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Bringing hope to survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

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A Local Story of Healing

by Gretchen Martin

Belchertown Community Television’s Peg Louraine sat down with local author Gretchen Martin to talk about her new book, “The Autumn Swing,” and the personal journey behind it. Gretchen shares why she chose to tell her story and how it may help others feel less alone. Learn about upcoming local book signings and where you can find her work.

 

 

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    Testimonial

    “Read it in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down. My heart broke for Gem. My soul cheered for Gretchen!”
    PK

    Testimonial

    “Read it yesterday. It was absorbing, heartbreaking, sweet, frightening, and I didn’t put it down from beginning to end. You will all love little Gem. I promise you that.”
    PL

    Testimonials

    “In the Dedication of her book, Gretchen writes: ‘To all survivors of childhood sexual abuse and the people who help, love and support them.’

    Those words aptly describe Gretchen.  When I was her pastor, I found Gretchen to be a dedicated Christian who loved people just as they were; who reached out and helped those in need of God’s grace, and who supported the vulnerable and the least among us without judgment.  Gretchen has been able to do that because she has taken her childhood pains and adversities and turned them into stepping stones to a life that reflects Jesus’ command to love God completely and to love one’s neighbor regardless of their past, their skin color, nationality, or their economic status.  To know Gretchen is to know what it means to be a saint; for she always has been, and she always will be.”
    SM

     

    Testimonials

    “Dear Gretchen,

    Your book is profound and moving, powerful and inspired. Every survivor, every perpetrator and every caregiver needs this book. The good that it can do is incalculable. This is more than a story of sexual abuse, more than a story of rising from the ashes, this is a living document of healing, an invitation for others to heal along with you, a testimony to the work that faith can do, and a cry of victory. The last word is not the abuse, it is the healing.

    Movingly told, elegantly researched, its searing honesty shares the process of healing—and its possibility and potential.

    If I could put this book in the hands of every parent, every pastor, every caregiver and every survivor of sexual abuse, I would.

    Thank you for writing it. I love you. I am inspired by you. I was moved to deep tears. I wish I could have been there to keep you safe. Your work is tremendous and I honor you.

    Blessings”
    SW

    Testimonials

    I finished your book! Magnificent. So many people are going to get so much from your sharing. I know that your primary audience is victims and families, but I couldn’t help thinking about others reading this book and hearing so much about the love and faithfulness of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Your testimony is very, very powerful.
    Love you.
    MB

    Testimonials

    “Just my personal perspective on The Autumn Swing.  I have known Gretchen since we were in kindergarten together and became really close from our freshman year in high school to this day.  We were even roommates for a while, have traveled together and call each other sister/friends!  But until recently, and now reading her book, I had no clue of the trauma hidden so deep inside her.  She was our cheery, friendly, help anyone, friend who never seemed down.  The whole class elected her our ‘queen’ for our seventh grade “prom”, not just because she was so cute, but because her personality just lit up everyone.  And now this special friend has opened up her soul to help others who have buried their traumas.  While she focuses on the horrid sexual abuse of children that she experienced, childhood abuse can also be other physical and/or emotional.  Gretchen’s insights and discoveries in this book can help others, many of whom may still not recognize the abuses affecting their lives.  And for parents, an awareness of the potential evil that exists in our world so you can protect your loved ones.  So read this book and FEEL, DEAL and HEAL!”
    LH

    Testimonials

    “Thank you so much for letting me read your book and give my opinions. It is well written and very honest and powerful. Everyone that has anything to do with children should read this book so they can recognize the signs of child abuse. Every doctor, teacher, psychiatrist should read it. I’m going to send a copy to my niece, who is a pediatrician in California.”
    JD

    Testimonials

    “I highly recommend this book about an inspirational and courageous journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse.”
    IC

    Testimonials

    “I want to thank you for your perseverance and not giving up. You are a true testimony to overcoming a terrible, cruel, evil and tragic childhood.  You are a survivor! As awful as life can be for many, I believe there has to be a bigger plan, because it’s the only way I can come to terms with the horrific things that happen to people and reason out the why’s in life  You were unfortunately, a part of this particular plan to help make things better for those who have gone through what you have or to prevent others from going through what you did.  These stories do need to be told.”
    DB

    Testimonials

    “I just finished your book. You did it! I can see that you have accomplished what you hoped for. Your writing is strong, truth filled, and painfully descriptive of the horrors and abuse you experienced. It is also filled with honesty, your strength and wisdom as an adult survivor, encouragement, hope, and your deep faith in God.

    I especially found anger, the crying, your body realization, so well expressed. Beautiful writing.”

    With love, light, and blessings
    AB

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