To Hell and Back Again: A Young Woman's Journey
by Chereva S. Marley
Stratton Press Publishing


"What you need to do is relearn how to live without them."

Marley nearly did go to hell and back in her younger years. No one should have to endure the things she survived, especially the loss of a child. Her story is starkly shared so that others might find insight, or maybe comfort from a kindred spirit, into a life of betrayals, loss, and abuse. The book begins with the author's marriage to Matt, who has a young daughter. The daughter's teen years are not kind to the family, and most readers might relate to the family transitioning into chaos because adolescence takes its toll on so many. Marley sums it up skillfully, "To be completely disregarded and treated with such vile, wretched, and terrifying behavior by the one person you spent the most time and energy to love...is going to knock you off your game and scar you for a long time."

Next, the memoir delves into Marley's work life. Many have been to Las Vegas as tourists but have never seen the city from the angle of professional dealers. Every job has its politics, and, apparently, professional dealing is fraught with it. The author details it perfectly. Readers are almost on the job with her.

The biggest tragedy Marley describes is the death of her biological daughter. It is unimaginable for most to endure the loss of a child, but Marley is as strong as life requires and seems to soldier on, thanks to faith, pride, strength, and integrity. The tragedy still lingers for her, which is a point; some things in life are so tragic or pivotal that they redefine us. Life becomes pre- and post- like BC and AD. In the end, Marley advises readers to keep their faith; and if she can do it, so can other believers, despite the unthinkable happening to them.

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