Stolen Beauty: Healing the Scars of Child Abuse: One Woman's Journey

by Amy Madden

At a very young age Amy Madden was exposed to the kind of inconceivable treatment no one, let alone a defenseless child, should ever have to endure. A brutal stepfather with a murky and painful history of his own found himself in an environment in which he was free to continue the cycle of trauma, committing unspeakable acts of sexual and emotional abuse against Amy and her siblings. Meanwhile, her struggling, overworked mother was unable to see the awful pain and damage that were being inflicted on her children. Amy felt ashamed, hurt, angry, and, most of all, unable to talk to anyone about what was happening to her. She felt as though it was her fault. The only route to dealing with the anguish was to submerge herself into a distrustful, insecure, depressed state. As have many survivors of abuse, Amy felt abandoned, unable to see who she really was, unable to hold on to any glimmer of hope. Only through a long, soul-searching process that involved a combination of therapy, study, prayer, and the eventual strong faith in the power of her own inner strength and spirit the innocence and beauty she had once possessed as a child was Amy finally able to reach a place of understanding and peace. Stolen Beauty is a poignant and necessary book for anyone who is seeking guidance through their own recovery from abuse, or for anyone who works to help survivors and abusers alike. Child abuse doesn t have to end tragically. There are ways to overcome our past. It s never too late to start believing again. It s never too late to recover the faith you ve lost. It s never too late to rediscover who you truly are.

196 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Lisa Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madden’s, Stolen Beauty is one of the best written, non fictionalized accounts of a modern woman’s journey through the physical and psychological abuses of child molestation. Stolen Beauty traces the abuse cycle, family dynamics and conditions of abuse in a constructive way that cumulates in a positive and empowering perspective for those that have experienced such abuse or are seeking to better understand the abuse suffered by a friend or loved one.

Stolen Beauty begins with a beautifully written letter to Amy’s stepfather, who was brought to justice many years after the last known abuse of Amy and her siblings, and embodies a profound want for the healing of all parties. She then shares her personal experience and the outlook that has allowed her to become a successful mother of three who harbors no ill will toward her abuser. Instead, Amy shares her sincere pathway to forgiveness and wholeness.

Stolen Beauty is a must read for those seeking to understand child abuse while exploring a positive, meaningful approach toward healing.

[Roslyn R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I accidentally came across this book today and was shocked to see this may be the Amy Madden I knew in elementary school in Anderson, IN. The book doesn't mention what grade school but I think it was Forest Hills. We were friends in 5th or 6th grade. I always wondered what became of her because they moved before middle school. I suspected what was going on...even as a child. She was a beautiful soul back then and I see she still is. What an amazing spirit and a strong will to overcome. You are an inspiration, Amy. I finished your book in one afternoon.

[Colleen Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book truly resonated with me. Child Abuse is disheartening to hear and horrific to experience. Love is the answer to healing as well as strengthening your inner peace.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her words capture so vividly her story so you get to watch the creation of the person she is today. How her past created the struggles into her journey to accepting her gift of living is because of her depth and insight. You get such a full embrace of her experience of the abuse she endured as a child. It's graphic in some places. I enjoyed that the book shares her serenity in the journey she was given to live.

[Trav Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very touching story of a girl who went through emotional, verbal, physical and sexual abuse for 6 long years. I recommended it to be read by anyone who has a heart for children or people. It opens us into someone's life who experience the horrors that another human can inflict on a child. Whether you have been through an experience like this or not, it is a must read.

[Laiaja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any Madden's story is truly inspiring! She is such a strong person and her story really hits home to so many people today. It is a great read and I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone. Once you start reading, you will NEVER put it down!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad to see the author overcame her childhood abuse to help other children and adults in need of help.