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When Tears Leave Scars: A True Story of Triumph Over Emotional Abuse
To the outside world, Allison has all the appearances of a perfect life: a handsome husband with a well-paying job, her own polished good looks, and of course, the most well-behaved children in the neighborhood’s elite, private school.
No one would ever guess she’s been suffering from emotional torment inside the walls of her own home.
In this memoir, Allison K. Dagney reveals her secret life of living with an emotional abuser, sharing true tales from eighteen years of marital misery. She feared losing everything, unless she could discover—and remedy—the source of her anguish.
No one would ever guess she’s been suffering from emotional torment inside the walls of her own home.
In this memoir, Allison K. Dagney reveals her secret life of living with an emotional abuser, sharing true tales from eighteen years of marital misery. She feared losing everything, unless she could discover—and remedy—the source of her anguish.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2021
145 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 11, 2023
This is my story too...
Allison’s story is so eerily similar to mine, I wish I’d had this information before I wasted 20 years trying to love a narcissist. This book details the predicable phases of narcissistic abuse, from the early stages of love bombing and mirroring through the devaluing stages of crazy-making, blame shifting, triangulation and severe (but keenly disguised) mental abuse. Allison’s book lays it all out for you, like a roadmap so that you can protect yourself from being taken in by a narcissistic personality. Bravo, Allison. Your writing is honest and also elegant. I love your use of metaphors. A must read for all!
Allison’s story is so eerily similar to mine, I wish I’d had this information before I wasted 20 years trying to love a narcissist. This book details the predicable phases of narcissistic abuse, from the early stages of love bombing and mirroring through the devaluing stages of crazy-making, blame shifting, triangulation and severe (but keenly disguised) mental abuse. Allison’s book lays it all out for you, like a roadmap so that you can protect yourself from being taken in by a narcissistic personality. Bravo, Allison. Your writing is honest and also elegant. I love your use of metaphors. A must read for all!
September 30, 2021
Allison K. Dagney's When Tears Leave Scars is a powerful story that held me captive until I finished indulging my relatable emotions in it. It's an empathetic story of deceitfulness, struggle and wrestling with emotional malady.
This book detailed the life of two "Once upon a Time" lovers and their initial smooth and lovely affair that was unknown to the protagonist, Allie that it was an adventure of deception and an unfolding cruelty that her husband, Nick was gradually riding her through. The inhumanity that Nick expressed towards Allie was heart-wrenching and empathetic. Allie was a submissive and respectful woman which led Nick to take advantage of her through his domineering and authoritative lifestyle.
This story seems like a common issue in most marriages today; it's so relatable, it made me remember my experience while I lived with my cousin some years back. There are some features about Nick that resonates with my cousin's husband and it made for an interesting read, that's why I find the book deep into marriage issues and I could learn that sometimes wealth doesn't mean perfection in marriage; not all that glitters is gold.
Allie's enduring spirit was quite exceptional, I think that Nick was lucky to have her but he was blindfolded to the sort of wife God had blessed him with through his psychopathic lifestyle. I was annoyingly intrigued that Nick could have everything hard on Allie, he controlled her life, her finance, freedom and had her enslaved even in her own home.
There is much to this book that I can describe, I wouldn't love to explain further but would urge the reader of this review to check out for themselves how many years it took for tears to leaves scars on Allie's face. I found myself drowning in the pool of emotion, empathy, and compassion. This book held me tight till I finish reading it.
Aside from the storyline, impressive plot twist, and characterization, I also admire the author's choice of words and her distinctive story-telling techniques, it depicts a perfect literary work, her style is something that I would personally love to utilize as a soon-to-be novelist. I'd love you to check out for yourself how Allie survived this gruesome, and emotional abuse, the story is so touching. I recommend this book to lovers of nonfiction, you will find something that resonates with you, or your parents, or someone you know. There is a crucial and instructive message that was passed through this book. I solely recommend it and it earns my 5 stars review.
This book detailed the life of two "Once upon a Time" lovers and their initial smooth and lovely affair that was unknown to the protagonist, Allie that it was an adventure of deception and an unfolding cruelty that her husband, Nick was gradually riding her through. The inhumanity that Nick expressed towards Allie was heart-wrenching and empathetic. Allie was a submissive and respectful woman which led Nick to take advantage of her through his domineering and authoritative lifestyle.
This story seems like a common issue in most marriages today; it's so relatable, it made me remember my experience while I lived with my cousin some years back. There are some features about Nick that resonates with my cousin's husband and it made for an interesting read, that's why I find the book deep into marriage issues and I could learn that sometimes wealth doesn't mean perfection in marriage; not all that glitters is gold.
Allie's enduring spirit was quite exceptional, I think that Nick was lucky to have her but he was blindfolded to the sort of wife God had blessed him with through his psychopathic lifestyle. I was annoyingly intrigued that Nick could have everything hard on Allie, he controlled her life, her finance, freedom and had her enslaved even in her own home.
There is much to this book that I can describe, I wouldn't love to explain further but would urge the reader of this review to check out for themselves how many years it took for tears to leaves scars on Allie's face. I found myself drowning in the pool of emotion, empathy, and compassion. This book held me tight till I finish reading it.
Aside from the storyline, impressive plot twist, and characterization, I also admire the author's choice of words and her distinctive story-telling techniques, it depicts a perfect literary work, her style is something that I would personally love to utilize as a soon-to-be novelist. I'd love you to check out for yourself how Allie survived this gruesome, and emotional abuse, the story is so touching. I recommend this book to lovers of nonfiction, you will find something that resonates with you, or your parents, or someone you know. There is a crucial and instructive message that was passed through this book. I solely recommend it and it earns my 5 stars review.
April 6, 2022
OMG this book is so good. I tend to take a while to read books, but this was one that I couldn't put down and I finished it in less than 3 days. Throughout this book you get to see how Allie goes from loving her boyfriend to being emotionally and at one point sexually abused by her now husband. I think this book is a very valueble reasource to anyone struggling with abuse. It is great to have the outside perspective and see the story begining to end. I know that in abuse it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but this book helps you to get at least a glimps into what is in store for your future. It also shows how difficult the process is. I like that nothing was sugar coted or told lightly. I also really like the sense of hope that it portrays. You get to see Allie overcome her abuse and find her worth and the good in everything even if at times she could not do that. This is a must read for anyone who has been abused or knows someone who has been. You will not regret reading this, and you will gain a lot of insight. I also would like to add how great it is to see a true story being told. It would be a good book either way, but you really get a lot of hope from this being based on a true story of a female being emotionally and sexually abused, and gaslit through the entire process.
March 3, 2021
A must read for anyone whom feels abused verbally or physically.
A must read for anyone whom feels abused verbally or physically. A wonderful memoir. It is very well written. I will A must read for anyone whom feels abused verbally or physically. not give the story line away or the ending, so I will just say I am so glad you survived to be able to share your experience with others. One day I hope to have your strength to walk away.
A must read for anyone whom feels abused verbally or physically. A wonderful memoir. It is very well written. I will A must read for anyone whom feels abused verbally or physically. not give the story line away or the ending, so I will just say I am so glad you survived to be able to share your experience with others. One day I hope to have your strength to walk away.
June 12, 2021
I couldn't put it down!!
I read this book in one sitting, it was like I wrote this myself.
I consider it to be so well wrote that I could vision myself in Allie's surroudings! At one point I was even shouting at the book.
This gives women in the same situation so much hope and positivity I smiled when I finished it.
I would 100% recommend reading this heartfelt and honest account of a very brave lady.
Thankyou
I read this book in one sitting, it was like I wrote this myself.
I consider it to be so well wrote that I could vision myself in Allie's surroudings! At one point I was even shouting at the book.
This gives women in the same situation so much hope and positivity I smiled when I finished it.
I would 100% recommend reading this heartfelt and honest account of a very brave lady.
Thankyou
June 20, 2022
Enjoyed this book so much. It made me see things through a 3rd person’s perspective! In the beginning when the abuse is happening I felt frustrated with Allie and realized this is probably how my friends and family feel when I talk to them about the abuse. In the end I was able to relate to her thoughts and feeling with the healing process. This book helped me sooo much with finding myself and I’ve very thankful I discovered this book!
April 27, 2023
Heart touching
When Tears Leave Scars: A True Story of Triumph Over Emotional Abuse is a painstaking narration revealing the dark psyche of the abusers who are most of the time our close relations. And when there left no way to proceed only then there comes the time to turn back. It is a wonderful reading on my part. And I feel it will encourage others to come forward and speak for themselves.
When Tears Leave Scars: A True Story of Triumph Over Emotional Abuse is a painstaking narration revealing the dark psyche of the abusers who are most of the time our close relations. And when there left no way to proceed only then there comes the time to turn back. It is a wonderful reading on my part. And I feel it will encourage others to come forward and speak for themselves.
December 21, 2023
Superb
I saw myself a lot in the main character of this book and really really enjoyed it. I too, have been in relationships similar to what transpires in this story. It is definitely worth the time to read. The ending was a little slow for me. Was hoping something big would happen or that the author would have moved it along to the end a little quicker but I overall thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
I saw myself a lot in the main character of this book and really really enjoyed it. I too, have been in relationships similar to what transpires in this story. It is definitely worth the time to read. The ending was a little slow for me. Was hoping something big would happen or that the author would have moved it along to the end a little quicker but I overall thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
June 2, 2021
I really liked this memoir. The author is a true survivor, her strength empowers me.
The beginning pulls you in so strongly, the story itself GRIPPING. You will not regret reading this, especially if you are a survivor of abuse yourself. If you need strength to get through a tricky divorce with a narcissist, this story will help you get through it.
The beginning pulls you in so strongly, the story itself GRIPPING. You will not regret reading this, especially if you are a survivor of abuse yourself. If you need strength to get through a tricky divorce with a narcissist, this story will help you get through it.
April 23, 2021
Gripping
A heartfelt story, so glad Alli found the strength to find herself and move forward. Emotional abuse is harder to see and Alli gives an honest account of her life and the struggles in breaking free.
A heartfelt story, so glad Alli found the strength to find herself and move forward. Emotional abuse is harder to see and Alli gives an honest account of her life and the struggles in breaking free.
February 28, 2022
Surprising
This book was an eye opener, domestic abuse I imagine most of us are aware of but emotional abuse is another level entirely.
Well written and interesting I wish the author well in future endeavours.
This book was an eye opener, domestic abuse I imagine most of us are aware of but emotional abuse is another level entirely.
Well written and interesting I wish the author well in future endeavours.
September 5, 2022
This books goes through the years of her marriage. Each chapter you get to know more about the emotional abuse from her husband. It's a quick read and easy to follow. The story is a true one. This book made me so mad for her!
September 9, 2023
Spot on!
This is hands down the most truthful, realistic true story of surviving through the harrowing life of dealing & living through the everyday trauma of emotional abuse. Being a survivor/warrior myself so many things resonated with me. Very well written. 5 stars++
This is hands down the most truthful, realistic true story of surviving through the harrowing life of dealing & living through the everyday trauma of emotional abuse. Being a survivor/warrior myself so many things resonated with me. Very well written. 5 stars++
October 31, 2023
Every woman should read this
I believe every woman should read this, no matter the age. The abuse the author went through is one that is incredibly hard to even notice due to it being purely emotional and psychological. I could barely put the book down. Highly recommended.
I believe every woman should read this, no matter the age. The abuse the author went through is one that is incredibly hard to even notice due to it being purely emotional and psychological. I could barely put the book down. Highly recommended.
March 10, 2021
Great read
A great book, would be great for shining a light on what emotional abuse is, more people should know about this subject as it happens to so many.
A great book, would be great for shining a light on what emotional abuse is, more people should know about this subject as it happens to so many.
June 30, 2021
Brilliant
A brilliant, well written book. Shining a light on narcissistic relationships, how to escape, grow and empower yourself. Sad and uplifting all at once.
A brilliant, well written book. Shining a light on narcissistic relationships, how to escape, grow and empower yourself. Sad and uplifting all at once.
August 1, 2021
Feedback
Good read
Wanted to read on and o but ending was disappointing ending. Would have liked for the ending to have been better
Good read
Wanted to read on and o but ending was disappointing ending. Would have liked for the ending to have been better
December 8, 2021
Such an inspiration
I loved every part of this memoir and I am also a survivor. It was inspirational journey and it needs to be heard!
I loved every part of this memoir and I am also a survivor. It was inspirational journey and it needs to be heard!
January 16, 2022
Eye opening…
This book opened my eyes to domestic abuse. Abuse does not need to be physical and the mental part of abuse is devastating. But where there is hope, there is strength.
This book opened my eyes to domestic abuse. Abuse does not need to be physical and the mental part of abuse is devastating. But where there is hope, there is strength.
February 22, 2022
Fantastic
What an inspirational woman. I could not put this book down. A story of a woman's brave battle. Every woman should read this!
What an inspirational woman. I could not put this book down. A story of a woman's brave battle. Every woman should read this!
July 26, 2022
Anyone who’s ever been involved in any type of emotional abuse, read this right now
August 11, 2022
Why
This was a great book about emotional abuse between a husband to his wife. Great reading and am glad I did.
This was a great book about emotional abuse between a husband to his wife. Great reading and am glad I did.
March 11, 2023
Couldn't Put It Down
This was a great story. Allie is an inspiration for all women who are going through this same evil. You must read.
This was a great story. Allie is an inspiration for all women who are going through this same evil. You must read.
March 9, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed
I very much enjoyed the story, sad but also triumphant, a very brave lady, who found herself again. Well done.
I very much enjoyed the story, sad but also triumphant, a very brave lady, who found herself again. Well done.
May 1, 2025
It's a good book. It was hard for me to read because I couldn't imagine treating my wife the way she was treated.
June 29, 2025
Inspiring
An amazing triumph story that gives hope. To believe in oneself and never stop fighting to become that better and greater version of yourself !
An amazing triumph story that gives hope. To believe in oneself and never stop fighting to become that better and greater version of yourself !
November 20, 2025
Wow! If you are in a controlling relationship this hits hard core!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews