"The push and pull relationship between these two powerful women does more than flesh out truths about foster care; it shows the raw honesty in the fundamental human endeavors of creating a family and finding a home—a place that is not just shelter, but rather a place where one belongs. The entwined stories of Melissa and Patrice, told openly and without guile, are ultimately the story of us all."
- Faye J. Crosby, Distinguished Professor Emerita of Psychology, University of California Santa Cruz "I found myself in tears at the many poignant, heartbreaking, and complex situations that both Melissa and Patrice experienced. Anyone who has been at either end of the fostering system, or is interested in experiencing how life within this system feels, will be captivated by this intimate diary.” -Terry Grove, Educator and Former Foster Parent “This gritty true story two women navigating a myriad of emotional and lifestyle complexities on their way to forming a “perfectly flawed family” reinforces our faith in the durability of all families.” -Virginia Scott, Family Therapist, Founder of the internationally acclaimed Family Wellness Program, and Author of Raising a Loving Family. "Melissa Come Back is an intimate and moving story that evokes in the reader a range of emotions from heartbreak to hope. The main characters connect, then separate, and then connect again in a most surprising way - it shows that fate is often more dramatic than fiction. I would recommend this book to anyone. " Eileen Beaudry "What a great story of the power of love and triumph over hardship! I loved the structure of two alternating stories explaining the opposite points of view. I respect the gut wrenching honesty that is expressed so frankly. A story of how determination, love and self respect can conquer!" Brian del Toro "In the midst of reading your book, Melissa Come Back. Heart wrenching, compassionate…a soulful glance into your intimate experience. Thank you for writing such a personal experience. Keeps me from losing perspective that people that I encounter have so much more to their own story. I value being reminded." Maureen Tapiz "Melissa Come Back is incredible. I had not expected it to be such an engrossing page-turner." Marsha Stanley "Wow! Melissa Come Back is amazing. I couldn't put it down. Read the whole thing in less than 24 hours. It's truly a profound story! Made me cry several times." Liz Ross Educator and Audiologist "I just finished reading this engrossing and enriching book by two women, Patrice and Melissa, who in alternating chapters tell their stories of how they met – collided might be a better word – and ultimately formed a blended family, “like landing on the moon from different planets,” as Patrice puts it near the end of the book. This book touched me in ways few others have. I will be absorbing its lessons for some time to come." Wes Beach Educator and Owner, Beach High School "I was as absorbed reading this as when I first read Jeanette Wall’s Glass Castle The authors of Melissa Come Back, two wonder voices wrapping you up in their story, you are tempted to keep reading in one sitting to see how things end." Bon K. "The dual narrative of foster parent/child journey makes this book truly unique. To understand the cycle of abuse and poverty so many children endure. The love and persistence it takes to survive, both from the truly loving and well intentioned foster parents and the grit and determination of the foster child as she moves into an adult life. A life filled with unimaginable dangers and seemingly unsurpassable challenges. The ultimate healing and redemption is truly inspiring." Stephanie Lynch "Congratulations on writing such a compelling book. The story was so personal, powerful, and important. I was moved on many occasions and was reading with tears in my eyes. Without question I am forever changed with a renewed sense of compassion and empathy for disadvantaged young children." Ross Condit "I love this book because I got to know the characters so well. Thank you for sharing yourselves so generously and fully. The back-and-forth narrative works beautifully. It's a good read for anyone considering foster parenting, and for new social workers in the field, and maybe for kids aging out of foster care and .... for anyone to understand the impact of income inequality and addiction on children and the adults who are unable to parent them." Emily A. Amazon Customer Review 5.0 out of 5 stars This book exposes a raw, painful world that really is possible to escape from "I am not a person who devours books, but I definitely devoured Mellisa Come Back. This book made me think about judgements we have about poverty, foster care, abuse, family, love and forgiveness. It helps anyone understand the chasms between people who live in different environments & cultures. We are all different and we are all the same. It is such an intimate & personal story of these two amazing & incredible women. They have shown such bravery by sharing their stories & encouraging readers to understand what happened. I applaud & thank both Patrice & Melissa for this book." ""Melissa Come Back" is a story that needs to get out there." Cameron Finch, Atmosphere Press |