“You Touched Lives and Changed the World.”

– OKDHS

A page–turning narrative about a truly amazing woman

“Joan has written an uplifting memoir about overcoming personal tragedy. This story of faith and positivity details her path as she struggled to make her way while supporting a young daughter and building a life of public service and compassion for others. The Girl from Madison County is a page–turning narrative about a truly amazing woman.”

Mary Coley | Author 

“What sets The Girl from Madison County apart is how Joan details her transition from a victim of her circumstances to someone determined to make a difference in the lives of others. As she turns her pain into power, she gives hope to all women stuck in the cycle of trauma and its powerful aftermath. There is hope. You can overcome.”

Heather Nuttall Westover | Best Selling Author, Coach & Speaker

“Engrossing, captivating, well-written. Almost like a spy-novel, the pieces come together as the memoir unfolds. A beautiful love story to herself and a nod to those (many people) who helped her and shaped her along the way, Joan sets out to inform, educate, and, mostly, uplift. A great read for everyone.”

Cyma Shapiro | Author, Speaker & Talk Radio Host

A Powerful Story

“I have followed Joan since the inception of her book. What a life she has lived and continues to expand her horizons. What she went through in her life was the school and training ground for her life’s work. I can’t wait to read each and every word of her adventure.”

Jeanette North | Author of Charity Genie

“Having been a close friend of Joan for over twenty years, I was not aware of her inspiring journey prior to reading this book. It reminded me of the strength of the human spirit: fragile, yet resilient – capable of magnificent outcomes regardless of the circumstances. I know you’ll enjoy her story and message of resiliency as much as I did!”

Allen Anderson | Author of Oatmeal Killed the Dinosaurs

Enthralled from the very first page!

“The valleys were low, but the mountains were high as the author takes you on her journey of loss and resilience, scars and healing, shock, and delight as the overcoming human spirit is exemplified. This brave and transparent account of real-life struggles and perseverance gives hope for what seems hopeless at times. The reader gets a true sense of how the mending of a broken heart and spirit rebounds with each act of forgiveness. A powerful story of how the breaking of bonds that bind clears the path to freedom and purpose. This is a must-read for anyone who has been betrayed by those they trust and love most.”

Carol Matza | Author & Media Consultant 

A Powerful Memoir

“In this book, Joan takes us on a journey from one of the most idyllic settings in the world through a life of heartache, tragedy, and desperation to a life of making a difference for others and making the world a better place. You will be inspired by her story and be challenged to a higher level as you create your own life story.”

Jim Stovall | Best-Selling Author of The Greatest Gift

“To know the confident and polished Joan of today, I was astonished to read her story. It gripped me from the first chapter and never let go. I visited the depths of her despair, experienced the gut-wrenching fear of her abduction, and shared the joy of her triumphs as she conquered her demons to live a fulfilling life of service and accomplishment.”

Joyce Hanewinkel | Author & Army Veteran

This is a page-turner!

“Joan is an excellent writer. Her story will inspire all readers because of the challenges, twists, and turns of her life. It will inspire you to write your own memoir because everyone has a story.”

Beth Rengel | Journalist & Motivational Speaker