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D. G Torrens

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Amelia's Story: A Childhood Lost (Amelia Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

by D.G Torrens (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

3.9 5,913 ratings

Book 1 of 4: Amelia Series

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A HARROWING TRUE STORY
This is a powerful true story of one young girl's struggle to survive the state-care-system in the 70s and 80s. Amelia has just one wish, to make it through to adulthood and hold her destiny in her own hands. This is a harrowing true story, one of survival and human strength. Amelia has been tragically separated from all her siblings, never to see them again for many years. She is moved from one children's home to another until finally, it's just too much for her to bear. Amelia starts to wonder about the peace and finality of her own death.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS:
A stunning tribute to what the human spirit is capable of - Paul Rega, bestselling author of ~ Trail of 32A

Triumph of the human spirit -David C Cassidy ~ Bestselling author of ~ Fosgates Game

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

A stunning tribute to what the human spirit is capable of.Paul Rega, Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of ~ Trail of 32A triumph of the human spirit -David C Cassidy ~ Bestselling author of ~ Fosgates Game

From the Author

I have written my story for my daughter, so that when she is older, she will better understand the long road I have journeyed to reach this point in my life. I also wrote my story with the hope that it would inspire people all over the world - who have given up hope... To show them that with enough determination and belief in yourself, you can achieve your dreams. Life is full of obstacles that are placed before us and it's how we deal with those obstacles that help to shape the person we become... This was not an easy book to write - but one I felt compelled to write. I had to re-visit many ghosts to complete my story, which took me on a very emotional journey. I learned things about myself through writing this book that I would not otherwise have discovered. I live by the motto, "The child first and foremost." I wish each and everyone of you peace and happiness.~PLEASE NOTE: This ebook uses British English spelling. Readers who are used to American English may notice a few differences in the spelling of some words.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0063PR97I
Publisher ‏ : ‎ D.G. Torrens; 5th edition (November 5, 2011)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 5, 2011
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2720 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 142 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #849,186 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #366 in Adoption (Kindle Store)
- #943 in Adoption (Books)
- #4,173 in Parenting & Relationships (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
3.9 5,913 ratings

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D. G Torrens

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D.G. Torrens, a celebrated UK & USA international bestselling Author/Poet,

has an impressive literary portfolio. With 24 published books to date, she

continues to captivate readers across genres. Currently, she is crafting

her 24th book, titled, *“TWO FOR JOY” *a gripping survivor series novel set

for release in May 2025.

Beyond her novels, D.G Torrens has contributed four short stories to

multi-author anthologies, including *“Love Letters to Water,”* with all

proceeds benefiting charity. Her literary journey began with the unexpected

success of her first book, “Amelia’s Story”, which has been downloaded over

500k times worldwide. Originally penned for her daughter, this true-life

story resonated with readers, propelling her into the spotlight. Securing a

literary agent, who landed the author a three-book deal with Audible for

the entire Amelia Series.

D.G. Torrens subsequent works span diverse genres, from military romance to

romantic suspense, domestic thrillers, contemporary romance novels, and

poetry collections. Her impact extended to the airwaves, where she served

as a weekly Headline Reviewer on BBC Radio WM 95.6 FM during 2014/15.

Discussing daily headlines with thousands of listeners, she navigated the

challenge with grace and wit.

A quote from the author:

*“It can be quite daunting discussing the day’s headlines knowing thousands

of people are tuning in... You never know when you are going to mess up!

Thankfully, with lady luck on my side, I managed to wing it! “*

Recently, D.G. Torrens embarked on a new venture: Co-directing and

co-producing her first documentary film, titled “Birmingham A City Rooted

in Talent. In the spring of 2023, D.G Torrens conceived an inspiring idea

for a film. Driven by her love for Birmingham UK, she envisioned creating a

positive documentary that would celebrate the vibrant city and the

remarkable talent that has emerged there over the decades. This concept was

groundbreaking–a fresh perspective that had never been done before. After

extensive discussions with her family and receiving enthusiastic feedback

from them, D.G Torrens was resolute in her vision. She sought a co-director

and co-producer and reached out to fellow author, Martin Tracey who loved

the idea. Together, they formed the film production company Contrary Trees

Productions.

A quote by D.G. Torrens: *"Not everyone will understand your journey what

matters is that you do." *

All Titles by D.G. Torrens:

The Poppy Fields (Book #1) Military/Romance

The Poppy Fields (Book #2) Military/Romance

The Poppy Fields (Book #3) Military/Romance

Tears of Endurance (Book #1) Romantic Drama

Whispers from Heaven (Book #2) Romantic Drama

Broken Wings (Contemporary Military/Romance)

A Soldier's Fear. (Contemporary Military/Romance)

Amelia's Story (Book #1) Autobiography

Amelia's Destiny (Book #2) Autobiography

Amelia The Mother (Book #3) Autobiography

Forbidden (Book #1) Hamilton/Sharma series

Dissolution (Book #2) Hamilton/Sharma series

Unforeseen (Book #3) Hamilton/Sharma series

FINDING YOU (Romantic Suspense)

AMNESIA (Thriller/Suspense)

ONE FOR SORROW (Romantic Suspense)

Love In Times of War (Boxed set collaboration)

Military Boots (War Anthology)

Heart and Mind (Contemporary Poetry)

ABYSS (Thought provoking poetry & prose)

SONDER (Thought provoking poetry & Prose

Midnight Musings (300 quotes)

Internal Dialogue Musings

Brumology (x 1 short story multi-author anthology) Beyond the Catacombs

Love Letters to Water (2 x short stories multi-author anthology) 1: The

Golden Temple 2: The Man Behind the Falls

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5

5,913 global ratings

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David C. Cassidy

A triumph of the human spirit.

Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2012

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Amelia's Story is a heart-breaking drama of child abuse and the failure of institutionalized child care. It is compelling and heartfelt, detailing the recollections of an abusive childhood experienced by the author. The book is gripping, and while I had difficulty with some of the disturbing stories told here, I could not put it down. Still, despite the material, I often found myself smiling at some of the happier moments--it was reassuring to know that the author found joy in the simplest pleasures, like laughter and play. It is amazing what the human mind can latch onto to save itself from crumbling.

It is a testament to the author that they survived such a horrible upbringing and came to grips with their life, overcoming incredible adversity nearly every single day for years on end. In the end, the book teaches us that life is worth living and that we can overcome any challenges that face us if we hold faith in our hearts that tomorrow will be a better day. Highly recommended.

80 people found this helpful

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Barbara Mojica

TOIL AND TROUBLE

Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2014

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I had trouble deciding whether to give this book three or four stars. As mentioned in many other reviews, there are some issues with editing, grammar, syntax and story flow. However, I cannot deny that the character of Amelia is well developed and compelling. We have all met people in our life time that seemed to be dogged by tragedy; Amelia is certainly one such person.

At the outset, the author is writing her memoir to be given to her young daughter when she grows up. It is meant to explain the childhood that Amelia cannot bring herself to talk about when asked about her past. The rest of the book depicts a life filled with cruelty, abuse, deceit, bullying, unfortunate circumstances, and the insensitivity of society toward the plight of children who are too young to defend themselves. Amelia's mother is an alcoholic and a drug addict who is unable to forge a loving relationship with any of her husbands or her children, Amelia and her brother Jake. Later on she has two more children, one of whom is disabled. Amelia's mother beats and locks up her children, she drugs them with sleeping pills, and leaves them on their own. But their mother Heidi is always successful in deceiving the Social Welfare authorities. Eventually the children are placed in daycare and foster care. They must face a whole new set of challenges. Amelia is much stronger than Jake, but she alternates between striving for success, and following a path of disobedience and resistance. Every time things seem to be looking up, she must face a new challenge either from the authorities or her peers. How will the spiral end? As an adult, will Amelia triumph or fail?

I could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. Warning, do not read this book when you are feeling blue; it certainly is not one to lift your spirits. The fact remains that this is story that needs to be told, and a problem that remains hidden under the surface but one that needs to be brought out into the open and addressed. For children like Amelia are at the mercy of those in society who are bound and sworn by conscience to protect them.

9 people found this helpful

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Tammy Baker

It is a good book, just has a few problems

Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2013

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I did like the book, I got it free and she is really smart giving it away because the first book ends pretty much in the middle of a sentence and you have to buy the second book to find out what happens. So the ending is not great but you do want to keep reading to find out her story. The writer does repeat herself a lot, that get really old really fast, but all in all it is a good and fairly fast read. I am starting the second book now, so I will let you know if this one gets any better!

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gina jones

Beautiful and yet Hard !!

Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2024

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Please if you get a chance read this. This book is true life for many children and More people Need to be aware of what happens in intuitions like this. I worked at one for over 10 years. Its rewarding but heartbreaking. Makes u Want a better life for these precious little people!!!!

Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2013

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It is truly unfortunate that this story, which has such incredible potential, has been written and edited so poorly. I cannot imagine how it has received all the 5-star ratings it has unless the majority of these reviews have come from friends who wish to massage the author's ego or others who simply rate the book high out of sympathy, knowing that it is based on the author's personal history.

I had very high hopes for this story as the subject matter is interesting, and it is indeed one that deserves to be told. However, the writing is adolescent and does not engage the reader. In addition, while I can overlook the occasional punctuation or grammatical error, this book is full of such errors. There is also a great deal of repetition. The author claims that the book was edited. However, if this is true, then this task was certainly not carried out by someone who actually knows anything about editing and/or proofreading. Even children in grade school know that a comma is not placed at the end of a sentence!

At any rate, again, a book with great potential, but one that also has severe deficiencies.

7 people found this helpful

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Linda Edwards

Compelling

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2013

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I gave the book 4 stars rather than 5 due to the terrible punctuation and mediocre grammar. The author really should have had someone go through the book and edit the punctuation, which was so frequently poor as to be distracting. Other than that, though, the story was heart-wrenching and compelling, and one can't help but grow to love Amelia and care about what happens to her. It's rare for me to read a book straight through without jumping around or gravitating to other books (as I'm generally in the midst of reading 20-30 books at once). This was a book, however, that I couldn't put down, as I wanted to follow Amelia's life through until I could see a happy ending for her. I've always wanted a daughter (have two wonderful sons) and have always desired to adopt, so while reading this, I just wanted to take hold of Amelia, pull her out of the care system, and love her as my own. Maybe someday, circumstances will permit me to make a difference in a child's or teen's life. God bless you, Amelia (Dawn), and may the rest of your life be filled with joy and peace.

One person found this helpful

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charlie1212

A Must Read

Reviewed in Canada on November 5, 2018

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BookBub recommended this book to me and so decided to read it. It was disturbing for me given I was brought up in a loving home and was never subjected to the horrible abuse Amelia endured. Amelia’s mother Heidi in my opinion had mental illness and needed help. However back in those days there wasn’t much help, if any for people like that. Amelia’s mother was a terrible human being. I’m shocked how humans can be so horrible. I felt so sad for Amelia. Amelia at such a young, impressionable age was thrown around the system, then back to her mother, then back to the system, then back to the mother. Then Amelia turns 16 and to now have possibly, finally found a real true home with a mother figure. However to my shock and disbelief I was crushed that she fell victim to a monster of a man within that very home. I just ordered the next book. Hoping to find some resolve, possibly some payback, some closure.

One person found this helpful

Patricia AC

Broke my heart

Reviewed in Spain on July 25, 2019

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This book really broke my heart. All the bad points about the care system are present here. Won't say any anymore as it's best for readers to discover the book themselves.

Grace browne

Good Read

Reviewed in Australia on February 29, 2024

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I loved the trilogy and would recommend it if you like true life stories. Good on her for overcoming such obstacles.

Rema Menon

Five Stars

Reviewed in India on November 8, 2015

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Well written Touching

One person found this helpful

AlwaysReading

Breathtakingly Honest

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2013

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This was a heartbreaking yet inspiring story. The writing was deeply personal and flowed with an honesty that was breathtaking. Apart from the odd lapse into American spelling, I thought it was extremely well-written and suited the poignant tale of what can happen when children are put into the hands of despicable people.

And despicable they were.

I'm not sure if children in 'care' are still treated as badly - no voice, split from siblings, abused, stripped of anything that gives them identity and treated as criminals. Where in actuality, it is the parents, social workers and those that own and staff the homes who are indeed immoral, scandalous and surely, breaking the law; truly monsters masquerading as human. It is those who should be incarcerated, not the children. And yet, I have read about the invisibility and unimportance of those unfortunate enough to the lumbered with disgusting 'humans', although I can only hope things have improved. It makes me ashamed to be English, knowing that we allow such things to happen.

It is difficult to believe, and yet we cannot be surprised, that such cruelty exists within the human condition...although, I suppose, we must accept it as true - and my heart aches in response to such terrorism.

Amelia's Story is beautifully told, and is a compelling read. I can only hope that Amelia continues to fight against such awfulness and yes, takes her destiny into her own hands enough to defeat the monsters and live the life she deserves.

Highly recommended.

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Amelia's Story: A Childhood Lost (Amelia Series Book 1) Kindle Edition

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D. G Torrens

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