Beauty in the Breakdown by Beth Childress

Beauty in the Breakdown by Beth Childress

Beauty in the Breakdown by Beth Childress

Synopsis:

You don’t have to hide anymore … there is hope. I had secrets … so many secrets … and they were corroding my inner being. How could I keep living in so much shame – shame that forced me to hide behind the masks that I constructed; masks that started as a mere screen to diffuse my inner pain then grew thicker until I had no idea who I really was. Every day became a masquerade.

Hating who I was, who I had become, I concealed the complexity of my mental illness in just about every way imaginable. But one day, I began searching for answers as to why I had run so far away from the person I once knew and actually liked: myself.

Beauty in the Breakdown is written for those I haven’t met but whose struggles I’ve likely encountered through the stories of others I have met – some of whose suffering has reached life-threatening depths.

It’s hard to face the truth, to look into the mirror and see who you really are. However, this book will offer real hope to do just that. By sharing my struggles, torments, fears and ultimate breakthrough, my hope is that you – or someone you know – will find solace, strength and courage to step outside of your own “hideouts” and to step out from behind your masks. Doing so will help you or a loved one become the person you/they were truly meant to be.

Welcome to my journey.

Review:

Beauty in the Breakdown is a heartbreaking, yet inspiring story of the author’s, Beth Childress, personal passage and discovery of her mental illness and her journey to wholeness. In her telling book, she talks about learning of the root causes, such as: psychological, spiritual, emotional, moral and even physical issues and more, which all contributed to her mental illness. After living as a Christian for ten years, Beth made a decision that was contrary to her spiritual beliefs and it caused her to have a mental breakdown. She then filled the void with damaging things and undertakings and made bad choices, all of which became her new god. Because she was now living in direct contrast to her inner beliefs, and held many secrets, she spiraled downward and began to isolate herself. But, even though it was a terrible time in her life, she eventually discovered herself, her faith and her God again. Through her experiences, she affirms that there is truly an unspeakable Beauty in The Breakdown. Hers is a story of suffering, deceit and mental anguish and finally to, emotional stability and completeness, leading to peace and joy.

Beauty in the Breakdown is the story of one woman’s journey from mental illness to reconnecting with God and ultimately becoming mentally and emotionally whole again. It truly is inspirational as she encourages others and lends compassion and understanding to those who are suffering themselves. She talks about the complexities of mental illness and offers much hope to those in need. Having experienced the hardship of a broken life and mind, and met with recovery for herself, she now has the knowledge and insights to help others. This book is also about the many people she encountered that helped her in many ways. These stories are interesting and very eye-opening.

With empathy and concern for people who are living a life of shame, pain and despair, Beth Childress sheds light and helps others to understand that they are not alone and that there is hope, especially with God. She shares her own anguish, struggles and fears, all the way, to her ensuing breakthrough. Her sincere desire is that others will realize and find comfort, strength and boldness to come out from their hiding places and unshed their masks and ultimately become the person they were meant to be. Beth Childress takes readers by the hand and becomes a true friend and compassionate mentor.

She is a gifted writer, a mental health advocate, a little quirky and has an ear that listens to those who are suffering. Artisan Book Reviews highly recommends this impactful book, and I truly believe that Beauty in the Breakdown, will help the many people that are struggling with mental illness and break the cycle of destructive behaviors they sometimes have.

Purchase Beauty in the Breakdown @Amazon Here

It’s Just Your Imagination by Revital Shiri-Horowitz

It’s Just Your Imagination: Growing Up with a Narcissistic Mother – Insights of a Personal Journey by Revital Shiri-Horowitz

Synopsis:

Pinnacle Award Winning “It`s Just Your Imagination” is the book you want to read when you are looking to find some answers: Have you always sensed something wasn’t quite right in your life, but couldn’t pinpoint the cause? Have you always felt controlled and manipulated by those closest to you? Were you raised by a mother whose main priority was set on herself? Were you constantly told by that mother, “It`s only your imagination” when you questioned her?

If the answer is yes, then this is the book you want to read. “Your mother will always love you, no matter what.” “Whatever you do, your mother will always be on your side.” We’ve all heard these phrases about motherhood. If this describes the mother you grew up with, then count yourself as one of the lucky ones and read this book to learn more about narcissism. If not, this book can help you. It can also help your loved ones understand you and your emotional state. It`s Just Your Imagination explores what it’s like to grow up with a mother who insists on putting herself at the center of every situation. This book gives you the tools to live a pain-free life if you were raised by a narcissistic mother. This first-hand account of my personal journey offers a vicarious understanding of maternal narcissism and its implications. With the aid of supporting psychological studies, you will learn how you, too, can overcome the challenges of growing up in a household driven by narcissism. It`s Just Your Imagination was my mother’s mantra throughout my life. Whenever I confronted her about her abusive and manipulative behavior toward me, she always had the same response: “It’s just your imagination.” If this sounds familiar, I invite you to join me on the journey through grief, loss, understanding, and forgiveness, and to find the healing and personal strength that awaits us at the end of the path.

Review:

It’s Just Your Imagination by Revital Shiri-Horowitz is a touching story of the author’s own life growing up with a narcissistic and selfish mother. It details her experiences and reveals her own, very personal and private, revelations and confessions. Her journey from being broken and damaged, to healing and recovery, is a remarkable story that everyone must read.

Revital Shiri-Horowitz is an incredible writer and woman that has suffered much pain and distress. With tedious determination to heal from, the unavoidable, harm and devastation placed upon her by a narcissistic mother, she has now become a compassionate and successful woman. This book is extremely inspiring and will help other women that are daughters of narcissistic mothers. It will enable them to search out help, and do the important work required, to go from despair and dysfunction to hope, wholeness and joy.

Recognizing the narcissistic person can be difficult, but Revital explains it well and emphasizes that a child knows when there is something wrong. Their mother doesn’t support them, and instead, it’s all about the mother and her own selfish needs. I grew up with a narcissistic mother, myself, and could relate to this entire book. I was able to glean from it and had many “ah-ha” moments while reading it. It has given me the courage, knowledge and understanding that I need to confront my own issues, and desire to work through them to become whole, strong and happy.

Written with sensitivity and emotion, Revital, opens her heart in hopes to help others. I commend her for her honesty and ability to enlighten readers. She brings the knowledge, steps and tips to overcome the effects from being raised by a narcissistic mother, and to guide others as adults and parents.

With courage and strength, she has shared her journey of growth with the world and exposed many secrets and personal sufferings. This book must have been hard to write and I thank her for doing so. It is a subject that needs to come to light and will give inspiration and hope to so many. The ideas and discussions expressed are intelligent, clear and concise and is clearly based on much research. But it is accompanied by the author’s telling of her own aching and painful memories which led me to tears and sorrow at many points.

I believe, It’s Just Your Imagination, is a must read for everyone because it will give light to our own behavior towards others and our children. It will help those who have suffered from the words and actions of a narcissistic parent. It’s not just in your head, it is really happening. Highly recommended by Artisan Book Reviews!

Purchase It’s Just Your Imagination @Amazon

Something To Be Brave For by Priscilla Bennett

Something To Be Brave For by Priscilla Bennett

Synopsis:

SOMETHING TO BE BRAVE FOR tells the sometimes tender yet often harrowing story of abuse and of a woman’s resilience and courage, a tale that culminates in the triumph of self-discovery.

Review:

Something To Be Brave For by Priscilla Bennett is an eye-opening realistic look at domestic abuse. Whether physical or mental abuse, the victim feels trapped and unable to escape. In this novel we have Katie Giraud who lives a privileged life among the rich and affluent society. However, Katie’s life is not what it appears on the surface. Married to a prominent plastic surgeon whom everyone adores, Katie is constantly under the control of her husband. He physically abuses her on a continual basis while beating her senseless.

His charm and friendliness toward other people stops at the door when he enters the beautiful home that he and Katie share with their young daughter, Rose. While battling for her survival, without the support of friends and family, will Katie ultimately escape the fear and abuse, come to self-discovery and free herself from her abusive husband?

The story begins with some tragic events, but then author, Priscilla Bennett, neatly gives readers a look at the lovely love affair and marriage to the handsome young man and doctor, intent on an idyllic beautiful life together. Eventually her adoring husband, Claude, changes and turns into a monster with a serious mental illness issue. The author reminds and brings attention to readers on how such acts can go on without notice, repercussions or help for the victims.

This story will interest and help anyone who has been in their own fight to free themselves from mental or physical enslavement and violence. With an innate desire to help women that experience abuse at the hand of their spouse or someone close to them, Priscilla Bennett has woven together a thought-provoking, compelling and educational story that readers will appreciate and learn from.

Something To Be Brave For is not for the faint of heart. Filled with episodes of the horrors of attacks and the abuse perpetrated on the victim, it is also full of hope, inspiration and tenderness. Author, Priscilla Bennett is a retired emergency room nurse and relates that abuse has no confines and can occur in all walks of life. Her goal is to bring to light the atrocious cruelties of this continuing and rampant problem that we have in society- behind closed doors. Through her writing, she aims to give women a voice and to help them escape and heal.

This novel is remarkable, engaging and enlightening. Many women will identify with it and others will become more aware of the ongoing issue of domestic violence and hopefully reach out to those in need of help. It is written well with the author’s message and voice clearly heard. This is a must read story that I couldn’t put down. It is a sensitive and important subject, and Chick Lit Cafecommends Priscilla Bennett for addressing it and caring so much as to write  Something To Be Brave For.

Purchase Something To Be Brave For by Priscilla Bennett @Amazon Here

Just Eat: Planned Eating Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Rachel Nekati

Just Eat: Planned Eating Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Rachel Nekati

Synopsis:

The very first eating lifestyle book to tell you to Just Eat; have your ice cream, burgers and still look good whilst feeling light. In this book, the author shares her twelve-month success in liberating herself from thirty years of yo-yo roller coaster diets. She takes us through her journey of achieving health and fitness goals by adopting the Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle. Rachel also discusses various principles and recommendations of Intermittent Fasting protocols as well as how emotions can affect our eating patterns.

Review:

Just Eat: Planned Eating Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Rachel Nekati is a wonderfully informative

Self-help book on how to implement and live the intermittent fasting lifestyle. After trying many programs, eating plans and various dieting products, Rachel Nekati was tired of the never ending cycle of failure and despair. Then she discovered intermittent fasting which offered new hope and promise to her weight loss journey. She has discovered a lasting way to keep the weight off, be healthier and have more clarity and energy. She shares about the science based method that helps to keep her on track.

Rachel Nekati shares all of this knowledge, and much more, in her excellent book, Just Eat, which will help others to learn new skills and help change people’s lives in a major and positive way.

With intermittent fasting, there is no counting calories, no weighing food, no diet pills, no protein shakes and no excessive exercise. Intermittent fasting is simply a way of deliberately cycling between eating and then not eating. Feasting and fasting. Rachel Nekati states that it will make you slimmer, healthier and happier. Some of the other benefits and health issues that were greatly improved for Rachel include: normalizing blood pressure, curing body inflammations, improving Insulin sensitivity, improving her eye sight and clearer and glowing skin

It has not only worked for her, but in her book there are many testimonials of people that have adopted the feast and fast method that have had great success with weight loss. They state that they are more energetic and satisfied. She also, extensively, discusses the important and common issue of emotional eating.

Just Eat has a wealth of knowledge in it. It is filled with tips and ways to implement the intermittent fasting lifestyle. If you are sick of the diet roller coaster and want a simple realistic way of losing weight, gaining more energy and living an overall healthier life, then get a copy of her fabulous book. Just Eat: Planned Eating Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Rachel Nekati, will revolutionize and change your life. Highly recommended by Artisan Book Reviews.

Purchase Just Eat: Planned Eating Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle by Rachel Nekati @Amazon Here