enigmatic neuro-immune disorder. Now married to Sam, Jessica is about to embark on the daunting and formerly believed impossible path of motherhood. While it's a dream come true for Jessica and Sam, there's absolutely no doubt that the added stress of a pregnant body will make Jessica's ME act up even more. And then- the COVID years.

I first picked up Jessica's books a few years ago, precisely because she has ME. So do I, and I finally felt seen in this affliction by reading familiar responses to my own. The dysautonomia issues, intractable nausea, heart fluctuations, and blood pressure issues, not to mention the exhaustion, fatigue and excruciating pain. Catching COVID thanks to employer's lax adherence to guidelines (that they never owned up to either) ended up making my ME a full disability. Or as my doctor has it labeled, a second diagnosis of Long COVID.

I had wondered if Jessica had caught COVID, and if so, had she suffered a similar serious downturn in the ME. I'm glad to read that doesn't seem the case, though it is disheartening that her friend got Long COVID. Reading about Felicity’s birth and growth provided a delightful counterpoint to the harsh reality of living with this devastating disorder.

Highly recommended!

Read my prior review
A Girl Behind Dark Glasses/ A Girl in One Room by Jessica Taylor-Bearman
https://wp.me/p6C2DX-2Wx

And this great article by the author
How Can People Treat Those with ME by Jessica Taylor-Bearman
https://wp.me/p6C2DX-2WC

***Many thanks to Netgalley & Hashtag Press for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Gillian Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Beyond Closed Doors reveals so much and enlightens the reader about a life of battles and challenges to matters that many of us take for granted. Jessica is a fighter and in this book, her amazing personality and tenacity to persevere and adapt shines through. With her rock-solid support network of family, friends and above all her husband, Samuel, Jessica overcomes prejudices, setbacks, challenges and the ever-present M.E. Monster which is always there, ready to rear its ugly head and deal Jessica with another almighty blow. Yet, this amazing woman doesn't give in. She's a daughter, sister, wife and now a mother too. Despite everything life has thrown at her, Jessica Taylor-Bearman has battled on and refused to be defeated. Her life isn't easy. Being a new parent is tough, but being a chronically disabled mother is on a completely different level. The Girl Beyond Closed Doors puts a lot into perspective. It makes many everyday problems faced by most of us, pale in comparison. Thanks to Jessica, the reader is shown what life is like for someone confronting the M.E. Monster day in and day out. The mobility issues, accessibility problems and prejudices. This book is a window into a life many of us would not have realised. This is enlightening, moving and inspiring. Thank you Jessica for opening our eyes and revealing so much. It's no surprise that you are a best-selling author. I shall now be reading the first two books in the 'A Girl' series and I'm sure that, just like in The Girl Beyond Closed Doors, I shall learn so much.

[Shalla · Rating 5 out of 5]

🕊️🦋✨🔑 A Girl Beyond Closed Doors 🔑✨🦋🕊️
By Jessica Taylor-Bearman

This book is part three of a series but can also be read as a stand alone. Which I was glad because as soon as I read the blurb, I knew I wanted to read it. Coming in part way through Jessica's journey, I can't even begin to imagine the challenges she has had to face to get to here. This book is written with such raw honesty and vulnerability. It evoked such emotions in me, both heart breaking and heart warming. Jessica suffers from a chronic illness, the M.E. Monster. In this book she writes about her journey into parenthood, which may not have been possible due to what she had already endure through her life up until this point. However, this strong, beautiful woman fought through everything to bring this miracle into existence. It did saddens me to know how some people especially medical professionals have been so dismissive of Jessica's condition and how it affects her. I am beyond happy to know that she was able to escape from being trapped in one room by the M.E. Monster and make her dreams come true despite the pain, critics and ill health. This is such an inspiring read, the courage and strength it would have taken is admirable.

[Wendy Jonson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Taylor-Bearman is an amazing woman. When she was 15 years old, Jessica came down with an absolutely debilitating condition called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - or as she calls it, the M.E. Monster. It almost completely shut down her life and still presents incredibly difficult challenges for her daily. This is the third installment of the trilogy that details her life with this horrible illness. It's an easy, yet fascinating read, set-up somewhat like a journal or diary. And although Jessica is facing this extremely troubling illness for which research, knowledge and understanding is almost non-existent, her account is amazingly inspiring and eye-opening. In addition to her physical challenges, Jessica does a great job of conveying her emotions about everything going on with and around her. Despite all her obstacles, she manages to appreciate the good things too. You should definitely read books one and two first (A Girl Behind Dark Glasses and A Girl in One Room) to better understand what she's gone through up to this point. Thank you to NetGalley and Hashtag Press for the eARC. And good luck to Jessica and her family for the future!

[Helen Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first met Jessica over 5 years ago she was about to release her first book - A Girl Behind Dark Glasses. And she was living what would become the content of the next book - A Girl in One Room. Now, we have A Girl Beyond Closed Doors, the final in the 'A Girl' series, and an absolute must-read for everyone who read the first books, and for everyone who wants to understand what it's really like living with a severe chronic illness like M.E., but also what it's like living a life in lockdown even when the pandemic has ended. The fact Jessica gets married, has a baby - and another - and gets to live out so many of her dreams in reality is just the best feeling. Jessica is living in pain and discomfort on a daily basis, when she writes about having some of the really tough choices she's had to make, and how she's now living with M.E. in her 30s, it really does amaze me that she's so happy, positive and optimistic. How Jessica views the world is inspirational. Her role in the world and the impact she's making is incredible. And this series is quite honestly the most moving, emotional, heart-felt, raw and real memoir about chronic illness I've ever read. I was left in tears at the end. Happy tears. I hope you love the books as much as I do. From one mum to another, thank you Jessica.

[Greenreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in a series about the author's experiences of living with ME.

Now married, Jessica finds out she's pregnant and has to learn how to manage her pregnancy symptoms alongside her illness; prejudice from others, and ways of coping with a newborn.

As someone who works supporting disabled students and has a child with possible ME / CFS, it was really interesting to read about Jessica's experiences. It's a real eye-opener reading about the huge impact this illness has on Jessica's life and relationships. It's written with raw honesty, and the author's strength and determination really shine through. Some of the things she does would be overwhelming and exhausting, even without a chronic illness! It was sad to hear about some of the negative experiences and obstacles Jessica faces, but overall, it was a positive book. I'm in awe of Jessica managing parenthood the way she does (I believe she went on to have a second baby). Let's hope more research into ME and possible treatments can be funded.

[Alice Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and emotional book written by a very brave and courageous young woman who has let the world into her life. A story of joy, smiles and tears. Reading it, you want to congratulate Jessica on every little win. Jessica has amazing support from her husband Samuel and both families. As a fellow M.E sufferer although nowhere near to the same extent, I totally understand wanting to do the smallest thing, looking at it and realising I can’t it will have to wait!

Jessica you have such inner strength that will pull you through however long it takes. Congratulations on an amazing story, which makes you feel every second of the journey of your pregnancy and the birth of Felicity. The bond you have with Felicity and Samuel is so powerful. I had the privilege of meeting you on zoom with literally PR during Covid.

[EdenB15 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to literally pr for sending me this book in exchange for a review. A really poignant and emotional yet at times heartwarming.For someone who has long covid i related to some of the things she said.It made me both feel determined and motivated and cry all at once but it was true lay beautiful .Jessica is a such a strong amazing women and it was such a beautifully written way of sharing her story.Worth the read

[Danice Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica had a baby, despite having severe ME. That takes great courage. I'm impressed with her husband and their families. They are so open-minded and caring. Hope can triumph. I highly recommend this book.

[Heather - Just Geeking By · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Just Geeking by.

Content warnings:
This book contains scenes of ableism including ableism towards disabled parents, mental health prejudice and stigma, death of a loved one (on page), grief, and reference to death of a loved one (off page).

This book is the memoir of someone with a severe medical condition and therefore contains a lot of scenes at hospitals, and with medical equipment, including needles. This includes scenes in a maternity unit and a neonatal ICU unit. Please note that there is a scene on a maternity unit featuring baby loss of another patient.

Part of this book takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic and contains scenes during lockdown, which may be triggering for some people.

A Girl Beyond Closed Doors by Jessica Taylor-Bearman is the third book Jessica has written detailing her journey from the start of her diagnosis with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.). In this final book in the trilogy Jessica takes the reader through more deeply personal and moving moments of her life. As with her other books, Jessica speaks from her heart and has a delightful writing voice that always draws me in.

We’ve followed Jessica from hospitals, to one bed and then living in one room with her partner Samuel. At the end of the last book, A Girl in One Room, Jessica had successfully managed to walk down the aisle for her wedding. In A Girl Beyond Closed Doors Jessica details changes in her life that leads to her and her husband looking to move out of their one room, and into a place of their own. The biggest change being that Jessica is pregnant!

As someone with ME and multiple chronic illnesses, there are a lot of things in life that have felt off limit since my diagnosis. Which is why reading a first-hand account of someone with ME talking about their pregnancy was emotional but invaluable. Jessica was also diagnosed with hypermobile joints during her pregnancy, something I also have, meaning that her experiences were even more meaningful to me.

What I’ve truly appreciated about all of Jessica’s books is that she doesn’t skimp on details, especially when discussing medical appointments and discussions with medical professionals. I already had my eyes opened to the horrible attitudes medical professionals have towards disabled people becoming pregnant while reading We’ve Got This, a collection of essays by disabled parents. But those were personal essays rather than a first-hand account, and Jessica’s candid account offers a perspective that will be enlightening to many.

This is just the tip of the iceberg that is A Girl Beyond Closed Doors, and Jessica delivers so much more in this third book. It is a brilliant end to the trilogy and if you’ve yet to pick up Jessica’s books I highly recommend doing so.

BLOG | REVIEWS | REVIEW SCHEDULE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST |

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was QUITE the emotional read for me! Having suffered with the 'M.E Monster' myself for the past 7 years , since I was 14, this is only the second book I've read that has M.E featured in it which makes me so sad! I've not read the other 2 books from this series as Jessica is a new author to me but right from the beginning the introduction part gets you caught right up with everything that has happened in her life which is so helpful and made me feel like I haven't missed out on a whole chunk. Although, I will definitely be getting her previous two books to read! I loved this book because when people read it feels like you step into the main characters shoes and into their world and this is what people really need to read. They need to see how people with M.E are so resilient. I felt like I was going through all of the emotions with Jessica when she was going through her pregnancy. I'm not at that stage in my life but it was definitely tear jerking. I definitely felt a lot of empathy when silly doctors make their opinions known when they hear only a small slice of what chronically ill people have going on in their lives. Unfortunately, I think we have all had those moments many times but when carrying your baby it must have been terrible and so unnecessary! Overall, this is a book I hope to see everyone read. This isn't fiction; this is what people have to go through with M.E everyday and I want to thank Jessica for writing such a poignant book about this cruel illness.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Girl Beyond Closed Doors is the third of Bearman's memoirs on her journey as a sufferer of the M.E. Monster. I've yet to read the others, but I think she saved the best till last with the joyous news that she was having a baby.

She's candid and honest as she takes us on her journey into motherhood, her inspiration, strength and resilience radiating from the pages.

Be prepared for an emotional and heartwarming read, to be angered by the so called medical professionals and to finish the book with a smile on your face at the courageousness of this wonderful woman.