Reeling from one trauma to the next, my life felt like it was spiralling downward. I found myself in a deep, dark pit with nowhere to go. At my lowest point, life seemed hopeless, and I truly wanted to let go. Giving up felt like the easier option.However, through various avenues of healing and sheer determination, I slowly began to rise. Step by step, with courage, self-belief, and confidence, I moved forward.This book is a collection of some of my most heartfelt experiences – a story I hope will inspire you to rise above life’s challenges and leave the darkness behind.

Cleopatra is a first-time author with a background in public relations and marketing. For the past 16 years, she has taught thousands of children aged 5 to 18. While she teaches several subjects, Cleopatra has a particular passion for teaching creative writing in English.

In her spare time, Cleopatra enjoys gardening, baking, and painting. She lives in northern Portugal with her husband, son, and a delightful menagerie of animals.

Customer Reviews

5.0

20 reviews

Joetta

In the first part of the book, I found myself wondering if I was reading a movie script—one where a young woman is trapped by a psychopathic monster. In the second half, you find yourself longing for the heroine to triumph in a big, spectacular way, because she absolutely deserves it. After all, this is what movies and television have taught us: the bad guys get what’s coming to them, and the good guys receive justice. But in real life, that often doesn’t happen—and that is precisely why this book is so valuable. The author shows us that moving forward is what truly matters. Making the often difficult decision to keep going, no matter how small the step, is still a step in the right direction. The well of hope, faith, love, grit, and community she draws from may not deliver the justice the reader longs for, but these are the tools that ultimately bring healing and restoration. A deeply inspirational read
Maria

A powerful story written by a very powerful and resilient woman. A story about the ups and downs in one’s life and the importance of human relationships and taking care of one’s self. A book about the author’s life journey going through the unthinkable and yet persevering: an inspiring story for everyone who faces challenges to not lose hope. It is a captivating read (I read in a single sitting) written from the bottom’s of one’s soul, teaching us to be human, not give up and also treat others with empathy and love.
Ana Pereira

I loved to read this book and highly recommend everyone to read it! The author wrote her story with blood directly from her heart instead of ink…and made me feel her emotions, shake with incredulity what she went through. Her ability to be resilient, strong and courageous and move forward and overcome the nightmares she went through in her life should give us hope, strength and make us braver to overcome our darker challenges and periods of life because it’s possible to find happiness down the road!
Donald

This is an inspiring book of resilience in the midst of adversity. In this book, the author has the courage to tell others of her experience, giving others the courage to rise above whatever is pulling them down. I highly recommend this to all readers, whatever their life experience.
Elizabeth

This book moved me deeply. It’s not easy to read about the physical, emotional, and financial abuse, and mistreatment the author survived beginning at the very start of adulthood, and while so far from her country of origin. Yet she tells her story with such clarity and courage that you feel honored to witness it. The life she builds afterward - the safety, the love, the family, and the fulfillment of her dreams - is powerful because you understand exactly how hard the moments and years were that brought her there. It’s a story of persistence through immense suffering. This book stays with you, reminding you that rebuilding a life is an act of profound bravery.
Lena

This is a beautiful testament to the strength and perseverance of one woman’s spirit in the face of so much abuse and struggle. Cleo has done a beautiful job writing about her journey bringing the reader along, offering her insights and wisdom along the way, through to her own happy ending. What a relief to know what’s possible after so much darkness. Thank you for sharing your story, Cleo, and wishing you and women like you everything good that life has to offer for years to come!
Nas

Fractured Yet Blessed is an inspiring, heartfelt read that beautifully reframes life’s struggles as opportunities for growth and grace. Through honest storytelling and relatable reflections, the author offers comfort, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone feeling broken or uncertain. The book’s uplifting message reminds readers that their fractures are not failures, but meaningful parts of their journey. Hopeful, honest, and deeply comforting, this book leaves you feeling strengthened and ready to see blessings in unexpected places.
Helen

Compelling heartfelt, inspirational I was touched by your story which, thank you Cleo for sharing. I read this book in a couple of hours. Your courage and strength will definitely inspire others as it has me