We put a great deal of effort into promoting our new, recent and upcoming books but often our previous releases get sidelined.
In this latest series I am offering authors in the Cafe and Bookstore a chance to promote an earlier book (not your most recent) by sharing an excerpt from the book of 500 words. At the end of the post you can find out how to participate.
Today D.G. Kaye shares an excerpt from her memoir P.S. I Forgive You: A Broken Legacy – Debby is taking some much needed time away from blogging following the passing of her husband, but will respond to your comments when she returns.
About the book
“I hurt for her. She wasn’t much of a mother, but she was still my mother.”
Confronted with resurfacing feelings of guilt, D.G. Kaye is tormented by her decision to remain estranged from her dying emotionally abusive mother after resolving to banish her years ago, an event she has shared in her book Conflicted Hearts. In P.S. I Forgive You, Kaye takes us on a compelling heartfelt journey as she seeks to understand the roots of her mother’s narcissism, let go of past hurts, and find forgiveness for both her mother and herself.
After struggling for decades to break free, Kaye has severed the unhealthy ties that bound her to her dominating mother—but now Kaye battles new confliction, as the guilt she harbors over her decision only increases as the end of her mother’s life draws near. Kaye once again struggles with her conscience and her feelings of being obligated to return to a painful past she thought she left behind.
An excerpt from P.S. I Forgive you
Thanks for featuring my book today Sally. Today I’d like to share an excerpt from my book, P.S. I Forgive You. I chose this book because it’s a good time in the world to think about forgiveness.
As many of my readers know from my books, I grew up with a narcissistic mother. I didn’t realize how affecting it was on me and my siblings, but particularly me, until I became a young teen and began seriously studying her for most of my life. My empathy kept me trapped in her clutches, and not until I was 50 years old did the final straw come down to force me to make the break from her for my own sanity. It was one of the hardest things I had to do in my life, and even after I’d finally banished her from my life, my heart still hurt for her. After she died, seven years later, I found it within myself to find forgiveness for her and for myself for abandoning her, and to have peace within myself.
Aftermath
My mother is dead. She had been dying for so many years that when the day finally came, my heart was drowning in a swirling abyss of guilt. The years of emotional turmoil I had pent up as the daughter of a narcissistic mother had reached their denouement.
My anger and past resentment toward my mother had turned into an inquisition, a searching of my soul. I needed to understand the root of her ego. It was not enough for me to lay her body to rest. I needed to fill in the gaps, find out what had spurred the injustices she inflicted on so many, and clear the debris lingering in my own conscience to make peace with my past and send her off with my forgiveness.
I had realized how emotionally toxic it was to hang on to hurt and resentment, but the death of my emotionally abusive mother didn’t necessarily end the residual hurt of being abused. To set heart free, I needed to seek out a path to resolve past hurts and the conflict that had tainted my memories.
I’ll never know if peace waits for my mother on the other side. I wonder if the afterlife offers second chances to wrongdoers or if they learn lessons from the injustices they commit while on earth. I’d like to think God has mercy and has welcomed my mother into heaven with the same forgiveness I have granted her after learning to surrender my resentments. Looking back, I have realized what a lost soul my mother really was.
Through all her theatrics, lies, and betrayals as she portrayed herself as the person she wanted to be, or perhaps believed she was, my mother harbored a damaged soul that didn’t know how to dig itself out. The same persona she had created to shine in the limelight, to acquire anything she desired, or to disguise her insecurities, ironically, became her downfall.
This story is the aftermath, my way of coming to terms with and relinquishing the guilt and instilled fears I have carried from childhood. It is my decision to banish my mother from my life and a resolution to find peace within myself with my decision.
One of the reviews for P.S. I Forgive You.
I see that other reviewers have talked about this book as a “story.” And that is true—there is certainly a story, a true one, woven through these pages. But this is not a novel, nor did I read it simply as a memoir. I think what I appreciated the most, in fact, is that the author is not trying to be literary. She is not trying to move in a chronological flow with a traditional arc. She isn’t even trying to teach or encourage people to do this or that based on what she herself has experienced. Like a personal journal, this book is not prettied-up for the sake of onlookers. Reflections wind their way between now, not long ago, childhood, then back to the present. Some thoughts resurface throughout the book, as the author struggles again with something she thought she’d already packed safely away. It’s a rare glimpse into rawness and vulnerability, with no other goal but honesty. So on one hand, yes, it is a story—one that will invoke empathy in any reader, just as a novel might, though its characters may be disparate from the reader. Yet for those who have, in fact, lived a similar experience, I believe this book will, without ever suggesting solutions, allow many to begin or continue their own process of acknowledgment, grieving—and ultimately letting go.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
Books by D.G. Kaye
Read all the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – and: Amazon UK – follow Debby: Goodreads – : Blog: D.G. Kaye Writer – Twitter: @pokercubster – Linkedin: D.G. Kaye – Facebook: D.G. Kaye – Instagram: D.G. Kaye – Pinterest: D.G. Kaye
Debby Gies is a Canadian nonfiction/memoir author who writes under the pen name of D.G. Kaye. She was born, raised, and resides in Toronto, Canada. Kaye writes about her life experiences, matters of the heart and women’s issues.
D.G. writes to inspire others. Her writing encompasses stories taken from events she encountered in her own life, and she shares the lessons taken from them. Her sunny outlook on life developed from learning to overcome challenges in her life, and finding the upside from those situations, while practicing gratitude for all the positives.
When Kaye isn’t writing intimate memoirs, she brings her natural sense of humor into her other works. She loves to laugh and self- medicate with a daily dose of humor.
I love to tell stories that have lessons in them, and hope to empower others by sharing my own experiences. I write raw and honest about my own experiences, hoping through my writing, that others can relate and find that there is always a choice to move from a negative space, and look for the positive.
Quotes:
“Live Laugh Love . . . And Don’t Forget to Breathe!”
“For every kindness, there should be kindness in return. Wouldn’t that just make the world right?”
When I’m not writing, I’m reading or quite possibly looking after some mundane thing in life. It’s also possible I may be on a secret getaway trip, as that is my passion—traveling.
I hope you will participate in this series.. there are currently 130 authors on the shelves with reviews within the last six months and you can check your entry at this link – Cafe and Bookstore
How to participate in this series
In this latest series I am offering authors in the Cafe and Bookstore a chance to promote an earlier book (not your most recent) by sharing an excerpt from the book. Please check the link if it has been some time since you were promoted in the Cafe.
The aim of the series
- To showcase a previous book and sell some copies.
- Gain more recent reviews for the book.
- Promote a selection of other books that are available.
- Share an excerpt from the first book in a series to encourage readers to buy following books.
I will top and tail in the usual way with your other books and links, bio, photo and social media. I will also select a review that I feel has the best selling pitch for the book.
- This series is open to authors in the Cafe and Bookstore who have more than one book (as this already gets promoted on a regular basis) and have reviews for that book I can select from. Cafe and Bookstore
- I suggest an extract of 500 words or a poem that you feel best reflects the theme of your collection. This is a PG rated blog and there are younger readers so it would be great if you could bear that in mind.
- If you have an illustration or images you can attach to the email for me to include. No need to send the cover as I will have that or will access from Amazon.
- I will check reviews on Amazon sites as well as Goodreads and select one I feel is a great advertisement for the book.
- As an author in the Cafe and Bookstore I will already have all your details, links and covers of other books so need to send anything further.
- Please send your excerpt and any accompanying images to sally.cronin@moyhill.com
N.B..If you participated last year in the two series and would like to check which book you shared, please email and I will let you know.
Look forward to hearing from you.
This is a book that will be close to my heart. I, too, have these same issues with living parents I am estranged from. I have added this book to my KU subs and will read it soon. Thanks for sharing, Sally. Hugs xx 🙂
Wishing Debby all the best through this difficult time with hugs and love xx 🙂
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Thanks Harmony.. it is very sad when there is a rift with parents but but you also have to be true to your own path in life, we only have the one. ♥
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So true and wise words. Thanks, Sally.❤️
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Thank you Harmony. And I’m sorry for your situation. I hope you find some comfort from my own story – when you get there. ❤
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❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you Sally. I really must try and read Deb’s book. Still so many in the pile! Hope you are well..Take care. Hugs xxx
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An interesting read and inspiring too Joy.. and we are doing fine.. thank you…love to you and Eric..hugsx
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Thanks Joy. I know well about ‘the pile’ ❤
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This book will have echoes for many people, myself included. Not sure I’d be able to read it, but I am drawn to it.
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You are right Elizabeth, many of us do relate.. I read Debby’s book and I came away with the realisation that letting our parents define who we are and the life we lead is a waste of time better spent. And it does confirm that it is not a rare issue in families. hugsx
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Deb is a powerfully beautiful writer, who writes from heart and soul. I love reading her work. Thank you so much for featuring her. ❤️Paulette
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Thanks Paulette..hugs ♥
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Thank you my lovely friend. ❤ xx
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Thats a very good book. I can only read it intermittently, because its about a situation which I can understand very well. Michael
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I am sorry to hear that Michael.. tough to live it and read it but Debby always offers positivity..hugsx
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Well, life is not always easy. But when you’ve survived something like that, it’s better. Debby’s approach in the books is great. xx hugsx
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xxx
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Hi Michael. I hear you. This book was particularly difficult for me to write too. Yes, it’s my story, but I know that sadly, so many can relate. ❤
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Thats true, Debby! Thank you for writing it. It brings good mood, not to be alone. xx
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❤
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I love the way the reviewer described this book as a journey. Thank you for sharing, Sally. Debby, I look forward to reading this one!
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Thanks Jan…hugsxxx
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Hugs Jan ❤
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You couldn’t have picked a better book for what she is currently going through.
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Thanks Jacqui… hugsx
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❤
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A lovely post, Sally.
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Thanks Robbie…hugs..
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Reblogged this on Pattys World.
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Thanks for sharing Patty..hugs
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Thank you Patty ❤
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I remember Debby’s book. It was so hard on her when she was a child yet she didn’t know it was not normal. People do get trapped emotionally in an abused home. I agree with Debby that breaking from her mother was necessary to keep her sanity. People in such a situation must step away far enough for healing of themselves before coming back to forgive those who inflicted pain on them.
This is a great book to share, Debby. Take care! Thank you Sally for the post. 🙂
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Thanks for adding your thoughts Miriam… much appreciated..hugs ♥
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Debby is blessed with a long good life with her husband and many good memories. Thanks again, Sally. 💖
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♥
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Thank you for your most lovely comment Miriam ❤
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You’re welcome, Debby! Thank you for your courage to share. ❤
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❤ xx
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❤
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What a heart-wrenching book. I so agree with Debby that she should never stay and allow herself to be abused. Thinking of her this week. Toni x
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Thanks Toni..it is brave to share it with the world as it does help others. hugsxx
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Thanks so much Toni ❤
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Having previously read Conflicted Hearts, I remember Debby’s feelings of resentment toward her mother. No child should have to go through any of that.
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They shouldn’t Pete.. I am sure you might have seen signs of this during your career.. xx
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Thanks Pete. The first book inspired me to write this followup book to demonstrate my journey to forgiveness, as it doesn’t come easy, but when it does, it’s freeing. ❤
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Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Head on down to the Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore for the share an excerpt from a previous books 2021 feature. Check out this excerpt from P.S. I Forgive You: A Broken Legacy by D. G. Kaye. Details are in this post from Sally Cronin.
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Thanks for sharing Don and the lovely intro…x
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You’re welcome.
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Thanks for your kind sharing Don 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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Thanks so much for featuring me here today Sally. I’m grateful to you for always keeping me part of the community here, especially during my ‘grief’ absence. ❤ ❤
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My pleasure Debby… you are in no danger of being forgotten, only missed and your wise words are a comfort to others..♥♥
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One thousand thank yous Sal ❤ xx
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♥♥
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Interesting how so many of us on this blog have experience of this abuse. It’s good to have Debby’s account of how she coped and it’s so encouraging to read her comment here that forgiveness is ‘freeing’. Despite all that she’s going through, her positivity still shines through. xx
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Thanks Alex and I suspect many of us have experienced this situation but as you say Debby shows us the way to put it where it belongs.. in the rear view mirror…and yes.. an inspiration with her positivity…hugsx
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Debby is always generous in sharing her stories to support and help others. Thanks for sharing this book that deals in a subject so many have, unfortunately, experience of. Thanks, Debby and Sally.
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Thanks Olga.. the more an issue such as this is talked about the more it helps those in the situation. Many feel they are to blame. xx
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