The Mind, Heart, and Soul Series
 TESTIMONIALS

"This story will take up residence in your mind as you replay the scenes in your head long after you have read the final words and closed the book. It will tug at your heart as you weep for Jennifer’s lost childhood, and will haunt your soul because evil still exists in the world today.

"Yes, this story deals with the horror that is child abuse, but it is so much more… It is a story of resilience and hope and an honest representation of teenage friendships, rivalries, first loves and heartbreaks; the universal things that all teens face regardless of their home lives and parents.

"It is not often that I read a book that rocks me to my core. Rebuilding Jennifer is such a book. I knew, before I read a single word, that the story dealt with child abuse and was based on some of the author’s own tormented childhood experiences. I thought I was prepared with a box of tissues (definitely needed, btw), but I was not ready for the emotional depths the author’s incredible writing and overall plot would plunge me into as a reader.

"Jessica Cantwell’ seamless transitions whisked me through a decade of Jennifer’s life while immersing me in each scene through masterful dialogue, descriptions, and multi-dimensional characters.

"I cried along with Jennifer, wishing I could reach into the pages and give her a hug. I felt her rage as her abuse was ignored and wanted to punch the abusive mother (and the others who preyed on Jennifer), and I cheered whenever Jennifer had a victory.

"My favorite character in Jennifer’s turbulent travels is Kit. Despite both Jennifer and Kit dealing with their own inner torments and brokenness, these two teens still found ways to possess hope and kindness; two qualities that help them from becoming that which they fear most—becoming abusive and cruel like the adults in their lives.

"I am eager to read, Finding Preston: Book 2 in the Mind, Heart, and Soul series. In mythology the Phoenix rises from the ashes. I will be rooting for Jennifer to not only rise in Book 2, but to shake off the ashes of abuse as her inner strength sets her heart ablaze so that she can do more than fly—so she can soar as she deserves.

"I have been a fan of Jessica Cantwell since I read her entertaining YA fantasy Realm saga books, but with Rebuilding Jennifer, Cantwell has taken her writing to a new stratosphere!

"Five Stars for Rebuilding Jennifer!"

Lisa Alfano - author of PMS Girls Saga and The Thorne Chronicles

"Rebuilding Jennifer, a work of fiction inspired by the author’s own experiences, is told with such raw poignancy it tears at the soul. Anyone who has suffered similar experiences will recognize the odd juxtaposition Cantwell depicts of animalistic pain, rage, and fear combined with mind fogging depression; as well as, how being a victim of abuse somehow seems to mark you as easy prey to other predators. Among the many things that resonated with me personally was Jennifer’s cognizance of a cherished, unbroken “sacred piece” of herself that separated her from the “something broken” in her abuser which she hoped may one day be healed. Hope - another thread woven into this rich tapestry of prose. The loss of it. The fear of it. The trepidatious gain of it. This may be a difficult read for some given its realistic portrayals of abuse. That being said, it’s a wonderfully told “to be continued” story which will not only connect with those who have suffered similarly, but will provide for others a better understanding of the path too many have been forced to travel. Bravo!"

Nannette Kreitzman - author of multiple short stories