Who could I become, if I gave myself a chance? That's the question Beck asked herself at the age of eighteen when an unknown future threatened to end her life, after years of sexual abuse by both her grandfathers and absent parents who did nothing to protect her. Leaving her to deal with the abuse completely on her own. Beck made a pact with herself to unlearn everything trauma taught her and relearn everything she could to become 'normal' like everybody else. Beck's intimate journey is full of heartache, of raw insight into the effects of childhood trauma, including multiple mental breakdowns. But it's also one where Beck refused to believe suffering was her only option. Beck's story shows us the road to recovery is not an easy one but worth every step to heal what was broken and live in peace and happiness. Foreward by Associate Professor, Dr Judith Howard, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane Australia. 'Every time I read Rebekah's story - I tear up! I am not one for doing this, as I have grown very resilient over the many years I have worked in this field of trauma-aware education. I have heard so many stories of harm done to people, young and older, and have met and known many of these people. What keeps me working so hard in this field, are people like Rebekah! Rebekah is the epitome of someone who I refer to in my work as becoming more and more "resolved" from the trauma she endured, as time goes by. This has not happened easily or without an extreme amount of endurance and hard work, but people like Rebekah are the evidence that - what we do and how we support our children and young people who have lived through complex trauma - particularly in education settings - is so very important! I teared up again when I read Rebekah 's manuscript for this book. I believe this is because I know the (mostly) resolved and adult Rebekah, a beautiful young woman who exhibits such strength and passion for caring for others. It sincerely hurts me to read about the vulnerable and victimised child Rebekah and the long-suffering younger adult, Rebekah. However, Rebekah has chosen to openly share with you, both the child and the younger adult Rebekah, in the hope that this will encourage others who have lived through complex childhood trauma, to fight for their healing and for all the goodies in life that they need and deserve - health, love, family, career, calm, happiness .... Rebekah is a courageous survivor of complex trauma- who is determined to prevent any intergenerational transmission of this harm by being a great (informed and responsive) mother. She is also someone who is determined to heal herself, and to be her best self, so that she can then support the healing of others. Her memoir is an admirable project - to do just that - to support healing in others. This project would not have come easily, as it is no small thing to recall the details of suffering and to analyse one's self and one's experiences to the degree that Rebekah has done. I feel so privileged to write this introduction to Rebekah's heartfelt story and I look forward to hearing of many more great chapters in Rebekah's life!' Editor, Kaye Kemp Book Polishing says 'I'm crying' and 'So powerful!' You'll have to read for yourself why so many people were deeply moved by Beck's personal journey...

One of Cosmopolitan's Best Romance Novels Ever Turns out that reading nothing but true crime isn't exactly conducive to modern dating—and one woman is going to have to learn how to give love a chance when she's used to suspecting the worst. PhD candidate Phoebe Walsh has always been obsessed with true crime. She's even analyzing the genre in her dissertation—if she can manage to finish writing it. It's hard to find the time while she spends the summer in Florida, cleaning out her childhood home, dealing with her obnoxiously good-natured younger brother, and grappling with the complicated feelings of mourning a father she hadn't had a relationship with for years. It doesn't help that she's low-key convinced that her new neighbor, Sam Dennings, is a serial killer (he may dress business casual by day, but at night he's clearly up to something). It's not long before Phoebe realizes that Sam might be something much scarier—a genuinely nice guy who can pierce her armor to reach her vulnerable heart.

Archer Barron is rebuilding his life after hiding from it for years. Once he had grand expectations-graduating law school, donning drag to express his feminine aspects, and the love of a devoted boyfriend-but fate became cruel. HIV-positive cruel. And a growing involvement with an Oakland Santería priestess who promised a cure in return for devotion and a lot of cash. His lover died. His faith and spirit almost followed. Now Archer works a crappy job as a university night watchmen and volunteers at a free clinic. The walls he's built in the years since his loss are about to come crumbling down when a former member of the Santería family he belonged to comes seeking legal help. And then the police discover the body of the priestess. Archer's grudge makes him a prime suspect. In How To Greet Strangers, the Bay Area welcomes a new detective: he's black, he's spiritual, he's stunning. And he's in great danger.

Introducing the new 'How To...' series from #Merky Books: unlock your potential with our short, practical pocket-sized guides. _______________________________________________________ How to Move It: Reset Your Body This book is about motivating your body through the power of movement, focusing on you as an individual and not the ideal of fitness we see so often. Before you lift a single kettle bell or hit the yoga mat, Nike Master Trainer Joslyn Thompson Rule will break down the stages to moving your body for the better. Starting with your brain, then your breathing and finally your body. Packed full with motivational and practical exercises for mobility, strength, conditioning, and recovery. This book is a personal trainer in your pocket, encouraging you along the way and helping you to have a healthy relationship with fitness. Written by Joslyn Thompson Rule Foreword by Kadeena Cox, MBE _______________________________________________________ Designed to inspire and encourage readers to unlock their potential and provoke change, the How To series offers a new model in publishing, helping to break down knowledge barriers and uplift the next generation. Creatively presented and packed with clear, step-by-step, practical advice, this series is essential reading for anyone seeking guidance to thrive in the modern world. Curate your bookshelf with these collectible titles.