WHEN I WAS HER DAUGHTER

Seven-year-old Leslie has a serious problem.

Someone is trying to kill her.

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Leslie and her little brother must confront the stark reality of living with their mother’s raging psychosis. When her mother demands the impossible, Leslie attempts to control the chaos. Her obedience results in terrifying consequences, and her rebellion angers her mother, who writes rambling manifestos and forces her children to live on the run to evade the Russian spies she believes are after them. Her mother’s ultimate goal is to protect her children from capture even if it means she must kill them herself.

Eventually, the police remove Leslie and her brother from their mother’s custody. Freedom from violence and neglect offers the young girl a glimmer of hope, but alienating, oppressive foster homes cause her to plummet into despair. All seems lost . . . until a teacher intervenes and risks everything to bring Leslie to safety and show her the redemptive power of trust and patience, proving unconditional love is possible even without the bond of blood.

When I Was Her Daughter is a raw, honest account of one girl’s journey through madness, loss, and a broken child welfare system, where only the lucky and most resilient survive.

AWARDS

Outstanding Creator Awards Winter 2023

Best Non-Fiction Book, 3rd Place

Family, 1st Place

Autobiographies& Memoirs, 2nd Place

Women’s Non-Fiction & Women’s Issues, 3rd Place

Motivational/Inspirational, 3rd Place

 

2023 PenCraft Winter Seasonal Book Awards

Winner–Memoir

 

2022 Firebird Book Awards

Coming of Age, 1st Place

Parenting & Family, 1st Place

Psychiatry/Psychology, 1st Place

 

The Memoir Prize for Books 2022

Winner—Resilience

What Readers Are Saying

"When I Was Her Daughter tells a powerful tale of trauma, survival and the redemptive power of love. I could not put Leslie Ferguson's riveting, vivid, excruciating and beautiful story down."
Laura Davis
Laura DavisAuthor, The Burning Light of Two Stars
"Shocking, heartfelt, and filled with beautiful prose, this tragic tale is an arresting reflection of forgiveness, strength, and love."
Cherie Kephart
Cherie KephartAuthor, A Few Minor Adjustments
"Honest and beautifully crafted, this book will leave you crying and also applauding."
Laura Engel
Laura EngelAuthor, You'll Forget This Ever Happened
"Leslie's writing is impeccable, well-edited, and complex. Just a lovely book, one that I've recommended to friends and family and which has a permanent spot on my shelf."
Bethany Lynne Davis
Bethany Lynne DavisAuthor, In Deeper
"The writing here is strong. Straightforward. Introspective. The author’s personal successes and this writing—a testament to the beautiful way love can heal even the most broken."
d. ellis phelps
d. ellis phelpsAuthor, what she holds
"This memoir contains experiences almost everyone can relate to at some level, whether you’ve ever ached for a parent’s love and attention, questioned your own perceptions, or searched for a path to forgiveness."
Candace CahillAuthor, Goodbye Again
"Somehow, and this is her magic as a writer, without artifice she cultivated hope within me as a reader. It was there in her words, even as she shared her greatest struggles. Masterful!"
Laurie Lee DavisAuthor, Growing into the Gray
"Leslie has a wonderful way of writing. She writes so you feel her feelings, she tells her traumatic story without any blame, and she shares how her transition to a happy life was not easy for her or her new mother. This memoir is so super rich with love, I highly recommend everyone read it."
Susan B.Amazon Reader
"Heartbreaking at times, but ultimately a story of triumph. Honestly and beautifully written. 5 stars"
Catherine C.Amazon Reader
"This book is well written and left me feeling uplifted. The author’s story made me marvel at her courage and resiliency. I loved the book so I bought a copy for a friend as a birthday gift."
Karen J.Amazon Reader
"I could not put this book down. The bravery and undying love of these children will stay with you forever."
Teresa A.Amazon Reader
"As I read Leslie’s book, it stirred my memories of being in the system. I commend Leslie for capturing the emotions that the majority of us foster kids feel. Those emotions and feelings of emptiness from moving around, not being loved, having to leave friends, and having to be on guard all the time."
Lawrence P.Amazon Reader
"I recommend this book to everyone, especially those who work with children and those in the foster care system. A powerfully moving book."
Colleen K.Amazon Reader
"This is a book I couldn't put the book down. Leslie Ferguson is a gifted storyteller who has written a compelling memoir that kept me on the edge of my seat. "
Cathy S.Amazon Reader
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FOR THE BOOK

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6 thoughts on “The Memoir”

  4. Shannon Tedder

    I’m so happy for you. What unbelievable Courage you have Leslie❤️ I look forward to reading your book.
    Much love and support

  5. Joe Castorena

    This is a heart-felt memoir which is written with incredibly honest details about her fears and hopes for her brother and self. Leslie Ferguson takes you on a sad journey through her life and teaches us how to keep hope alive. It is a must read if you love survival stories.

  6. barbara moody

    I admire this author’s courage and resulting raw truthfulness of the child, through the eyes of the adult.
    ….. A thoroughly enjoyable read, with lessons to be learned throughout if the reader is willing.
    Thank you for the gift of this read Leslie Ferguson.

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