Cinderella Lives in a Bomb Shelter: A True Story of a Daughter's Search for Love Paperback – December 27, 2023

Cinderella Lives in a Bomb Shelter is riveting from the very first pages. The author brings the reader into her world and allows us to share in her journey. What is truly refreshing about this book is that it is written from such a place of compassion and forgiveness. Mariel’s loving heart comes through the pages and the book is never bitter or condemning. The amazing gift that this author has of seeing into the vulnerabilities of others – even those who were unkind or cruel – is inspiring and uplifting. I found her insights helpful and affirming, and it was clear to me that her strong, kind nature prevailed, despite the unbearable conditions she lived under. I hope that many people will read this book as its message of empathy, integrity and perseverance is much needed in our world.

Mariels story provided a lot of insight for me, as someone who didn’t know there was a name for everything I was feeling and experiencing, my entire life. Her story is different from other memoirs. It’s not focused on the details of the trauma (yes, the details are there) but the overall theme is healing. It’s sort of a “How to” book for those of us just learning how damaging our narcissistic mothers really were, but also, how to acknowledge it, and then let go of that. I couldn’t believe how similar my childhood was to hers, and how much I needed her message.“What’s theirs is theirs, what’s mine is mine…” is a mantra I’m using in my daily life, right now.My preteen daughter even picked up this book from the counter, and started reading it one day. She instantly felt connected to the story too.Highly recommend! :)

Many of us have childhood trauma. Some of us became victim of it and trapped by it; some of us may take a lifetime to heal... Mariel is probably one in a million-- from the depth of unbearables and despairs, from the hopelessness and coldness of the bomb shelter, from a very young age, fighting against fear, doubt, confusion and sadness, she chose to rise up, found her calling and became a healer herself for many. It's truly inspiring knowing that we can all heal from our past and all that we have experienced, are gifts for us to live a fulfilling and meaningful life-- for if we don't have it, we can't give it to others. Life doesn't happen to you, life happens for you. Very captivating and inspiring story! A must read...food for your soul!

This book is a must read.I can't believe such a beautiful soul came out of such a horrible abusive situation, and to have the courage to share her story with everyone.Her story will draw you in, and keep you in, you will not want to put it down. It is clear to me that Mariel was put on this earth to help people, this book is very insightful.Thank you for sharing your life with us.

This is an uplifting story of resilience, of overcoming a painful childhood and moving into a life of love and caring for others. It's filled with insights beneficial to anyone who may be feeling the chaos of life is overwhelming and demonstrates its possible to move beyond the pain. It's an engaging and insightful read demonstrating the power within all of us to facilitate change. I very much recommend this book to anyone!

Mariel was so profoundly affected by her abusive parents, but was able to rise above it all and still chose to love, understand, and help others heal. Her experiences of growing up the eldest daughter and caregiver of eight children in a dysfunctional family is heartbreaking. Yet, she inspired me by how she maintained steadfast in devotion to her family. Her emotional strength gave me a new outlook on how to overcome the past. I recommend this book to everyone who is helping "a survivor" they love.

Love the lesson in this book that we get to define ourselves separate from our parents, and that we must trust in our resilience.

This book is amazing. The author pulled me into her world in the first few sentences I wasn’t able to put the book down!! Amazing story.