Testimonials

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The Child I left behind is a deeply vulnerable, and harrowing examination of one's life and journey from childhood through motherhood in which the author confronts her guilt, pain, and trauma. Through this introspective and healing work we, the audience, are given a front row seat to witness how one can transcend guilt, and shame in order to achieve acceptance and self-love. A must read for anyone who has struggled with events from their upbringing, who has struggled to feel as though they were enough as a parent, or who has struggled with codependency in their relationships. A raw and beautiful depiction of the human condition and finding inner peace. A heart wrenching, yet hopeful account.

Sherri Caudill, FNP-C Nurse Practitioner

The Child I Left Behind is a must-read.

It is a powerful testament to the endurance of the human spirit, even in the face of immense hardship. Anjalia’s The Child I left Behind is a story filled with raw emotion, resilience, and growth—one that’s hard to put down because of its captivating events and the courage shown in overcoming life struggles.  Anjalia crafts a story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful, reminding us that while the past cannot be undone, the future can still be shaped with love, wisdom, and care. Ultimately, The Child I Left Behind is an empowering narrative about the trauma that shapes us, the resilience that allows us to survive, and the healing that is possible when we reconnect with both our roots and our own strength.

Jennifer Barnes, BS, RDH Entrepreneuer

This extraordinary story of Anjalia’s journey through neglect, abuse, overwhelming guilt, heartbreak, rejection, and grief is told with remarkable honesty and openness allowing the reader to feel the intensity of emotions she so aptly describes.

Anjalia has such an incredible talent in describing her journey and the characters in the book, you feel as if you are right there with her on her path toward healing.  Her ability to show compassion and understanding even for those who didn’t or couldn’t give her what she needed provides the reader with an authentic connection to her that is often missing in similar stories. You just might cry, I sure did!

Barbara L. Seals, LPC, LMFT Retired Therapist

This book is a raw and emotionally charged account of a woman's journey through abusive relationships and the devastating decision to leave her child behind. The author's honest and vulnerable portrayal of her experiences will resonate with anyone who has faced adversity and struggled to find hope in the darkest of times. This book definitely pulls at the heartstrings and ultimately offers a message of resilience and the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most insurmountable obstacles. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a powerful, thought-provoking read. 

Penny A. Kring, certified integration life coach

Anjalia's journey of breaking generational patterns and healing her inner child are so beautifully portrayed in this book. Her courage and determination to meet herself with acceptance, compassion, tenderness, determination, and forgiveness is inspiring. Healing ourselves is a sacred calling and requires patient devotion, which is clearly portrayed in this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has left their inner child behind and wants to find peace and wholeness. 

Lori Drell, RNC, neonatal intensive care,
retired psychospiritual integration coach facilitator of sacred space

WOW!! This is an unbelievable story about a woman who overcame poverty and abuse in childhood. The author’s story of redemption is remarkable. This book will have its readers in all their feelings as the author goes through the rollercoaster of her life. The depth of sadness and despair that Anjalia experienced really allowed for her beautiful triumph. This isn’t a sad story about a woman being victimized and a product of the system; rather a testament to the resiliency and resurrection that anyone can experience. The author shows that the human spirit and will to transcend can create a desirable reality. This book is a story of hope, one that we don’t hear enough of in our world today. The author uses her lived experience to highlight what’s necessary to find forgiveness, peace, and love. Anjalia’s honesty about how healing isn’t perfect and that it’s a continuous effort, illustrates that we are all capable of moving on. The author demonstrates that we are to transform our hurt and pain to be of service to others, to lead them out of the darkness. The author humbly recognizes God’s grace, as miraculous as it is itself, as an abundant resource, that we can call upon when we’re ready. Her incredible story will inspire and heal millions that shared the same experience.

Henry Lucas, LCSW, LCADC, best-selling author Maximize:
7 Mind-Shifts That Will Help You Maximize Key Areas of Your Life

The Child I Left Behind is not just a memoir; it’s a masterclass in courage, resilience, and the power of grit and transformation. Anjalia’s willingness to delve deep into her shadows and share her journey is a profound gift to anyone seeking to reclaim their story and find healing. In a world where this story has become all too common, it’s one that must be told.  Witnessing Anjalia’s journey is both an honor and an inspiration, as her story invites others to embark on their own path toward forgiveness and self-love.

Steven Twohig, founder of Mastering Change, author of Turning Within

Anjalia’s memoir, “The Child I Left Behind” captures the courage, grit, and determination she had to make to forge a new life for herself as she navigated the many challenges of poverty, trauma, teen motherhood and toxic relationships. Her quest for understanding herself is a journey she shares with complete transparency, a journey that leads her to a personal transformation as she ultimately gains knowledge of her soul’s purpose. This book is a riveting story that is hard to put down! 

Anjalia’s story is incredibly inspirational. I highly recommend this book!

Lynne M. Reece, LCSW Clinician in private practice

The Child I Left Behind, is such a compelling and amazing journey back in time through the author's life. The ability to feel and share in the journey through the words on the pages had me looking forward to the free time in my day that I could allocate to returning to the book and the content within it.  The amazing resilience and strength lying underneath the author's fragile exterior and the unfolding as she was able to connect with her inner strength and now share the journey with others is a tribute to the power of the mind and the powers of nature, higher callings, and perseverance.  I truly resonated with the author and her journey as she bares her soul in such a way that it feels like a story, but I would find myself consciously reminding myself, this is a heart-lifting memoir, and not just a story, which is an example of the capability within us all.  This book struck so many chords and I hope that there is a sequel because it was that powerful, and I believe the journey is just beginning.

Dave Barnes BS, MS.

The Child I Left Behind is a very well-written and powerful story that is impossible to put down once you start it. It manages to be heartbreaking, yet incredibly inspiring at the same time. I believe that anyone who takes the time to read it will take something valuable away from the experience - I know that I did!

Andrew Boone, BS Mechanical Engineering

"The Child I Left Behind" is a beautifully written tapestry woven from the author's tumultuous early life and her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity. This raw and honest account reveals her remarkable resilience, offering a glimpse into the pivotal moment that changed her trajectory and fueled her unwavering pursuit of her own dreams. The book's true beauty lies in witnessing how she built security for herself and her family, even while navigating her own internal struggles and embarking on her own healing journey. This very process ultimately empowered her to help others. Riveting and deeply empowering, "The Child I Left Behind" is a book I highly recommend.

Karyl Y. Bental, DO, FACOP, DipABLM

The Child Left Behind is an inspirational and heartwarming journey of resilience and self-discovery. The life-changing stories shared by the author are both eye-opening and empowering. Through her generosity in sharing personal struggles and victories, I found renewed strength and self-forgiveness. This book became a mirror to my own healing journey, guiding me toward courage, introspection, and personal growth. Reading this was a truly cathartic experience that broadened my horizons and deepened my sense of self.

Professor Yanira Eulogia Pagan RHIA MPA

After reading The Child I Left Behind, what comes to mind is the quote from Rocky Balboa- "It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward." And although this memoir isn't directly related to boxing, the author, Anjalia, has certainly been through her fair share of rounds, enduring abuse on multiple levels. This is the story of a resilient young woman who did what she had to do in order to survive... persevering in the face of continuous adversity. I found the book to be an engaging and heartfelt read. Also inspiring, and served as a reminder that we must reclaim the lost or abandoned parts of ourselves, if we expect to heal and become whole again. Highly recommend.

Andrew Guillory, Poet, Artist