𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘭!

Not an easy to read at all, but I do think this book is a fantastic resource for anyone who had or is experiencing any kind of abuse. I loved how each chapter shares a part of Kendall’s story followed by an analysis by Dr. Kelley, part memoir and part self-help. An amazing story of survival that you need to read.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for having me on this tour.

What I Wish I Knew by What I Wish I Knew released January 10, 2022.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy of this book in exchange for a review.

This was an intense read but necessary for anyone dealing with abuse and wanting to get out. I was riveted with the memoir sections and getting so angry and sad for the author and what she went through. I flew through this book in a day. It was fantastic and a good resource for anyone in this situation.

This book which within each of its 13 chapters tells the story of Kendall’s abusive relationship and her subsequent path to healing after. Each chapter also has facts that detail each chapter’s theme and questions that are meant to help prompt thoughts and actions for those that are part of the abuse cycle.

The memoir portion of each chapter is written by Kendall, an abuse survivor. The more clinical portions are written by Dr. Kelley. This combination of ‘here is what happened to me’ and ‘here are facts about this part of the cycle’ make for a fantastic resource.

This book is not just for those that are being abused but for those people that are part of the abused’s circle and those that help the abused.

This is not a book that needs to sit on a shelf. It needs to be read, digested, and implemented. It also needs to be in someone’s hands at all times whether it’s to give guidance or strength depending who you are and where you are.

𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧.

Ladies, if you are looking for a relationship, have been in a previous abusive (any kind) relationship, are currently in a relationship and your gut is telling you this isn’t what love should look like, OR know anyone who could possibly fall into any of the above categories…GET THIS BOOK NOW!
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I wish this book was around when I myself was in an abusive relationship 20yrs ago. I was an educated strong women and found myself fall victim to abuse.
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Kendall Ann’s story of her past abusive relationship was very similar to mine and coupled with Dr Amelia Kelley’s teachings on boundaries, self-care, gaslighting, and more is pure innovation and all therapists who sees women of trauma needs this book!

"What I Wish I Knew" is a a complete lifesaver. For those who are wanting to keep safe, sane, and straw away from any form of relational toxicity, this is the book to get. I highly recommend!

Kendall Ann Combs gives us the gift of her own story - with short, riveting narratives that had me rooting for her, followed by a really simple analysis by her and her co-author Dr. Amelia Kelly where they analyze what just happened, the patterns to look for and then specific tools and worksheets to apply to your own situation. I read this book to be more helpful to a close friend. In that sense, I found that Kendall Ann's case is a particularly acute case of abuse, and I found myself grieving for her, yet only partially able to relate to my friend's situation. This is no criticism of the book or the style it is written in; the personal narrative is what makes this book really accessible and riveting, I would probably have had to labor much more on a more theoretical/clinical treatment of this difficult subject. I found the analytical tools to be particularly accessible through her story, understanding the cycle of abuse, the power of control wheel, DEAR MAN frames as examples of tools that would be much harder to grasp without her storytelling style. Overall, a well written, powerful read that really left me with tools for reflection.