Newington, CT -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/19/2010 -- Schlesinger Books has announced that Replacement Child – A Memoir by Connecticut author Judy L. Mandel, has won a 2010 finalist award from National Indie Excellence Awards in the Memoir category.

Growing up, author Judy Mandel always knew that her family had survived a tragedy when a plane crashed into her family’s home and killed her sister. The book weaves the threads of her own story as the replacement child for her deceased sister, the grief her parents had to overcome and the struggles of her surviving disabled sister. Through awareness and understanding, Ms. Mandel forges a path to recovery and forgiveness.

Recent reviews of Replacement Child have said:

“Riveting . . . I couldn’t put this book down. Mandel’s memoir is as riveting and gut wrenching as any piece of thriller fiction I’ve ever read.” Wendy Thomas, Bookpleasures

“Replacement Child is a touching story any parent will relate to . . . a memoir that should not be overlooked by parents.” Midwest Book Review

“A very powerful memoir. . . I definitely recommend picking this one up.” Raging Bibliomania

“This is a wonderful read . . . I did not want to put it down. This book really takes you on a journey of one person’s struggle to examine who they are and where they came from. I highly recommend this book.” The Social Frog

“This touching tale of healing and understanding explores the sometimes unconscious expectations of love. . .” Hartford Magazine

Ms. Mandel will be signing copies of her book for booksellers at BookExpo America on May 26 and 27.