Patty Wain Smith’s book, A Letter to a Friend, is a very well-written story as I see it about the turmoil caused in ones spirit resulting from the acts of domestic violence and a message of hope for those whose spirits have been broken.
The author delivers a very important message which would be very easily understood for most victims even in their times of crisis!
This would be a must read in my opinion for victims as well as others to understand where someone’s spirit can be taken to the deepest darkness and where it can be delivered to the Light!!
I have witnessed and lived the effects of domestic violence and the scars to the soul that it will attempt to leave.  The author has described in her writing a way out of the darkness and into the Light with a spiritual uplifting.
In her story there is a part about “the gift” which is my favorite!
I would strongly suggest this book for anyone whose spirit has been scarred by domestic violence.
I also believe this would be a good read for those in DV Shelters and self help groups.
To the author : Very well done!

This book is infused with love, kindness, hope, and a little bit of magic. Author Patty Wain Smith has infused a kind of spiritual magic into her book. During the past year, she presented the book at a meeting attended by ten women, and ten copies were sold. Everyone knew someone who needs to believe in their own power to make a monumental change and embark on a journey down a road that will not be easy. Months later, a woman who’d attended the meeting and had given the book to a friend, told me that because of this little book, her friend found the strength and hope to remove herself from an unhealthy relationship. I mentioned A Letter to a Friend to my daughter who is a therapist, and she agreed that choice is “a brilliantly wrapped gift addressed to you with love.” I am not a religious person, but this idea spoke to me.

Why does this little book have the answers? What is it about this book that empowers a victim of abuse? It is crafted with love, kindness, and hope. Each word has been carefully chosen to give comfort and inspiration to the reader. It is not your traditional self-help book, nor is it a documentary on abuse. There is wisdom in its short sentences. The language is simple but eloquent. I believe the author created the book to be read in small sound bites when the abuser is not around, hidden in the nightstand, waiting to provide answers when all hope is lost. I truly believe the author wrote it to change the world, and this little book with its magic seems to be doing just that.

A Letter to a Friend: The Story of Abuse in America – Patty Wain Smith captures all aspects of the journey from victim to victory and healing. In reading I felt like she was personally talking to me and taking me through my own journey. She does a beautiful job of incorporating the scriptures into every step of the healing process. Most importantly she touches on an often overlooked aspect of domestic violence and the effect it has on the children involved. Having been in the field of social work for over 35 years this is a book I would highly recommend to anyone in the field. Once you pick it up you will not want to put it down.