Blemished Heart: One Girl's Escape from Abuse to Freedom

Lizzy Bauman keeps getting into trouble. Every time she's punished, a dark spot is added to her heart. Resolving to do better, she writes down her misdeeds in a little book. She desperately wants to erase the blemishes and prevent any more from appearing.

As she grows older, Lizzy is held hostage by her family's poverty, her abusive father and brother Clyde, and her unresponsive mother. Only her brother Jimmy seems to care, making her life somewhat bearable with his kindness and gentle humor.

One day, God shows Lizzy the way to leave the fear and shame behind. She places her trust and blemished heart in the hands of the only one who can truly cleanse her and set her free.

Based on a true story.

Fern Boldt graduated from Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto with a Master of Divinity and started her own counseling business. Her articles have appeared in various publications, and a short story was published in the anthology "Grandmothers' Necklace." Fern writes and illustrates children's books. She and her husband Peter reside in Canada and have four married sons, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. You can visit Fern at fernboldt.com.