EDITOR’S MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION
A MUST READ!!!
“Where Are You Mom? Touched By Evil “
SUMMARY:
When Anne-Marie’s father abandons the family, her mother moves in with a man who brutally beats everyone in the family and subjects the little girls to sexual abuse. Her mother takes some of the children and leaves, but though still a child, Anne-Marie is left behind with her brothers. Anne-Marie is subjected to constant abuse until she finally leaves. In later years, Anne-Marie begins to heal from her abuse and with the help of one of her sisters, brings charges against her step-father.
OPENING COMMENTS:
I have never been so shaken by a personal memoir. The events of your childhood were harrowing and horrifying, and I can do nothing but applaud your great courage in recounting them in service of being a beacon of hope to others. I can only imagine that it must have been enormously painful to tell your story and I hope with all my heart that you have found it healing on some level. To know that they are not alone in having been victimized by monsters will most certainly be beneficial to the survivors of abuse who will read your story. And for those of us for whom this story is a shocking revelation, we can only be in awe of the way you have devoted your life to helping others, despite having received no help at all when you were a tormented and tortured child.
STRENGTHS:
The power of this story as a testament to human courage and a tribute to sisterly love, cannot be over-stated. The powerful bond between you and Laura is so beautiful and the way you supported and tried to protect each other as little girls and then as women is deeply moving. There were times when I had to stop reading because of my tears. I’m so sorry that monsters like the adults who abused and abandoned you exist and that there is so little protection for children against them. I’m so sorry that these things happened to you and your sister.
The shocking events of your life make the book riveting reading and when you actually manage to make Bernie accountable for what he did, it’s nothing short of thrilling. There’s great relief in knowing that you were finally heard. But even that small bit of justice is mixed with sorrow when we later hear the story from Laura’s perspective and discover that she wasn’t even given that tiny bit of satisfaction and was made to feel as powerless as she had been as a child.
As agonizing as much of the story is, there’s a beautiful twist to events when we see that you became a caregiver and a champion for the exploited…despite the lack of care in your childhood and the horrific exploitation you suffered. That says something deeply profound about your character and is a shining example of how it is possible to transcend abuse to have a meaningful life. I know it will be deeply inspirational to others.
THE REVIEWS:
The “reviews” are very powerful all on their own, but I wouldn’t really call them reviews. Very often the phrase used is “Advance Praise for NAME OF BOOK” and I think that fits the pieces better. They’re an important addition though and show us how your book affects others. But people sometimes don’t bother to read “advance praise” or reviews, so when I do the edit, I’ll come up with a few suggestions for what might work better and will guarantee that people don’t skip this important section.
CONCLUSION :
With the added information you’ll provide in your revisions and the Content Edit you’ve ordered, this testament to human resilience and the power of sisterly love will gain clarity and structure to support the shocking and powerful story you tell.
I look forward to working with you on the next step of your publishing journey.
Sincerely,
-Your FriesenPress Editor
Praises For Where Are You Mom?
Touched By Evil
Amazing & Powerful. It has taken me months to gather any kind of words for this unfortunately true story. It made me cry, hate, angry, love, fear and speechless all in all one. Exposing the true nature of abuse in all of its horror. Yet captures the love of surviving sisters and their journey. I’m blessed to know both of them
Amazon review-Laurie
A Sad Riveting Story. After reading Anne-Marie's account of her young life on Santala Road I am moved beyond words. I find your story absolutely devasting. We knew you were all struggling but not in the manner in which you wrote in your book. I remember all you children being wide-eyed, anxious to please, and I must say quite unkept. 50 some years later and I keep saying to myself, why didn't I buy them hats and mitts, why didn't I feed them lunch, why didn't I offer them a warm place to sleep. Where was the church? Where were the teachers? Where were the neighbours? Where were the family's friends. Questions unanswered that will forever haunt me. What courage you have, Anne-Marie
Amazon review-Liliane C.
10 out of 10 Recommend. Great book that was written to help others in any and every walk of life. 10 out of 10 recommend
Amazon Review-Mike Jones
Must Read. This book will make you very emotional, realize a lot of things with so many eye opening moments. Hope this book helps and heals people who went through a similar life.
-Amazon Reviewer-AK
Jaw-Dropping and left me Dumbfounded. Anne Marie’s book will bring out emotions many of us would prefer to run away from .I still get angry when I think of her and her sister Laura enduring what they did .I applaud Anne Marie for not only surviving the atrocities of her abuser ,but also for wanting to help others to come forward and get the help they need through what ever channels available, so that they too can go on and lead a meaningful productive life. I suggest this is a must read for anyone and everyone. I This read gets a 5 star rating from me. I believe that undoubtedly everyone will take something from this book. Kudos Anne Marie.
Amazon Review-William Kearney
The 100% Must Read. It’s a true story about all the horrors of abuse that made me so angry at the community that did not do anything to protect the kids. It’s also a story about strength, resilience, power of sisterhood and, most importantly, hope for healing.
I’m so inspired by these beautiful women and proud to know one of them. You’re truly an inspiration to others. Hope one day to read Laura’s story.
Amazon Review-Nadia B.
Excellent book. WTG Anne-Marie! This must have been so difficult to do but I am sure it will help many people who have found themselves in the same situation…hopefully they can get the courage they need as you did…very well written…
Amazon Review-Debi
Upsetting. Thank you Anne-Marie for sharing your story with us. This will help us keep our eyes open to help children who experience abuse...must read.
Amazon Review-Annie Kim Giroux
Love the book and l halfway in the book. How this person found the key to recovery take control while going through the pain. "Talk about it ,did something about it and never gave up after everything she went through and write a book, and child abuse is going on right now in the home and talk to your children if someone ever told them if it will be our little secret l surely will write a review after this book and recommend it.
Facebook Review—Mickey St. Germain
Amazing read! If you are looking for a good book by an amazing author, you need to read this one.
Facebook Review-Rebecca Richmond
The frankness of the personal experiences, of the abusive encounters, are rarely heard about in our society. But, when you read this book, it draws the reader into the moment, giving a perspective rarely captured by your imagination, of the fear and emotions felt by victims of not only domestic abuse, but any type of child exploitation. To have gone through such abuse and pull your life together, is a witness to the human spirit.
Website Review-Laura D.
This is written by my dear friend Anne-Marie and her sister Laura. They did not have a good life growing up. In fact it was a nightmare for most of us. Anne-Marie has found the strength to write a book in hopes to help someone else. Despite what happened to them they are amazing women. Family back then and family now. Love you both so much.
Facebook Review-Helga Burton
She truly is a hero. I have read her book, she is a beautiful survivor.
Facebook Review-Lena Huppe
This book was written by a beautiful lady who grew up with us in Lively. We had no idea what was going on behind closed doors. It’s an amazing read and I would suggest to anyone to buy this book. For Anne-Marie to have the courage to come out and tell the story is beyond belief. We all rode the same school bus to « Our Lady of Fatima » every day and she always had a smile on her self but nobody was there. I am personally endorsing this book.
Facebook Review-Michael Vagnini
I purchased your book Anne-Marie. It was quite the read. You never really know what people go through. Thanks for sharing.
Facebook Review-Angela C.
I admire her for standing up for herself and others and that she was successful in her life. Many of us were to afraid of bullies and perpetrators. There was abuse everywhere back then and even though children are more educated and aware of, sadly it still happens today along with human trafficking. A hero indeed!
Facebook Review-Carole F.
Stay Strong. This was a very sad story. At times I wanted to punch Bernie I the face! It’s so scary that there are human beings that are so evil. It is very important to seek help for your mental health. And to know it’s not your fault.
Rakutan Kodi-Review -Angela
Absolutely amazing book! Very raw, real and true.
Goodreads-review-Rhonda Anderson
I loved everything about this book. Only 1/3 of the way through, but it is an attention keeper. Very well written.
Amazon Review-Sharon Wallace
EDITOR’S MANUSCRIPT EVALUATION
A MUST READ!!!
“Where Are You Mom? Touched By Evil “
SUMMARY:
When Anne-Marie’s father abandons the family, her mother moves in with a man who brutally beats everyone in the family and subjects the little girls to sexual abuse. Her mother takes some of the children and leaves, but though still a child, Anne-Marie is left behind with her brothers. Anne-Marie is subjected to constant abuse until she finally leaves. In later years, Anne-Marie begins to heal from her abuse and with the help of one of her sisters, brings charges against her step-father.
OPENING COMMENTS:
I have never been so shaken by a personal memoir. The events of your childhood were harrowing and horrifying, and I can do nothing but applaud your great courage in recounting them in service of being a beacon of hope to others. I can only imagine that it must have been enormously painful to tell your story and I hope with all my heart that you have found it healing on some level. To know that they are not alone in having been victimized by monsters will most certainly be beneficial to the survivors of abuse who will read your story. And for those of us for whom this story is a shocking revelation, we can only be in awe of the way you have devoted your life to helping others, despite having received no help at all when you were a tormented and tortured child.
STRENGTHS:
The power of this story as a testament to human courage and a tribute to sisterly love, cannot be over-stated. The powerful bond between you and Laura is so beautiful and the way you supported and tried to protect each other as little girls and then as women is deeply moving. There were times when I had to stop reading because of my tears. I’m so sorry that monsters like the adults who abused and abandoned you exist and that there is so little protection for children against them. I’m so sorry that these things happened to you and your sister.
The shocking events of your life make the book riveting reading and when you actually manage to make Bernie accountable for what he did, it’s nothing short of thrilling. There’s great relief in knowing that you were finally heard. But even that small bit of justice is mixed with sorrow when we later hear the story from Laura’s perspective and discover that she wasn’t even given that tiny bit of satisfaction and was made to feel as powerless as she had been as a child.
As agonizing as much of the story is, there’s a beautiful twist to events when we see that you became a caregiver and a champion for the exploited…despite the lack of care in your childhood and the horrific exploitation you suffered. That says something deeply profound about your character and is a shining example of how it is possible to transcend abuse to have a meaningful life. I know it will be deeply inspirational to others.
THE REVIEWS:
The “reviews” are very powerful all on their own, but I wouldn’t really call them reviews. Very often the phrase used is “Advance Praise for NAME OF BOOK” and I think that fits the pieces better. They’re an important addition though and show us how your book affects others. But people sometimes don’t bother to read “advance praise” or reviews, so when I do the edit, I’ll come up with a few suggestions for what might work better and will guarantee that people don’t skip this important section.
CONCLUSION :
With the added information you’ll provide in your revisions and the Content Edit you’ve ordered, this testament to human resilience and the power of sisterly love will gain clarity and structure to support the shocking and powerful story you tell.
I look forward to working with you on the next step of your publishing journey.
Sincerely,
-Your FriesenPress Editor
Praises For Where Are You Mom?
Touched By Evil
Amazing & Powerful. It has taken me months to gather any kind of words for this unfortunately true story. It made me cry, hate, angry, love, fear and speechless all in all one. Exposing the true nature of abuse in all of its horror. Yet captures the love of surviving sisters and their journey. I’m blessed to know both of them
Amazon review-Laurie
A Sad Riveting Story. After reading Anne-Marie's account of her young life on Santala Road I am moved beyond words. I find your story absolutely devasting. We knew you were all struggling but not in the manner in which you wrote in your book. I remember all you children being wide-eyed, anxious to please, and I must say quite unkept. 50 some years later and I keep saying to myself, why didn't I buy them hats and mitts, why didn't I feed them lunch, why didn't I offer them a warm place to sleep. Where was the church? Where were the teachers? Where were the neighbours? Where were the family's friends. Questions unanswered that will forever haunt me. What courage you have, Anne-Marie
Amazon review-Liliane C.
10 out of 10 Recommend. Great book that was written to help others in any and every walk of life. 10 out of 10 recommend
Amazon Review-Mike Jones
Must Read. This book will make you very emotional, realize a lot of things with so many eye opening moments. Hope this book helps and heals people who went through a similar life.
-Amazon Reviewer-AK
Jaw-Dropping and left me Dumbfounded. Anne Marie’s book will bring out emotions many of us would prefer to run away from .I still get angry when I think of her and her sister Laura enduring what they did .I applaud Anne Marie for not only surviving the atrocities of her abuser ,but also for wanting to help others to come forward and get the help they need through what ever channels available, so that they too can go on and lead a meaningful productive life. I suggest this is a must read for anyone and everyone. I This read gets a 5 star rating from me. I believe that undoubtedly everyone will take something from this book. Kudos Anne Marie.
Amazon Review-William Kearney
The 100% Must Read. It’s a true story about all the horrors of abuse that made me so angry at the community that did not do anything to protect the kids. It’s also a story about strength, resilience, power of sisterhood and, most importantly, hope for healing.
I’m so inspired by these beautiful women and proud to know one of them. You’re truly an inspiration to others. Hope one day to read Laura’s story.
Amazon Review-Nadia B.
Excellent book. WTG Anne-Marie! This must have been so difficult to do but I am sure it will help many people who have found themselves in the same situation…hopefully they can get the courage they need as you did…very well written…
Amazon Review-Debi
Upsetting. Thank you Anne-Marie for sharing your story with us. This will help us keep our eyes open to help children who experience abuse...must read.
Amazon Review-Annie Kim Giroux
Love the book and l halfway in the book. How this person found the key to recovery take control while going through the pain. "Talk about it ,did something about it and never gave up after everything she went through and write a book, and child abuse is going on right now in the home and talk to your children if someone ever told them if it will be our little secret l surely will write a review after this book and recommend it.
Facebook Review—Mickey St. Germain
Amazing read! If you are looking for a good book by an amazing author, you need to read this one.
Facebook Review-Rebecca Richmond
The frankness of the personal experiences, of the abusive encounters, are rarely heard about in our society. But, when you read this book, it draws the reader into the moment, giving a perspective rarely captured by your imagination, of the fear and emotions felt by victims of not only domestic abuse, but any type of child exploitation. To have gone through such abuse and pull your life together, is a witness to the human spirit.
Website Review-Laura D.
This is written by my dear friend Anne-Marie and her sister Laura. They did not have a good life growing up. In fact it was a nightmare for most of us. Anne-Marie has found the strength to write a book in hopes to help someone else. Despite what happened to them they are amazing women. Family back then and family now. Love you both so much.
Facebook Review-Helga Burton
She truly is a hero. I have read her book, she is a beautiful survivor.
Facebook Review-Lena Huppe
This book was written by a beautiful lady who grew up with us in Lively. We had no idea what was going on behind closed doors. It’s an amazing read and I would suggest to anyone to buy this book. For Anne-Marie to have the courage to come out and tell the story is beyond belief. We all rode the same school bus to « Our Lady of Fatima » every day and she always had a smile on her self but nobody was there. I am personally endorsing this book.
Facebook Review-Michael Vagnini
I purchased your book Anne-Marie. It was quite the read. You never really know what people go through. Thanks for sharing.
Facebook Review-Angela C.
I admire her for standing up for herself and others and that she was successful in her life. Many of us were to afraid of bullies and perpetrators. There was abuse everywhere back then and even though children are more educated and aware of, sadly it still happens today along with human trafficking. A hero indeed!
Facebook Review-Carole F.
Stay Strong. This was a very sad story. At times I wanted to punch Bernie I the face! It’s so scary that there are human beings that are so evil. It is very important to seek help for your mental health. And to know it’s not your fault.
Rakutan Kodi-Review -Angela
Absolutely amazing book! Very raw, real and true.
Goodreads-review-Rhonda Anderson
I loved everything about this book. Only 1/3 of the way through, but it is an attention keeper. Very well written.
Amazon Review-Sharon Wallace
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Such an honour it was to autograph a copy of my book for Jamie West NDP, Member of Parliament: Deputy of Sudbury, on September !0, 2022. Thank you Mr. West for your support and helping spread awareness on the subject of Child Sexual Abuse. Bless you for being supportive everywhere you go.
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I got an on-line copy, since I live in my luggage and travel for work. Good job Anne-Marie you are a warrior. Facebook Review Caroline Potvin
Where Are You Mom? Deeply disturbing, horrific and difficult to read! How she survived this is beyond me. I can only wish her the best and wish I could hug her. She's very brave and deserving of so much more.
Facebook Review-Wilma
She is quite an amazing woman. I loved her book. Have a few nightmares in common so it was kind of healing for me. Thank you for sharing your early life with me, I'm proud of you.
Facebook Review-Sandy
Powerful, thought-provoking!
Facebook-Erna Fex
I am so so happy for you, all the hard work you did. Your book is done, you can be proud.
Facebook Review-Diane Kennedy
Yahhhh congrats, so happy for you. Your book is with me in Cuba.
Facebook Review-Linroy-Cm
Where Are You Mom? Deeply disturbing, horrific and difficult to read! How she survived this is beyond me. I can only wish her the best and wish I could hug her. She's very brave and deserving of so much more.
Facebook Review-Wilma
She is quite an amazing woman. I loved her book. Have a few nightmares in common so it was kind of healing for me. Thank you for sharing your early life with me, I'm proud of you.
Facebook Review-Sandy
Powerful, thought-provoking!
Facebook-Erna Fex
I am so so happy for you, all the hard work you did. Your book is done, you can be proud.
Facebook Review-Diane Kennedy
Yahhhh congrats, so happy for you. Your book is with me in Cuba.
Facebook Review-Linroy-Cm
