“Divorce” her letter read. “Violence.”

“Calling the police was easy. I wish I would have done it sooner.”

Days later, the phone rings. “She’s gone!”

Inside Anne Peterson’s memoir, Broken, she opens the door of her life and lets you in. There will be difficult times. Times you want to close the book, but you won’t. You’ll want to find out what happened. Not only to Anne, but also her sister Peggy.

For years, Anne has been a lifetime member of a club she never asked to join.

Broken was written for two reasons:

To ensure those who have been abused that they are not alone.
To help others better understand the far-reaching effects of abuse.

Anne’s memoir shows that being broken doesn’t have to be the end of your story, but instead, a new beginning. One with hope.

“Broken left me speechless.

This book speaks to victims
of any type of abuse.
And it speaks VOLUMES!

Get it. Read it. Have hope.
Know that you are not alone.”

-Anne-Marie Gosser

About the Author

Life is hard. Anne writes words to make it softer. Anne Peterson is the author of 15 books, including her memoir, Always There, as well as poetry and children’s books. Anne is a poet, speaker and writer, but her favorite title is Grandma.

"...difficult to read, yet impossible to put down."

-Dr. Nick Lazaris

Watch the

TRAILER

Endorsement for

BROKEN

“…Although I have spent over twenty years studying domestic violence issues, after I finished reading Anne Peterson’s book, I turned it over and read it again.”

–Pamela Paziotopoulos, former Supervisor,
Domestic Violence Division, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Chicago

Excerpts from Broken featured on Open to Hope

Broken by Grief: A Sister’s Death to Domestic Violence

Running to our curbside mailbox, I pull the metal lid down. Yes. A letter from my sister, Peggy. I wonder what she’ll tell me about her boys today….Read more

Wishing Doesn’t Change Things

I’m sixteen, tired from my shift at the snack shop with Dad. All I want to do is go to bed. I’m not even going to church tomorrow, I decide.
Read more

Quotes from

BROKEN

Reviews for

BROKEN

 5/5

“This is a must-read for anyone struggling through the messiness, confusion, and uncertainty of their relationships. Anne’s passion and transparency reach deep places in all of our hearts. She shares her healing journey in the aftermath and tragic death of her sister. She’s a master storyteller with words that draw you in. I couldn’t put this book down. I recommend it for those in helping professions, as well as victims of abuse, for clarity and hope.”

–Judy Herman

 5/5

“Abuse of many kinds shattered Anne’s soul into a million pieces. In this vulnerable memoir, she pieces her memories together through story and poetry, creating a stained glass window for hope and healing.

If you’ve suffered abuse of any kind, you’ll relate, feel validated, and celebrate with Anne in her victories. It will encourage you that there’s hope.

If you’re a stranger to abuse (or think you are), you’ll find understanding and gain compassion.

If you’re feeling trapped in domestic abuse, this will help you. You’ll see there is hope and a way to find freedom and healing.

Some parts of this book were emotionally difficult for me to read. But that’s ok. It should be – abuse is ugly at best and deadly at worst. Don’t turn away – someone’s life might depend on it.

–Danielle E. Bernock

 5/5

“Anne has captured both unimaginable pain as well as life-affirming hope in her amazing book, Broken. As a psychologist of over 30 years, I found what Anne had to share to be authentic, moving, and inspirational for the many who find themselves in similar circumstances. A combination of raw emotion coupled with a deep sense of faith in her Creator causes this to be a book that is both difficult to read, yet impossible to put down. Thank you for your words that offer hope to those who have also been broken and are looking for freedom from their pain.”

–Dr. Nick Lazaris

 5/5

“An excellent read! I couldn’t put this book down until it was finished! Anne Peterson has done an exceptional job of successfully taking the reader on a page-turner journey! Her memoir is about much more than a story of abuse and domestic violence. As much as it is about grief and loss, tragedy and pain, it is also about survival, healing, and forgiveness.

The author sheds light on the dark, yet, widespread occurrences of domestic violence. Whether you are someone who is being abused, a survivor, a family member or a friend of one being abused, Broken is a must-read! Poetry is laced throughout and written so beautifully, expressing a variety of emotions, while offering you hope and encouragement. I highly recommend Broken!”

–Cori-Leigh

 5/5

“Some people only know one way of living. Broken will change many lives. It broke my heart to read it,
as I never experienced such a life, but it also enlightened me on how other people may be living two lives.
I would recommend it to anyone, and especially to those in need of a strong companion who has been there.
Anne can help you make the hard decisions and give you hope, of that I am certain.”

–Kath Unsworth

 5/5

“It’s one of the most important books you’ll ever read. It will move you. It will change you. It will make a difference.

Read it!”

–Bryan Hutchinson

 5/5

“‘If you’re hurting, you need to know you’re not alone,’ she says near the end of her book. But even if you’re not hurting, do yourself a favor and read this book. Perhaps you have a friend who needs to hear its message. Perhaps you will yourself one day. The honesty, courage, hope, and yes, grace of Broken are timeless.”

–L.M. Winborne

 5/5

“A RAW story of surviving abuse. Perfect for a survivor of abuse or a friend who wants to understand. A must-read for everyone who cares about being emotionally healthy. Counseling theory brought to a practical real life understanding.

Thank you, Anne Peterson, for sharing from your heart. This book could not have been easy to write.”

–Lizz Barnes