This work tells the true story of Donna Ford, who between the ages of five and eleven was abused by her step mother Helen. Labelled 'the bastard', the 'little witch' and 'the evil one'; beaten , isolated and afraid to even look at her own reflection, this beautiful little child was told she was lucky to be the victim of abuse - abuse which began as physical and mental, but progressed to the most appalling sexual attacks. Despite an horrendous early life, Donna is now a successful artist and mother of three with an enormous enthusiasm and an optimism which completely belies her experiences. In 2003, Donna watched as her step mother was found guilty of 'procuring a minor' for sexual abuse and sentenced to two years in prison. Beautifully written and savagely honest, "The Step Child" is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.

A savagely honest memoir of one girl's abuse at the hands of her step mother

The Step Child is an honest and beautifully written story which moves and inspires like no other of its genre.

Linda Watson-Brown is a writer and journalist based in Edinburgh, who is represented by Jenny Brown Associates. She met Donna while working for a national newspaper and the relationship forged at that time led to the creation of this book. Donna Ford is a successful artist and mother-of-three who is now working with Linda on the sequel to 'The Step Child.'.

2008-03-23 This story will break even the toughest heart.

All the way through this book i wanted someone to come along and put a stop to the horrendous abuse, and eventually i was angry with the whole world ! How can people be so blind ? I shake my head in despair as more and more brave people find the courage to tell us about the abuse they suffered as children. I pray the telling will help them heal - and right at this moment i`m thinking of Donna in particular - i hope she has found the peace she deserves.