BOOK REVIEWS

"You and Scott were heroic and so brave all through your ordeal.  And then...to actually write this fabulous account and put it out into the world encourages other parents to hang in there through the long rollercoaster years. You not only encourage them but show the ways to hang on tight and keep breathing! Your dedication will spread and influence families and the next generations."   Judith R. Brown, PhD Psychotherapist and Author

"I cried throughout the book because it reminded me of when my parents tried to help me with my addiction. This book provides inspiration to families and those who struggle with an addiction. The most compelling part was reading about the family being torn apart, and the dishonesty embedded in drug use. Lisa showed tough love, yet never gave up on her daughter or her family. A very realistic read about a very sad disease."   Marni Millet BBA, Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor

"Your forthright account was so compelling that I couldn't put the story down until I understood what dominated your spirit.  Many thanks for your courage to write Lost, Found & Forgiven and even more, congratulations on your willingness to persist in the face of life's toughest demands.  As I poured through the pages in one sitting, I had to recover a box of tissues.  Perhaps the issues were just too close to my heart.  This is the toughest human dynamic to face.  When our kids are in danger and we feel powerless, it can be paralyzing.  Parents are often an after thought in our society today.  This work exposes these challenges and offers a solution to parents who deal with very similar issues.  I can only imagine how tough it's been.  I was deeply moved.  You have all my respect and admiration."    Bobby Wilkes Major General, USAF (ret'd)

"Lisa's book is a wonderfully explicit and painful journey that many mothers (& fathers!) can undoubtedly relate to.   It was truly inspirational, heartbreaking and heartwarming to hear her family story and best of all, the happy outcome, which I'm sure will give many desperate mothers hope. especially in their darkest hours when all seems lost.  Lisa's book gives so much sound advice to so many who are suffering a similar pain and having to make extremely difficult decisions. Her family should be proud of what they have achieved under such dire circumstances, and especially for opening up their hearts to the world about their experiences to try and help others.  I for one admire them all, as the easy path of least resistance is well trodden, and it takes real love and resolve to dig continually deeper into your beaten and often empty emotional reservoir.  They are living proof that family love and values can conquer seemingly insurmountable challenges that life often presents even to the most devout and loving parents." Mark Tatershall, Executive

"I just read your book and IT IS AWESOME! For me reading it, there were all kinds of emotions and it made me cry a lot for all of you. It was almost like being there while reading. IT REALLY sucks you in; I honestly couldn't put it down. You all went through hell including Kim. She has to be one of the bravest girls I've ever seen and she was definitely worth fighting for. I really think writing the book was a wonderful thing to do, and that you are helping other families. I'm going to buy one for each of my girls who have daughters. I think may even get one for the ones who have sons. Please, when you talk to Kim, tell her for me I think she's ONE HECK OF A GIRL, and she should be very proud of where she is now. I just wanted to let you know it's a GREAT BOOK, and I mean that from the heart, you've done a fantastic job with the book and YOUR FAMILY." Amanda Seeley, County Administrator

"A candid account of one family's journey through the "storm and stress" of adolescence and a direct testament to the synergistic effects of adolescent substance abuse. Their willingness to share their story offers readers hope that they, too can traverse this developmental stage." Alicia L. Poleshuk, Ph.D.

“I read Lisa's book and felt deeply moved.  I have worked for over thirty years in the law enforcement and legal fields as a police officer, deputy district attorney and criminal defense attorney.  So often, families with children who become hooked on drugs and fall into the morass of the drug culture get worn down and give up, surrendering their children to the street.  My experience has been that the vast majority of stories like Lisa's end in tragedy.  But Lisa's book inspires parents not to give up because miracles can happen.  It is inspiring as well as enlightening, and tells troubled families that they are not alone. They will learn that many others are experiencing the same disappointments and failures in their children's lives. But they will also learn that if they persevere and don't surrender, they may be able to save their child's soul.” Richard Radabaugh, Criminal Defense Attorney