Synopsis:
Healing in the Hurting Places is a personal experience story and outreach for victims of childhood sexual abuse, and those who want to help them. It sensitively focuses on the healing journey—how to recognize symptoms of abuse and offer help. Victims often feel alone, they don’t know where to turn or may believe no one will understand. Author Karen Riley speaks to that place of pain and takes you on the healing journey that transformed her life.
“This is not about the tragic event, but about where to go now. I want them to know that they are not alone, and there is One who can heal their broken hearts,” writes the author. Others who will benefit from this story of hope and healing: those affected by alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic, and other physical or verbal abuse—and those who are involved with them. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
Many victims share similar characteristics and traits as a result of abuse, which often manifest in the same behavior patterns—Healing in the Hurting Places is a springboard to empowerment and better understanding.
About the Author, Karen F. Riley:
Karen F. Riley has been writing since she was eight years old. She was nationally published at the age of eleven. Since then, Karen has written for newspapers and magazines such as The Asbury Park Press, New Jersey Monthly and The Tri-Town News. She has authored three weekly newspaper columns and four books:
- Whispers in the Pines: The Secrets of Colliers Mills (Published May 2005, Cloonfad Press)
- Voices in the Pines: True Stories from the New Jersey Pine Barrens (Published May 2009, Plexus Publishing, Inc.)
- Images of America: The Pine Barrens of New Jersey (Published October 2010, Arcadia Publishing, Inc.)
- Healing in the Hurting Places (Published August 2011, Destiny Image, Inc.)
Voices in the Pines was a silver international IPPY award winner in 2010 and Healing in the Hurting Places was an Eric Hoffer Award 2012 finalist.
Karen has been married to Bill for 32 years and they are the proud parents of three children: Lisa, Laura and Christopher and one granddaughter, Lilyana. They reside in the rural town of New Egypt, New Jersey.
After 20 years in the corporate world, in seven different fields and having survived four layoffs, she started her own business. KFR Communications, LLC - a custom graphic and website design company she owns with her business partner, Andrew Gioulis – is now in its ninth year of operations. They specialize in branding and have recently started a self-publishing division to help authors publish and market their books.
For most of her life, Karen measured her success by what she achieved in her own strength. Then on July 24, 2005, that world and belief system was rocked when she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.
Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
Karen began to understand why God blessed her with the gift of writing and speaking and how she could glorify Him with it. She began writing as a means to deal with the pain of childhood sexual abuse. Today, she heads up a ministry called Healing in the Hurting Places to offer hope to those suffering in the same way. This book is part of that journey.
Karen believes that through education, we can stem the tide on the rising epidemic of childhood sexual abuse. She is grateful that her book is touching so many lives and helping people realize that they are not alone and begin their own healing journeys.
In 2011, Karen was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and given a short time to live. She plans to make the most of whatever time God gives her to continue to be a ripple in the pond and make a difference in others’ lives wherever she can. For too many years, she suffered alone in silence and now wants to help others to find their own voices.
Karen sees her childhood sexual abuse, bullying and cancer as blessings now. She takes heart in this Scripture: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Gen. 50:20)
Karen is available for speaking engagements, book talks and signings.
Learn more about Karen and her books on:
Purchase "Healing in the Hurting Places" on:
Review:
"Healing in the Hurting Places" is a fantastic book that shows us how to recognize the signs of an abused child/adult. A well written, thought out plot following the author's own experiences in childhood sexual abuse. Karen pours her heart out and show us there are more ways to heal then in the traditional sense. A must read for not just those who have suffered abuse, but for everyone!
I give "Healing in the Hurting Places" a 5 star rating.
Giveaway:
The author is offering 1 autographed copy of the book and and a bookmark in this giveaway. Open to US 18 and older. To enter, simply complete the Rafflecopter below.
Good Luck!
Disclosure: I received the above product(s) from the company in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. My Cozie Corner is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. This review is brought to you by Charisma Media. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Thank you for being part of the Healing in the Hurting Places Book Tour http://www.charismamedianetwork.com
ReplyDeleteI learned that Karen has been writing since she was 8 years old.
ReplyDelete-Vera