Quivering Daughters, by Hillary Mc Farland

"Hope and Healing for the Daughter of Patriarchy" is the tag line Hillary uses on her books haunting cover.

And that is exactly what this book is...of place that offers hope and healing for those who have been led down a confusing path of patriarchy and extreme religion.

Though this reader was not brought up in the same style of home life the author and her contributers were, I was brought up in a very strict, traditional religious setting that did not leave alot of room to breathe...yet we were singing “Breathe on me Breathe of God” during sunday service.

I could not understand how I could take in Gods Breathe of Life while I was being strangled in church doctrine.

My favourite thing about this book is that it is the writers heart we see.

It is a book of great courage, bravery and a view of the Warrioress that lies within the author and the brave women who shared their hearts.

Right away in the introduction Hillary writes, “If you are not reflected in these pages, please extend grace and pray for those who are.”pg xix

There are times in the book where the story can really be about anyone of us as women, and then there are times when it gets really specific to the topic that Hillary is challenging. I think some readers may find the biblical references a little over whelming if they are not familiar with scripture. Though in saying that, it is completely acceptable and understandable that Hillary goes there as she is offering release to those tied so tight to biblical teachings and they need “biblical permission” to allow themselves release.

For those unfamiliar with this “world” this book is very revealing. As well it offers a challenge to learn understanding and grace for those trying to reconcile their spiritually abusive upbringing with a God of Love.

For those exposed to or living this truth, this book is a gift, an opening, a helping hand to keep moving towards their Truth.


Hillary carefully walks through the maze of unraveling and one gets the sense as the reader is brought to the Light of Truth so is the writer. She is vulnerable, thorough, and focused in her Faith. A true inspiration. 
This book finds a permanent home on my book shelf...not every book does.


Thank you Hillary...I look forward to what comes next.
You are a treasure.
*This book finds a permanent home on my shelf.


To purchase Hillary's book go here.


I leave you with a few of my favorite quotes:


" Sometimes things don't make sense at first. Sometimes we have to close our eyes and just keep moving forward, knowing in Whom we believe. He who calls and bids us Come." pg6


"Part of redefining normal for ourselves is also realizing the God has created each of us uniquely. Just as the horse and the turtle both reflect God's glory though they are wholly different, so each of us can reflect God's glory by being who we are with apology. for a long time I have thought I must hide my peace and mercy loving ways; their incarnation in my heart seems so different from others' and I have been told I am naive and foolish (oh, if you knew how I have struggled inside against those labels!) but the turtle gains no glory by attempting to be the horse and vice versa. i have learned to respond to the Holy Spirit's promptings in my own heart and follow down the path that is right for me. i pray each of you will do the same. it is a joyful beautiful thing." pg34


"It is a grave disservice to the heart, soul, body, and spirit of a woman when she is given the subtle message that the truth of her own pain is not as important as the reputation of the ones who inflict it." pg40


"Even Jesus knew the value of boundaries when He sent away multitudes of needy, desperate people so He could spend time alone in prayer." pg80


"Abuse is no only inflicting harm upon another person--it is also intentionally withholding things that are needed for life, health, and growth." pg101


"In fact, we need to stop trying to be good at all. Stop." pg153


"As you step into a the new day, the unknown, the way you do not know, which leads to life. Know that without a doubt that Jesus looks at you with love in His eyes and says. "Come. Rest. Have Courage. Take heart, Daughter, your faith has made you well." pg65




Love and Light