Deborah Doucette

Every parent would happily give up ever scolding, punishing or threatening if she only knew how to ensure that her toddler/child/teen would thrive and act responsibly without such painful measures. Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves is the answer to this universal wish. It is not about gentle ways to control a child, but about a way of being and of understanding a child so she/he can be the best of herself, not because she fears you or seeks your approval but because she wants to, of her own free will. Aldort's guidance takes the struggle out of parenting. The book is full of real life stories, often leaving the reader moved to tears or laughter and relieved to discover that there is a kinder way. The SALVE communication formula has been praised for providing a hybrid of The Work of Byron Katie and Nonviolent Communication. It gives parents the tools to move beyond their initial unproductive reaction, to a response that is connecting and empowering to the child and to themselves. Selected Reading Questionnaire.… (mehr)

Bad Girls is July 2013 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Set in the 1990's, this story is one part women's fiction/family drama and one part murder mystery.
Rebecca is married with two daughters. Her marriage to the cold and domineering Drew is for all intents and purposes, dead in the water. Her relationship with her daughter, Dana , is strained to put it mildly. Her youngest daughter is too young to grasp the family situation fully, but is a victim non the less. Rebecca works as a real estate agent. When a house comes on the market, Rebecca must learn the history so she can disclose it to possible buyers. This storied house was the topic of much speculation and gossip. A disappearance, and a suicide and the possible murder of a "Bad Girl", have fueled rumors for a long time. As Rebecca investigates the history of the house, she is drawn into the story of a young woman named Serena. The secrets Serena holds inside will shock you right to the core.

The character of Rebecca grows from being a woman trod upon by her husband and daughter. Neither of them respect her and Dana is on the verge of sinking into a life she could bear the scars of for a long time. Rebecca finds the courage to do what she must to save her daughter and herself. In the process long buried secrets and crimes will be revealed and finally closure. Rebecca's life will never be the same afterwards.

Deborah Doucette has an incredible writing style that just sucks you right into the story. I worried about Rebecca and Dana, was curious about Serena and held an intense dislike for Drew.
There was character development and the promise of a healing relationship between mother and daughter. I read this one in one sitting. I could not put it down.
This one is an A+… (mehr)