Saving Grace

by Jennifer Banks

THIS IS AN AUTOBIOGRAPHYLife may have its ups and downs, but journalist Jennifer Banks has had more than most. Having survived childhood verbal bullying, 17 years with a eating disorder and six years trapped in a violent marriage in a foreign country, Jennifer has now been diagnosed with the debilitating illness Multiple Sclerosis. After a childhood bully tormented her for being overweight, Jennifer became bulimic and battled constantly with low self esteem. She ran away to London, hoping to escape the demons of her past. She met and married Mehmet, a Turkish native living in London and they moved to Turkey after the wedding. Jennifer soon found herself trapped in a violent marriage in a foreign country; she couldn't speak the language and had no friends or family to turn to. She finally escaped after a vicious beating which claimed the life of her unborn child propelled her into action. Back in London, she rebuilt her life and self-esteem and even plucked up the courage to phone Midnight Encounters', a phone-in dating show on London radio. A month later a bag load of replies turned up at her door, but only one stood out. She and Steve are now happily married and have daughter. Sadly there is no conventional happy ending for Jennifer, as she has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. However, after years of abuse, both by her own hands and by the hands of others, Jennifer has developed a positive and healthy look on life. With a combination of inner strength and the love of her family, she embraces every day. In her own words, "the show must and will go on!" This is Jennifer's life, told in her own words, and is a story of torment, violence, love hate, loss, courage and hope. Her story will encourage and inspire everyone who reads it.

307 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2006