Peace by Piece

How does a child fight the devil? Tessa’s father began coming in her bedroom during a time when she should have been focused on toys instead of on shielding herself from a predator. Despite her attempts to keep him out, nothing would deter him. The man who was supposed to provide for and protect her as a child took her innocence and changed her forever.

Through essays and poetry, Tessa reveals a heartbreaking glimpse into the life of a sexual abuse victim as she did everything in her power to survive her personal hell. While sharing how she became a good pretender who wore many different masks, Tessa describes a horrifying cycle of rapes—not just from her father—but by other family members as well. As she matured and attempted to work through the aftereffects of the abuse, Tessa discloses how she finally came to realize that the only way she could ever move forward into healing was to recognize and take control of the abuse—and stop letting it control her. Through faith, inner-strength, and a determination to live, Tessa proves the incredible power of the human will to survive.

Peace by Piece shares the true story of an incest survivor as she learns to take charge of her destiny, keep the faith, and somehow endure her battle with the devil.