What do you think?
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
2 days and 11:05:00
100 copies available
U.S. only
In Spite of Mother: A Sequel
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
2 days and 11:05:00
100 copies available
U.S. only
A true story of survival, resilience, and the enduring strength of a young girl navigating a world full of chaos, abandonment, and secrecy.
In this powerful sequel to Mother’s Little Alibi, Lydia Constantine continues her courageous journey through a childhood shaped by trauma and maternal neglect. Set in mid-20th century America, Lydia’s raw and unforgettable memoir explores the emotional scars left by alcoholism, betrayal, and abuse—and the hope she held onto in spite of it all.
From the haunting memory of a midnight encounter with a predator to the crushing weight of being forgotten at school, Lydia shares her story with heartbreaking honesty and sharp emotional insight. With moments both tender and harrowing, In Spite of Mother recounts a girl’s desperate longing for a “normal” family, her bittersweet friendships, and the refuge she found in her Aunt Ann, Girl Scouts, and fleeting moments of joy.
Whether you’re drawn to true crime, women’s memoirs, childhood trauma recovery, or inspiring survival stories, In Spite of Mother will grip your heart and never let go. Lydia’s voice is vulnerable yet determined, making this memoir an unforgettable testimony to the strength of the human spirit.
Perfect for readers who True stories of overcoming adversity, Memoirs about mother-daughter relationships, 1950s-60s Americana and coming-of-age tales, and Books like The Glass Castle, Educated, and A Child Called “It”.
In this powerful sequel to Mother’s Little Alibi, Lydia Constantine continues her courageous journey through a childhood shaped by trauma and maternal neglect. Set in mid-20th century America, Lydia’s raw and unforgettable memoir explores the emotional scars left by alcoholism, betrayal, and abuse—and the hope she held onto in spite of it all.
From the haunting memory of a midnight encounter with a predator to the crushing weight of being forgotten at school, Lydia shares her story with heartbreaking honesty and sharp emotional insight. With moments both tender and harrowing, In Spite of Mother recounts a girl’s desperate longing for a “normal” family, her bittersweet friendships, and the refuge she found in her Aunt Ann, Girl Scouts, and fleeting moments of joy.
Whether you’re drawn to true crime, women’s memoirs, childhood trauma recovery, or inspiring survival stories, In Spite of Mother will grip your heart and never let go. Lydia’s voice is vulnerable yet determined, making this memoir an unforgettable testimony to the strength of the human spirit.
Perfect for readers who True stories of overcoming adversity, Memoirs about mother-daughter relationships, 1950s-60s Americana and coming-of-age tales, and Books like The Glass Castle, Educated, and A Child Called “It”.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2025
About the author
Lydia Constantine
21 books11 followersWelcome. My name is Lydia Constantine, and I am living proof that life’s journey doesn’t end with hardship . . . it evolves through it.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: mother, grandmother, business owner, and community leader. Each role has come with its own challenges, lessons, and moments of joy. Through it all, I’ve held onto a simple belief: you are never too old to learn, to grow, or to pursue something new.
Writing became my newest adventure, and perhaps my most meaningful one.
In my memoir trilogy, Out of Mother’s Shadow, I share the story of my life across three deeply personal books: Mother’s Little Alibi, In Spite of Mother, and My Mother At Last. Together, they trace my journey from a childhood shaped by love, loss, addiction, and secrecy… to adulthood filled with both hard-earned strength and unexpected trials… and finally, to a place of reflection, resilience, and understanding.
What began as the story of a little girl growing up in the 1940s and 50s, navigating a world that was both innocent and dangerous, becomes something much larger. It is the story of survival, of family, of longing, and of the complicated bonds that shape who we become.
Through heartbreak and humor, setbacks and successes, my story spans decades of life’s realities. It is not a perfect story, because life is not perfect. But it is honest.
More than anything, these books are a reflection of the strength we all carry within us. No matter where we begin, no matter what we endure, there is always a path forward.
I invite you to walk that path with me.
Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: mother, grandmother, business owner, and community leader. Each role has come with its own challenges, lessons, and moments of joy. Through it all, I’ve held onto a simple belief: you are never too old to learn, to grow, or to pursue something new.
Writing became my newest adventure, and perhaps my most meaningful one.
In my memoir trilogy, Out of Mother’s Shadow, I share the story of my life across three deeply personal books: Mother’s Little Alibi, In Spite of Mother, and My Mother At Last. Together, they trace my journey from a childhood shaped by love, loss, addiction, and secrecy… to adulthood filled with both hard-earned strength and unexpected trials… and finally, to a place of reflection, resilience, and understanding.
What began as the story of a little girl growing up in the 1940s and 50s, navigating a world that was both innocent and dangerous, becomes something much larger. It is the story of survival, of family, of longing, and of the complicated bonds that shape who we become.
Through heartbreak and humor, setbacks and successes, my story spans decades of life’s realities. It is not a perfect story, because life is not perfect. But it is honest.
More than anything, these books are a reflection of the strength we all carry within us. No matter where we begin, no matter what we endure, there is always a path forward.
I invite you to walk that path with me.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 19, 2025
A very intriguing story
This is a wonderful sequel to "Mother's Little Alibi" that takes place in the 50's and 60's in small town mid America. Lydia faces and overcomes many challenges so she could live the life that she wanted for herself and her family. You will feel her emotions of fear, sadness, joy, elation and love as you join her on the journey throughout life. I believe this book would be enjoyable for anyone who enjoys personal stories and memoirs. It held my attention throughout. You won't be disappointed.
This is a wonderful sequel to "Mother's Little Alibi" that takes place in the 50's and 60's in small town mid America. Lydia faces and overcomes many challenges so she could live the life that she wanted for herself and her family. You will feel her emotions of fear, sadness, joy, elation and love as you join her on the journey throughout life. I believe this book would be enjoyable for anyone who enjoys personal stories and memoirs. It held my attention throughout. You won't be disappointed.
October 6, 2025
A nice read. I think that the author has a nice way of telling a story. I could be entertained by anything that she writes. I related to the setting of this story. She took me back to way that things once were.
August 22, 2026
This book will draw you in and make you feel as if you are there living all the things this resilient child goes thru. The Author is great at writing in a way it brings out all kinds of emotions. You will see her go thru times that would cause some to give up. She longs to have the life she sees others have, a real loving family. You will not want to put it down until you have read every word. I can't wait to read "My Mother at Last" her book just released. But you will want to read the first one as well as this one, each book is a part of her life. I love this authors way of telling her story.
December 27, 2025
So many typos!
Both books are entertaining and inspiring. But they need an editor and a proofreader! The typos are distracting. But an entertaining read.
Both books are entertaining and inspiring. But they need an editor and a proofreader! The typos are distracting. But an entertaining read.
August 9, 2026
Love this authors books. True account of her life and all the trials she has had to endure, which has made her the strong woman she is today. Can’t wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews