A Family Secret

My Shocking True Story of Surviving a Childhood in Hell

By: Maureen Wood

Narrated by: Rachel Atkins

Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Each time my mother laid a finger on me...it was another step into the jaws of hell. Her abuse, more so than any other, destroyed me. It was the ultimate betrayal.

Abused from the age of eight by her older brother and then her step-father, Maureen Wood quickly became numb to the constant suffering. But Maureen’s world crumbled when her own mother started to abuse her too....

A Family Secret is the harrowing true story of how one little girl survived sickening abuse by the people who should have loved her most and how an innocent baby finally saved her.

©2021 Maureen Wood (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Riveting

How can one young girl carry such a heavy burden is beyond my understanding. She survived such cruelty from those who should have loved and protected her.

Wow

I don’t know where to start. Ms. Victory 😉 you have survived incredible horrors, I thank you for sharing your story. In hopes that others will find this and speak out/up. I can’t even put into words the feelings I have after reading your story.

Encouraging, astonishing, story

A Family Secret was beautifully written and narrated. though it was at times hard to get through because reading the horror then little 8yr old Moraine Wood, now Tori Johnson had lived was horrific. The strong woman she had become is inspiring. It's hard to think of the truth this story has for so many children that have been abused and may now be being abused. I realize it's never a bad idea to ask a friend, a nagbor, a child, a runaway, even a complete stranger, that may be showing signs of distress or behaviors out of character if there ok, if there really ok at home. you just may save someone a lifetime of pain.

good listen

Truly a sad story but a very happy ending!! the Narrator keep me wanting to know what was going to happen yes.

Chilling

So many people didn’t take notice or chose to notice. So sad and will make me hyper vigilant to take notice in my own experiences. No child should endure so much pain.

Never cried so much

Maureen was brave to tell her story and I commend her. I just want to wrap my arms around her, she endured more than a child should ever have to. I prayed as I listened to this story, I cried for her and I wanted to hurt the people who hurt her. I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this read. Be warned..there is graphic and triggering content in this book.

The narrator did a phenomenal job and I wonder how she got through this book without breaking down mentally and emotionally.

Truly Heartbreaking

This was a tough one; I found myself having to stop listening and regroup. The narrator really does an outstanding job of communicating how devastating child abuse effects a child and how it permeates through every facet of life. The courage and resilience is just astounding.

Hard to Listen To but Very Good Book

The Subject matter of the abuse is extremely hard to listen to and at times I had to take a break, but I knew the end would be good and that's what kept bringing me back.

I myself endured a mother as heartless as this one, though not near the extent of this mother. I reached the age of 35 when I decided enough was enough and cut her out of my life completely and started my healing process. This book helped me realize that I am doing the right thing. No matter your age, it's never to late to stand up for yourself and stop being bullied by an abuser whether it sexual, verbal, mental, or any other kind of abuse.

I do feel though that the narrator was very quiet compared to other books I have listened to.

This book is a hard read but well worth it in the end.

Beyond the scope of one's mind

I was horrified yet thoroughly entranced with this story. humans can be so evil. Luckily to the victor go the spoiled thankfully. Read beautifully.

a family secret

I loved this book. I'm so sorry maurine that you had to experience such a tragedy in your life. I played the audobook every moment I could. it kept me in suspense the whole way through. glad I read it..