Author name: Diamante Lavendar

Name of the book: Breaking The Silence

Genre of the book: Inspirational Fiction, Chick Lit, Memoir

Book synopsis: Joan Eastman was born like any other girl. However, her existence would prove to be a life of great pain. Growing up, she was treated differently by family members, powerless to defend herself against them. Feeling she had been dealt a wicked hand by the “powers that be”, she spiraled into despair and recklessness. She became a victim of agonizing circumstances and self-hatred.

Not giving up, she becomes aware of a greater spiritual being that protects her and she begins to awaken to it. Soon after getting married, she finds herself pregnant. She learns to understand nothing is hopeless; that with a changed view and increased understanding, there is real hope in every situation, no matter how difficult.

As she and her husband look forward to the birth of their child, she writes in her diary as a way of expelling all of the evil memories from her past. On bed rest for the duration of her pregnancy, she endures tests and tribulations that, at first, she couldn’t begin to understand. But even as high as the hurdles in Joan’s life are, she doesn’t look back, and pulls the pieces of her life together…for herself and her unborn child.

Book review: Breaking the Silence by Diamante Lavendar is a beautifully written story about a woman’s experience of childbirth. The story opens in the hospital as Joan Eastman faces a past fear in which she lost a child. And now she sits, pregnant again, with thoughts of fear. From there the story takes you on an emotional personal journey, a testimony of deliverance and the blessing of grace. The story moves through experiences to bring the reader into the story from a firsthand point of view.

It takes courage to write a story like this. The cover itself conveys a profound message of barrenness, which flows brilliantly with the theme of the story. The author states that it’s based on a true story, which in itself is a work of bravery. I loved the author’s point of view. With the diary inserts, you get an up close and personal invitation into Joan’s fears, regrets, and prayers.

Sharing personal things in a fictional or non fictional way leaves you vulnerable to opinions. Courage stands in the face of opinions, knowing that the seed of the message was presented. An insert taken from the book speaks volumes. These words of truth can be utilized by anyone who is a victim.

‘Victims never forget. Somewhere deep within their memories lie the things that have happened. It takes strength, great fortitude, to be able to turn the negative into positive. But it is essential in helping victims to fight their demons. And with God, it is possible.’

I recommend this book to anyone seeking words of encouragement through a wonderful, illustrated testimony of deliverance. The ending is the ultimate climax, in which you shall experience the beauty of Angelica Faith.

This guest review was contributed by Tshombye K. Ware, Reader’s Favorite.