Signs in the Rearview Mirror by Kelly Smith Book tour, Guest Post & Giveaway! {Ends 7/3/20}

Book Details:
Signs in the Rearview Mirror: Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind by Kelly Smith
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 214 pages
Genre:  Self-Help, Memoir | Release date:  April 2018
Publisher:  Sunny Day Publishing
Tour dates:  June 8 to June 26, 2020
Content Rating: PG-13 + M. This non-fiction self-help book has some profanity. It does deal with the topic of abusive relationships, which some may consider inappropriate for younger reading audiences.

Book Description:
      What kind of person ends up in a toxic relationship? And why stay? This searingly honest memoir answers both of those questions head-on. Coming-out of failing marriage, Kelly turns to Gabe out of fear of being alone. Her gradual slide into danger is at once terrifying and inevitable.
      Kelly tells her story now to inspire others who find themselves in similar turmoil. In this book, Kelly outlines the steps to escape abusive relationship and offers hope for future relationships.

Buy the Book: Amazon ~ B&N ~ Audible ~ Add to Goodreads

---

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
      This is an very interesting account of a child raised in a very neglectful, mentally abusive home. This mindset continued with her into her adult  years. She goes into detail of both her childhood experiences, plus, her adult experiences. 
          Kelly Smith addresses a very important social issue that has inflicted - and is afflicting - society, leading to much conflict  and pain. Is  it any wonder so much of societies are so vicious and violent? This situation is in dire need of changes.
            Kelly Smith's message is very open. However, I feel the same situations (but at different times) were slightly repetitive. The ending was somewhat weak. I feel with more consideration given on the impact of these occurrences on her sons, plus, more detail on her rehabilitation process, the book would have been more profound.
             This was a courageous contribution to society and a much needed one addressing this huge problem. This crucial situation, also, creates "Bullies".
               I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating for this book.
​            *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review,

*REVIEWER"S NOTE: I have known several women - some extremely beautiful - live in an abusive situation. It an abusive situation. It always boggled my mind why would hey continually allow themselves to be submitted to such cruelty.
         Abuse comes in many forms,, but to allow ANYONE to repeatedly use oneself for a "punching bag", I have often wondered the cause that they think so little of themselves. I know of some who were raised as children with parents who were alcoholics or drug abusers, but I still  cannot understand when other try to make them understand, nobody has the right to treat another  that way, he/she still remains and somehow is in denial or feels he/she deserves it.
                Although I see similar reasoning by this author, as I have witnessed by others,  I wonder what took her so long to realize this is not acceptable behavior from either party. Why she could not understand she is living the life she hated and subjecting her sons to it as well.
                      Many view verbal abuse and demeaning of others is not abuse. However, this type of mental abuse is very cruel. It does not outwardly show as cuts and bruises, but drastically chips away at one's self-confidence and self-worth. It is very difficult to recapture and repair. It is sometimes more long term "hurt" than physical abuse.
                       I detest the "put downs" that individuals offer to others, especially those who are friends and family members.several comedy cartoons and sitcoms have displayed this as being normal. negative acts and comments ALWAYS cause a "bruise" on ones essence. The more that are inflicted, the more damage is done. I was raised with the  ideal that doing/saying something nice is just as easy as being unkind or saying unkind words, yet is much more beneficial to ALL.
                 Unfortunately, after an abundance of damage is done, it is very difficult - if  not impossible-
to repair the torn, crushed morale... the individual has to not only WANT to heal and change, but also, APPLY themselves to the difficult task of accomplishing the steps of rehabilitation. As with addicts, it is a lifelong discipline.

GUEST POST

Courage: Guest Post by Kelly Smith, author of Signs in the Rear-view Mirror

       It takes a lot of courage to admit you are in a toxic relationship. It also takes a lot of courage to admit you have been the toxic person in your relationship. In my book Signs in the Rear-view Mirror: Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind, I admit to both. While I was married to Derek, I was verbally and emotionally abusive to him. Although I had no idea I was this way, because this was how my mother treated my father, I was guilty of taking part in destroying his self esteem. I was guilty of making him walk on eggshells and questioning who he was as a person. It wasn't until I was with Gabe, my now ex, that I realized what I had done to Derek. It wasn't until I was abused mentally, verbally, physically that I realized the extent of damage I had done to not only Derek but also to my sons who were onlookers the entire time. I was fearful they would learn how a woman was supposed to treat a man, and it is not even close.
           After leaving my marriage and entering into a relationship too soon, I learned exactly how Derek must have felt while he was me. My ex was abusive and I stayed because I felt I deserved it. I don't deserve it. Derek didn't deserve it. No one deserves it. It took courage for me to open myself up and expose the things I went through in order to help others. 

Meet the Author:

Boston born and raised, Kelly now makes her home in Austin,TX with her three sons and one amazing Giant Schnauzer, Bullseye. Kelly has written for Huffington Post, Elephant Journal, and hosts a podcast, Let's Get Wicked Deep.

​Connect with the author:   Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook 

---

Here is the tour schedule.

Win 1 of 5 print copies of SIGNS IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR, or a $15 Amazon Gift Card (USA & Canada) (6 winners) (ends July 3)

​To ENTER, Click on HERE!

---