Linda Lee Blakemore

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda Is an Author, Speaker, & Advocate.


In addition to writing two books, articles that were written by Linda and about her first book have appeared in national magazines including America's Family Resource, Seventeen, and Teen Voices. Her books have been endorsed by professionals across the country and Linda has appeared on local, national, and international radio and television including The Montel Williams Show. Additionally, with her first book, Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse, Linda traveled the country advocating for children.


With her second book, Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go, Linda will advocate for and educate women and young women everywhere.  (Read an Excerpt)


“…Blakemore’s approach to writing is fluidly conversational yet searingly frank…The author doesn’t ask readers to condone her choices but rather to accompany her on her journey of self-understanding…The memoir powerfully delineates how repressed memories of abuse can shape unhealthy relationships in adulthood..." -Kirkus Reviews


"In a world of self-fulfillment, egoism, relationship-turmoil, and painful decisions, there is bright hope for all of us from Linda Lee Blakemore’s Entrenched – A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go. Blakemore has taken her life on a journey beyond her heart and mind to share her foibles, distractions, loves-and-losts with us, with keen insight into herself. A life of varying sadness and hope, out she has come, taller and surer. In Entrenched, Blakemore uses proven self-help methods almost unconsciously as she wades from relationship to relationship, sometimes spontaneously, other times with a form of planning. Regardless of how Blakemore gets there, the lessons of relationships of all kinds grow on her in this memoir as they have on me and will on the reader. A quick read of 175 pages, chapters sometimes of only two or three pages, she gets us there through observation, memories of our own lives, and successes to celebrate. Not a conventional self-help book, Entrenched – A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go is the primer of what most of us are looking for -- with experienced empathy as our teacher.."

 –Kriss Wagner, Washington, DC, Journalist, Writer, Divorcee, Parent, Eternal Optimist


INVITE LINDA TO SPEAK AT YOUR NEXT EVENT!

ABOUT HER BOOKS

Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go

Linda’s second book and first memoir, intimately details the unhealthy partners Linda chose, the difficult past she had to confront, and how she held on to the very thing she needed to let go. (Read an Excerpt)


When a destructive affair with an older, married boss ended in sexual assault, Linda was grateful that her husband took her back. The reconciliation was short-lived when Linda quickly found herself drawn to another older, married man. Even though he was selfish and controlling, she needed to be the one he chose. She got her wish when he proposed. But shortly after their engagement her repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse almost destroyed Linda and her new relationship. Linda persevered and they married. But just as he had done to his first wife, every two years, her second husband left her. She always took him back, even after he moved in with his best friend, a man charged with possession of child porn. In the middle of their fifth separation, Linda's therapist told her, "I can't help you if you want him back." Several days later, Linda remembered another horrible event from childhood. That's when all of Linda's choices, insecurities, and needs made sense.


On average a woman will leave a destructive relationship seven times before leaving for good. Why? And why do we choose the wrong partner in the first place? If you've been there, or know someone who has, find a quiet spot and start reading. Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting Go-a powerful true story you won't be able to put down-can change your life.

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Advanced Praise

“Entrenched is an important addition to the literature of abuse and recovery. Brave and insightful, Blakemore documents the hard emotional journey survivors face as they confront – and overcome – obstacles to their healing. Among the many resources abuse victims can turn to, one of the most helpful is the personal narrative of someone who found the courage to face their demons – both external and internal – and the strength to change. Blakemore is that kind of writer: clear-eyed, perceptive, and willing to tell her truth no matter what. 


–Sue William Silverman, author, Because I Remember Terror, Father, I Remember You



"Linda Blakemore's "Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting Go is an amazingly relatable story. If you have been through trauma it will make you feel like you are most definitely not alone. As a victim advocate I will definitely have my clients read this story because it will enrich their lives in so many positive ways and let them know it’s okay to leave the ugly dirty past behind. It’s a 10/10 on my book scale!!! Absolutely love it”


–Ariana Mancuso, Victim Advocate



“Entrenched echoes the message of resilience, determination, self-discovery, and hope. A must-read for survivors, advocates, and professionals.”

–Cathy Brochu, A.A.S., B.A., CHT, ADT, Author, Speaker, Educator, and Consultant


"Emotionally evocative, courageous and spot on!" ”

—Paradise Kafri,

Sexual Assault Advocate,



“Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting Go kept me hanging on each page waiting to digest more and more. It is highly relatable to not just anyone who has experienced past trauma, but to what it means to experience difficult relationships and come out on the other side. Blakemore's story will move you and validate your own truths to relationships past. Her memoir is a powerfully vulnerable and important message to women that we are enough. I highly recommend this book to anyone on their healing journey.”

—Katie McMahon, Victim Advocate 



“Linda writes unapologetically, giving readers an unedited front row view into the messiness of life, love, abuse, and survival. A masterful storyteller, Linda makes her personal roller coaster deeply relatable as she navigates the trenches of her own life with a raw and poetic honesty that few dare to go.”

 –Annie E. Clark, Former Executive Director, End Rape On Campus.


" Blakemore’s honesty about the decisions she regrets, and her willingness to be vulnerable for her readers, make this a compelling, powerful read."

 –Rachel Anderson, -Grove City Community Library




“Breaking the silence, Blakemore takes every reader--and all who have shared a similar experience—on an empowering and courageous journey through the uncertainty and shame of child sexual abuse and intimate partner violence to a place of healing and happiness.” 


 –Chyna McGarity, Domestic Violence Survivor & Advocate – Purple Casket Campaign


“Blakemore’s story is enlightening and, hopefully, will inspire others to see that ‘Letting Go instead of Holding On’ is the first step to recovery and self-empowerment.”

 –Marva Dunn, Client Services Coordinator/Advocate, City Of Emporia (Family Violence/Sexual Assault)



“Linda bravely offers her experience of how her childhood trauma impacted her life. The story…gives a glimpse of how disorienting a trauma can be, how trauma can affect the way that memories are stored, how scary and overwhelming flashbacks can be, and how the connection between past traumas and present struggles is not always a straight line…this book poignantly points out the important impact of finding a therapist who practices trauma informed care. Feel free to FIRE as many therapists as YOU need to until you find one who will support YOU.”


–Sarah Bartholomew-Fisher, MSSA, LCSW, Pittsburgh, PA


    Blakemore’s “Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting Go” is an enlightening and excellent read for anyone, but also very helpful for practitioners and clinicians who work with DV and abuse and trauma. With an easy writing style and clear manner of communication, Ms. Blakemore bravely provides deep insight into the feelings and experiences of survivors. It shows the lived experience of what occurs when wires get crossed and cause humans deep pain, & also sheds light on how to face the past and heal & thrive. I highly recommend this book to everyone from all walks of life. –Dr. Danielle (Williams) Delaney, Th.D


–Dr. Danielle Delaney, Th.D


“Riveting, brave and transparent are the feelings that washed over me as I began to read Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting Go.

The authors moments are my moments. They are the many moments belonging to survivors of sexual abuse. As a child I was the girl who didn’t fit in, who felt unliked and unworthy, different, because I was. I felt like I was viewing Linda’s life and my own at the same time. Her words permeated my being and I could not stop reading, watching as the road similar to my own unfolded. As a survivor of sexual abuse there are so many reasons you should read this; we are the same, the effects of the trauma rule our lives until we take a chance, take charge and work through it. Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go will give you the courage to do just that.” –Marnie Grundman (TedX Talk)


   –Marnie Grundman, Author, Public Speaker, Activist and Artist  (TedX Talk)

"Blakemore’s story, Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting Go, depicts the challenges of unhealed trauma due to childhood sexual abuse. Her willingness to make herself vulnerable and share her story, creates a space where survivors of childhood abuse/abandonment may relate and find comfort in knowing they are not alone. For others, this book may enlighten the long-lasting impact of unhealed childhood trauma and emphasize the importance of supporting organizations that provide survivor services, crisis lines, and prevention programs. May these words resonate in every survivor's hears, "I hear you and I believe you!"


   –Debra Morrow, Executive Director of Middle Way House and Survivor

"Linda Lee Blakemore writes with raw authenticity to bare her past and pave the way for others to seek healing."

 –Tina Yeager, MLHC, award-winning author, speaker, podcast host, life coach, and founder of the Ten-Minute Turnaround Virtual Academy


"Blakemore’s story inspires us to realize that with determination there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even if we don’t currently see the end.” 

 –Mary Grace Musuneggi, Financial Consultant and Author of A Man is Not a Plan: Success Strategies for Independent Women

“Entrenched is phenomenal! I felt like I was right there with her going through the victim blaming, insecurities, and depression associated with sexual assault and abandonment. If you work in any related fields, this book will provide you with a greater understanding of what victims go through and how you can empathize to assist in any way.”

 –Chris Carlson Sexual Assault Response Coordinator D-SAACP Level III Victim Advocate NACP Intermediate Level

“The emotional experiences we encounter as children shape and influence the decisions we make as adults, for better or worse. Linda Blakemore has courageously shared her personal journey in dealing with the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse. This well-written memoir will touch the heart of anyone who has had a similar experience in childhood and will offer much food for thought for all women. I highly recommend it. “

Anita LaLumere, PhD,

Clinical and School Psychologist

“Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go is well done! We are our history, but Blakemore’s journey clearly shows that hindsight can give us the clarity we need to move away from trauma. With caring and non-judgmental support, we can do the work necessary to have a sweet future. It’s hard work that takes time, but the value we gain from clarity can guide us in a positive direction!”


Jan Biresch,

Domestic Violence Literacy: Education/Consulting/Advocacy

"Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting go is raw, honest, and well written.  My hope is that this book will raise eyebrows and get people’s dander up. You can’t make this crap up—let your voice ring out."


       Mary E Suchetka, MSN RN, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

“The invisible climate of hidden fear, shame, and other emotions brought on by traumas forced onto our most vulnerable, often lead to a lifetime of silence for most. The enormous bravery shown by Linda Lee Blakemore exuded in Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go will empower others to understand and accept brokenness is not within them. Linda pours out her heart and soul in this revelation of life, igniting new charges of hope that a life filled with reciprocated authentic love for self, by others and for others is possible.”


Deborah Davis, Nurse Practitioner, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Clinical Sexologist

“Entrenched is a riveting memoir. With sometimes painful and always poignant honesty, Linda describes her attempts to be “enough,” her sometimes out-of-control behavior, and repeated relationship mistakes. Finally, when forced to face the emotional residue from childhood that ran her life, Linda talks about the freedom she has experienced after doing that hard work. I recommend this book to any woman with an abuse/abandonment history who strives desperately to be “enough” to deserve love. I also recommend this book to anyone who truly wants to understand the inner life of a woman with a similar history. Linda’s story is compelling.”

Sharon Eakes, MA, BCC, Coach, Author, Educator, Retired Therapist

““Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting Go gives evidence of healing not only of oneself but of others who develop insight through sharing stories. Relating to incidences, understanding mistakes, accepting ourselves and moving forward. We need to tell stories to understand our own struggle, and we need to share stories to end isolation. I recommend this book not only to survivors of partner's abuse, child sexual abuse, people who are struggling with emotional relationships, but also to therapist confuses the cognition of the survivors, and we need to be patient as each journey of healing has its own rhythm. I believe this book is for us all, lovers, partners, friends, colleagues, and family, as it is helpful and inspiring.” 


Nahid Fadul,

Consultation Liaison Psychiatrist, William Frederick award in the field of child sexual abuse 2016



The great Toni Morrison said, “The function of freedom is to free someone else.” In her vulnerable, honest, moving memoir, Entrenched, Linda Lee Blakemore dives deep into her own traumas of childhood sexual assault and abusive relationships to shine a light for others who may still be trapped. This courageous book offers a hand to anyone who’s struggling to heal. It does what the best books do – it makes the world less lonely and, especially for adult survivors of trauma, it offers a way out of silence and isolation and confusion. This is a profoundly generous book."


Lori Jakiela, author of

Belief Is Its Own Kind of Truth, Maybe


"Entrenched kept me spellbound. Blakemore's sometimes out of control behavior demonstrates how our past can lure us toward unhealthy partners who, rather than help us work through unresolved psychological issues or fulfill what we did not receive as a child, use and discard us. Having myself lived with severe PTSD as a result of childhood incest, clergy sexual abuse & rape, like me, Linda has courageously faced, confronted & overcome. She and I have chosen to ask not "what's wrong with you?" but "what happened to you?" This book is a must read for every domestic violence sexual assault survivor, therapist & all who've remained complacent or silenced into shame and blame."


Barbara Joy Hansen, International Award Winning Author of Listen to the Cry of the Child:The Deafening Silence of Sexual Abuse

“The bravest women in the world are the ones who face their deepest fears, muster their courage, and write a memoir. Linda Lee Blakemore rips open her heart and exposes her pain to simply prove to other broken women that there is hope and a way out. Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting Go is a beautifully written powerful story that will stay with me for a long time.” 

Ann K, Howley, Author of Confessions of a

Do-Gooder Gone Bad.

“As a sexual assault, crime services advocate, Linda’s book, Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting Go, can help victims understand that they are not alone with their feelings, assist them as they work to overcome unhealthy relationships and self-abuse that often follows child trauma/abuse, and help those affected find the courage to heal.”

Tina Morey,

Sexual Assault Crime Victims Services Specialist

“Blakemore took the unusual approach of inviting her exes to read her drafts and provide their own stories of what had happened. Some declined. Others accepted, adding a focus on honesty and clarity that is evident through the trials and processes Blakemore endured to survive. Entrenched is more than a memoir about holding on and letting go. It's about considering the long- and short-term consequences of relationship choices. Women who live in, tolerate, or struggle with abusive situations will find Blakemore's descriptions thought-provoking, familiar, and revealing. Her story of life lessons holds hope for all who find themselves in her position—which is, sadly, likely to be an unexpectedly wide audience.”

-D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer,

Midwest Book Review

“Entrenched" is a portrait for all who find themselves in dysfunctional relationships. Blakemore's personal, heart-breaking story is relatable and reaches into the fearlessness and courage that is needed to overcome the dysfunctional relationship patterns that emerge from past mental and/or physical abuse. Blakemore is commended on her desire to delve into the mystery of why she found herself in unhealthy relationships that were negatively affecting not only herself, but her children. Her story offers hope and healing to all who have the bravery to face themselves and emerge to be a more remarkable person.”

-Rita Nicholson, Unite Against Rape.org at Unite Against Rape.org

Linda Blakemore's "Entrenched: A Memoir of Holding on and Letting Go crossed my desk when I was doing somewhat of a 'deep dive' into trauma informed care and education. It was like a familiar train wreck I couldn't look away from. Each chapter kept me wanting more and I was captivated by the main character. Blakemore mentions her hope to use her book to help women and young women, but I think this work will resonate with anyone."


Katlyn White, Foster Care Coordinator

"In life, we all could go through many major traumas, such that we could bury ourselves under them and close ourselves up to many possibilities of life, but some, like Linda (Blakemore), will turn around and make a huge difference in other's lives through all the pain they've gone through and become committed to turning a liability into an asset in many other's lives. And I do appreciate that.” 

Siamak Afshar. MA. CADC11 Transforming Life Treatment Center, Program Director

“We are told that one in five little girls is sexually abused. Many of them bury these memories so deeply they never come to terms with why as adults they think and act in self-destructive ways. In this raw and often emotional memoir that reads like a good novel, Linda Lee Blakemore frankly shares her personal journey from confusion and despair through discovering and surmounting her childhood pain, and finally to deep understanding and healing. Especially for people who also are dealing with childhood traumas, this intimate story of survival and growth is a must-read.“



Roberta Grimes, afterlife expert and author of The Fun of Dying, Liberating Jesus, and other books

“Blakemore’s writing style is easy to read and clearly written. She comes forward bravely and honestly to express the difficult challenges she faced, the mistakes she made, and how she eventually overcame. Written in a way others can relate to and learn from, Entrenched highlights the importance of facing the past and healing from trauma to live fully happy lives. Everyone will benefit from reading it.” 


Kelly Mcinally, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator

Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse

Linda’s first book,

Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse (Linda Foltz, Lighthouse Point Press) was written with the help and support of Erika Harkema, Clinical Director, Pittsburgh Child Advocacy and Dr. Walter Smith, Executive Director, Family Resources. The book tells the true stories of fifteen child survivors to educate, intervene when a child is trapped in silence, and offer hope through healing.

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Endorsements & Reviews

“Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse is an inspiring book of strength.  These stories offer comfort, hope and the amazing power of healing.” 

Jack Canfield,
Co-Author of the #1 NY Times Best Selling Chicken Soup for the Soul Series

“Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse addresses an important topic in an open, safe, and poignant manner. The book will replace despair, anger, shame and anxiety with safety, security, and hope.”

Robert Brooks, Ph.D., 

Co-Author of the Best Selling Book, Raising Resilient Children

“Children and non-offending family members suffer the impact of this terrible crime: children too often from fear, self-blame, and isolations; caregivers from guilt and a terrible lack of understanding as to how to help. Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse promises to bring sunlight, insight and help around this dark, painful corner of human experience. I would like to see it in the hand of all families.” 

Nancy E. Wells,

Executive Director, The Center for Victims of Violent Crime

“Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse does a wonderful job capturing the way kids speak about their experiences. It is an excellent book for parents and caregivers to sit down and read with their children.” 

B.J. Horn,

Executive Director, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape

“Our center’s Mission is closely aligned with the goal of Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse. It is very important that we talk with our children…when it comes to the issue of sexual abuse…A child victim does not need to be alone with their story. Silence only contributes to the problem and allows the danger to grow within its secretive walls.” 

Erica A. Harkema, MSW, LSW, Manager, Pittsburgh Child Advocacy

“Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse will be a tremendous asset for the Parent Child Center with many of the families we work and also across the nation for children who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse. I can only say thanks to Linda Foltz for her vision in putting together such an outstanding piece of work.” 

Claudette Selph,

The Parent & Child Center of Tulsa

“As the children’s program coordinator and therapist I work with children of all ages. Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse will be extremely helpful in educating children abuse sexual abuse. It is concise and clear. The book uses appropriate language to teach children. In addition the anecdotes are extremely helpful.”

Rachel E. Goltzman, MSW, LCSW, Children’s Program Coordinator, St. Martha’s Hall, St. Louis, MO

“Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse is informative and interesting…The book will be a great resources for not only the children and parents but also counselors and advocates.”

Todd Eckert,

President, Parent and Child Advocacy Coalition, Prince George, B.C.

“Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse will assist child victims in their healing, provide a great tool for parents, and a forum for discussion. Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse should be available to therapists, social workers, teachers, prosecutors, and others who work in agencies which provide services to child sexual abuse victims.”

Patricia Thacker,

Coordinator, Children’s Advocacy Center

“The real challenge we face in the youth service profession is equipping children with the necessary skills to protect themselves against sexual predators. Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse is a bold and creative prevention strategy that will no doubt gather very little dust as a resource material for professional youth workers.” 

F. J. Mike Hepler,

President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania

“Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse creatively confronts one of the most pervasive issues impacting our children and families today.  These true stories offer children a unique opportunity to identify, empathize, and learn from their peers.” 

Tim Murphy, Ph. D.,

Child Psychologist and Author of The Angry Child.

“Education is a powerful tool for change. Linda Lee Foltz’s book, Kids Helping Kids Break the Silence of Sexual Abuse addresses this sensitive subject with an innovative educational approach; peer teaching and empowerment. I plan to offer this book as a valuable resource in my future classes.”—

Nancy Kotowitz,

President, Step-Parenting.Com

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