BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD
MAINCREST MEDIA BOOK AWARD
READERS FAVOURITE BOOK AWARD
This candid and moving memoir follows Frankie, who with the help of counselling, faces the trauma that has haunted her since her father began to sexually and emotionally abuse her at just 2 years old. With the support of a great work team and a loving husband, Frankie works on finally freeing herself from the grip of her father and overcoming the horrific experiences that caused her to suffer. Running party in the present and partly in the past, the story ls skillfully woven to create a clear picture of cause and effect; how the effects of mental and physical abuse can present themselves deep in adulthood. Using an authentic therapist-patient format for portions of the story helped to give the story a structured and safe feel. The narrative voice was clear and concise, with fully developed characters and a world that was fully fleshed out, building cohesively with each scenario. The story is refreshingly original in that it candidly guides the reader through how one might deal with trauma several decades after abuse occurred and where the circumstances mean that they are sadly no longer able to receive the justice or closure desired. It also shows the reader how to be an understanding and supportive ally to survivors This inspiring story of one brave woman lends hope to anyone who wants to claim the peace they deserve in life, no matter what cards they were dealt at the start.
US REVIEW OF BOOKS
"The most important positive effect from all of her negative experiences was that each had made her into a stronger woman."
This novel is a streamlined, to-the-point account of Frankie's continued battles against abuse. Frankie does not attend the funeral of her father, who abused her until she told him "no" at fourteen. Shortly after his death, Frankie's husband, Alex, has a stroke. He was the man of her dreams, and confronting the end of the Alex she knew conjures angry memories of her father's betrayal. Frankie finds solace in Gavin, a colleague, while caring for post-stroke Alex. She and Gavin, along with other workmates, support one another as they lodge formal complaints against their bullying boss. A new job and flat relieve some of Frankie's stress, but the bullying continues on the parish council she chairs. After Alex dies, Frankie wonders what the inevitable next challenge will be.
As a survivor of abuse, Frankie knows she's susceptible to victimhood. With many cliffhanger chapter endings, the plot sustains suspense about the bullies' next moves and how Frankie defends herself against them. This focus on bullying keeps the writing centered on feelings and relationships. The small cast contains only Frankie, people who bully her, and people who support her efforts against bullies, creating a closed and threatening ambiance. The setting is so bound up with Frankie's inner world that it's not clear where she lives until London is mentioned.
Descriptions about the setting increase as Frankie settles into more solitude in her new abode. She enjoys creative endeavors and her surroundings while working independently, making a real difference in her field of social work: specializing in seniors. Metaphors and lyrical prose increase in the last part of the book. The ending is positive and uplifting. The "no" that determines Frankie's life trajectory turns into a "yes" to life-affirming practices and people.
INTERNATIONAL IMPACT BOOK AWARD
BOOK EXCELLENCE AWARD
GLOBAL BOOK AWARD
MAINCREST MEDIA BOOK AWARD
READERS FAVOURITE BOOK AWARD AND REVIEW
Shattered Pieces Can Still Shine: Georgie's Story by Gloria Eveleigh is a powerful, moving work of historical fiction that offers hope and healing to trauma survivors. And not just for the individual, but for communities, groups, and houses of worship. The author takes her own abusive history and turns it into a ray of hope for survivors everywhere. What's most intriguing about this book is that it is an absorbing work of fiction with gems of inspiration and compassion running through it. The main character is Georgie, and the story is based on true events.
Georgie was born a post-WWIl baby to a single mother and was abused and neglected as a child. But the dream of being a dancer kept her alive, hopeful, and resilient. A homeless runaway, she found herself being forced into prostitution.
But God had other plans for her, and Georgie went on to live her dream of dancing and finding faith.
Eveleigh is a sensitive fiction writer, introducing you to three-year-old Georgie and her life at home, which is pleasant with her parents in the beginning, like the fact that her father Alfie was a big part of her life. She has an advanced vocabulary at such a young age because her mother Florrie talked to her so often. Little seeds like this were planted along the way, which added to Georgie's character, and the person she would grow up to be. But along that path were some dark moments. This author has a talent for making her characters seem real and writes with emotion and insight. She writes from a place of authenticity and experience. You get a real sense of what abuse survivors go through and how they can rise above the pain to lead a better life. As a former social worker, I appreciate the value of this book and the author's willingness to help others through her writing. You will love Shattered Pieces Can Still Shine by Gloria Eveleigh if you like emotional novels about strength and grace.
INTERNATIONAL IMPACT BOOK AWARD
MAINCREST MEDIA BOOK AWARD
The Price of Worthlessness: Petra's story follows a 14-year-old girl named Petra who is lured into a sex trafficking ring after starting a new high school. Eveleigh’s portrayal of Petra and her experiences is heartbreaking and emotional. The book can be difficult to read at times because of what Petra has to go through – seeing her transition from a young, innocent child to the shocking conditions she must face in her exploitation. As Eveleigh shares Petra’s harrowing experiences, readers will quickly realize the frightening truth that these terrible things could have happened to any child, showcasing how sex trafficking is more of a problem than most people realize. An important story with an important message.
GLOBAL BRONZE BOOK AWARD
REVIEW BY THE BOOK COMMENTARY
The Price of Worthlessness - Petra's Story by Gloria Eveleigh is a novel whose strength is in the powerful message it conveys. Fourteen-year-old Petra has been the in-door kind of kid who prefers to play with her siblings than be outside with her age mates. She has confidence issues and overhearing her parents talk about her not going out is not even pleasant. When she meets Marvin, a twenty-eight-year-old man, she believes her world is about to change — for the better. Her world changes, and in a direction she never could have imagined. Now she is trapped in a world of sex trafficking and hemmed in with no means of escape. Will she be able to keep her sanity and survive the trauma and can she escape from her abusers?
The Price of Worthlessness is a heartbreaking story that strongly exposes the dangers that lurk in the corners of the lives of young girls. Gloria Eveleigh injects realism into the depiction of the protagonist, writing her into a world that readers can relate to. While the world-building isn't vividly drawn, The Price of Worthlessness - Petra's Story is character-driven and the author excels in exploring the psyche of the young female protagonist, exposing her inner world with internal dialogues and streams of consciousness while painting a dazzling portrait of the world of sex trafficking. From the opening pages, readers are greeted with a scene where a woman reports a rape that happened on a date arranged by the victim's teacher. That immediately introduces the theme of abuse. Petra is a young innocent girl who simply wants to outgrow her introverted personality and be outgoing. She is deeply flawed and believable. Falling for the wrong guy becomes her tragic flaw, a phenomenon that is common everywhere. Eveleigh has crafted a story that parents and adults should read, a story that is as enlightening as it is engaging. It is a young girl's struggle to survive in a world of sexual abuse and readers will admire her inner strength and resilience as she faces the ordeal. It is suspenseful and filled with thought-provoking moments, a story with strong and intelligently developed themes.
AMAZON 5-STAR REVIEW BY H. TAYLOR
5.0 out of 5 starts Emotional read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 April 2023
Verified Purchase
The Price of Worthlessness by Gloria Eveleigh is the second book I have read by this author. Both of the books I have read of hers focused on different types of abuse and are also based on true stories with her giving the victims the safe space to voice their stories. Sadly, there are more stories just like the ones that Gloria has written about that never get heard, however as an abuse survivor herself she knows about the stigma attached to speaking out which then protects the abuser. Gloria’s goal is to break down the invisible walls so that abusers can no longer hide behind them. I was interested to discover this in her recent book as well.
In this book the reader meets Petra a 14-year-old good girl that found herself starting high school (Senior school to the Brits). Due to all her junior school friends going to another school, she had hardly any friends and was alone most of the time. When not at school she was at home a lot looking after her younger brother. However, she overhears her Mum and Aunt talking about her and after this decides to do what she can to stop them worrying, so signs up to join the netball team. The coach/teacher starts to show her attention that a 14-year-old girl that doesn’t interact with boys all that much finds herself slightly attracted to him and wanting to please him. He then introduces Petra to 28-year-old Marvin that preys on her vulnerability & naivety. Sadly, Petra finds herself on a slippery slope to a dark hole where she’s trapped in a sex trafficking network.
This truly is a heartbreaking read but also an eye opener on just how easy it can be for young vulnerable kids to get in with the wrong crowd. Just be warned this book may contain triggers for some people. Although this was a hard read it really was interesting, congrats on another good book!
READERS FAVOURITE BOOK REVIEW
The Price of Worthlessness by Gloria Eveleigh tells the harrowing story of Petra Lamont, a fourteen-yearold girl. It begins when Petra joins the netball club to make friends and stop her parents from worrying. Petra has fragile self-esteem and never feels special. Petra feels flattered when her new teacher, Mr. Ahmed, shows some interest in her. Unexpectedly, one day, Mr. Ahmed asks if she wants to date his friend, Marvin, who once saw and liked her. Petra accepts as she was taught to trust and obey her teachers but soon learns that Marvin is twenty-eight.
No story about abuse and trauma is easy to read, and The Price of Worthlessness is no exception. It contains many dark turns and disturbing information about grooming, rape, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, kidnapping, and emotional blackmail that isn’t for the faint-hearted but is much needed. This book can be a helpful tool for parents dealing with children affected by sexual abuse or for young girls who went through abuse or are being groomed for sexual exploitation but don't know it yet. Gloria Eveleigh reveals grooming patterns that are hard to recognize and overcome. It also offers a profoundly important message to those sexually abused—that the abuse isn't their fault. A must-read novel that will break your heart in many ways.
REVIEW BY WRITERS ARCADIA
Your story, "The Price of Worthlessness: Petra's Story," has left a lasting impression on me, and I genuinely believe it holds significant potential for recognition and capturing the attention of today's market. Allow me to share some factual evidence to support my claims:
1. Relevant and Timely Themes: The issues your book tackles, such as sex trafficking and the emotional struggles of its central character, resonate deeply with current societal concerns. Readers are actively seeking stories that provide insight into these challenging and often-unspoken dangers, making your book both timely and impactful.
2. Demand for Thought-Provoking Narratives: In today's world, readers are drawn to emotionally engaging stories that offer unique perspectives. Your narrative not only provides an important message but also presents it in a way that tugs at the heartstrings of readers, leaving them with a profound and unforgettable experience.
BLUE INK REVIEWS OF PHONICS STORYBOOKS
PENELOPE THE PURPLE PIG FINDS A PAL
This story tells the tale of poor Penelope the pig whose purple color is different than the pink pigs she longs to befriend. The other pigs refuse to play with Penelope. But finally, she meets a cow with purple patches. As the two become friends, Penelope’s lonely days are over. The story is simply told and easy to follow—perfect for young readers. With delightful illustrations, it presents the “p” sound in an effective way that will engage its audience.
SAMMY AND SUSIE VISIT THE SEASIDE
Sammy and Susie help young readers practice their “s” sounds as they visit their auntie Sarah and Uncle Steven who live by the sea. Sometimes, the two children build sandcastles, sometimes they lounge in the sun; they even build a snowman by the sea in winter. But no matter what they are doing, they wish for one special thing:
“… more than anything,” goes a recurring refrain of the story, “Sammy and Susie want to learn to swim in the sea.” They meet that goal when their aunt and uncle give them the gift of swimming lessons at book’s end. This is a straightforward, easy-to-follow story that features simple, child-friendly words. Enhanced by colorful illustrations, the book achieves its purpose nicely.
