"Jane's book is an honest, moment by moment recollection of her experiences while in a verbally abusive relationship. She recounts specific incidence that pinpoint methods of manipulations and ways abusers destroy one's self esteem. Her candor with her thoughts is especially useful to the reader in identifying their own lack of mindfulness and attention to instincts. Her conclusion details very useful and specific sources of references to help escape or heal from any kind of abusive relationship and is a must read for anyone who is or has experienced verbal/physical abuse!!!"
--L.C., verbal abuse survivor
"Jane takes us right into the heart of an abusive, disruptive, and damaging relationship in this no-holds-barred, intensely personal account of what it's like to be attached to an abusive man. The writing is concise and friendly, so that the text is an easy read. But the main character doesn't pull any punches as she describes what it's like to find yourself with—and then escape from—an abuser. A must read for anyone who's been in an abusive relationship, or is trying to support someone who finds themselves there now. A must read for anyone who needs to escape … and wonders if they can."
--Carrie White-Parrish, publisher and abuse survivor, Glass House Press
"This book and Jane's story are soul medicine for the journey from abuse into wholeness. Reading this book in one sitting, I felt completely in awe of the rawness of Jane's storytelling. She touches a nerve so very deeply, connecting you to the ultimate, human conflict of the heart and mind: should I stay or should I go? Jane is the heroine not only in her story, but for others who might feel hopeless or stuck in an abusive relationship. She's a catalyst and mentor for others to find their resiliency, intuition, gentle courage, support, and tools. Just like Jane, you can move into a happy, healthy, and peaceful, new life. Believe in and love yourself. You are worthy of love and goodness. You are brave."
--Lisa Selow, author of A Rebel Chick Mystic’s Guide: Healing Your Spirit with Positive Rebellion
"Jane's story is one everyone should read: survivors, parents, daughters, partners of those who have experienced abuse, domestic violence shelter workers, counselors, social workers, and anyone who works with the public.
This story explains the warning signs and behaviors of an abuser and how a survivor can be manipulated. This book can start the conversations that need to be had with everyone, so they can quickly recognize and get out of an abusive relationship.
This book can also help those who have not experienced abuse, but have people in their lives who have. Survivors can have great difficulty discussing their past relationship(s) and Jane does an excellent job of being that voice to tell this important story.
Reading this book is like having a conversation with a good friend. The content is truthful and comforting even in its frankness. Until abuse stops, we must make sure people are informed, and this book is the truthful, emotional, and open-hearted invitation to start addressing the issue of feeling trapped in an abusive relationship."
--Allyson Moore, LLMSW, social worker and survivor
"From Darkness to Light: One Woman’s Story of Defeating Abuse and Living Life with Zest Again, by Jane Fredrickson, will bring you into the world of abusive and controlling relationships. Her story will help people understand the ‘why’ in the commonly asked question of why women stay in abusive relationships as long as they do.
Throughout her experience with a controlling partner, Jane’s inner voice kept telling her something was wrong. In abusive relationships, we often ignore the truth. Leaving an abuser requires acceptance and acknowledgment of the abuse and the understanding that it will not change.
This memoir will benefit both victims and survivors of domestic abuse. It will also help people recognize the signs of abuse. Jane’s courageous journey out of abuse brings hope to victims everywhere."
--Katelin Maloney, domestic violence survivor and author of Drowning
"A page-turner! "Darkness to Light" reveals the struggle verbally abused women have as they try to make sense of the
senseless behavior they suffer when in a verbally abusive relationship. Anger mixed with moments that seem normal add to the confusion. And, as Jane points out, she wondered, "What am I doing wrong?" because abusers blame their partner for their rage. She also shows us how she recognized what was wrong and the resources she used to free herself. This book would help anyone confused by their relationship."
--Patricia Evans, author of several books on verbal abuse such as The Verbally Abusive Relationship