Critical Praise

"A raw look at a childhood defined by abandonment and abuse, based on a true story. When siblings Cindy and Eddie are left by their alcoholic-stripper mother at an orphanage in northern Georgia, the children made a pact to stay together and care for one another no matter what external forces might come between them. Soon after, however, the barely preschool-age pair was shuttled off to California to live with their aunt and uncle, Elaine and Hank Whitsett. The Whitsetts physically and verbally tormented the children until they were shells of their former selves. As a result, Cindy and Eddie developed coping mechanisms and turned to God to overcome feelings of abandonment and loneliness. "Eddie, who emerges as the main protagonist, was left alone all day with abusive Elaine while Cindy attended school. Fortunately, next-door neighbor Nellie entered his life like an angel. Through her kindness and love, Eddie realized that his living circumstances were abnormal and unacceptable. He turned to nature for peace and solitude and his community for love and justice. Nash offers a heartwarming story about keeping faith and hope alive, even when feelings of pain and loneliness seem unbearable, and the characters are rich and textured. Despite a distracting change in narrative point of view in the second half from omniscient narrator to Eddie, Eddie’s defining moments and strong character are consistently engaging. A tearjerker that will inspire those familiar with abuse."

——Kirkus Discoveries

"A Phoenix Rising: Defining the Moments will be an enlightening read to those who have not experienced abuse first hand and an encouraging read to those who have (you are not alone). Bryan Nash has done an outstanding job of telling his story. He shares about oppression he endured for years; the craziness of it, the unfairness of it, growing up with an aunt and uncle who were just plain mean, cruel, and evil. He talks openly and honestly about anger, bitterness and the loneliness he felt and shares with us what he learned and took away from his situation. A Phoenix Rising: Defining the Moments is a true inspiration which will bring help and hope to many."

——Connie Harris, MyShelf.Com

"'I learned about inequalities in the eyes of others. Just like oppression, it is about ignorance. It is about insecurity, selfishness, and control. Mostly, it is about fear of the unknown.' This quote articulates the type of treatment Eddie and his sister, Cindy, endured throughout most of their childhood. Eddie was but a baby when he came to live with Mama Skinner and Papa Lue, and his sister Cindy was only 5 and a half. Mama Skinner and her husband took in children for money but the children were never treated any differently than their 'natural' children. Mama Skinner read from the Bible every night after all of the children were ready for bed. The children who stayed for a time with Mama Skinner and Papa Lue felt loved and cared for even though they had to perform chores. So, it was quite a change when Cindy and Eddie were taken from this home to their Aunt Elaine and Uncle Hank’s home. Little did they know that this signaled the end of their innocence.This story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. The author says he learned 'to look outside the walls of circumstance and open your heart. Be mindful of those around you for they are there at that very moment for a purpose.' – THREE STARS"

——Susan Burks, ForeWord Clarion Reviews