When Religion Hurts You by Laura E. Anderson, PhD

 

When Religion Hurts You is a timely resource for those processing their own experiences or helping others process their experiences in high control religions (HCR). 

Inspired by Anderson's doctoral research as well as clinical and personal experiences, When Religion Hurts You gives readers an oversight on the multitude of effects trauma can have on an individual's nervous system, regulation, and overall mental/physical health before narrowing down to scenarios more common within a  HCR.

I appreciated that Anderson takes the time to make her information accessible without insulting intelligence. 

Her work on nervous system regulation/dysregulation is well written and presented in a way that is easy to follow. I appreciated Anderson's sections with practical tips for addressing inner voices, recognizing the need to pace healing, and even her reframing of healing vs healed. The book is a wonderful resource full of information that feels possible rather than just jargon (not to mention Anderson provides a wonderful resource library list in the back that is categorized by topic).

That said, I could easily see individuals who are working to heal from HCR but still stay within a Christian faith struggling with some of Anderson's main points. Obviously this isn't a theology book, it's a book about trauma. However, it feels like Anderson's work, either due to personal beliefs or limits due to the scope of the project, leans far enough away from faith that some of her statements on evangelical beliefs in particular could be dysregulating for people still early in their own healing.

4.5 out of 5 stars

 

Book was provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and Baker Publishing Group.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky

 

In The Legacy of Longdale Manor Turansky brings readers the story of  Gwen Morris and Charlotte Harper. I've noticed an uptake in dual timeline stories the last few years and this one places the leads 100 hundred years apart but with unexpected ties that hold fast through the years.

Turansky does a solid job bringing these two characters to life and I felt Turansky does a good job balancing and weaving together both plots. I enjoyed both lead characters although I did find myself enjoying Charlotte's storyline more, perhaps due to the urgency of her timeline given the recent upheaval of their living situation. Turansky maintains a solid pacing that is both engaging but doesn't feel overly rushed as the ladies wrestle through grief, growing up, and romance.

I found myself with mixed emotions regarding the book's take on the theme of forgiveness. While in Gwen's timeline her family's past decisions led to some obviously laid out consequences, repentance, forgiveness, and moving forward I didn't feel that same pattern was always as clear in Charlotte's story. It felt like the responsibility was more on the women to forgive than to make space for acknowledging the hurt and harm that had occurred. 

Overall, this was a pleasant easy read, the characters and plot are solid with lovely historical nods and a good eye for detail and continuity. I'm just not sure if this is a novel that I'll be able to recall by name in a few months time.

 3.5 out of 5 stars

Book was provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. and Baker Publishing Group.