Praise for Hillbilly Chess, The Bastard Pawn –
A Memoir of Resilience and Liberation
“A powerful account of a life story that is at times so crushingly sad that I had to pause as I read it. And at the same time, I could not put it down. I highly recommend this book to those in the mental health profession. This is a memoir of not only survival but of creating a life that is the opposite of one’s childhood experience. The author pulls the curtain back with grit and honesty.”
Elle Ingalls, author of Pressure-Free Parenting
“The author writes it as it is, without sugar-coating, filtering, or regard to how others may view her life or her memories because they are simply that—her memories of her upbringing.”
Brittany Carpenter, School Social Worker
“Peggy’s childhood is a nightmare, and unfortunately, a nightmare that many foster care children can identify with due to the depth of their pain. One bright light in her life experience is her foster family who embraced her in love and provided her with peace during her agony. This is an example of how foster care can and should work to bring joy and stability to a hurting child.”
Sandy Schreur, former foster parent, Michigan
“Hillbilly Chess, the Bastard Pawn is an appropriate name for this terrible tale of childhood trauma. The author’s raw, relentless honesty makes the reader both dread and need to know what is on the next page. I am so glad that Peggy Ann survived to share her journey of strength, freedom, and healing.”
Carmen Moyer, Attorney and Counselor
“A story of rising over the words, deeds, and secret sins of those who are supposed to protect you. A story of a person who finds healing, strength, and courage. A story of resilience and the grace of God. A testimony to others to never give up…. a story of HOPE!”
James Hackworth, Minister
“I could not put this book down. I loved it! My heart broke for what the author endured. Yet, she clawed her way out of the abuse and rose to fulfill her dreams. It emphasizes that your circumstances as a child do not determine your adult path.”
Jan Walters, author of The Ghost and A Cop series
“A captivating memoir of the perseverance of the human soul. A heart-wrenching, traumatic account of one child’s journey through hell on earth and her resounding determination to escape her demons and to live her best life ever. I shout, “Cheers!”
Candie Armstrong, Registered Nurse aka CC Mack, author of My Soul’s Guardian
“A gripping story of a child growing up in the middle of dysfunction. This book stays with you long after you turn the final page. It’s about survival, resilience, perseverance, and the strength of a prosperous adult woman today. It is about overcoming evil, learning to embrace life, and welcome joy.”
Jen Collins, P.O. Master, Michigan