Welcome to the blog tour for Harmony Dust's Scars and Stilettos.
Fear of being abandoned keeps 19-year-old Harmony Dust trapped in an abusive relationship. Tens of thousands of dollars in debt and struggling to get by, someone tells her how much money she can make as an exotic dancer. For the next 3 years, Harmony lives a double life as Monique, a dancer in a strip club.
"Scars and Stilettos" is Harmony's stark, honest, & ultimately hopeful story of how God found her in that dark, noisy place & led her back out. She has since completed an MA in Social Welfare & now leads Treasures, an organization helping women in the sex trade discover their true worth & value. For more information about Harmony or her book please visit her website: http://www.scarsandstilettos.com.
"You will want to get a copy for every person you know... Once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down. You will laugh, you will cry, you will be encouraged, you will fall in love with God all over again."
Holly Wagner, Author and Founder of GodChicks
"Harmony’s story is compelling evidence of how far the love of God reaches to heal broken lives and restore all that has been stolen. Scars and Stilettos is a must read for anyone who lives in despair and believes there is no way out. Harmony, as the founder of Treasures Ministries, has been a guest at Mercy Ministries to share her story with our residents, and the impact was great. Her life is now devoted to reaching out to those who are still living in the circumstances that she came out of, literally loving them to Christ. Harmony is living proof that in Christ, old things are passed away and all things are new."
Nancy Alcorn, Founder of Mercy Ministries
"The thing that blows me away about Harmony's story is that she showed back up. How easy would it be to never step foot in a strip club ever again. The pain, the memories, the past was all right there but she decided that this was not about her but the hundreds of women that remained in the clubs."
Craig Gross, Founder of XXX Church
Check out Harmony's Press Page for magazine articles and videos about her work with women in the sex-trade industry.
UPDATE: Congrats to Julie Swaney (@jellybelly82158) who won the $50 Amazon.com Gift Certicate!
Kregel Publishers is graciously donating a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate for the Litfuse Blog Tour Contest! Woo-hoo (thanks Kregel!)
To enter, tweet (see TWEET THIS below) or
share the book on Facebook using this link: http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/scars-and-stilettos-blog-tour.html
TWEET THIS:
Scars and Stilettos-story of ex-stripper #HarmonyDust & her work now to reach out to those still in the sex industry. http://ow.ly/1WrGD
(must use hashtag #HarmonyDust to be entered into Amazon.com gift certificate drawing)
Blog tour schedule: (many of the bloggers have copies of Scars & Stilettos to giveaway - stop by their blogs for a chance to win a copy of your own!)
6/14
Jami at Intentionally Living...
What I love about this book is that it is told first hand from some one who was trapped in the sex industry and who escaped to help others. She has a deep desire to bring other young women out of that world and to know Christ.
Tina at Tina's Book Reviews
Harmony's story is hard, she at 13 probably experienced more than most do in a lifetime. Tormented by feelings of worthlessness and loneliness, Harmony grasps onto anyone who will show her the least amount of attention. For a woman whose entire life was wrapped in sexual perversion, it was amazing to see her turn all of it around and inspire herself to help other girls and women in the industry. Harmony's story is one of great pain but great triumph, you can't help but be lifted up by her bravery and her amazing work of outreach.
Monica at My 3 Crazy Monkey's
I am enjoying this book. The writing is good. I would absolutely recommend this book. For some reason I love reading books about overcoming hardships and learning from them.
Michelle at My Semblance of Sanity
Litfuse Publicity group once again sent me a PHENOMENAL and INSPIRING book to review! I love when they do that!! Harmony Dust's raw account of her life and the struggles that began while she was still in her teens and drove her to make some life-changing decisions will chill you to the bone. But her resilience once she turned her life to Christ will warm your heart like no other book you have read. Go out and by SCARS AND STILETTOS for every woman you know. Let them know THEY ARE WORTH it.... THEY ARE WORTH HIM!
Beckie at RBC Library
One of the strengths of Scars and Stilettos is its honesty. Harmony doesn’t make excuses for the choices she made. Yes, she details the abuse she suffered, but never uses that as a justification for her actions. She takes full responsibility for her life as a stripper and she gives all the credit to God for the power to change. This book will make you reexamine your views of just who God loves and wants to make His children. The Jesus that ate with publicans and prostitutes is the Jesus portrayed in this book.
Maggie at Tethered Mommy
I would recommend this book for anybody who is interested in “normal” biographies. Harmony Dust is not a celebrity but she is a normal girl who was lured into the stripping business because of the money. I also think that Christians and non-Christians alike can admire her faith in God, her unwavering belief that God would help her and aid her in her mission to reach out to other dancers
Lisa @ Heritage Homestead and Homeschool Academy
Like Harmony, I felt worthless and broken. I, too, turned to exotic dancing to support myself when I was in college. I was disgusted by my lifestyle, but I felt trapped. But, I got out twelve years ago and never looked back. And, like Harmony, I found life, freedom, forgiveness, and complete restoration in my Lord, Jesus Christ. I think almost every page of my copy of Scars and Stilettos is stained with my tears. This is an honest, raw, open telling of what life is like for those who have been abused, assaulted, and who work in the s*x industry. It is different from lots of true stories that I've read, in that Harmony Dust tells her story just like she's sitting across from you, sharing a cup of coffee.
Chistine at The IE Mommy
Many times memoirs are either very intense with almost too much information or the complete opposite and downright boring. Harmony carefully blends the details of her past so that you have a vivid image in your mind but does not offer so much that is too hard to comprehend.
Valerie at Teatime with Valerie
I love this book. The graphic details are hard to handle, but Harmony's life was tough. I couldn't put down the book. It is a tough read, an emotional read. I had tears in my eyes as I read about the life she led, the decisions she felt forced to take, and how worthless she felt. It was amazing to see how she has persevered and the impact she is making on other lives. You'll want to give a copy of this book to every woman who has faced abuse and neglect, or who needs to know that she is a treasure in God's eyes.
Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Author
I enjoyed this story/memoir and read it straight through. I found it compelling and well written. In fact, I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't a novel because it read like one. The author gives the reader a real feel for the lifestyle and how a young woman can get pulled into it without making the reader feel icky. Not an easy task with this type of subject matter. I appreciate how she showed that God had used the damage from her past to heal her in the present, and to prepare her for the future so she could minister to others.
6/16
Elizabeth at Count It All joy
If reading about a woman who has overcome huge odds and now wants to share the love of Christ with others, then be sure to get a copy of this book.
Stephanie at The Joy Centered Life
I literally could not put this book down. I read it in one setting and lost a lot of sleep that night because of it, but it was so worth it. Through her personal story, Harmony Dust, shows the struggles and hopelessness of children (and adults) who grow up in poverty, neglectful homes, sexually saturated childhood and a structure of abusive relationships. It hurt my heart as she told the story of wanting something different nearly her whole life: yearning to have someone tell her she was loved and mean it, as a child needing the basic security of a safe home and food. But the thing that stood out to me a lot was that the way she found herself looking for Jesus, was through a stranger at a ballet class that became her friend and drew her towards Christ's loving arms. Can we all be like that please!? My brother in law recently said, "To think that as God is drawing sinners to Himself through perfect love, I will drive them away with my judgmental heart." That's most of us. Before I read this book I definitely would not have been as compassionate towards an exotic dancer, but now I want to be like her ballet friend that saw her as God saw her, a treasure.
Marta at Marta's Meanderings
This was such an inspiring book. Reading about the life that Harmony lived and then seeing the what she transformed her life into, is an amazingly honest, poignant, beautiful story of redemption and transformation. This is a book that should be read by every woman, regardless of their circumstances. It gives everyone hope that they can overcome what they've been through.
Kaylea at My Scrappy Life
AUTHOR INTERVIEW!!!
6/17
Julie at My 5 Monkeys
This was such a story of hope.
Celtic Lady Blog O'The Irish
I guess all I can say is wow. I found this book to be quite interesting as I had never really read or thought to read about strippers. A straightforward and honest memoir...
Shonda at Knowlton Nest
This book really opened my eyes to the way a young woman could easily fall into the trap of being so desperate for love or money and become involved in this industry that degrades women. I was completely drawn into Harmony's story and could not put this book down. My heart ached for this young woman as so much of her life was "stripped" of innocence, yet she was given a second chance to turn away from the hurt of this world and share God's love with the same girls she used to be like. I believe every woman needs to read this book because whether abused or not, we are all God's Treasures.
6/18
Lulu at Knits and Reads
This is a brutally honest, and heart wrenching story that will bring you to tears, laughter and help you see that there is hope in all situations. I enjoyed this book, it was an eye-opener to realize how terribly awful it is for some people, how some people are able to turn things around and come out ahead, maybe better than the rest of us. If I were put in Harmony's shoes, I'm not so sure that my outcome would have been the same, we all have an inner strength, but how strong is it? How deep is it, and how far will we go to realize it?
Heather @ Mommy Of 1 and Counting
A good read.
Stacy at A Novel Source
There are so many villains in this book, but it is not written as a "blaming" book against all men or even against those who violated Harmony. Scars and Stilettos reads like a fast-paced novel with a kindness and love towards women who have found themselves in the sex industry. One never considers to blame and judgment is never even considered. So many in this world blame the victim or the woman rather than recognizing all of the facts and participants in the sex industry. Her story resounds in so many of the strip clubs and the message of hope she brings forth with this book and with the non-profit she founded is truly miraculous.
6/19
Paula at Grace Reign
Harmony's story is riveting. I felt angry at the many people who mistreated her, at a system who took advantage of her needs. But I also saw her heart, her longing to love and be loved, and how beautifully the LORD our God offered His grace and called her out of pain. And as I saw her heart, I believe she showed me the hearts of many who, like her, long to be free.
Andi at Radiant Light
This is one of the most painful and beautiful books you could ever read. Within it's pages is the story of Harmony and her story of how God found her in one of the most horrible places on the Las Vegas strip as a exotic dancer and turned her life around. Once again we see how our Lord and Savior takes something ugly and disgusting and makes it beautiful. This story of Harmony is one of the best I have read this year and I will never forget it. I highly recommend it.
Marissa at The Review Stew
Her book was inspiring and it captivated me! I did not want to put it down and I am definitely going to pass on this book/recommend this book to others who need inspiration in their life and/or need a reminder that God promises to never give us more than we can handle in our lives and that he is always watching over us and has a very special plan for our lives!
Jettie at Jettie's Ramblings
I can see how her childhood and early teen years could cause her to question her worth. It is a sad truth that many young women get pulled into a lifestyle such as this because of sexual abuse. This book is not light reading, but it does have a sound message.
Kristina at 3 under 4
Scars and Stilettos was a poignant look at the life of one sex trade slave. It was well written and fast-paced. Harmony tells her story truthfully and you can sense her heart for these women seeping through the pages.
Karen at Sky-High View
Harmony relays her story with passion and compassion--passion for the Lord Who gave her a chance and a reason to change, and compassion for any women who believe they're not worthy of love and respect, especially those locked into the stripper's lonely life. Who should read this book? Anyone who's given up hope--of changing, of being accepted, of finding a reason to go on. And anyone who knows people who need hope.
Crystal at The Scattered Mind Fragments of a Musical Mommy
I cried tears of joy. This Christian tale of transformation is perfect for anyone who feels an emptiness in their life. This tale is perfect for anyone who is on the cusp of their own great transformation and is looking for strength.
6/22
Mountaineer Country
This book, is not a memoir of a Harmony’s life as a stripper. Rather, it is a memoir of Harmony’s life of darkness and her climb to salvation. It is very much a good versus evil book and extremely uplifting. This was a gripping and emotionally intense story. It is a faced-paced memoir that reads like a novel. Even though this is not the type of book that I would typically choose to read, I found myself not wanting to put the book down. In fact, when it was down, my mind would wander and reflect back on Harmony and her life. I was touched.
Zoe at Zoe Reads
Truthfully this book was hard to get through. Not because she was a bad writer. Far from the truth. She's brutally honest not just in the telling of the circumstances but of her emotional landscape and the actions of those around her. As a reader, you're in that room with her. The book was heart-breaking because you just want to take her in your arms and lead her down a different path. Which, according to Harmony finding God, did for her. Thank Goodness.
Tracy at Pix-N-Pens
Thank you, Harmony, for sharing your story. Your courage and transparency are inspiring. May God bless your ministry in a mighty way. I recommend it to anyone who wishes to work with young women in ministry, or for anyone who has loved ones involved in the sex-trade industry.
Ponderings by Andrea
Based on the trials that she has gone through – as well as poor choices she’s made – she could be an angry and bitter young woman these days. Instead, He has rescued her, and she is ministering to the very people who are living the life in which she was ensnared and entrapped. I was so encouraged by her testimony! I can understand why anyone would want to get out of that lifestyle and never look back; it is amazing that she continues to return to that environment to minister to other women who are still ensnared. She has an amazing heart for the Lord and for people! I am so glad she is living a happy and healthy life now. To God be the glory! I thank Harmony for sharing her story. I am sure it will be a blessing to many!
Emmanuel at The Christian Watchman
This is a fascinating live account and honest read which you won't want to put down right through to the end. I would recommend this book not just for anyone struggling with similar issues but to all parents with girls!
6/23
Missie at Thirsty
I spent the weekend in Vegas last weekend. As you walk down the streets there are advertisements for girls for hire. People stand out on the street and try to force cards with half naked women on them, saying to “call for a good time.” It is easy to just look the other way, to head onto our destination, ignoring all the advertisements. But, after reading this book I couldn’t help but want to scream from the rooftops about how awful the life of a stripper is. How these girls are gifts from God, treasures. They are more than sex symbols that guys should sit and watch and throw money at. They have mothers, families and sometimes children. They are people, they are souls, and they are much more than bodies.
JHS at Colloquium
What makes Harmony's story fascinating is how she came to recognize the situations and people in her life who were detracting from, rather than enhancing her well-being, and developed the inner strength to walk away from those destructive circumstances. She became a self-actualized, well-educated, and successful woman who is now telling her story with the hope that it will inspire others. Refreshingly absent from Scars and Stilettos are the unconvincingly effusive, overwrought professions of belief and overt attempts to convert the reader to teh author's belief system that frequently punctuate autobiographies of this sort. Because of her wisely restrained writing style, the faith that Harmony believes empowers her to do all things through Him who gives her strength takes center stage and enables Harmony to acheive her goal: Scars and Stilettos is indeed inspiring and uplifting.
Carol at Books Before Food
Scars and Stilettos is a gripping story that will hold your interest through until the very end. It's nicely written and I recommend it to anyone who is in this line of work and wants to get out or to anyone who just wants to understand how or why women get into this type of work.
Lynetta at Open Book
Reading this book opened my eyes to a whole new way of viewing "those" sorts of people, the people who need my concern and compassion the most. This content is some of the most important material Christians who are concerned about the culture will read this year.
Revka at The Porch Light
Although difficult for me to read at times, I am glad I did read Scars and Stilettos. It gave me a chance to look behind the facade of sex and glamour to see the hurts that propelled Harmony down such a destructive road. Her story has widened my horizons and given me a greater compassion for girls who are still in her position.
Esther is Blogging
Includes author interview I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed it. Heart wrenching at the beginning, it takes you through a life journey. The journey is somewhat similar to my own personal experience and I believe there are many women out there that face the same. Abusive relationships, thinking you're not good enough. Well, this is definately the book that can give you hope and you will know that you are treasured. He treasures you, He loves you. A true story that gives you hope. I would suggest all women read it and mum's, get them for your daughters. Without sounding preachy, the book leads you to the only hope that mankind has. A great testimony.
6/24
Jen at The Steeds
This was a hard book to read, but I’m glad I did! I think all women should read it so they can help others who might be in this same situation or could help stop young girls from escalating into this type of situation. It truly affects us all!
Edna at My Favorite Things
You really must read this.
Tracy at Tracy's Book Review
If you want to see a first hand story of how a person pooled up her courage and escaped from a life that many could not ever imagine even being a part of. She is an example to all of the other people out there who are in the same circumstances that she was in- there is a way out, there are people out there willing to help.
Michelle at Edgy Inspirational Fiction
I enjoyed this story/memoir and read it straight through. I found it compelling and well written. In fact, I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't a novel because it read like one. The author gives the reader a real feel for the lifestyle and how a young woman can get pulled into it without making the reader feel icky. Not an easy task with this type of subject matter. I appreciate how she showed that God had used the damage from her past to heal her in the present, and to prepare her for the future so she could minister to others. I have nothing but good things to say about this book.
6/25
Mattie at Nothing But Love
The book was very well written and honest. As I was reading, I found it hard to put the book down. Harmony is inspiring and I am in awe of the courage it took for her not only to stop stripping, but to turn to God, admit her faults, accept His grace and go a step further and share her story so that others would feel the same hope and love that she feels. AMAZING!
Dona at Allergy Kid Mom
I recommend this book for everyone to read, especially those who are going through problems and feel as though there is no hope for them.
Stacy at Up On Eagles Wings
I read it cover to cover in one day. I spent the first half of the book alternating between wanting to give the author a hug, or grab her by the shoulders and shake her. This book is one of the better books that I've read all year. It definitely stands on its own.
Erin at Connected 2 Christ
This book is a truly moving testimony poured out from a honest heart. I picked this story up in the morning hours and could not put it down! This book is inspirational and moving story, that shows God’s loving grace and the fact that no matter how far you go, there’s always forgiveness in brokenness. I encourage everyone to pick up this story full of hope, love, and purpose. I applaud the author in being honest and letting us know what it's really like out there and what she went through.
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