This book goes on about a horrible situation. It is awful that there is a condition like Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. It is horrible to think that other family members might miss what is going on for years. This made me cry and laugh at times. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

I was so immersed in the story that at times I could feel myself tremble. The book is captivating and tragic at the same time. I have heard of Munchausen by Proxy but didn’t know a lot about it. The story takes readers deep into the mind of a woman who thinks she is helping her daughter while getting praises from everyone of how great a mother she is. To really understand this mental illness Tara-Lynn has, the author delivers an eye opening look into the world of mental health. I know what Tara-Lynn does to her daughter is horrific, but I press on hoping answers will come . What is it like to need attention so bad you harm your child almost to the brink of death? Is it the desire to feel like a hero when you race to the hospital to save your daughter? What possesses someone to intentionally inflict pain on their child just to get the satisfaction and sympathy from hospital staff that you are the best mother?

Sadie is like most children who trust their parents and thinks Tara-Lynn is doing what is best for her. As a child you trust your parents and believe they love you and want to protect you. At some point Sadie realizes Tara-Lynn is not well. My heart went out to her. She needed a hug and to hear the words, “ I love you and will protect you.” Sadie’s dad was a mystery to me at times. I think he knew what was going on, but escaped by going off on adventures to forget about it. Why didn’t Sadie’s father help her? Did he have things he needed help with? I loved the grandmother and wanted to stand beside her and support her as she tries her best to do what is right.

The author does a great job of showing how important faith and trust in God is. I loved the young woman that enters Sadie’s life. I won’t give much away but to say that she is a Godsend is very appropriate. It is hard when someone you know is mentally ill. Society seems to shun those with mental illness and I pray someday that will change. I didn’t like what Tara-Lynn was doing, but the author captivated the realism of how much she needed help. The last part of the book is emotional, terrifying, eye opening and well written. I applaud the author for taking a subject not many talk about and bringing it to the surface in hopes that others will reach a helping hand to those in need.

“You can’t latch onto the freedom of peace until you confront your demons.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )