I thought I would share a memoir called From a Place Called Shame: A moving memoir of love, life and loss: One BIG decision, so MANY consequences by Carolyn Parker which I received a PDF Copy of in exchange for this review. Inside this post is my affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage off the items you purchase.
From a Place Called Shame: A moving memoir of love, life and loss: One BIG decision, so MANY consequences delves into the complexities of love, life, and the profound consequences that a single decision can have on one’s existence reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of redemption.
The author invites us into her life, opening the doors to raw emotions and vulnerable moments as she navigates the highs and lows of her experiences. From the very beginning, Parker’s candid storytelling draws readers in and keeps them engaged throughout her transformative journey, as she confronts her shame, breaks free from its suffocating grip, and finds the courage to embrace self-acceptance.
The memoir navigates themes including love, loss, forgiveness, and second chances, reminding us of the power of compassion and the importance of learning from our pasts. I would like to thank Carolyn Parker for speaking about her experience with abortion, especially since this was a decision made in the 80s when there was an even bigger stigma around the procedure. Sharing this experience allows others to know that they are not alone. I love how she let us know her religious views were challenged because she had to make the decision which will be helpful to others as well.
About the Book:
“The question hung in the air as if she’d typed the words on a manual typewriter and left that one sentence on a blank sheet of paper for all to see.”
She was just eighteen. A naïve country girl all alone in the big wide world for the first time. Soon, her rose-tinted, fairy-tale world would be shattered by the sudden need to make a stark, life-changing decision. A decision that pulled on her heartstrings, which would change EVERYTHING.
She chose her escape route to freedom; yet the ghosts of the past continued to follow her through the years until FINALLY she found a way to face them, shift the shame and silence the inner scream.
‘An emotional read written with amazing candour’ Anne Mobbs
‘Carolyn’s book will act like a guiding light for you’ Anita Swetman
‘Warmth shines through from the first page’ Molly Paige
‘It is a book of hope and light’ Anita Swetman
‘A heartfelt read that shines a light on some of the issues women face alone … a must read’ Tracey Rampling
Meet the Author: Carolyn Parker
Carolyn, aka The Overcoming Queen, has known she has a story to share for some years. However, she only realized she was able to communicate her thoughts and feelings through writing in the winter of 2021. She took up an opportunity to be a contributing author of a multi author book, writing about a difficult period in her life and from there joined an online writing community and began to pen her first memoir.
Carolyn’s life has been a rollercoaster, starting with her adoption at six weeks old. This impacted her deeply and led to her spiralling out of control at times in her search for the love, acceptance and identity she craved. Interwoven with the chaos was a desire to help others, firstly, through her work as a physiotherapist and later on supporting older vulnerable adults and their families through her care support service.
After reflecting on her past and doing the necessary inner work to make peace with herself and those around her in the turbulent years, Carolyn finally found the self love, belief and acceptance needed to move forward in her life.
Her passion is to share her diverse life experiences with a global audience, increasing their awareness and understanding of the deep emotional and psychological impact of adoption and walking alongside those who relate to the various life challenges she’s overcome.
In 2024 Carolyn is working on a collection of contemporary poetry, a biographical book in letter format and a motivational guide to encourage you to jump out of your comfort zone more often.
You can find Carolyn on her author website where you will also find social links, other books she has contributed to and discover how you can work with her.
When not writing Carolyn loves to get involved in local community events and relax while drinking in the calming sights and sounds of the nearby English Countryside.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
