It was a great honour to be one of the first to read Mandy Smith’s new book, “Secrets in Big Sky Country.” I’ve looked forward to the release date and the opportunity to share this tragic and courageous memoir, which I highly recommend.
Mandy and Cliff’s childhood changed long before they understood the consequences of their mother’s decisions to divorce their father and then embark on a relationship with his brother. This would affect the siblings for the rest of their lives, but it was never about the children, only the narcissistic mother’s needs were important.
From the age of three years old, Mandy came to know her uncle as daddy, who quickly replaced the attention that was severely lacking from her self-absorbed mother. Mandy was his special little girl, but while her innocence soaked up his apparent attentiveness, he had other depraved ideas of his own. His manipulative grooming techniques and subsequent abuse roamed freely through childhood and into her teens, but Mandy’s most heart breaking experience was yet to come.
I’ve read a few memoirs about abuse in childhood, but Mandy presents a very different story, which is not too graphic or difficult to read. Without a doubt, she is an amazing storyteller of the facts and her book is a real page-turner. Mandy’s ability to dust herself down repeatedly and then move forward in the face of so much adversity is truly inspirational.
Whether you are a survivor looking for validation and healing, or a professional seeking a better understanding of child abuse, Mandy’s book will take you on that journey and stay with you for a very long time to come.
The book is now available on Amazon here and includes a wonderful review by Brad Hutchinson Executive Director of The Gatehouse
This is Mandy’s blog, ‘Healing beyond Survival.’
Sounds wonderful. I will add to my to read list right away. I also follow mandys blog, its awesome. It takes a lot to write a book, well done Mandy! XX
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It’s great read. Thanks Carol Anne
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Great post Cat! Now I want to read this book!
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It’s an excellent read and not all dark and depressing
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It sure sounds like it is.
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Excellent review! I will definitely check out Mandy’s book!
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I really enjoyed it. Sorry I haven’t been dropping by much, Andi, I have worried you might think I was in a huff or something. It’s just my head is all over the place at the moment and it is hard to focus on posts
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Really well written review, Cat. I’ll check it out. Thanks. Sending smiles your way :)))
Love,
E
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Thanks Elizabeth, it’s very nicely written. Hope you’re well
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Cat, thank you so very much my friend for this review and for reading my book and being a never ending source of support for me on my journey to healing. Our couple years as blogging friends has seen us both through highs and lows, but one thing that has stayed ever steady is our friendship and fight for freedom from our childhood demons, and some adult demons, too. Thank you my best blogging buddy ❤
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Awe, that’s so nice of you to say, Mandy, and thank you for trusting me enough to share your story. I have every confidence in success for your memoir, good luck
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Means the world to me, Cat. Thank you.
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Reblogged this on Healing Beyond Survival and commented:
A review of Secrets in Big Sky Country by my dear friend and fellow blogger, Cat. I treasure this guy.
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Fabulous review Cat, I agree with you about the readability of Mandy’s memoir and the great value it holds for all survivors and those learning to understand survivors.
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Thank you, Tommy, she did really well presenting a very difficult subject
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Thank you for your thoughts. I am reading it now and your insights seem to be right on target. I look forward to a world where all children are safe all the time.
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That’s great to know, I couldn’t put it down, always wanting to know what happens next. Hope you enjoy the rest of the book
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Reblogged this on Memoir Notes.
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I put it on my wish list. 😀
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Lovely, Glynis, is that your Santa wish list?
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Hi Cat,
Hope you’re well. I’ve been missing your posts! Are you taking a break from blogging? I”m doing OK – chugging along. My job has gotten better lately, so I’m happy about that. Just wanted to drop you a line to say I was thinking of you.
Ellen
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Thank you so much, Ellen, this means a great deal to me…. you are the first to notice my absence. Gosh, I’ve been going through a hard time lately… very difficult to read and write.
I am so pleased to hear you say the job is going better, you deserve a break.
Thank you, Ellen, you made my day!
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Sorry to hear you’ve been so unwell Cat. I was worried something might be wrong as you usually post quite regularly. Sending good healing thoughts your way. I know how tough it can be when you feel like you’re ‘going down’. Eventually, you find your way back to something more bearable, if you’re like me.
I’ll bet others are missing you, just haven’t wanted to intrude perhaps. Fall is a real nice season here in Canada – hope it’s decent in your neck of the woods also. Take care.
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Lovely time of year in southern uk… trees are amazing colours. Cheers Ellen 🙂
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Great review, Cat! This sounds like something that I could read. While I really enjoy memoirs, there are some that are entirely too close to home and lead me to places that are dark and difficult to return from. From what you wrote, this sounds manageable while still entertaining. Off to Amazon I go!
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HI! So nice to hear from you. How are you? I haven’t been blogging much lately, but so glad you read the review. I loved Mandy’s book because it isn’t too graphic on the abuse, but leaves that info to our imagination. I hope you enjoy, thank you
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