What people are saying about “Wearing Red”…

“I read ‘Wearing Red’ cover to cover in 24 hours, tucked up in a shepherd’s hut. It’s an extraordinary piece of work and very moving. I felt like I knew Eva by the end, as she has been so open about her experiences, thoughts and behaviours.

 Especially moving for me was the space Eva gave in the writing to reach back to the relationships she needed to understand or recover, and that she shared the details of her affirming actions.

 As an editor, I liked the sense of ups and downs of emotions/moods conveyed by leading in with the poems, at the beginning of the book. It worked so well to have the reader face this at the start, to understand how mood swings actually feel.

 It’s great that the ‘myths’ were set out at the end and no assumption was made that anyone would know them. They were so meaningful to be read last and closed the story, without diminishing it one bit.

 What a remarkable manual too. I can’t even begin on the self-help value of all those references.”

 Kate Targett, Writer and Artist.

Fascinating and Helpful in Equal Measure

“This is a beautifully written book that uses prose, poetry and self-help advice to take the reader on a journey from Eva's past trauma to her current mental and physical health. She clearly charts the reasons for her addictions and mood swings then outlines how she uses a variety of methods to overcome her past to experience a fulfilling present.

Her poetry is beautiful, expressive and accessible and it really underlines how she's feeling and what she's battled to achieve an equilibrium. I expect now that I've read the book through, I will dip into it from time to time - especially the poetry.”

 Cheryl Kuczynski, PR Consultant

A Powerful Gift of Hope

“Thank you, Eva Melissa, a true survivor, for this awe-inspiring captivating heartfelt gift to encourage and support others. ‘Wearing Red’ has the power to destigmatise mental health issues, addiction, and childhood sexual abuse trauma. She provides a ray of hope toolkit to aid recovery. She is herself a ‘horse whisperer'.”

 Linda Jones, Yoga teacher

“In an age where stories are silenced and experiences are pathologised, telling your truth can be an act of resistance and of healing. For me, Eva’s courageous book is both. Recommend for everyone but particularly those still in doubt that it’s the stuff that happens that is at the root of distress, not so-called medical illnesses!”

Jo Watson, UKCP Psychotherapist, Activist, Trainer and organiser of ‘A Disorder for Everyone’

“Eva has written an honest and brave memoir about the ways in which human experience can exacerbate mental health. Through the telling of her life story, it gives us all hope that no matter how bleak things can feel, there is always a reason to carry on. Her story offers a way to live a meaningful and full life, no matter how many stormy days we encounter along the way.”

 Sophie Lyons, Communications & Social Media Co-ordinator, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Toronto

A Courageous Book

“‘Wearing Red’ sums up Eva’s story of courage to overcome the legacy of sexual abuse and adult addiction. The book is a brave and touching story of how one woman is riding the waves with spirit and creativity.

 I really liked the way she has mixed poetry with prose. I am sure the act of writing this memoir will have helped her on her journey to forge a new relationship with these life encounters.

 Her book, and books like this, are a beacon of hope for the many people who suffer with mental health challenges. I salute her courage!”

 Barbara Bloomfield, MSc Creative Writing, Relate Counsellor, Writer, Group facilitator, Writing Mentor 

An Amazing Book

“I received ‘Wearing Red’ as a Christmas present from my husband. I opened it and started to read and that was it - I couldn't put it down!
Eva was very courageous to have written it and there will be many people who will be so very grateful that she did. The poems particularly are challenging, brave and so inspirational. It is a special book.”

 Di Litten, Business Consultant

“Courageous, bold, extensive. This is a harrowing tale of childhood sexual abuse and its menacing legacy. Told with flare, grit and colour, Eva’s story will take you into the world of dysfunctional relationships, abuse and debasement, while at the same time awe you with the human need and determination to become whole and healed.

 Using poetry and prose it takes you through Eva’s experiences between the extremes of her life. It is impressive, uncompromising and ultimately provides helpful insight to a life lived, which most people could not conceive of.

 In these days of increasing awareness of what it is to be a victim to the acts of people in powerful roles, this is a valuable testament to the harm such acts wreak, the far-reaching consequences they set in play, and, with love, luck, and self-awareness the possibility of ongoing recovery.”

Kate Pawsey, CWTP MSc, Founder of Writing Time.

Great Read

“I felt totally engaged throughout the book. It was captivating and colourful, like the author. Some important messages too. I thoroughly recommend.”

 Sue Sharp, Vintage Business Owner

 “Wearing Red’ is an honest account of how the past shapes the future, and how that future can be changed. Eva’s book offers insight and great everyday tools to help cope with feelings of despair and anxiety caused by past trauma.”

 Anna Blightman, PR Consultant

 “A powerful palimpsest communicating a passionate need to understand and be understood, full of rich metaphorical colour.”

 Kate McCoy, Artistic Director, Small Performance Adventures Theatre