Following are book reviews on my first independently-published book, Shadows, Skeletons and a Southern Belle:

​

Author Christina Bledsoe:

3.5 Stars of 5 Stars



Shadows, Skeletons and a Southern Belle by Jilda Leigh was definitely not what I expected. When I initially opened the book I got four pages into it and stopped. I couldn't make sense of what I was reading at first. I couldn't tell if this was a first person point of view or what.

​

But I started reading again and found myself drawn in. This tale is one filled with pain, sorrow and darkness. It is told almost like a diary entry, which in itself is unique.



There are problems with some spelling, grammar and formatting, but over all the book was good. If you can get past that, then you have a wonderful account of survival on all levels the human body and spirit can survive.

​

If you have friends or family members that have been abused, or are depressed over illness, then they should read this. It is a great inspirational reading. I give this book a 3.5.



Author "Faize":​

4 of 5 Stars​



Shadows, Skeletons, and a Southern Belle is author Jilda Leigh's memoir of a lifetime struggle against depression.

Shadows, Skeletons, and a Southern Belle was well-written, despite a few grammatical errors. I felt that the way a few of the sentences were phrased was very spot-on.



I've never read any self-help books/novellas, but I found this one of be very good and deals with serious subject matter. And it wasn't one of those dry and boring memoirs, I actually got into the story. It's a 4-star rating for me.



Author Jeff L. Dawson:​

3.5 of 5 Stars​



AThis is a two part book. The first part describes her life and the inner battles she fought day-to-day. The second part details how she overcame the darkness and resurfaced to understand life is a gift and is well worth traveling.

This is more of a diary than a book. The author Jilda Leigh is going to take you on a frightful journey of suicide, depression and helplessness. This journey is not for the weak of heart, yet if you have ever felt alone and unwanted, you will relate to the writing. She pulls no punches describing the inner demons which continually laugh and jeer at her as her depression and hopelessness take her to the depths of "no return." They sit by her side night and day, taunting and reminding her how insignificant she is. They scoff at the failed attempts to end her life. They are relentless. How many of us would have the courage to keep living knowing we had failed in every venture we ever undertook: work, marriage, life in general? The pain would be too much to endure.



I don't like being critical of anyone's personal travels through life, but this one needs some cleaning-up. The material is by all means five stars. How many people have wanted to put down and describe their most intimate and personal travels through life for all to read? Not many, because the pain and the memories scare the hell out of us. Many would agree that it is best to leave it in the past. For others (myself included), we write the stories to let others know there is hope no matter how dark the tunnel appears. If one person benefits from the writing, mission accomplished. Jilda accomplishes this message very well.

​

My only problem was in the development and presentation. I believe if she would tell the story in two complete parts, the impact would be phenomenal. As it stands, she starts sprinkling in how she pulled herself out the abyss with the different sites and counseling she sought out. The information is great, but I felt it interfered with engaging the reader as the help she so desperately sought, started to materialize. The information is very poignant and required, just not in the middle of the story.

​

If you or someone you know is hurting or struggling in life, pick-up a copy. You may save a life.



Author Mandy Trouten:​

5 of 5 Stars



Shadows, Skeletons and a Southern Belle is a very personal and in-depth view of personality disorders stemming from PTSD. Jilda captured well the abuse and the emotions surrounding abuse. In addition to the perspective, she offers some valuable ideas on ways to cope with and heal from these and similar disorders.