The Secret Lies Within: An Inside Out Look at Overcoming Trauma and Finding Purpose in the Pain

by Anne Beiler, Emily Sutherland

The Secret Lies Within in an inside-out look at the trauma and pain so many people experience in this lifetime and how breaking the silence is the first step to freedom. Many people experience trauma or pain and keep it to themselves, letting it become a secret that holds them captive. They live with pain, blame, and shame, unsure of what to do or how to break free. The secrets grow, causing people to become increasingly silent while they hope and pray for better days, struggling to believe they will ever come. The Secret Lies Within is an honest, vulnerable, and courageous narrative about nearly losing everything, breaking the silence of secrets, and finding purpose in pain. Auntie Anne Beiler, founder of the international franchise Auntie Anne’s pretzels, shares her journey through the loss of a child, sexual abuse, and the resulting trauma that haunted her for years, reminding readers they are not alone in their pain. Anne weaves brief stories of other brave individuals throughout her own and presents a picture of hope for those who have experienced trauma. Those with deep secrets of their own are encouraged to break their silence and are shown the power to overcome through confession and reach a whole new level of freedom.

194 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2019

Reviews

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intensely personal narrative of her life, faith, and journey through years of an abusive relationship and recovery. Huge wake up call for all members of a faith community that wolves dwell among us appearing as shepherds, appearing as wheat when they are actually diabolical. How love, kindness, support, and healing can restore.

[John Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-told account and honest assessment of the trauma that consumed Anne Beiler's life for years following the death of her 19-month-old daughter. Beiler had been raised in a faith tradition that had a twisted view of God as the Ultimate Authority not to be questioned. Consequently, Beiler never talked about her grief and pain with her also-grieving husband, Jonas. Eventually, a pastor "counseled" her, but it turned into a long nightmare of clergy abuse by a sexual predator, as he also abused her two sisters and molested her 4-year-old daughter. Beiler's purpose in telling the story is to arm victims of clergy abuse with the tools she lacked in a numbing relationship.

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had finally read her book "Twist of Faith" last year, so I remembered most of the personal side of things for Anne and her family and the chaotic and tragic mess brought on by unforeseen circumstances that evolved by the grace of God into a thriving business. This book details more what Anne and her sisters went through with the accident and death of her Anne's young child and then the subsequent abuse by a religious leader and how all of their marriages survived and eventually thrived. Therefore, this book is much more about overcoming the trauma faced in life and less about the business, Auntie Anne's Pretzel stores, that had long been sold years ago. She certainly has many wise things to say to those suffering with loss or going through traumatic experiences. As she says in her introduction to the book: " I did not get to decide how my story began, but I do get to choose how it ends."

[Kimberly A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has a story. The fact is our lives are "stories" and when you find Christ, those stories whether good or bad CAN (if you allow it) become a testimony of God in our lives. It IS the testimony(s) of God that brings freedom from years, decades and even generations of sinful behavior, misdirected mindsets, abuses and more. I read this book in a day and not many books hold my interest like this one. This book has many layers and will minister to many, not just one specific group, gender, etc. After reading this book, I shared it with a local Christian Counselor who recommended it to several others.

[Gretchen Schmidt Lusby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne leads with authentic vulnerability, showing us all how to bravely overcome the pain that’s holding us back. This book is incredibly needed, and should be read by all. It’s not just for those who’ve experienced obvious trauma. It’s a call for us all to live in freedom by naming our pain... and therefore redefining it.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard Anne’s testimony on Sadie Robertson Huff’s Podcast, Woah That’s Good, and immediately bought this book to hear more of her story. As someone who too has gone through life hiding painful moments and memories away from others, Anne’s story gave me hope for my future and encouraged me to share even the hardest parts of my story with others.

[Katherine Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply written, provides a wealth of insights into healing from trauma and pain.

[Bekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful, heart wrenching story of healing and triumph out of the midst of tragic circumstances.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of hearing Anne Beiler speak. What a story of loss, trauma, hope, faith, happiness, success, and purpose.

[Makenzie Weatherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deep, powerful read. Get your heart ready, plan time with Jesus during it, and a good friend after.

[Peg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Faith got this family through severe trauma. Feelings and emotions do need to be dealt with and not suppressed. Clearly evident in this book.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book has moments, but generally wanders about and is lacking cohesiveness and depth.