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Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 216 ratings

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A distinctive, haunting tale of family, loss, and hope.- Kirkus Review

This book was impossible to put down until I finished reading every word.-
Judge, 31st Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards.”

Not even a mafia grunt could keep Barbara from relocating her lost sisters!

A true story of family dysfunction that transcends time and age. An honest look at child abuse, foster care and a testimony to the power of hope to transform childhood trauma. Eleven cases indicative of what social workers must contend with on a daily basis while navigating the foster care system.

Synopsis:

"Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story," recounts the incredible journey of 11 sisters who navigated through a childhood filled with abuse, neglect, and separation in the foster care system. It is a raw and honest portrayal of their eventual reconnection and healing as they bravely share their individual tales of resilience and survival. The primary objective of this book is to provide readers with a deep understanding of the lasting effects of childhood trauma, as well as the unbreakable bond between siblings and the enduring capacity of the human spirit to heal and find hope. Through these pages, readers will gain insight into the psychological and emotional toll of child abuse and foster care, while also witnessing the transformative power of connection and support in overcoming life's greatest obstacles.

The core lesson of this story is one of hope and love conquering all obstacles. Despite their traumatic past, the sisters find solace in each other's company and sharing their struggles. The book ends with a powerful message of inner strength, a new perspective on grace, and a renewed belief in the possibility of healing and redemption. It also serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complex dynamics of abuse and recovery, making it particularly relevant for professionals and students in fields such as psychology, social work, and counseling.

This book is appropriate for use by professors in academic settings such as social work, counseling, human development, family psychology, mental health, pastoral counseling, and crisis intervention. Be certain to obtain the companion guide to healing to be released January 2, 2024. Follow the author for more information.

**This book contains content that might be troubling to some readers including, but not limited to, depictions of and references to child abuse, childhood trauma, neglect, and death. Please be mindful of these and other possible triggers and seek assistance, if needed, from a mental health professional.**

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Editorial Reviews

Review

It is astonishing that all 11 of the sisters survived their childhood abuse and abandonment to overcome their trauma and became competent, successful parents themselves. The chapter quotes perfectly introduce the reader to the oncoming information and stories of each sister. Lane is to be highly commended for her perseverance in pursuing each sister's individual story. Her writing pulls the reader into the emotions and depth of the trauma each sister experienced at such young ages from their parent's behavior and their foster care. Her sharing of the "knowingness" and the psychic tendencies that ran through the family including her father, is also important to their connection to each other and to the story. The research, travel involved, recording of each sister's words, including the author's personal story are riveting. Details and descriptions create excellent images for the reader. Photos of the sisters express a joy finally achieved. Broken Water is a powerful, compelling story that reveals the failure of orphanages and foster care of years past. It reinforces the need for close inspections of children who live in foster care or boarding schools today. This book was impossible to put down until I finished reading every word.--Writer's Digest Competition

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BYTTFDSP
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barbara Lane, LLC (May 9, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 9, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 25521 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 285 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 216 ratings

About the author

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Barbara Lane
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Rev. Barbara Lane integrates her life experiences of being a foster child, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, speaker, child advocate, educator, ministerial counselor, and author into her writing. By sharing her own personal journey, Barbara destigmatizes the fate of child abuse survivors, leading her to write "Broken Water." In addition to her 25-year service in private practice as a ministerial counselor, Barbara’s educational background in human development, social sciences, and family psychology with a focus on child abuse, inspires her to share her expertise on interrelated issues: the family, family separation, the foster care system, attachment and bonding, child maltreatment, relationship formation, the resilience of the human spirit, healing from trauma, and the power found in having faith in something greater than the self. When not writing, you will find Barbara enjoying nature, reading, swimming, playing sports, and people watching. She especially enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. Barbara lives in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia with her husband, Jim, who remains her childhood sweetheart.

To those who have read "Broken Water," thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have received reviews that have brought me to tears. If I could reach out to each of you I would send warm thanks and blessings!

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
216 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2023
In the world of literature, few books have the power to touch the human heart, inspire social transformation, and, at the same time, stand poised on the threshold of sweeping numerous literary accolades. "Broken Water" by Barbara Lane is one such exceptional autobiography.

The narrative powerfully brings to light the oft-ignored issues of child abuse, neglect, and family separation - framed within the poignant story of eleven sisters. Lane's personal journey involves her adoption as a very young child by an abusive mobster whose actions were so egregious, Lane is arguably lucky to be alive. Tragically, she was not allowed to stay in contact with her sisters, because they weren’t her “real family” any more.

Lane tells her story with such raw honesty and courage, her narrative magically gives readers an opportunity to face the harsh realities of child abuse without flinching. Her remarkable emotional intelligence encourages the reader to transcend feelings of shock, horror, sympathy and even empathy. Instead, readers are gently invited to experience an unprecedented call to action that feels impossible to ignore. in this way, Lane's narrative is not just about creating awareness; it subtly inspires action.

As an adult, Lane's search for her biological sisters spanned decades and repeatedly led to dead end after dead end. The chances of reconnecting eleven sisters after a separation that exceeded thirty years seems almost impossible; yet “almost impossible” is not the same as impossible. Hope never dies.

Lane’s story comes full circle with a heartwarming reunion when her sisters find her! Such tenacity speaks volumes to persistence, even in the face of extreme adversity. This is also a powerful message to society about the importance of fighting against all odds to maintain the sanctity of family.

Barbara Lane's masterful prose and lyrical storytelling have earned her a rapidly growing international base of dedicated and discerning followers. Her ability to weave personal trauma into a compelling narrative while raising awareness about vital social issues places her in a league of her own. The book's profound impact and the quality of discourse it generates amongst her followers highlight her potential to be a serious contender for major literary and social impact awards.

It evokes a profound sense of urgency and responsibility in readers, encouraging them to actively engage in safeguarding children and advocating for their rights. By sharing her own story of resilience, Lane invites her readers to be part of the solution in addressing these societal issues.

"Broken Water" is more than just an autobiography. It's a courageous testament to the human spirit, a rallying cry for social change, and a literary gem that is destined to shine in the pantheon of award-winning literature. This breakout author is not just crafting spellbinding narratives; she's making a difference. I implore all discerning readers to dive into the mesmerizing currents of "Broken Water" and join Barbara Lane in her journey towards creating a safer, more empathetic world for our children.
12 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024
This is such great reading & amazing, true story.
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2023
This is one of the best books I have ever read! Barbara is an excellent writer. Her journey to reunite her sisters is one that is honest, inspirational and makes the reader realize that love and resilience surpasses all.
Barbara's love for family and strong faith is evident throughout this book. This is not a book to be put on a shelf in a bookcase after being read; but rather one to keep on your nightstand to read passages again and again.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2023
Wow! What an unbelievable life that 11 sisters lived. This book is a fascinating story of love, pain, abuse, strength and love again. The author weaves together seamlessly the stories of each sister, all the while keeping the readers attention so glued to the pages they could not be turned fast enough. This book also exudes wisdom, and spirituality that are extremely comforting.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2023
What a wrenching yet inspirational story of survival. The stories of these amazing sisters also highlights how grotesquely common the sexual abuse and exploitation of children, especially little girls, is in our society. By sharing their stories they inform the reader and we are all stronger and more aware because of their generosity. I’m so glad for them that they have been able to know and love one another against all odds.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2023
Overall a good tale. However is should have been in more chronological order. Felt it was disjointed
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2023
This was a fairly good book. Worth the read
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Kathie Sharp
5.0 out of 5 stars Book
Reviewed in Canada on April 30, 2024
Excellent
Lisa Edwards
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant read
Reviewed in Australia on June 17, 2023
Inspiring story of Hope over adversity.

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