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CinderGirl: My Journey Out of the Ashes to a Life of Hope

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How is it possible for a young, homeless woman to overcome abuse, endure the foster care system, and rise to prominence to help others? CinderGirl tells Christina Meredith's incredible story of how she overcame these hardships to earn the title of Miss California and become an advocate for the vulnerable. Born into a large, working-class family in upstate New York, Christina endured years of abuse before entering the foster care system as a teenager. With nowhere to turn after she graduated from high school, Christina lived in her car for almost a year, working three jobs to survive. As she prayed in her car every day, Christina had no idea that in just a few years, her suffering would help others find healing. But she did know that she was destined for more, and she refused to give up hope, no matter the circumstance. In CinderGirl , Christina tells her piercing and poignant story of leaving behind homelessness to become Miss California and the founder of a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy for foster care children. With stunning vulnerability, Christina invites us into her childhood home and the heart of a child longing to be loved, challenging us to dig deeper into our own personal courage, even in the most difficult conditions. And in return, you'll learn how Praise for CinderGirl : "Christina Meredith's life experience and real-life Cinderella story are beyond inspirational to me, and I'm so proud of her. She is an overcomer like few I've ever read about. But what impresses me the most is her desire to transform the foster care system and use her challenges to better the next generation." --Kristen Dalton-Wolfe, bestselling author and former Miss USA "Christina Meredith's story, which she tells with unique courage, follows a young woman's rise out of vulnerability, homelessness, and abuse to become a soldier, leader, and pillar in her community. Christina's spirited and empathetic soul shines through every page." --Jason Jones, author, activist, film producer

208 pages, Paperback

Published March 5, 2019

57 people are currently reading
1651 people want to read

About the author

Christina Meredith

1 book41 followers
Christina Meredith calls the oldest city in the Nation, Saint Augustine, Florida, home. Christina endured years of physical, emotional and sexual abuse before entering the foster care system. Passed from family to family, Christina finally landed in a home where she remained until she aged out of the system at 18.

Graduating from Allen D. Nease high school with nowhere to turn, Christina spent the better part of a year homeless and living in her car. Eager for a fresh start, Christina moved out to California where she took a series of odd jobs, eventually catching the eye of a pageant recruiter who suggested she compete in the Miss California pageant. In April of 2013, Christina won the title of Ms. California and has since dedicated herself to speaking out on behalf of abused girls and foster care children all over the country.

She has opened for the Special Olympics, spoken to congress on the foster care crisis- pushing for bigger mental health budgets specifically trauma therapy services for all foster youth, the state of Florida invited her to speak to hundreds of foster youth and state workers teaching trauma awareness, the city of Saint Augustine hailed her a hometown hero awarding her a yearly Child Abuse Prevention month from the Saint John’s Commissioners office, the mayor of Saint Augustine privileged Christina as the honored guest for the Lighting of the Night where over 10,000 heard her story; National Geographic deemed this event a top ten global attraction to see, she has inspired thousands all over the country from universities to churches sharing her incredible story encouraging others that they too can heal from the wounds of pain and trauma becoming all they dream to be.

Her mission to change the way America handles orphans and sexual abuse is well on its way as she continues to travel the country as a foster care activist and mental health advocate to include PTSD and trauma awareness training. She is currently launching the Christina Meredith Foundation that will provide tools and wrap-around support for foster care children trapped in between the welfare and prison system.

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5 stars
175 (43%)
4 stars
126 (31%)
3 stars
70 (17%)
2 stars
19 (4%)
1 star
10 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Heather.
40 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2019
I am so saddened by what Ms. Meredith and her siblings endured and am so amazed by her drive and ambition. Occasionally (as now) I am torn about the star ratings because of the words tied to them. While I very much appreciate that Ms. Meredith is not an author by trade, and while I have great sympathy for her path, I cannot truthfully says I “enjoyed” the book. It was very straight forward and timeline-ish. A fast read and an inspiring subject matter, but just not a book I could get invested in. Again, however, great respect for the author for her amazing perseverance and the work she is doing!
Profile Image for Mamagans.
40 reviews9 followers
March 7, 2019
First of all, I admire this author and am stunned by what she survived. Her childhood was simply hell and I wish her mother was in jail. She retold the story of her experiences but I didn’t feel the writing conveyed the emotion of those experiences. They came across as facts. The writing lacked depth. I was pleased to see she rose out of the ashes and she should be very proud of herself.
Profile Image for Stefanie.
1,207 reviews70 followers
March 25, 2019
Christina Meredith suffered years and years of abuse and it shatters my heart, because no child should ever, EVER, have to endure something like that.
This book was not an easy read in the sense that reading her story was so sad. It was traumatic! Her mother essentially hated her with every breath she took. Out of eight siblings Christina was the unwanted child, the ugly child, the useless child. She was called names, beaten, sexually abused by her uncle. This poor little girl lived a horror of a life!
But! Her story proves that ashes can be turned into beauty!
Christina Meredith, a former Ms. California is a huge advocate with her platforms for fixing the broken foster care system (something very near and dear to my heart!). She also speaks and works with helping kids with sexual, emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. She gives them a voice in a world that tends to shut them up.
Her trauma brought her to a place of redemption and is now giving her the power to make a difference in this world.
So, this was a difficult read, but it also gives you a sense of hope in this broken world!
Profile Image for Paige Wilson.
16 reviews
November 8, 2024
Got this book after hearing Christina speak at a child abuse conference I attended. Her story of childhood neglect and abuse (physical, sexual, and psychological) is difficult to read. She speaks on redemption through Christ and the significant impact just one person can have on the trajectory of your life. Such an encouraging story!
Profile Image for Kari Burke.
Author 4 books6 followers
April 16, 2019
As a foster mother, I read this book with great expectation. I hoped to be inspired and encouraged in my role of helping traumatized children in need. Instead, the story broke my heart, horrified me, and left me feeling let down as far as inspiration.

Christina Meredith does an excellent job of recounting the abuse and terror she experienced as a child but she feel short of selling the inspirational part of her story. I was appalled by what she went through at the hands of her mother. However, I did not feel anything as I read about how she pulled herself out of all that and rose above it all to succeed.

A few other reviewers have mentioned that the book read as simply facts listed on paper and that is exactly how I felt the last few chapters were presented. For example, Ms. Meredith talks a lot about the people who helped her along the way but they were not characters in her story as much as just names she throws out here and there. She gives the timeline of living in her car, getting her first apartment, and moving to CA where she won the Ms. California title but again, there is no emotion and virtually no real storytelling...just a recount of the events.

So, though the first half of the book did make me want to hug all my children a little tighter and protect them from any harm, abuse, or hurt...the second half just disillusioned and disappointed me... I expected an inspirational happy ending. I didn't really get it.
1 review
March 21, 2019
The writing simply lacks depth, and is very on the surface retelling facts from her childhood. It is very saddening and the information in this book is crazy to hear about, but I just can’t get past the thought that this book is ghostwritten and someone else’s writings of her stories. It may be written by Christina Meridith the Author, but it is highly evident that it is a sensational novel written by the publishing company which is a shame. All my respects to Christina Meredith, but the writing is very simple and lacks all sorts of depth and feeling.
1 review
March 21, 2019
Had a few issues with the continuity of the writing, as well as the sensational aspects of the writing style. Seems to be a poorly ghostwritten book of someone else’s story. Definitely can see issues with transcribing someone else’s words into “one’s own” book
Profile Image for Bible Gateway.
47 reviews143 followers
March 5, 2019
As seen on the TODAY show! Growing up, she rarely heard her own name. Today, she’s here to help you claim the inherent worth that is yours.

Born into a large working-class family in upstate New York, Christina Meredith endured years of abuse before entering the foster care system as a teenager. With nowhere to turn after she graduated from high school, Christina lived in her car for almost a year, working three jobs to survive. Read our post with Christina here: https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/201...
60 reviews23 followers
March 10, 2019
An incredible story. It's difficult to imagine that a child could go through such horrific things at the hands of their mother, it's just unfathomable. The strength and the courage and the hope that is portrayed is truly inspiring.
Profile Image for Kiah Nordgren.
66 reviews
December 26, 2025
Impactful story, but jumped around from topic to topic and was confusing. Also, big words aren’t a crime. Don’t avoid them.
Profile Image for Donia.
1,207 reviews
October 11, 2019
Having spent many years working in Social Services I find myself drawn to books written by individuals who have overcome the horrors of an abusive childhood and have managed to succeed in life. I am particularly curious as to what separates those individuals apart who succeed in life from those who do not. My heart goes out to all children whose childhoods were filled with abuse but I found this memoir lacking. Much of the book was filled with side stories that seemed to go nowhere. Mostly we are TOLD that Meredith climbed out of her predicament(s) by tending bar a great deal and that church played a role and that she met influential people here and there and then won Miss California and I guess ended up in the Army. How this all came about I have little idea at the conclusion of the book.
Profile Image for Lauren R..
105 reviews
July 24, 2020
I read it in two hours. 5 stars for her story, 3 stars for the writing. Such a hard read because of all the abuse and neglect the author endured but truly a testament to the Lord’s character of redeeming the most broken of situations!
Profile Image for Jerrie.
273 reviews5 followers
October 2, 2020
In this country where we are blessed with so many advantages how dare we add insult to injury by not providing a safe and nurturing environment for the unwanted, unloved children who have been victims of neglect and abuse. Years ago my husband worked for the National Center on Abuse and Neglect, overseeing program grants to states; there was never enough money to make much of an impact. Christina recounts a childhood so horrific you wonder whether some of it might be hallucination brought on by pain and fear so awful that most of us cannot even comprehend it. And how does such a sick woman keep finding men who are so weak they do not stop her evil deeds, one even participating. Though almost too hideous to read, the first part is better, as the latter section gets too repetitious and preachy. I applaud her work ethic, healing, ability to rise above her upbringing, reaching out to those willing to help her accomplish her goals. All children have a right to freedom from hunger; love, or at least decency and emotional support; respect; not bullied by anyone; encouragement to set and attain goals; comfort and warmth; education; safety; recreation; wholesome activities; sense of belonging and self assurance. Most of us were fortunate to have these advantages, took them as our due, rarely witnessed any deviation from this when we were kids.
341 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2019
Christina Meredith had a rough start to life. Abused by her mother and other adults, it took years for authorities to finally remove her from her mother's home and place her in foster care. But life in foster care was not a perfect fix. At age 18, Meredith aged out of foster care and was suddenly on her own, sometimes even living out of her car as she struggled to make ends meet. Meredith chronicles her engrossing story in her memoir CinderGirl: My Journey Out of the Ashes to a Life of Hope.

The book is very captivating, and I read it in one sitting. CinderGirl is the kind of book that you want to tell your friends and family to read so that they can see a close-up look of the plight of children in foster care. Meredith is a smart, hard-working woman, and she was able to pull herself out of her dire circumstances through working long hours and never giving up. I was excited for Meredith when she [spoiler alert] rented her first apartment, moved to California with her sister, and then won the title of Miss California, with foster care reform as her platform. Meredith is now making great waves in foster care reform. I received this book for review.
Profile Image for Lafourche Parish Library.
658 reviews26 followers
August 1, 2019
Christina Meredith will break your heart, but also show you how your life can drastically change in her biography, Cinder Girl. Christina’s childhood was anything but wonderful. As a child, she was abused in every way imaginable. No matter how bleak her life had become, she was determined to rise above her circumstances.

I found Christina’s strength and courage to be truly inspiring. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading true stories about survival, perseverance, faith, and hope. If you enjoy happy endings, you’ll want to read this book.

- Crystal, Branch Librarian

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GENRE: Autobiographies & Memoirs; Life Stories; Society & Culture
SUBJECT: Adult Child Abuse Victims; Child Advocacy; Faith; Foster Care; Foster Home Care Reform; Homeless Teenagers; Nonprofit Organizations; Resilience; Social Advocacy

Profile Image for Tirza Kurtz.
17 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2022
This book is a good reminder the reader that each person’s story matters. All of us have a responsibility to really notice the hurting among us and fight for them. Christina both shares her story and encourages us to not give up. Even if we can’t change a situation, we can shine a bit of hope in the darkness.

“I want you to know that every single human being on the planet struggles with something. We are all fragile creatures. The only difference is that some choose to make the effort to work toward a greater calling for the greater good, while others choose to sit in the mess that weighs them down and hold on to the excuses that only cause them more grief.
We are not victims, regardless of who did us wrong, what went wrong, or what we did wrong. You are capable of anything, and you are the only person keeping you from living your best life. Love hard, work hard, and believe the impossible. Because, dear heart, all things are possible.”
- excerpt from book
Profile Image for Anna Mosca.
Author 4 books8 followers
March 9, 2021
It is really interesting and encouraging to read this book where you can marvel at the resilience this child who had to survive some horrific abuse, especially from her mother. I recommend it as is important to know how someone managed to survive all the ugliness that can come your way.
Sadly I must say it kind of looses tone toward the end, right when life seems to get marvelous and she collects recognition, mostly because of the “christianese” language she suddenly employs. I am a Christian and I totally agree that God saves people and works miracles of redemptions but somehow all these set phrases accomplish quite the opposite for the reader, and water down the power of this testimony. The testimony and the written style loose, in my opinion, what was a very strong testimony if it would have keep the same pace all along.
Profile Image for Suzie Q.
587 reviews
April 23, 2020
I read this book and was amazed at how horrible a mother could be to single out and abuse and even encourage her other children to abuse the child she singled out to dump her hatred upon.

I was also amazed at Christina Merideth's level of faith and trust in God. I guess I can't relate to going through the horrific trials without finding a way to run or tell the world, that you were being abused and raped by an uncle or even starved by your mom.

How did the schools and the teachers not see things earlier on?

I really feel there is a disconnect in regards to the length of time children have to endure such horror at the hands of people they should trust by the legal or justice system that finally finds and punishes these people.
Profile Image for Lacie Simpson.
182 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2025
One of the best memoirs i’ve read! maybe it’s because it was relatable for me, but this hurt my heart differently. the author talks a lot about how her home life was bad and unfortunately i relate to a lot of it! from being alone in her room, not understanding why she was given the struggles she was, yet feeling an unwavering sense that the Lord was with her. i literally almost cried at that part because ive BEEN THERE!

i think the author did a great job at painting her story and letting the reader feel alll the feelings she felt. i appreciate the way that she shared her faith, often referencing her beliefs but not pushing them on anybody. she simply told how the Lord had been with her and how it changed her life.

5/5 stars because i enjoyed this so much
Profile Image for Kate.
572 reviews
April 23, 2019
4/5 stars

Wow...

This was such a raw, emotional story about overcoming life's trials and abuses to rise from the ashes and aid others in their fight. Christina's story shook me to the core...and made me realize how truly blessed I am. But talk about a strong, God-centered woman...holy wow! This story was very sad and depressing...and at times I just had to close the book and breathe because of how deeply Christina reveals her experiences. But I have to say that I am so glad I read her memoir. It gave me a new perspective of my own life...and how suffering can truly transform someone. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend!
6 reviews
August 12, 2019
Amazing Lady

I saw the author, Christina Meredith, on the Mike Huckabee Show this weekend. I just had to purchase and read her book. This is a real eye opener for me about childhood abuse and the children that also end up in foster care. My grandchildren 's cousin died in foster care recently. A young child about eight months of age. Social services would not allow her ten year old brother to protect his baby sister. I wholeheartedly agree that all foster children and abused children need protection. Thank you, Miss Meredith, for being open to sharing your hurt and heartache with us. God has certainly given you a spirit of love and joy.
Profile Image for Beth Cortez.
306 reviews3 followers
June 10, 2020
My husband was actually one of Christina’s ROTC instructors at one point in time (not one that she wrote about in the book.) I really enjoyed reading her memoir. I was in tears reading how terribly she was treated by her mother, and how they didn’t believe her when she was raped by her uncle. How any parent could treat their child that way is beyond me. I’m amazed how strong she is and how unwavering her trust in God is after all she’s been through. She is a great role model for girls and foster children everywhere and it’s so wonderful that she is using her awful experiences for change in this world. Very inspiring.
57 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2021
Sharing her story of childhood abuse and endurance, Christina writes of what is looks like to have something inside of you that allows you to keep getting up, fighting, and thriving, even when everything around you wants you to back-off, cringe, and cry. Christina writes with such honesty and the heartbreaking reality of what it looks like to be unloved and unwanted and somehow rising up from that to move mountains! This story will shake you, it will be difficult to read and make sense of, and yet you will walk away from it so strong, because the brand of strength Christina has is contagious. Thank you for sharing your story, Christina, well done!
Profile Image for Erin Laramore.
845 reviews79 followers
November 11, 2023
A beautiful and tragic memoir of a woman who overcame a childhood of the worst kind of abuse and neglect and has set about to make change and reform to the systems that failed her. Beginning in her earliest memories, Christina Meredith tells the story of her childhood - the good, the bad, and the very ugly. She tells of the people who turned a blind eye, and of the people who helped her to overcome. I appreciated her openness and vulnerability and how she owned the importance of her suffering and how it lent to her passion and gratitude. As an advocate for children in foster care myself, her response to her own trials gives me hope as well.
Profile Image for Melissa.
23 reviews
Read
July 6, 2019
This book was easy to read and short, the story was compelling so I wanted to keep reading. I cried a few times in the story, saddened that so many who could or should have protected her did not and that there was not more resources for her to get help. The last few chapters did not give the ending that I had hoped for. I wished she had talked more about her time in foster care, unless it was only with the two families she knew from her school. I had hoped to read about family reunification with her siblings and how that went.
1 review
May 14, 2023
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME, YOU'LL NEVER GET IT BACK The writing simply lacks depth, and is very on the surface retelling facts from her childhood. It is very saddening and the information in this book is crazy to hear about, but I just can’t get past the thought that this book is ghostwritten and someone else’s writings of her stories. It may be written by Christina Meridith the Author, but it is highly evident that it is a sensational novel written by the publishing company which is a shame
Profile Image for Ilana.
77 reviews
April 12, 2025
It is so hard to believe the extent of this woman's childhood trauma. Seriously, Flowers in the attic was less traumatic. I do not understand how her mother was not caught and prosecuted. What happened to her father was not clear.

What made it difficult to read was knowing that foster care reform was the ultimate goal of this book but it gets very bible preachy. The Bible versus and references to God lost me especially near the end. It felt that it was directed at only Christians.
Profile Image for Sherry.
55 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2019
Great story

Loved this book. I usually don’t read books like this, but I really enjoyed it. The author did a great job with the characters and their development. I had to stop 3/4 of the way through to see if there was another book, and I was so relieved to find out there are 2 more. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Audra Wood.
2 reviews
April 14, 2019
This book is heartbreaking, eye opening, inspiring, motivating, and full of feeling. The story alone rocked me to my core, but "out of the ashes" rises hope, faith and love. They way Christina tells her story is so touching and the writing very strong with emotion and strength. Everyone should read this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews

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