Hidden Thorns

by Marie-Rose Fox

No one ever fully recovers from the death of a child. Marie-Rose Fox wanted to be someone who was happy - not hiding from the world, or bitter and angry. She knew that forgiveness was the way to peace, but how could she ever forgive her daughter's murderer?

Hidden Thorns is the heart-wrenching but ultimately uplifting account of a moither's journey after the murder of her daughter- how she found both peace and forgiveness..

"Hidden Thorns is an encouraging and remarkable story."

170 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2018

About the author

Marie-Rose Fox was born in Portugal. She relocated with her family to France, where she spent most of her teenage years. Whilst there, she developed a great love for languages as a challenge (Portuguese, French, Spanish, Italian and English). At just eighteen she immigrated with her family to Australia, where they lived in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney. She resided within this community for most of her adult life until she met and married Stephen. Circumstances led them to live on the Gold Coast of Queensland, where they met with tragedy in 2007 when her only child, Michelle was brutally murdered.

Reviews

[Amanda Magri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and thought -provoking read , raw, honest and emotional. The author takes you on a journey with her story. An addictive and inspirational read...

[Marie-Rose Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

By way of introduction I am Marie-Rose Fox, the Author of Hidden Thorns and these are some of my reviews I've received so far on my book:

I was profoundly moved by the author’s courage and honesty. Her story will support and help to heal others. I regard it as an honour that she entrusted me with her heart in these pages.
Newel *
Brisbane
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This book ‘Hidden Thorns’ is an encouraging and remarkable story of how a courageous mother coped with the murder of her daughter.
The story describes in detail all the sad travails that life has unfairly dealt the Author. Especially sharing how she handled the tragic senseless murder of her beautiful daughter. No one ever fully recovers from the agony of the death of a child. But this mother wanted to be someone who was happy and not hiding from the world, bitter and angry. Forgiveness was the way to peace—and she knew she would need that, but how could she forgive her daughter’s murderer?
Over time, she came to realize that there actually was a small miracle happening; her daughter was taken from a place of violence, where she was all alone, to a peaceful place in eternity. What this individual did was horribly wrong, but did she want to be defined by her worst nightmare? How is that any kind of compensation to a mother for the loss of her daughter? And did she want that to be the way she lived for the rest of her life?
What the Author has shown us is that the most important thing anyone can do in life is what God has given us to do here, now or whenever. She has demonstrated clearly that she has been more courageous than anyone I know in letting God write her story. So, my congratulations go to her for being a faithful obedient servant, as painful as it was.
This book of diversity in the face of tragedy makes for compelling reading.
Dianne *
Gold Coast
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I read your book as soon as it arrived. Great read. You have a powerful testimony of forgiveness. I trust your story will go far and wide to help many to chose to forgive. Well done!
I enjoyed the memories (Mr Biscuits, Prince etc) and grieved for your loss of Michelle, once more. I know you will develop your voice (i.e. telling your story) and it will be as powerful as your written word. I pray for His continued blessings to you, a mighty woman warrior
Vicki *
Shellharbour Village, NSW
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I received my copy of ‘Hidden Thorns’ yesterday, and finished it today. I’ll start by saying, it was a difficult read as I felt your pain. Especially, about your beautiful girl. It’s one of those things you can’t truly understand, unless you experience it yourself and God willing, I will never have to. I fully understand how scary it gets and how hard it is to come out of that dark hole, which I call the bottomless pit of despair.
The one thing I really envy is your faith, which as I read your book I realise how important it is to you and your whole family. In as much as your faith doesn’t remove the problems, but it certainly helps you through the darkest times. Thank you for your honesty.
Maria *
Wattle Grove, NSW
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I have to start off by saying this book, 'Hidden Thorns' is amazing. It is an auto-biography about some really dark and heavy things that have happened in Marie-Rose’s life. It focuses mainly around the murder of her daughter, and how she was able to move through the pain, remorse, fear and anger and was able to actually forgive her murderer. Marie-Rose then went on and was diagnosed with a cancer that they couldn’t find. It was by chance that they did find it and saved her life, she is here today as a modern miracle.
The goal of her book was to encourage people to live a life WITH Jesus, not just pretending, not just surface, not just ‘Sunday Christians’ but actually knowing deeply and intimately the love of Jesus and what that should do with our life and how we should live it.
As happened I have now met Marie-Rose, and you would think you would see a lady who struggles each day, but she doesn’t. She had a permanent smile on her face and is so full of JOY and PASSION you know she is filled with the peace of God!
Brendan *
Brisbane, QLD
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Marie-Rose, thank you for sharing your story. What a brave and heartbreaking task to undertake in laying bare your experience of emotional chaos and devastation suffered through losing you daughter and the oft-times painful and trying experiences as a mother raising a child. I, too, read through to the end once I had started, feeling the anguish and sorrow of such a cruel event but, also, the courage, strength and faith that arose within and guided you. I guess that is what kept me intent on reading - learning how you could continue on, how could one possibly through such horror, when feeling so low in the grips of despair that it must have felt that your own life, had escaped you. But your journey to reaching a place of release and surrender to God's love and strength and support has warmed my own spirit, helping me remember that there is a simpleness to surrendering and letting go in opening my own heart, reigniting hope, faith and reconnection with God even when overwhelmed by the perceived chaos in my human experience.
While I can never begin to imagine the true and full extent of your emotional tragedy, I sincerely thank you for being so open and honest, baring and sharing your heart and soul through such adversity and finding the strength to endure. Through telling your story, I am sure all who read it will find hope and inspiration.
Thankyou...and may you always find peace and comfort in the warmth of God's love.
Leeanne *
Stanthorpe, QLD
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Marie-Rose, I have just finished reading (over two sessions) your inspiring, and most encouraging book, Hidden Thorns.
My wife and I are both committed Christians who strongly believe that God uses all of our life experiences, especially those that involve trauma and hardship, to draw us into a deeper level of faith and trust, (if we allow him) that would not come about through any other means. Five years ago I was diagnosed with cancer in my right ear canal, and the resulting surgery and follow up treatment was a time of intense reflection and introspection about the purpose of suffering in the life of a believer, and in my life in particular. Even though the first 12 months or so were extremely difficult to navigate at times, I always found the comforting presence and favour of God a real and wonderful blessing.
I am sure that your book will find many people who will not only be comforted by the power of your story but will also be drawn to the irresistible love of Jesus that flows through every page. My purpose in writing was firstly to tell you how much your book meant to my wife and I, but also to ask whether it would be possible to meet with you when next we visit Brisbane. We live on the Central Coast of NSW, just north of Sydney, and will be coming to Brisbane for a short visit on etc.etc.
Ian*
Bensville, NSW
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I have now finished reading Your Amazing Story! I actually read it within a few days, but I needed time to respond. I now know you more, my heart has been heavy with grief whilst reading and since. You have been through so much, I can't help but think how ever did you manage as well as you did...even with your relationship with God!
Of course we know it is 'because' of your trust and faith and perseverance through every deep sadness you faced. That in itself is a huge testimony to God's love, grace, power and promises...all of which you needed, in abundance. I cried with you, held my breath, giggled and found myself speaking words to you whilst heavily engrossed in your story! One of the most touching revelations was Michelle's parting as a bride. That was so beautiful, I could see it all which made it all the more beautiful. Amazing confirmation by Papa God to bring you peace, comfort and a 'touch' of joy from your beautiful daughter.
Stay close to God in the sweet fellowship and relationship that you continue to experience for out of that will spring new, and abundant life.
Marilyn *
Armidale, NSW
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I have now finished reading Marie-Rose’s intriguing book. Congratulations Rose on a wonderful and heart-felt story. It must have been as difficult to write and it was to deal with the experiences which gave rise to the book.
The Lord was obviously a wonderful inspiration to you and a great comfort through all the trauma which you obviously suffered through the years.
It is a great story of inspiration and love. Well done!
Terry *
Tenterfield, NSW

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by the editor when I was interviewing her to edit my book. I am so glad I read it. Marie-Rose is strong throughout the entire book as she deals with the loss of her daughter. She is making a huge difference in this world by listening to God and sharing her story to help others in similar situations. I could visualize everything that was happening through Marie-Rose's eyes and suffered right along with her. May God bless her for the pain she has endured to share her story with us.

[Josephine's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Thorns is a profound and sincere story. It is a true story. Hidden Thorns is the autobiography of Marie-Rose Fox, told through a loving but broken heart.

Marie-Rose’s story is so unfathomably sad and horrific that I found myself asking ‘what now dear Lord? How much more devastation and tragedy can this sweet lady handle?’

As difficult as it was to read, I found myself unable to put the book down. We all lose people we love; some go with a great deal of trauma. To this, I can relate. But to lose your only daughter by foul play in such a cruel, hateful manner is incomprehensible. How does one recover from this type of trauma? How does one find it within their heart to forgive?

Marie-Rose’s story is undeniably authentic. You are inspired by her openness and honesty throughout. Forgiveness didn’t come easily – it never does. As Christians, we are asked to forgive and eventually forget. Marie-Rose’s story is a powerful testament to the strong Christian love that brings about forgiveness. Her story is also one of immense courage. Marie-Rose shares the inner workings of her heart and soul, showing her ability to transcend beyond the pain and anger, and transform her emotions to Christian love and forgiveness.

‘And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.’ ~ Ephesians 4:32 NKJV

After reading this heartbreaking but beautiful book I felt inspired and filled with hope. Hope that others of us would find the strength to forgive those who have wronged us. Forgiving isn’t easy but it isn’t impossible, in fact forgiving is necessary for our own peace of mind and salvation. Forgetting, however, is almost humanly impossible. So, we are to remember that nothing is impossible for God.

‘For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’ ~ Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV

I would recommend this dear book to everyone, but especially those who have suffered unspeakable trauma. With God’s grace may we be healed.

I received both an eBook and a signed paperback from the author. All thoughts are my own.