"In a world where tragedy looms and grief is inevitable, we must all find a way to thrive. In her heartfelt true crime memoir, Thistles & Thorns, Jessica Lee Peterson shares her dark tale of living with a dangerous, narcissistic man and the courage and strength it takes to move on after her entire life is shattered. A true survivor's story that you will not forget. Well worth the read!"
-Edward S. Scott, Author of Dark Daze & Foggy Nights and Detective of Ashwaubenon Public Safety, Retired
"Thistles and Thorns recalls the tragic events of Jessica Lee Peterson's life in the most uplifting way. She reminded me that even in the face of grief, we can heal, survive, and continue living."
-Jeanne Gruehn, Brown Deer Police Officer (Retired)
"I give Jessica Lee Peterson a huge amount of credit for sharing some very private moments with the world in her book, Thistles & Thorns. It takes a strong person and a bonded family to share about some of those harder moments. Jessica is an incredibly strong woman and I am in awe of her ability to dig deep and find the drive to move forward."
-Billi Jo Baneck, Brown County, Wisconsin 911 Dispatcher Supervisor
"Thistles & Thorns by Jessica Lee Peterson is a gut-wrenching true crime story of the horrendous murders of three beautiful little girls. Her girls. But, the book goes beyond these murders, delving into how a mother can survive such a catastrophe and maintain her faith in her fellow humans. This is a must read, for not only true crime fans, but readers seeking to renew their faith in humankind, as well as a testament to a mother's resilience."
-Steve Daniels, High-Risk Parole Agent, Retired, and True Crime Author
"Jessica Lee Peterson's story is an intimate and raw look into her life as a mother. It is a collage of sharp fragments and soft pieces, threaded together by a mother's eternal love and commitment to her children. Jessica beautifully weaves a tapestry of memories, interchanging fibers of warmth and humor with loss and grief. Avoid the temptation to pretend the book is fiction, you will come to love Jessica and her girls too much to cheat them of this. Let the words seep into your bones and allow your heart to swell even in knowing it will inevitably create more shards as it shatters; as a mother does, Jessica will stitch the pieces together again, though never in the same way that it was. Thistles & Thorns is a testament to the healing power of community and a reminder that there is life beyond grief if we dare to keep living."
-Callie J. Trautmiller, Award-winning Author of Becoming American
