Welcome to the blog tour for Patricia Miller Mauro's powerful memoir of struggle and perseverance. We're honored to help her spread her message of hope and possibility. Join us 7/22 through 8/4 as bloggers and reviewers post their reveiws of this a truly inspiring, deeply personal tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships.

About the book:

A kidnapping, the divorce of her parents, the loss of her father, temporary abandonment and extreme poverty are just some of the issues the author dealt with as a young child. Her mother finally tells her she must go to college so she can break out of this cycle of poverty and hopelessness. But how can she when she has no money and absolutely no confidence or self esteem? Read this true story to discover what hope, faith and determination can do to change a life. A truly inspiring, deeply personal tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships, Safe from the Past makes clear the restorative power of an education. Told in an open, honest voice with the deepest sincerity, the author’s life story serves as a rousing inspiration to those with the desire to create a better life than the one they are currently living. No matter how helpless you feel, everyone has the power to shape their own life.

Meet Patricia Miller Mauro:

Patricia worked in New York City's financial district for thirteen years in the field of securities operations. At that time, she went on to obtain an MBA from New York University. She and her husband moved to Dallas, TX in 2001 where they are raising their two children.  During her time in NY, Patricia wrote an article entitled "A Tribute To My Mother" which was published in "The Recovery Journal" in 1999. Her book is a continuation of that tribute and serves to spread the message to those in similar situations that good news is on its way to children considering a higher education but who are afraid to dream. For more information please visit, www.patriciamaurobooks.com.

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FACEBOOK THIS: Don’t miss Patricia Mauro’s Safe From the Past  - inspiring, deeply personal tale of perseverance in the face of unimaginable hardships. http://ow.ly/5FQHA. Told in an open, honest voice with the deepest sincerity, the author's life story serves as a rousing inspiration to those with the desire to create a better life than the one they are currently living.

Blog Tour Schedule:

7/22

Jill at Book, Books Everywhere I was struck by the intense faith Mauro had in God. So many times we associate faith with going to and belonging to a religious community and place of worship. Of spending time praying as  group, but it seems like Mauro had faith even in the worst of times and she never mentions stepping inside of a church. It was a wonderful reminder that God is everywhere and everyone can have faith, even if they have little else. God always provides for tomorrow if we trust enough and understand what is being asked of us. 

Heidi at Starts At Eight This was a quick, engaging read. One of the things I find most endearing about this book is what a testament to hard work and perseverance Patricia’s struggles, and ultimate triumph over those struggles, can be to those reading it. What I appreciated most is how she acknowledged her past, learned from it, and refused to follow the same path as her mother. Thus allowing her to overcome many obstacles to achieve her ultimate goal of higher education against significant odds.               

Carabosse's Library If you like inspiring stories of survival against all odds, then this book is for you. It was a quick, though not easy, read, that can be finished in an afternoon.  A book that shows true resourcefulness and spirit.    

7/23

Laurie Here Reading and Writing Reviews I highly recommend this book to our youth of today.  This book make such a point. Without college, you may have nothing. With college, you can have everything.

Brenda at WV Stitcher Patricia Miller Mauro encourages and inspires. This book should be recommended reading for every high school student to make them understand the value of education. The old saying of if there is a will there is a way is no more obvious than in this story. The author knew the key to breaking the cycle of poverty was thru higher education and even though she was often broke and didn't know where her next meal might come from while in school she didn't let that stop her. A story of triumphing over adversities, which will certainly inspire  and encourage. I commend the author for sharing her difficult story.

Janelle at Cole Clan Adventures Patricia Mauro writes Safe from the Past with her heart on the page. Her story is inspiring, amazing and heart breaking at the same time. To read, as she recounts the horrors she endured while growing up in poverty, alcoholism, and abuse brings the reader to a place of shared intimacy with Ms. Mauro. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be reminded why we are called to love others. God can use our lives to pour love into someone who has very little love in their life. We can be the hands of Jesus if we are looking for the people who need those hands to hug them and serve them.                 

Cici's Theories  Of the many lessons that I took from reading this book there is one that may be overlooked…be a mentor, an example.  Never be afraid to reach out and extend an offering of help, you never know whose live you can change with not only your actions, but your words.       

7/25

Coranne at Short and Sweet This was a powerful and short read! I will admit- I feel a little awkward commenting on someone's life. The author is a gifted writer. Although the book is on the brief side, she writes with skill and draws the reader into the book. I was honestly horrified by everything she went through. I found myself cheering for the author when things would come through. Her story is a great testament to God's providence. There is no forced lesson in this book- the author doesn't spend ten chapters explaining the why of the events in her life.  She lets her story speak for itself. A quick read and one that I think everyone would benefit reading.

Tana at Little Bird Seeds The story is an encouragement for anyone who desire to go to college, but are finding themselves struggling through life.                 

Anne at Mommy Has to Work Life can be rough, but you can change it!

April’s Lifestyle Show If your looking for an inspiring story of perseverance this is an excellent read. If you ever think just because of your upbringing you cannot succeed in this world you are mistaken that is for sure. I love reading success stories about people who were truly living in poverty who were scarred and insecure but battled through the demons. This book lets us know we all truly have the power to shape our destiny. If you have a teen or young adult I recommend this book. This book is a very short read of 138 pages. Pick it up and read it over the weekend you will be greatly inspired.    

7/26

Chelle at Chasing the Divine Although her journey has not been easy, she writes well of the trials she faced in life and how she went beyond her upbringing. I also like that she does not wade around in the details of life's miseries, but focuses more on what she chose to do in spite of her circumstances. This is a great read, enjoy.

V.E. at Duncan Heights I commend Mauro for writing about her success story and for pulling herself out of the cycle of abuse and poverty.  It’s as though the author is sitting in the room with you telling her story: down-to-earth, no unintelligible words, and the story is interesting....                 

Danielle at The Happy Wife Safe From the Past is a great motivator for those who think they cannot achieve their goal due to minor things. If the author could overcome the odds she faced, then surely we can overcome lesser obstacles that stand in our way. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys autobiographies of living people and/or stories of overcoming difficult situations to achieve a goal. Safe From the Past is also a fitting book for any older child of an alcoholic and/or an abused parent as it shows that it is okay to hope and dream.

Deanna's Corner Patricia proves that there is a chance to be safe from your past.    

7/27

Caroline at Happy Four The book is a beautiful example of tenacity and fortitude.            

Splashes of Joy I was amazed at her story and how she was determined to make something of her life no matter what. I would encourage anyone growing up exposed to tough situations such as Patty and her sister were to get a copy of this book and see how they managed to have a happy and fulfilled life despite their upbringing.                 

Stacie at Hobbit Door This was such an inspiring book! I could completely relate to how hard she had to work to stay in school and survive. The part that was completely alien to me is not having the supportive family to lean on through it all. It is just amazing to me all that she did, lived through and how she came through it all. It is a beautiful, moving story. The book is short and simply written. It is quite an easy read but worth it. There is just something so special about sharing another person's story, literally being able to walk a mile in their shoes. I highly recommend this book.   

Laura at Lighthouse Academy SAFE FROM THE PAST is a remarkable story of courage and pluck. Patti had the courage to take her life by the horns and to do what it takes to survive. I don’t know of many in her situations that would do what she did. The story is engaging, telling how one woman rose from poverty to become successful, happy, and have a family. This book will encourage anyone facing difficulties to carry on—that if you have a good attitude and are willing to work, you can survive—and not only survive, but thrive. Also at Christian Bookworm Reviews.          

Wendy at Minding Spot An inspiring story of how to survive, dream and achieve that dream by working hard and having God in her heart.      

7/28          

Rhiana at A Frugal Life Safe from the Past is getting popular reviews from both Mom's and teenagers. It's a great book to read with your daughter, the inspiration of overcoming obstacles is a good discussion starter and can lead to some important family talks. 

Deb’s Here This was a very good book that holds your attention. I really like true stores and this did not let me down.

Whitney at Rambles of a SAHM It was a great read for me to see past my life and realize that we never know what others may go through. I hope that I am kind and can offer help to anyone in a similar situation. I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Reading this book made me realize just how important my job as a mother is. A mother shapes so much of the person we will become. Anyways, great fast read!     

7/29

Chrystal at The Self Employed Writer Not too bad for a girl who grew up poor, with an addictive mother and alcoholic step father. I can firmly say that Patricia Miller Mauro wants you to know that just because  you feel helpless you still have the power to change your life.        

Lauri at Knits, Reads and Reviews This is a memoir and author Patricia Miller Mauro writes quite honestly,  she is a woman who fights against all odds and does not let set-backs get her down.  This is a story about survival that parents should share with their children, it shows that even those with the odds against them can come out ahead if they have the strength to push past difficulties.  This is a very inspirational book, and a must read for this summer, you won't be disappointed.                 

Andi at Radiant Light Every day children go to school hungry, have hidden from their parents fighting, are tired from listening to drunken parents coming in at all hours of the night in a fit of rage. Patricia takes you inside the walls of the life of a child, and what it was like, how each day was a struggle to survive. In her poignant story we watch her struggle through daily life and on to college which her mother wanted her to go, and the struggles she had there. This is a story of hope through perseverance! One in which you will see the hand of God in every turn, even when you don't think He's there. I can't recommend this book enough!

7/30

Jettie at Jettie's Ramblings This is a very compelling book, and a must read for anyone who enjoys a 'pull yourself up by your boot straps' story. This book deserves 5 Stars....

Sara at Momma Findings It starts off as Patricia tells the back story of her life and then proceeds into the College years giving us glimpses of her childhood throughout. As she flashbacks to all that she went through, we could see that her Faith was growing stronger and stronger as she realized, no matter what your past, no matter what the circumstance, you can do anything through Christ. She proves it through her Testimony.

8/1          

Angela at All Grown Up? Patricia Miller Mauro is here to prove that having a tough start in life does not mean you have to spend the rest of your life struggling, barely making it in society. Her story, mainly covering her college years with flashbacks to her childhood, inspires and shows that with grit, determination, and a strong faith in God, anyone can go to college, get an education, and live a normal, healthy life! I enjoyed reading Safe from the Past, it brought to light issues that while most of us take for granted, can be devastating to many.

Donna at Books and Such I enjoyed the candor Ms. Mauro used to write this book. It couldn't have been easy to live her life, much less write about it, but her hope and inspiration kept me turning the pages. If you are looking for a book to help you be strong or to gather hope; if you need to help someone else with problems and struggles, this book will help. It is a story I won't forget.           

Staci at 7 on a Shoestring I enjoyed reading every page. As I finished one chapter I quickly wanted to dive into the next to find out what happened next. I was able to get into her mind and understand her thoughts. I could feel her pain and anguish and was praying her efforts were triumphant. It was an easy read and I was able to enjoy the flow of the words even as I was reading at the end of an exhausting day. It encouraged me and I pray that my own children are able to achieve the same goals even through our struggles. I tell my kids the same thing about how important a college education and pray they heed that warning. Patricia Miller Mauro gives me that hope!                 

8/2

Sheri at The Shades of Pink A powerful story. For anyone who feels like they are at the end of their rope or that they just can't go on this book is amazing. Patricia worked hard to achieve her goals, even going to extremes I never would have thought of.  So many of us shy away from asking for help that we do not receive it.  If nothing else Patricia showed me that letting go of pride and building up determination are two key factors to overcoming many curveballs that life can throw at you. Buy the book, read it, read it again, and then pass it on or at the very least pass on the lessons you learned throughout the book. Because you will learn something.          

Janie at Colloquium Mauro's writing style is straight-forward and admirably devoid of either self-pity or resentment toward either of her parents or her stepfather. Mauro relates her experiences with clarity and honesty that make her triumphant tale appear neither exaggerated nor embellished. Although she mentions her faith on numerous occasions, she makes no attempt to proselytize or convert her readres to a particular believe system. Rather, her faith is simply a part of the fabric of the story that she weaves.

Jennifer at For Such a Time as This Enjoyed-inspirational.

Lynetta at Open Book Mauro shares how she overcame obstacles to get a college degree, revolutionizing her family legacy. If you're looking for a book inspire you to get over your current hurdles, check out Safe from the Past.

Andrew's Blog I would recommend this book to anyone who dreams of a better life and wants to accomplish your dreams.   

8/3

Lori at Frog's Lilypad This book is packed with faith and determination. Safe From the Past is an excellent book for anyone with the plans of earning a degree. It is also an excellent book for anyone with a life long dream that seems too far to reach. It pays to be determined. 

Tracy's Nook The amount of trial and tribulations that Patricia went thorough to actually finish college in order to make something of herself is almost unfathomable. Between finding was to actually pay for the schooling and dealing with a mother, sister and step-father back at home in a completely dysfunctional existence. The concept of parents not being there to support their children is a hard one for me to grasp. I think this is a great book to show people that you can live through things.     

8/4

Linda at Christian Book Reviews Patricia Miller Mauro’s book, Safe From The Past, is an inside look of her life of kidnapping, divorce, poverty, remarriage, control, alcoholism, abuse, and safety from her past. It’s a great encouragement for children/teens in these situations to know that they can escape and make a better life for themselves. There’s a surprise ending that will touch your heart with both joy and pain.  Truth prevails.  But it is bittersweet. A great book to share with teens who you know are struggling and want to encourage to break from the past!  It can be done!     

Clint at Friar Tuck's Fleeting Thoughts This is an easy book to read and I enjoyed it. Patricia’s life could have led her to repeat what she knew, but is a good example to others that you can change direction if you have faith and determination. 

Savanah at Ridiculous Reviews There is no doubt in my mind that God uses the poor, weak and oppressed to do mighty things in His name. And I believe that Ms. Patricia has the perfect story to tell with that in mind. I found her story to be very compelling and intriguing. She's one of those people I wish I could just hug because I know of all her troubles. Her book was also an easy read, which made it flow easy. Biographies can be hard to work through if they don't "flow". However, I had a feeling that a few points where dramatized. But it was just a feeling. I don't think everyone is going to have this feeling, therefore I will not name specifically where I felt this way. Otherwise, Her story is good and reminds me of many a bible story where God chooses to show His strength through the small and weak. Go Patricia! 

8/5

Freda's Voice Now I know why some people are so strong... it's what they live through. Patricia's story is a fine example of just that. Her life made her stronger, and made her make wiser choices. I really enjoyed this book.         

Brooks at Victorious Café 

Heather at Faith, Family and Fun I think the book is a good warning that many growing up in difficult households lack even the necessities of life, much less a chance to develop self-esteem.    

Sharon from The Legacy of Home I appreciate Patricia's honest look at life. I can imagine how difficult it must have been to share so much of her past. I think the book will give readers a look at how people live in poverty. They will see the struggles with hunger, alcoholism and family relationships.  She grew up in a broken home.  It was not a loving Christian home, it was a sad and seemingly hopeless place. This kind of thing is going on in many homes today. Young people will be encouraged by her story. Older people will be inspired to help the less fortunate.