Book Reviews
“Matthew’s legacy is a love so powerful that it cannot be silenced. You may not hold it, but it touches you. You cannot answer it, but it speaks. There is no place to see him, but he is everywhere. A love that strong cannot be bound by earthly bonds. It seeps out into the world in the shape of love and kindness. In a blanket of protection that only a son can provide for a mother. It is wrapped around you. I know you feel it. He is always here.
I was Spellbound! Sandra Martins-Toner opens a window to a vulnerability that most of us are fortunate to have never known. She allows us to join her in a journey through grief that is deeply emotional and incredibly trying. I know Matthew as I know my own sons, although I never met him. Thank you, Sandra, for sharing him with me. Today, tomorrow, forever. I remember.” ~Kelly Turner , High River, AB
“The death of a child is that unimaginable loss no parent ever expects to face. In Beyond the Crossroads – A Journey from Grief to Grace, Sandra candidly shares her story of how she survived the darkest hours, offering hope and reassurance that the clouds of grief do lessen with time, and that grieving parents will find a way to live, and even laugh again. A Journey from Grief to Grace doesn't flinch from the reality or pain caused by the death of a child. Yet ultimately, it is a book about the choice to embrace life, love, and joy again.”~Richard George, Vancouver, BC
“In a Tlingit tale from long ago, the Raven, a clever trickster, stole the sun from a Chief who had locked the universe away in wooden boxes. The Raven, through cunning transformation, set the sun free, dispelling the darkness that enveloped the world. Sandra’s journey of recreating herself in order to be free reminds me of the Raven. She is a bright shining light to all who are privileged to cross her path. Through her vulnerability, we are safe to look within and heal our own wounds.” ~Jenn Smith , Tlowitsis Nation
"For parents who have lost a child; the emotional trauma never ends. The pain is only compounded by the way Canada's so-called Criminal Justice system treats families and loved ones who are left behind to pick up the pieces. Despite losing her 16 year old son to the most unimaginable crime, Sandra has found the strength to carry on and provide hope and guidance for others who have suffered through similar tragedy. This is one mother's heart-wrenching story..."
~Ron Bencze,
Reporter, Global BC
As a mother, I am deeply touched by this very strong, courageous woman's fight for justice in the name of her son, Matthew. The fact that she is able to put into word her son's violent murder and her dealings with the Cimininal Justice System thereafter in such a remarkable book speaks volumes about the author. After crying through the first 58 pages, I got it together long enough to read the whole book and am left with a feeling of complete awe. Thank you for your never-ending fight for justice, Sandra!
~Naomi Jones
Court Reporter
This heart wrenching story is an inspiring "must read" for all the men and women of Law Enforcement, and those concerned with the escalating violent crimes plaguing our country. Families Against Crime & Trauma was forced into existence through lack of social accountability.
Judges no longer see themselves as serving the victims, and thousands of citizens are made victims by an apparently uncaring Criminal
Justice System. Victims cry out for justice, only to find the 'justice' component has been removed. Judges have long abandoned/ forgotten the reason they are there. Until they realize this, more of our children will be murdered, and the Sandra Martins-Toner's of our society have no other choice but to fight back . .and I support them!
~Len Miller, Detective (retired)
Vancouver Police Department
"After reading Sandie Martins-Toner’s first Book “ The Last Six Minutes”, I eagerly waited for her second book “Cry For Justice “. It was a powerful book to read and how it was written, you felt every emotion. I know Sandie personally and I knew her son. This book and her first book tell a story about Canada’s Justice System and what the family had to go through."~Jan Bell
