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Hope in the Darkness #1

Memoirs of an Invisible Child

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FINDING HOPE IN THE DARKNESS!
At the young age of three, while I was at school, my mother was murdered by her abusive new boyfriend. What would happen to her four unintentionally abandoned children?
The heartbreak of the devastating loss of my mother was just the beginning of a series of tragic events that shaped my childhood. Lost in the chaos of abuse, I was the unseen collateral damage of domestic violence. I was forced to take on the role of the invisible child for self-preservation. I figured you can’t hurt what you can’t see.
Despite all the sadness in this book, my story has a happy ending. Overcoming obstacles that were meant to destroy me taught me many powerful lessons about strength, resilience, and faith. I want to show you that no matter how dark your world seems, there is a light shining right outside the door. You just need to have faith and keep moving forward step by step until you find your peace. Trust me, no matter where your story lies, you can find happiness.

Audiobook

Published February 12, 2019

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238 people want to read

About the author

Kelly Walk Hines

8 books10 followers
KELLY WALK HINES has been a psychiatric nurse specializing in child and adolescent mental health for over twenty years. She wrote a locally distributed child and adolescent handbook in 1993. Facing a turbulent childhood, she made it her life mission to speak for those who have lost their voices. Through her advocacy for the awareness of partner and child abuse, many have been changed and even saved by her intervention. She lives in New Jersey with her two adult children.

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5 stars
226 (39%)
4 stars
141 (24%)
3 stars
144 (25%)
2 stars
46 (8%)
1 star
18 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Louisa Bauman.
Author 5 books24 followers
May 15, 2018
A heartbreaking story

This memoir is important because it raises awareness of domestic abuse. My question is Why did nobody do anything to stop her dad? Was the author so good at hiding her pain? It was more than any child should have to endure and convinced me that emotional abuse is every bit as painful as physical abuse.
Profile Image for The Literary Vixen.
611 reviews22 followers
June 11, 2018
I went into this book fully aware of the what it was about. I wanted to read about the journey and where they all ended up. This book definitely gets you in the feels. Many tears were shed while reading. I’ve experienced first hand some of these situations and I think that is why I both loved and related to this book. My heart hurt for what she went through. This book isn’t for the faint of heart but if you can handle reading it, you will not be disappointed. This book has triggers so proceed with caution. I give this 5 stars.
Profile Image for Virginia Ritterbusch.
69 reviews
May 12, 2018
Kelly Hines' story is captivating, heart wrenching, and at the same time—uplifting! MEMOIRS OF AN INVISIBLE CHILD reaches out to give a voice to all victims of domestic violence in hopes of bringing strength and resolution to those under its oppression. Through her diligence to survive, her bravery, repeated isolation when taken from those she loved, Kelly based her strength on the truth of God's WORD.

Kelly's book is a celebration of the life she kept her focus on that drove her to stay out of harm's way while trusting she would finally obtain that life from the loving connections and happiness she was taken away from throughout her developmental years. Kelly ends each chapter with her "Lessons Learned" providing guidance, hope, and practical advice to others in similar situations but that can also be extended to the struggles everyone's faces in life.

The violence Kelly was subjected to throughout her life also cast its shadow upon her relatives, family, neighbors, teachers, friends and local citizens. It is clear, Kelly hopes that in today's world, bystanders will reach out and use the laws and shelters that are now in place to help victims of domestic violence as she had prayed for her salvation over and over again. MEMOIRS OF AN INVISIBLE CHILD is also a story of how she lives her life today extending her love and help daily to everyone she meets. Thank you Kelly for exemplifying and providing the reader with a clear visual of inner strength and how we can all be our own best advocates in life.
Profile Image for Elsa.
Author 12 books10 followers
October 20, 2018
Every person has a story to tell and this is something that is a MUST to read
I was taken to a journey of a poignant story. I was moved and touched. The story was written directly from the heart and soul of the author. This is an inspiring and empowering book that one should have. It gives joy to those who are in sorrow and most importantly it provides hope to those who have given up and so much more. There are lessons to take home and digest which makes this book a more interesting to read.
Profile Image for Hadley.
280 reviews6 followers
January 13, 2024
Totally respect this woman’s story and the traumas she went through—but I signed up for a memoir not a self help book. She isn’t a very good writer, or at least she isn’t a good memoir writer! I’m sure her self help book that she definitely should write would be excellent though.
Profile Image for Kimberly C..
Author 13 books24 followers
May 16, 2018
This book is a powerful story of the strength one woman found to break free from the grip of domestic violence. It is heart rending tale of her horrific childhood and the hope she found through her faith. Kelly Walk HInes relays the experiences of a childhood lived under the control of her abusive father and how she found the courage to rise above it all.
Profile Image for Louise.
25 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2018
As much as it is a heart-wrenching memoir of a childhood that was beyond what anyone should ever experience, this is also a story of hope.
The moment-by-moment account keeps you spellbound and eager to continue reading as we are following the life of this little girl who survived her childhood and thrived in spite of what she had to endure.
The author gives us all hope!
Her strong faith carried her and she is an example and an inspiration for everyone who thinks that their load is too much to bear.
Highly recommended reading.
27 reviews
May 10, 2018
Emotional and spiritual

This is a heartfelt novel that will leave your emotions running wild. The added scripture is a nice closure to each lesson. This book touched my soul. Thank you for your wonderful words.
Profile Image for Jennifer Yates.
Author 10 books36 followers
May 7, 2018
Beautiful Testimony of a Survivor!

This book is a beautiful testimony of a survivor! Her life story is one of much pain and suffering, but she allowed the Lord to use it for good in her life. I love that at the end of each chapter, she shares what she learned from that period in her life. Hines encourages others who are going through similar trials. What a wonderful, inspiring book!
2 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2018
I could not put this book down. It made me laugh & sob. It was poignant & so relevant to our times!!!!! I LOVED this book and can not wait for more from Kelly Walk Hines.

The narrative, while sad, is full of hope and love. While I did sob through parts of her story, I maintained a feeling of Peace and transcendence for what would come out of such terrible heartache.

This book should be mandatory for any person interested or involved in pursuing a career in Social Work, Child Protective Services, law enforcement, legal / Judiciary, and primary & secondary school teachers.

I enjoyed how the chapters were separated with detail regarding lessons learned in that phase of life. And while the book did talk about Christianity, the Bible & God, it was done in a way that any person, regardless of religious background would find immense value in what they were reading.

I will wait patiently for “to be continued” aka Book II from Ms. Walk Hines.
🙏❤️
3 reviews
December 5, 2022
I Was Immersed in Kelly’s Story

As a child survivor growing up in an abusive home, I related to Kelly’s story. I couldn’t put it down as my heart went out to her and her siblings for the sorrow they endured at losing their mother. Then the sad and painful journey Kelly faced after being ripped away from her brother and sisters. I could not even imagine how horrible that would be to a child! But then to go live with a mean-tempered, evil-hearted, abusive, controlling father she didn’t even know must have been torture on such a small child. My heart was broken for Kelly and I was praying for her that her escape from all this abuse would come soon.
Thank you God for watching over this young child…then young lady to give her strength to go through so much pain and abuse. I love how scripture verses are used at the beginning of each chapter… so encouraging!
Thank you Kelly for writing your story. I need to write mine to release my pain…and I am 76 years old!
Profile Image for Cassandra Struble.
188 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2019
This type of story is always hard to read in regards to the topic. I felt the author did a really good job of breaking up the sadness with talking points to use going forward. She adds a section called things I have learned to help others who might be suffering. In these situations, I always find myself wondering how no one cam see the hurt in the children. With this, I feel they do see the hurt, but they don't know how to help. I really felt this with her step mother in the home. She stayed solely to try to protect Kelly, even though she was getting herself hurt. I truly hope others suffering in this type of situation can get the help they need.
Profile Image for April.
139 reviews7 followers
May 30, 2018
***my review may seem biased as Kelly is a close personal friend*** This memoir is a must read for anyone that has been through abuse or has had a difficult time believing in themselves. Kelly gives hope in situations that average people can't fathom finding it. i loved how she tied in Bible verses before each chapter as well as a "lessons learned" recap at the end of each chapter. I admire her strength, faith, and amazingly sunny disposition. I also appreciate how she included her own children in the process of writing and publishing her book. i will absolutely be reading the sequel.
1 review
August 16, 2018
Who edited this? Typos everywhere!

Not fond of "things I have learned." Very hard to follow. Many typos. Way, way too much talk of God. I dont mind reference to spirituality and praying, but it was redundant use of that verbiage.
Profile Image for Gurpreet Dhariwal.
Author 6 books47 followers
February 25, 2023
I was glued to listening to this book on the Audible app.

I completed it in just four days.

It's a story of a child who was abused not just by her own father but sexually molested by his friend too. It broke my heart into pieces because there was not even a single day when she was experiencing happiness, yet she never failed to pray for her silver lining.

She was the youngest among her siblings and while her two sisters and brother were left with her uncle and aunt, her custody was given to her father who never loved her not even for a second but always wished to abuse her in whatever way possible.

How she used to feel terribly sick for her stepmother and brother while living with them under the same roof will make you realize how some children never got a glimpse of happy memories, but they never failed to create their own happiness out of miserable situations.

I salute the spirit of Kelly for leaving her father when she turned 20 and never looked back. How she raised two most adorable kids on her own and found love in her partner Rob.

I want every domestic abused child to read this book because whatever we have suffered at the hands of our loved ones while it could shake the spirit of others at the same time it can fix them in the most broken places.

After all, hope exists, and life is always about taking an ounce of courage to find your comfort or create it whenever the situation demands.

Kelly's mother was murdered by her boyfriend and this news was given to her when she was at school. This reminded me of my own story of how I was standing next to the grocery stop when someone from the neighborhood came to tell me and my brother that my dad was hitting my mother with a brick in his hands, and she fell unconscious.

While listening to this book it provoked many older wounds that still reside somewhere in my soul, yet they taught me how to stand tall like a wall to pull others out of their darkness. I do revisit those hurtful and unforgivable memories but above all I am here and writing my story because I know there are many more who are exactly going through this at this moment what I went through in the 90's.

Let's take a pledge to become each other's armor and be united in discomfort and darkness.
Profile Image for jimtown.
960 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2018
This was an important book for the author to write. It had to have been somewhat therapeutic even though she seems to have been able to help herself even before writing the book. At the end of each chapter of her memoir, she tells us what she has learned from these experiences. She makes some excellent points, things that are hard for most people to own up to.

It's easy to become an invisible child. As a child and young adult, the author worked hard to either stay out of the way, or answer, do and be what her father wanted her to, just to avoid his wrath. It's a tough way to live.

As the story ended, I think she became a strong individual who helps other families overcome serious issues but I also thought that in her own way, she was still being very, very careful about what she said. She repeatedly thanked the people that helped or befriended her along the way and was cautious not to step on any toes.
Profile Image for Bridget.
Author 3 books17 followers
December 7, 2019
Wow. What a story. The author of this books walks us through her life from before she was born through adulthood. It is an easy read in that the author writes well and the book was laid out nicely. But it is a hard read because the author had to deal with so much trauma as she was growing up. I think it’s an important read for everyone because it helps us to see the signs of domestic violence. This might be needed in someone’s own life, or it might help them see signs in others’ lives. I like the way the author laid out the book. Each chapter begins with a Bible verse. The main content in each chapter contains part of the author’s story as she walks us chronologically through her life. And at the end of each chapter the author lists some lessons she learned and also has a motivational statement to help those who might need it. This book is a must read.
47 reviews
December 13, 2020
Insightful

This is a book that makes you take a long look in the mirror. You take your personal inventory and try to determine if each piece belongs. I love the fact Kellie wrote about her story especially making sure that mental violence is also a form of abuse. It’s difficult to justify you’re being abused without those physical marks. I’m not talking about justifying it to counselors/therapists or friends and family. It’s hard to justify to yourself. There is always an excuse we make up as the abused to tell ourselves it’s not “technically” abuse. Kellie’s book taught me it’s ok to admit it and it’s even more ok to not accept it. All the luck and love to you sweet Kellie.
Profile Image for Beverly Newhall.
14 reviews
April 4, 2022
Although I did read the description of the book and saw the words "FAITH" I did not realize the very first few minutes would include Psalms & bible versus. The Author talks about how she doesn't understand how people live without "Faith." Newsflash some of us do and we do just fine.
After listening a bit more I realized that this book should definitely be listed under religion and memoirs. I'm not interested in listening to bible passages and I feel like I was duped into purchasing a memoir that is extremely heavy on religion, which I have zero interest in listening to. AUDIBLE should do a better job of listing books in the proper category's. YES, this is a memoir with heavy undertones based on religion. I returned this book.
Profile Image for sequoia spirit.
199 reviews10 followers
August 19, 2024
2 stars.. i respect the author for her struggles & her triumphs.. but this book was hard to get thru with all the grammatical errors, time line bouncing.. it so needed an editor or proof reader.. i did not enjoy the religious snippets that are spotted thru the story.. i skimmed over them.. while i respect her faith, it is not mine.. it was hard for me to understand why she stayed in this misery with her father well into being an adult.. yes, i know that she was groomed, gaslighted, etc.. but she had many opportunities to get out.. in the same paragraph, she says she was far more mature than others her age for what she endured so young, then says she was immature & didn't know better.. HUH? anyway.. no disrespect for her journey, but this didn't translate well in her book..
2 reviews
May 7, 2021
Great example of surviving the odds

I just finished this book. As an abused child I can relate to much of it but oh huh how frustrating it was seeing this man blame everyone that he controlled,. Control is such a strong but mysterious thing .

I admire you for the courage to write it. I also can relate in how you raised great kids in spite of the pain. I experienced rage in my 20s that no o e would believe if I told them but like you, I am who I am because of it. I adore hildren and was a nanny after my 3 grew up. So proud of you for getting though college a,nd becoming a caregiver.
Profile Image for Barb Hegreberg.
880 reviews14 followers
November 5, 2023
Heartbreakingly Real

Heartbreaking.

Honest.

All too real.

Each short chapter reads like a journal and ends with a “Things I Have Learned” section including some of the quotes below:

“Everything we do, everything we touch, things we love or hate, all have an effect on us and everyone around us.”

“You are in control; you can change the future!”

“Kids need at least one person in their life they can go to, no matter what. Be that person!”

“You are important, you are stronger than you know. You are worth it, and your family is worth it.”

“I learned you could heal through heartbreaking, earth-shattering events”
Profile Image for kathleen lantry.
5 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2020
Same

Your book is a big reminder of my life. It seems we have more in common than someone wants. I, to this day, still think back on my life and wonder why in the hell I put up with what I did. The older I get the more I know the answer. I am a respectful.person and a peace maker. I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. As much stuff as I went through, I still had no hate. I still don't hate but I've learned not to forgive as I probably should. Some things are better not forgiven. Thanks.
216 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2021
Excellent book

I enjoyed this book because it let me into Ms. Hines' mind and to feel what she felt. I never thought much about the collateral damage that children suffer as a result of abuse, but Ms. Hines laid that all out for me. I was frustrated that nobody reported the father and because of his actions Kelly was forced several times to start over with different families. I was able to "see into her mind" how torn apart she was because of this. I'm happy that her life turned out well. I will be reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Sarah Hill.
Author 7 books57 followers
February 9, 2022
I applaud the author on having the strength to overcome a traumatic past. I think stories of abuse are important to share because it gives courage to others who suffer in the same way.
I will say there was a bit too much repetition in the book as I often found myself rereading what was already said. I think with some editing this could be a really good book that gives hope to others who suffer from being the invisible child.
I'm glad the author was able to find happiness in her life and that she continues to look forward.
50 reviews
October 1, 2022
In Spite of Adversity You Can Survive

This book is an astounding triumph over adversaries a child had to endure, overcome and end up on the opposite side where triumph is only part of the writer's victory. Incredible story told by the adults eyes of her childhood growing up and trying to always remain invisible, undetected mostly out of fear of being noticed, for the repercussions would be monumental.
Phenomenal book of one person's journey and struggles with abuse only to overcome victorious. Jesus provided strength and fortitude but the writer provided the rest!
Profile Image for Allie Daniels.
1 review
September 26, 2020
Read this in about 24 hours, very well written. It was a short book that detailed a childhood memoir of a life filled with pain and anguish, but with hindsight and the ability to reflect on the here and now and the present. I am happy for the author to be free. The book did make me reflect and pause on my own traumas from childhood and at times hearing other people tell their stories that have similarities to mine makes you feel less alone. Thank you for sharing your story.
Profile Image for Cheryl Smith.
2 reviews
January 9, 2021
Giving it a 10

I chose an excellent rating because this is an excellent book. It is well written in a fashion that fully explains what it's like living inside domestic violence physically and emotionally. I will recommend this book to survivors of DV, any nurse or Dr who works in an ER, as a Primary Care provider, mental health cares workers In all field.
Thank you very much for taking the risk to write this book. Looking forward to the next.
Profile Image for Kelly Carnahan.
11 reviews
September 7, 2021
An incredible story

Kelly lived thru so much adversity by the time she was 18 and even into her early 20’s because of the choices that her parents made. She learned to crawl and that became a walk and then a sprint to the happiness that everyone deserves. Even while reading what she went thru it was hard to feel pity for her because at the end of each chapter she tells you what she learned during that timeframe of her life. She became not just a survivor but a winner!
Profile Image for Michelle Monet.
Author 11 books33 followers
August 22, 2018
Admirable brave author will help many

I loved the passion bravery and authentic voice of this author to open up her wounds and life the way she has. Im sure her story not only helped herself heal but many other victims of abuse. As a fellow writer my only concern was the large amount of grammatical errors and overt typos. The book would be.far stronger with thorough editing.
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