Reviews
“In Healing in the Hurting Places karen F Riley opens up and delves into her darkest secrets. A victim of childhood sexual abuse, Karen tells how she buried the secrets of her childhood only for them to surface in an erruption of pain and anger as an adult. Karen talks about coming to terms with the actions others took against her, pounding her down, leaving her feeling alone and lost. Karen describes how she went from outcast to success with the love and guidance of the Lord.
Karen also gives examples of what you should and should not say to victims as people often say the wrong things. This book is not only a must read for victims of sexual abuse, but for those who know or love someone who has been victimized.”
- Danielle Sibarium
“Thank you, thank you for writing the book Healing in the Hurting Places. I loved it. The two chapters that especially resonated with me were Eating Disorders and Fear of Success. Thank you for explaining where was God during all this. The mom sexually abused me – sick! – and I have punished myself with food and razor blades (2 times) and pills. I have stumbled through this life feeling unloved. Hence, the chocolate. Finally, at 57, I’m off chocolate. I have been angry at God – sometimes horrendously so – BUT – I have ALWAYS returned to Him. You verbalized on paper my feelings. Just think how many lives you’ll touch with your beautiful testimony. Thank you, Jesus.”
- a grateful sexual abuse survivor on her healing journey
“Your book was very moving, Karen. Some parts were easier for me to read than others, but all of them, in one way or another, rang true for me. Thanks for being brave enough to write it.”
- Jeffrey Russell, a sexual abuse survivor
“Thank you for sharing your story and for the awesome privilege of being able to read it. I was blessed by virtually every page. I was also struck by precisely how on-target your assessments were of PTSS victims’ behavior as borne out in the experience of several people I have worked with over the years. Thank you for the courage to write this book and for all the ministry that will definitely come from this labor of love. Thanks again for being such an awesome inspiration of what God can do in all things!”
- Pastor Scott Hoffman, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association CEO
“I just want to tell you how much I admire your courage and your ability to give voice to your experience. I was moved by many of the incidents you shared and I am sure other readers will be, too.”
- BJH
“I thought it was an amazing book. I cried a few times and in a lot of weird ways, I related to a lot of your thoughts and feelings, though I know I could never understand what it is like to have gone through what you did. I’ve had times when I’ve felt some of the things you’ve felt, and I think a lot of people will have that and be able to relate in some way, even if they haven’t experienced what you have. Having it touch me that much makes me sure that it must really hit home to those who have felt that exactly. I think those pieces of you and your feelings that I relate to will help all of those that you reached out to that have loved ones that have gone through it understand a little better. I think it is very important for people to find and read your book just to help them feel and understand what some people may be going through. You also showed how being a Christian can be so helpful in bringing you through the process and provide a way and an open door for people to accept Jesus in to their lives and know that there is a way to get through it.”
- Jeremy Skillings
“I am a victim of childhood sexual abuse. I struggle with it and the after affects of the abuse almost daily. I read karen’s book. It was extremely helpful. Brought a lot of things to mind, and through that I have been healed of some issues. I really recommend this book to anyone who has been abused.”
- Joyce Ottino
“As a pastor I often struggle with how to connect on a level that touches and changes the very lives of those I am given to. To reach down deep into their soul and leave an eternal truth hoping that it will release some bondage holding them back from realizing the glory God has planned to draw from their life. But all the while knowing I lack something in terms of the length of my reach. I’m reminded of a quote from a Thorton Wilder play, The Angel That Troubled the Waters. The main character, a doctor, is seeking to be healed from his deep emotional wounds but instead hears:
‘Doctor, without your wounds, where would your power be? It is your melancholy that makes your low voice tremble into the hearts of men and women. The very angels themselves cannot persuade the wretched and laundering children of this earth as can one human being broken on the wheels of living. In love’s service only wounded soldiers can serve …’
Karen’s healing process has arrived at a point where telling her story and all she has learned from it can effectively bring others with similar experiences forward and closer to the wholeness she continues to grow in.
As for me, I agree with Karen that having never experienced these things I am incapable when it comes to understanding what she and other are going through. However, now that I’ve read her story, I am much better equipped to listen, guide and love those searching for dawn after a life of darkness.”
- Pastor John Durante, Jersey Shore Calvary Chapel
“Intriguingly enough, this is a personal account of hope and even gratefulness. Karen shares her intimate experience of childhood trauma whose hidden hurts act-out through her teen and adult years. She gives us a peek into the reflections of her soul and the God of her universe, as well as the hurts’ painful effects on relationships with peers and family. I found many “Wow” moments as Karen reveals the emotional, mental, and spiritual layers necessary to navigate the long road of her healing process. The reader will not only find compassion for the abused but will become better equipped to understand just how many aspects of a person’s life this type of trauma truly can affect. And for the abused, it offers a lovingly practical and spiritual guide to recovery.”
- D.C, Ocean Grove
“Karen Riley really goes deep within the very difficult topic of sexual abuse. This book goes beyond healing in the traditional sense; it addresses spiritual healing and lessons to be learned along a long, complex path. And never does she fall into easy or pat spiritual answers. All of the guidance she offers is obviously hard-won.
I truly appreciated her authentic, warm and relaxed tone, as if you were speaking to a friend who had transcended something difficult and is moving toward a higher ground, step by step.”
- B. Mann, NJ
“Healing in the Hurting Places guides you through Karen Riley’s journey from the mental and destructive anguish of an incestuous rape, to the rebirth of her Christian values. With almost 40 years of torment, Karen is compelled to overcome the self-destruction and loss of relationships as her support from God enlightens and heals her pain. Karen’s courage to share her experience demonstrates her growth as a Christian woman. I feel honored to have read it.”
- Maryann Kley, Farmington, NM
“As a Registered Nurse, I know the ongoing pain of the victims of sexual abuse. Karen F. Riley reaches out to those victims with healing power. Her personal sharing and honest words make her journey to recovery a spellbinding tale. The strength of her faith and the truth of her message make Healing in the Hurting places a must read for all who have suffered the tragedy of childhood abuse.”
- K. B., registered nurse
“God continues to show Himself sovereign through this journey to redemption! Thank you, Karen, for being brave enough to share your story with the world. May this book give those who are hurting the strength to someday share their own. Through your pain, others will be pointed to the Truth in Jesus.”
- A.Gioulis, Neptune, NJ
“I was immediately drawn into your journey of life; my heart pierced by the unraveling of pain suffered and lived out through your years. From the beginning, I found myself taking a deep breath, sighing with unbelief and yet thankful for all the Lord has done in and through your life. We have no idea and can’t imagine what others have suffered even when it is humbly, courageously shared. It does, however, give a glimpse that deepens the opening of our eyes and hearts and allows us to see just a little of what others have experienced. I want to let you know how much I appreciate your willingness to share. The Lord has given you a gift in writing that will touch hearts, strengthen the downcast and point them to Christ. I will continue to pray for you and excited to see what and how the Lord will work through your testimony.”
- Sandie Merrit, Howell, NJ
“Healing in the Hurting Places is an honest rendering of Karen’s most painful memories and her vulnerability to those who exploited her. In her new book, Karen reveals the complex roller-coaster of emotions she struggled with, like so many other victims of childhood sexual abuse. Journey with Karen as she gives a candid account of the change she felt and shame she endured as she suffered through years of confusion hiding from demons trying to steal her light. Experience her triumph when she finally surrenders herself to the Great Healer, Jesus Christ, and finds true peace of mind and heart. Karen simply and explicitly reveals herself to the reader and shows how she was truly saved by Grace through faith. Amen!”
-Janet Fair, friend, Jackson, NJ
“I was so moved by your work. It was heart-wrenching to read of your struggle with self-image. I can only tell you that I cried and felt the abuse done to your self-image though I was not a sexually abused child. As a childhood victim of intense verbal and emotional trauma, I could relate to the poor self-image that flavored my life decisions and all the relationships I have had. As such, parts of your book, especially the chapter on food struggles, touched me deeply.
I know that this book will be a commercial success but more importantly it will help others work through the pain of abuse. I know that Jesus inspired this work. It will continue to reach others with His healing Spirit.
It is your experience and heart that I found between the covers. I am glad that you chose not to include the details. Not only was it unnecessary, but it allowed the reader to apply the words to their own situation without comparison which would only dilute the message. It allowed me to see myself in the words that paint your life’s story.
You have found your ministry. Go forward with courage and faith. Reach the people who need you and Jesus in their lives. Help them the Heal in the Hurting Places. I am very proud of you and your book..
- Karen Kelly Boyce, Author
“We do, yes we do hold on to our hurts. And for some their hurts are worse than others. This book is for those who have deep deep hurts. Read and listen to the heart of this women who was raped and held her hurt through so, so much.
Every woman should read this book, and so should a man to learn just how much the source of this hurt, hurts. And really how we should live!
But does the hurt stop?
This is a great book to be read by those hurting for so many reasons, and are still holding on to their hurts. Our Lord enters the life, and read of the change for yesterday and today. I especially ask lawyers and their associates to read this book. Rape and sexual abuse are words we hear, but read and learn in this excellent book of Truth.”
- Robert A. Burns “Pastor Bob”, Wyomissing, PA
Karen is a gifted communicator. As I scanned the back cover of “Healing in the Hurting Places” I knew I was in for a memorable reading experience. I was drawn into Karen’s story before I had finished the first two paragraphs of her opening statement. Her writing is personal, intimate, and candid. I appreciated her willingness to make herself vulnerable. She tells of her active faith without being judgmental or preachy. Well chosen Scriptural references illustrate her faith-walk as well as Biblical principles, illustrations, and applications.
I was personally struck by the power of the illustration from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah which describes the process of the potter’s wheel and the impact this had on Karen’s healing.
“Healing in the Hurting Places” is must reading for sexual abuse victims, for anyone caught up in the cycle of addictive behaviors, and for those concerned loved ones attempting to provide help and encouragement.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines.”
-Richard R. Blake, Vine Voice, Top 500 Reviewer
