How does a mother get up off the floor after her daughter was murdered? How do a husband and wife function? Can the marriage survive? This is a searing memoir dealing with the brutal aftermath of the author's loss of her precious daughter to an horrendous act of violence. She describes how step by step, and with the support of others, she slowly recovers light in her life - what she refers to as her "reawakening ". She finds solace and a certain peace by helping others in same way she was helped by others. By sharing the helpful lessons she learned on her road to recovery, she is hopeful others will also reach a place of healing.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author Barbara Mangi for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

In her deeply profound memoir of unbearable tragedy that would later lead to a spiritual healing and renewal, author Barbara A. Mangi recalls the life and terrible loss of her beloved youngest daughter Dana in: “Reawakening Return of Lightness and Peace After My Daughter’s Murder” Dana, an intelligent, compassionate and beautiful 25 year old woman, was preparing to enter Veterinarian school at the University of Minnesota-- when she was murdered in an unthinkable act of violence, in an area located near Chicago’s Wrigley Field on August 18, 2007.

With the love and support of her family and priest, and outpouring of compassion from Dana’s friends and countless of others—the Mangi’s prepared for Dana’s funeral mass. In their individual grief and mourning Barbara’s husband remained emotionally distant and closed off, unable to discuss Dana’s death or comfort her in any way. As Barbara began to adjust to her life without Dana, the National support group: "The Parents of Murdered Children” offered the wisdom and fellowship of others.
The criminal trial for Dana’s killer didn’t begin until April 2008. The prosecuting attorney warned that with psychological evaluations of the defendant Patrick Ford, the case would certainly be very long and drawn out. Barbara attended every hearing.

It wasn’t until the sentencing and victim impact statements were read, that Barbara considered Patrick Ford. Before that time, he represented a monstrous darkness Barbara avoided thinking about. Eventually Barbara would realize that he was sincerely deeply remorseful for Dana’s murder and would spend the rest of his life haunted by the horror of his acts and the harm and pain he had inflicted on Dana’s loved ones. Forgiveness was not automatic, but an intense divine spiritual journey of faith, healing and redemption-- not only for Patrick Ford, but for Barbara and many of her loved ones. Pages of great family photos were included. ** With thanks and appreciation to Mountain Arbor Press via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review. (less)

An absolutely riveting story. The author does an incredible job of recounting her daughter's tragic murder and the ensuing litigation. This book will help anyone who loses a loved one to tragedies of all kinds.