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A Family Secret: My Shocking True Story of Surviving a Childhood in Hell
‘Each time my mother laid a finger on me… it was another step into the jaws of hell. Her abuse, more so than any other, destroyed me. It was the ultimate betrayal.’
Abused from the age of eight by her older brother and then her step-father, Maureen Wood quickly became numb to the constant suffering. But Maureen’s world crumbled when her own mother started to abuse her too…
A Family Secret is the harrowing true story of how one little girl survived sickening abuse by the people who should have loved her most, and how an innocent baby finally saved her.
Abused from the age of eight by her older brother and then her step-father, Maureen Wood quickly became numb to the constant suffering. But Maureen’s world crumbled when her own mother started to abuse her too…
A Family Secret is the harrowing true story of how one little girl survived sickening abuse by the people who should have loved her most, and how an innocent baby finally saved her.
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First published March 18, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
April 26, 2021
I was both shocked by the abuse at the hands of the ones who should have been her loving and supportive family and full of admiration for her strength, bravery and honesty to rid herself of the demons that haunted her as a result of their abuse. The book is a must read for everyone to help understand the dreadful journey of unspeakable pain and anguish experienced by the abused and how with the right support they can rebuild their lives and look to a normal future.
May 24, 2024
Wow, a fantastic memoir, but it's extremely dark and disturbing. Hear more of my thoughts in this reading vlog: https://youtu.be/o9iCpnPPmkQ
If you've followed me for awhile, and you like the same crazy memoirs that I like, then definitely read this like NOW. I'm so disturbed and shocked by her story.
If you've followed me for awhile, and you like the same crazy memoirs that I like, then definitely read this like NOW. I'm so disturbed and shocked by her story.
October 12, 2021
Heartbreaking, gripping read of one extraordinary survivor.
February 28, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, Nonfiction for the arc of A Family Secret by Maureen Wood.
5 STARS- This is a very gripping but sad and emotional book, which actually tell the true story of her OWN what!! it goes back to her childhood and what happened to her as a child, Her parents split when she was young then she went to her grandparents then to a children's home then back to her mum, then meets her new stepfather... whats heartbreaking of all is that her mother knew what was happening but just let things happen to Maureen... and what else is shocking and down right evil and disturbing that her mother actually partakes too!!!! Poor Poor Maureen, this is so traumatic and sad! Made me speechless and shocked of what she had to go through as a child is so so awful and down right wrong! But im so glad she had the courage to speak out and write this haunting true story!
So emotional but such a interesting read, i was sinked in as i want to know if she got justice for her abuse..
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 STARS- This is a very gripping but sad and emotional book, which actually tell the true story of her OWN what!! it goes back to her childhood and what happened to her as a child, Her parents split when she was young then she went to her grandparents then to a children's home then back to her mum, then meets her new stepfather... whats heartbreaking of all is that her mother knew what was happening but just let things happen to Maureen... and what else is shocking and down right evil and disturbing that her mother actually partakes too!!!! Poor Poor Maureen, this is so traumatic and sad! Made me speechless and shocked of what she had to go through as a child is so so awful and down right wrong! But im so glad she had the courage to speak out and write this haunting true story!
So emotional but such a interesting read, i was sinked in as i want to know if she got justice for her abuse..
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 6, 2022
Thank you for coming out with your story, it’s helpful to a lot of people and I’m sure it’s helped people come out with their own. It was very relating and thank you again
February 17, 2021
Excellent, gripping read.
My goodness, what a beginning to this book. What on earth had happened? Very intriguing. Then the book goes back 25 years, to Maureen's childhood-and what a sad and tragic story she has to tell.
Her mum and biological father had separated when she was just a toddler, and she goes from pillar to post; lives with grandparents for a bit, then in a children's home, then back with her mother, and meets one new step father after another.
I just ripped through this. The worst thing was her mother knew what was going on, and even more shocking, was actually partaking. Unspeakable. I just had to read on, to know if things would turn out OK for her, hoping these people would be brought to justice.
Such a powerful tale that will leave you breathless. How can people be so bad? And how can they do such terrible things to their own family? The people they should love the most. I read it in less than 2 days. Once I started it, I just couldn't stop. A powerful, shocking, and moving story.
My goodness, what a beginning to this book. What on earth had happened? Very intriguing. Then the book goes back 25 years, to Maureen's childhood-and what a sad and tragic story she has to tell.
Her mum and biological father had separated when she was just a toddler, and she goes from pillar to post; lives with grandparents for a bit, then in a children's home, then back with her mother, and meets one new step father after another.
I just ripped through this. The worst thing was her mother knew what was going on, and even more shocking, was actually partaking. Unspeakable. I just had to read on, to know if things would turn out OK for her, hoping these people would be brought to justice.
Such a powerful tale that will leave you breathless. How can people be so bad? And how can they do such terrible things to their own family? The people they should love the most. I read it in less than 2 days. Once I started it, I just couldn't stop. A powerful, shocking, and moving story.
November 8, 2023
I'm always blown away by the courage of these survivors of the most heinous abuse to not only face down their abusers in court, but to then relive it all and write a book, purely to show others that we don't have to live in fear, or with regret forever.
Maureen Wood (or Tori Johnson as she prefers), suffered years of the worst sexual violence imaginable, and at the hands of her own flesh and blood.
Honestly, parts of this book are really hard to read, and turned my stomach, but the courage it took this amazing lady to write her story and fight back against her abusers, her words absolutely deserve to be read.
It certainly puts into perspective our own little issues when reading something as heartbreaking and as sickening as this true account of such horrific abuse.
Maureen Wood (or Tori Johnson as she prefers), suffered years of the worst sexual violence imaginable, and at the hands of her own flesh and blood.
Honestly, parts of this book are really hard to read, and turned my stomach, but the courage it took this amazing lady to write her story and fight back against her abusers, her words absolutely deserve to be read.
It certainly puts into perspective our own little issues when reading something as heartbreaking and as sickening as this true account of such horrific abuse.
July 7, 2023
This is a tricky one to review because the author is so brave to tell her story. And also because it’s not a book that you can enjoy – you can admire the narrator, try and empathise with her, certainly sympathise, and wish her well, but this is certainly not, as some reviewers call it, ‘a great read’.
But I knew that before I read it, and there’s no doubt at all that this is an important story that needs to be told. The author hopes that by sharing, she can pave the way for others to tell their own stories and for voices to be heard.
Along with Ann and Joe Cusack, she has told that story so well, clearly, honestly, and succinctly, without shying away from anything.
I think what is most staggering about Maureen’s story is that her mother joined in with her abuse by her stepfather. That is utterly sickening and unforgiveable. What is interesting though, is that Maureen stayed in contact with her mother for a long time – which goes to show how deep the manipulation and fear went.
What is also staggering are the missed opportunities to help her. Someone must have noticed – when she became pregnant so young, why weren’t more questions asked? Why didn’t a teacher, or a neighbour, or a friend’s parent step up? What is wrong with us that we turn a blind eye?
I’m so pleased that Maureen is now living a happy, fulfilled life with her children who love her, and that she has found peace. What an astoundingly brave woman she is. I hope she knows that, out of all the adults in her life, she has done right by that scared little girl she once was.
But I knew that before I read it, and there’s no doubt at all that this is an important story that needs to be told. The author hopes that by sharing, she can pave the way for others to tell their own stories and for voices to be heard.
Along with Ann and Joe Cusack, she has told that story so well, clearly, honestly, and succinctly, without shying away from anything.
I think what is most staggering about Maureen’s story is that her mother joined in with her abuse by her stepfather. That is utterly sickening and unforgiveable. What is interesting though, is that Maureen stayed in contact with her mother for a long time – which goes to show how deep the manipulation and fear went.
What is also staggering are the missed opportunities to help her. Someone must have noticed – when she became pregnant so young, why weren’t more questions asked? Why didn’t a teacher, or a neighbour, or a friend’s parent step up? What is wrong with us that we turn a blind eye?
I’m so pleased that Maureen is now living a happy, fulfilled life with her children who love her, and that she has found peace. What an astoundingly brave woman she is. I hope she knows that, out of all the adults in her life, she has done right by that scared little girl she once was.
February 24, 2021
Deep deep breath... I just finished reading A Family Secret and I am feeling so emotional and drained. I need to start by saying that I am so incredibly proud of Maureen for sharing her story and life with all of us. For her to recount what she went through was so brave and must have been achingly painful for her, but as she shared in her memoir, “...I wanted the world to know my story. I had a message to share, too... hiding it and burying it was never the right thing to do.” I do hope that stories like hers will help others have the courage to also speak up and speak out, to get help, and to be able to move forward a little more easier. Abuse is such a horrible and horrendous act, and my heart aches for anyone who has to endure it and live it.
I flew through this book in one day. It was hard to read some parts, immensely hard, and I did question myself why I was putting myself through reading it, but I am glad I did. I, did it for Maureen and all of the other victims out there. I am sharing my review not only to commend Maureen’s work (the writing demonstrated great talent), but also to help reach out to other victims and encourage them to come forward as well.
The author’s dedication says it all:“Dedication: This book is dedicated to my angel baby Christopher and to all the silent victims of abuse. I hope it helps them find their voice.”
I highly recommend this, but please do note that there are some explicit and disturbing scenes.
I flew through this book in one day. It was hard to read some parts, immensely hard, and I did question myself why I was putting myself through reading it, but I am glad I did. I, did it for Maureen and all of the other victims out there. I am sharing my review not only to commend Maureen’s work (the writing demonstrated great talent), but also to help reach out to other victims and encourage them to come forward as well.
The author’s dedication says it all:“Dedication: This book is dedicated to my angel baby Christopher and to all the silent victims of abuse. I hope it helps them find their voice.”
I highly recommend this, but please do note that there are some explicit and disturbing scenes.
November 15, 2023
I tore through this horrific memoir of childhood abuse. Not for the easily triggered, to say the least. I’ve never even heard of this level of depravity. Though this poor woman survived, I’m left questioning her ability to function in society. If you haven’t read it, you’ve been warned.
April 19, 2024
I think the book was sad but it was very good to read.
May 20, 2025
What a heartbreaking childhood this woman had to go through, but such a strong woman today, with amazing support from her children. *Check trigger warnings*
March 31, 2021
It's very rare a book makes me cry and it was hard to put down.
March 26, 2021
Really enjoyed and well written.
March 21, 2021
This book was a corker of a book
It was about abused
It was about getting blamed for Every thing
I was a smashing book
It took me ages to read
I had an ARC
It was about abused
It was about getting blamed for Every thing
I was a smashing book
It took me ages to read
I had an ARC
March 19, 2021
What can I say except what a brave lady, such a tragic, heart wrenching story with a severely dysfunctional family at its core. It must have been so painful to keep re-living her childhood nightmares and the mother of all evil rearing it’s ugly head on a daily basis, yet Maureen was able to battle the inner demons and come out fighting to tell her story.
March 13, 2021
This is an emotional and harrowing true story about surviving child abuse.
Although the subject is hard to read about it shows how important it is to bear witness to the author's youthful and horrific experiences
It is a story of child abuse, rape, shame, guilt, family,love, survival and justice. It isn't a story that should be read for entertainment or to pass a couple of hours, it is an educational tool and Maureen has been very brave in sharing her story and bringing her attackers to justice.
Although the subject is hard to read about it shows how important it is to bear witness to the author's youthful and horrific experiences
It is a story of child abuse, rape, shame, guilt, family,love, survival and justice. It isn't a story that should be read for entertainment or to pass a couple of hours, it is an educational tool and Maureen has been very brave in sharing her story and bringing her attackers to justice.
March 8, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, Maureen Wood and HarperCollins UK, Nonfiction for the ARC of A Family Secret. This is my personal review.
This book was exceedingly difficult for me to read but to put myself in the authors shoes and have lived through this horrendous abuse and write about it is heartbreaking. The bravery for her to write this book and let others know what she endured is amazing.
Thank you, Maureen Wood, for bringing this subject out in the open and to tell your story. Family is who we go to when bad things happen not who we have to run from.
This book was exceedingly difficult for me to read but to put myself in the authors shoes and have lived through this horrendous abuse and write about it is heartbreaking. The bravery for her to write this book and let others know what she endured is amazing.
Thank you, Maureen Wood, for bringing this subject out in the open and to tell your story. Family is who we go to when bad things happen not who we have to run from.
October 29, 2021
My husband and I have been foster parents for years in the United States. We are required to do training each year to keep up our license. This book caught my attention because of some of the childhood trauma training we recently completed.
I am absolutely taken back that Maureen endured so much pain, heartbreak, devastation, and STILL she pulled through and was able to finally share her story. So many people try to ignore or negate abuse because it's uncomfortable to deal with or acknowledge that it exists but I am SO grateful that Maureen found the courage to share her story and experiences with the world so we can face these problems head on and help stop the abuse. Thank you for being a voice for others and showing them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much for surviving.
I am absolutely taken back that Maureen endured so much pain, heartbreak, devastation, and STILL she pulled through and was able to finally share her story. So many people try to ignore or negate abuse because it's uncomfortable to deal with or acknowledge that it exists but I am SO grateful that Maureen found the courage to share her story and experiences with the world so we can face these problems head on and help stop the abuse. Thank you for being a voice for others and showing them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you so much for surviving.
July 27, 2025
This book was extremely hard to read but written really well. The story is heartbreaking but riveting.
February 20, 2021
These type of books are never easy to read, but this one was truly heartbreaking and will stay with me for a very long time.
To have not only your brother abusing you, and then your stepfather too is absolutely horrendous, but to then have your mother doing it to you too - there just are no words at all 💔
It feels wrong to even describe this book as good, but Maureen's courage and bravery, and how she eventually stood up to her family 25 years later, makes the book feel heartwarming too rather than just heartbreaking.
Flew through this book very quickly - I just couldn't put it down .
To have not only your brother abusing you, and then your stepfather too is absolutely horrendous, but to then have your mother doing it to you too - there just are no words at all 💔
It feels wrong to even describe this book as good, but Maureen's courage and bravery, and how she eventually stood up to her family 25 years later, makes the book feel heartwarming too rather than just heartbreaking.
Flew through this book very quickly - I just couldn't put it down .
February 20, 2021
It always shocks me just how evil human beings can be towards one another, worse still when it’s your own family, the people of which should make you feel loved and safe.
The above was not so for Maureen, suffering years of abhorrent abuse at the hands of family members, she has gone through some of the most harrowing events I can’t even begin to imagine and not only is this one very brave lady, but one you just want to reach out and hug, be her friend and high five her for telling her story and seeing it through to the end.
The above was not so for Maureen, suffering years of abhorrent abuse at the hands of family members, she has gone through some of the most harrowing events I can’t even begin to imagine and not only is this one very brave lady, but one you just want to reach out and hug, be her friend and high five her for telling her story and seeing it through to the end.
October 26, 2024
Shocking
Through this book, I have had lumps in my throat, tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart for the suffering, abuse, torment, neglect and horror that this incredible woman endured as a child. How Tori managed to survive, and turn out as amazing as she did is beyond me. I'm so happy that she was strong enough to bring the sick people to justice and that she is in a better place now. Truly inspiring. Wishing you heartfelt joy and peace Tori. May social workers and police officers and any other professional never be so ignorant again.
Through this book, I have had lumps in my throat, tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart for the suffering, abuse, torment, neglect and horror that this incredible woman endured as a child. How Tori managed to survive, and turn out as amazing as she did is beyond me. I'm so happy that she was strong enough to bring the sick people to justice and that she is in a better place now. Truly inspiring. Wishing you heartfelt joy and peace Tori. May social workers and police officers and any other professional never be so ignorant again.
February 17, 2021
This book will stay with me for a long time, A Family Secret was such a disturbing, heartbreaking read, it truly shocked me that a mum, the one person in your life that you should be able to look up to to protect and look after you had failed in such a cruel way, it was si h an inspiring read too, I read this book within a day as I just couldn't put it down.
February 28, 2023
Un témoignage bouleversant. Comment une mère peut elle faire et laisser faire de telles atrocités à son enfant. Bravo pour le courage de cette auteure
May 27, 2025
I saw this audiobook on Spotify a few months ago, and finally decided to listen to it. I’ve got to say, my heart absolutely breaks for what Maureen went through as a child. She had to endure unspeakable things at the hands of her family. The abuse that this little girl had to live through since the age of like 8 or 9 is absolutely disgusting.
I think the worst part about it is the fact when her step father found out what her brother was doing to her, instead of protecting her like a normal parent should, he started abusing her as well. I can’t even imagine how devastating that must have been for her. To have her saving grace turn into a worst monster. Then when you thought it couldn’t get worse, her own mother, the woman that birthed her, joined in on the abuse.
I’ll admit, I struggled to get through this book. The world failed this poor girl all of her childhood and into her adulthood. Child protective services were involved in her childhood multiple times, yet not once did they protect her from the abuse. They missed all the signs of her crying out for help. Thankfully, once she finally decided to speak out about the abuse, over 25 years later, the justice system had her back. All parties involved in the abuse received different variations of jail time. Maureen finally got her justice and peace.
This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s shocking, heartbreaking and just straight up disgusting, but showed her strength through years of trauma and struggles. The end was so rewarding that it made reading this book worth it. I just hope the rest of Maureen’s life is filled with happiness and peace. She deserves it after everything.
I think the worst part about it is the fact when her step father found out what her brother was doing to her, instead of protecting her like a normal parent should, he started abusing her as well. I can’t even imagine how devastating that must have been for her. To have her saving grace turn into a worst monster. Then when you thought it couldn’t get worse, her own mother, the woman that birthed her, joined in on the abuse.
I’ll admit, I struggled to get through this book. The world failed this poor girl all of her childhood and into her adulthood. Child protective services were involved in her childhood multiple times, yet not once did they protect her from the abuse. They missed all the signs of her crying out for help. Thankfully, once she finally decided to speak out about the abuse, over 25 years later, the justice system had her back. All parties involved in the abuse received different variations of jail time. Maureen finally got her justice and peace.
This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s shocking, heartbreaking and just straight up disgusting, but showed her strength through years of trauma and struggles. The end was so rewarding that it made reading this book worth it. I just hope the rest of Maureen’s life is filled with happiness and peace. She deserves it after everything.
December 31, 2021
I had to mentally prepare myself for this book. I knew it was going to be heavy. I knew it was gonna take an emotional toll. This book was heavy. At times I felt so overwhelmed with what was going on with Tori aka Maureen.
From the age of 7 on…. Maureens life would be hell. Her childhood would be crushed by the people she trusted. It started with her brother then a short time later with her stepfather. Then after a time, her mother joined in. Maureen never had any peace. She was in a constant state of unease. She was so young!
It was all so hard to read. I just kept thinking…. How much more can a person take. It would be many years later when Maureen would have to face everything that happened to her. Her suppressing everything inside started to crack. At first it was spilling out then it started to pour out. She could not stop the flashbacks or the daily vivid nightmares of everything. It was like reliving it all over again.
This book was such a heartbreaking roller coaster. Maureen found her voice to help herself and others. She was able to open peoples eyes about not following through when people report to children services. Holding people accountable for their mistakes. I just wish she didn’t have to go through this. But I’m glad she’s at peace with her kids and grandkids.
*ARC provided by HarperCollins UK, Nonfiction via NetGalley*
(This same review is on my blog goodreads account.)
From the age of 7 on…. Maureens life would be hell. Her childhood would be crushed by the people she trusted. It started with her brother then a short time later with her stepfather. Then after a time, her mother joined in. Maureen never had any peace. She was in a constant state of unease. She was so young!
It was all so hard to read. I just kept thinking…. How much more can a person take. It would be many years later when Maureen would have to face everything that happened to her. Her suppressing everything inside started to crack. At first it was spilling out then it started to pour out. She could not stop the flashbacks or the daily vivid nightmares of everything. It was like reliving it all over again.
This book was such a heartbreaking roller coaster. Maureen found her voice to help herself and others. She was able to open peoples eyes about not following through when people report to children services. Holding people accountable for their mistakes. I just wish she didn’t have to go through this. But I’m glad she’s at peace with her kids and grandkids.
*ARC provided by HarperCollins UK, Nonfiction via NetGalley*
(This same review is on my blog goodreads account.)
July 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Family Secret by Maureen Wood
This is the horrific story of the physical, emotional and sexual abuse Maureen suffered throughout her life by people who were supposed to love and protect her. It started with her brother, Josh at the age of eight, her stepfather, John Wood at the age of nine and not long after, the worst of all, her mother, the woman who brought her into this world. She would look on as Maureen was raped by John Wood every fortnight and then sexually assault her right after he was finished.
I was sickened at the content of this story and once or twice I had to stop listening and come back another time. This terrified little girl was afraid to go home because of the monstrous people that awaited her. She knew it had to be all her fault if not one but three of her family members were hurting her in this way.
I was so angry at her family for their sickening behaviour towards this innocent child whose greatest wish in life was to be loved. Despite her traumatic upbringing, Maureen went on to become a wonderful, amazing mother to five exceptional children and also a brave, courageous and very smart, intelligent woman.
I cried so many times and went through a whirlwind of emotions while listening to this audiobook. I longed for someone to help Maureen, to take her away from her disgusting, revolting family, for justice to be served and for them all to get the punishment they deserve. She was let down by so many, especially Social Services who did nothing to protect her.
There are so many trigger warnings here so please be mindful before reading.
This is the horrific story of the physical, emotional and sexual abuse Maureen suffered throughout her life by people who were supposed to love and protect her. It started with her brother, Josh at the age of eight, her stepfather, John Wood at the age of nine and not long after, the worst of all, her mother, the woman who brought her into this world. She would look on as Maureen was raped by John Wood every fortnight and then sexually assault her right after he was finished.
I was sickened at the content of this story and once or twice I had to stop listening and come back another time. This terrified little girl was afraid to go home because of the monstrous people that awaited her. She knew it had to be all her fault if not one but three of her family members were hurting her in this way.
I was so angry at her family for their sickening behaviour towards this innocent child whose greatest wish in life was to be loved. Despite her traumatic upbringing, Maureen went on to become a wonderful, amazing mother to five exceptional children and also a brave, courageous and very smart, intelligent woman.
I cried so many times and went through a whirlwind of emotions while listening to this audiobook. I longed for someone to help Maureen, to take her away from her disgusting, revolting family, for justice to be served and for them all to get the punishment they deserve. She was let down by so many, especially Social Services who did nothing to protect her.
There are so many trigger warnings here so please be mindful before reading.
December 31, 2021
I had to mentally prepare myself for this book. I knew it was going to be heavy. I knew it was gonna take an emotional toll. This book was heavy. At times I felt so overwhelmed with what was going on with Tori aka Maureen.
From the age of 7 on…. Maureens life would be hell. Her childhood would be crushed by the people she trusted. It started with her brother then a short time later with her stepfather. Then after a time, her mother joined in. Maureen never had any peace. She was in a constant state of unease. She was so young!
It was all so hard to read. I just kept thinking…. How much more can a person take. It would be many years later when Maureen would have to face everything that happened to her. Her suppressing everything inside started to crack. At first it was spilling out then it started to pour out. She could not stop the flashbacks or the daily vivid nightmares of everything. It was like reliving it all over again.
This book was such a heartbreaking roller coaster. Maureen found her voice to help herself and others. She was able to open peoples eyes about not following through when people report to children services. Holding people accountable for their mistakes. I just wish she didn’t have to go through this. But I’m glad she’s at peace with her kids and grandkids.
*ARC provided by HarperCollins UK, Nonfiction via NetGalley*
-Michelle
From the age of 7 on…. Maureens life would be hell. Her childhood would be crushed by the people she trusted. It started with her brother then a short time later with her stepfather. Then after a time, her mother joined in. Maureen never had any peace. She was in a constant state of unease. She was so young!
It was all so hard to read. I just kept thinking…. How much more can a person take. It would be many years later when Maureen would have to face everything that happened to her. Her suppressing everything inside started to crack. At first it was spilling out then it started to pour out. She could not stop the flashbacks or the daily vivid nightmares of everything. It was like reliving it all over again.
This book was such a heartbreaking roller coaster. Maureen found her voice to help herself and others. She was able to open peoples eyes about not following through when people report to children services. Holding people accountable for their mistakes. I just wish she didn’t have to go through this. But I’m glad she’s at peace with her kids and grandkids.
*ARC provided by HarperCollins UK, Nonfiction via NetGalley*
-Michelle
April 27, 2023
Ugh! This one was a tough one to get through. I feel an obligation to read these types of books. The author has gone through so much that I feel the least I can do is acknowledge their suffering by reading about it. Maureen suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of her sibling, step-father, and mother. Protective services failed her time and time again. I sincerely hope that she's thriving and enjoying life now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews