Love does not control.
Love is not cruel or manipulative.
Love does not break your spirit.
‘Why didn’t you leave?’ is a question often posed to victims, without realizing that it’s much easier said than done. For Alana, sixteen years in an emotionally and psychologically abusive relationship left her unrecognizable to herself. Once a strong, independent, and ambitious woman, she had become a shattered, disheveled shell of a human being. Only after enduring years of torment and raising three children in the midst of chaos could she summon the courage to reclaim her power and make the life-altering decision to leave.
This memoir is her story.
Taking readers on an emotional rollercoaster of real-life events, Alana navigates coercive control, emotional manipulation, and post-separation abuse. With unwavering honesty, she lays bare the intricacies of abuse dynamics, punctuating her narrative with psychological insights and red flags to empower others to recognize the signs. This book is a lifeline for survivors, a beacon of awareness for family and friends to support loved ones, and a roadmap for those caught in toxic relationships to reclaim autonomy and flourish beyond the trauma.
Was it My Fault? is intended to offer solace and guidance to those ensnared in toxic relationships, dispelling the notion that abuse is solely physical. Inspiring self-discovery, healing, and empowerment, Alana offers a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a rallying cry for survivors to reclaim their narrative – urging them not just to survive, but to thrive.
Recommended Reading on DomesticShelters.org
“Jon is a charming, charismatic man to the outside world; full of love, generosity, compassion, and an overwhelmingly affable personality that would never present as a person who demeaned and abused behind closed doors. He is a covert narcissist who thrives on the pain of others for his own sadistic desires. Someone who would stop at nothing to protect his image and control the narrative, even if that means doing detrimental harm to his own children.”
I’m a contributing author for the International Best Seller, The Other Side of Divorce.
Are you navigating the stormy waters of divorce and wondering if life will ever feel joyful again?
You’re not alone—and this book is here to help.
The Other Side of Divorce: Breakups That Lead to Breakthroughs is a powerful collection of real stories from courageous women who turned their pain into purpose. Through heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery, these women share how they found strength, reclaimed their voices, and built lives filled with confidence and happiness.
Inside, you’ll discover:
Inspiring stories of hope from women who overcame the emotional and practical challenges of divorce.
Practical strategies and insights to help you heal, set boundaries, and rebuild your life.
Empathy and empowerment from authors who have walked in your shoes and now serve as mentors and guides for others on this journey.
If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what’s next, this book will remind you that brighter days are ahead. Each chapter offers a glimpse into the real-life challenges of divorce—and the breakthroughs that come with rediscovering your worth and creating a future you love.
Whether you’re in the early stages of separation, finalizing your divorce, or rebuilding your life after the papers are signed, The Other Side of Divorce is your roadmap to healing and thriving.