The Woman Behind the Smile: Triumph over the Ultimate Online Dating Betrayal

Frederick Obiora has written a book called Scammers Paradise that will give victims of romance scams like the one Debby shared, more insight into how this sick and twisted industry works. I really enjoyed Debby's book - it was beautiful written, honest and heartbreaking.

In the beginning of her book, I could have written this book. The story, the emails, the conversation were all too familiar. (Beware of live sings) I wish I had read thus book a year and half ago when I started online dating. But because of Debby and others like her, I was not scammed to nearly the amount she was. Her courage to open up will have a huge impact on men and women who are willing to listen! If you feel like you're caving, go find a friend to talk yourself out of it. Carry on, Debby!

I thought there was a lot of padding to make a story into a short book. It could just as easily have been a magazine article. However I one hundred percent commend the author for telling her story. I went through something similar Twenty years ago and still feel ashamed. It was enormously therapeutic to me to hear this story told so openly on tv and in the book. I am so glad this lady found love and happiness again xx

This book is both courageous and compelling. Debby Montgomery Johnson tells her story without an ounce of self-pity or self-blame. She sets the stage beautifully, letting us know how all of us can fall into the trap of hiding ourselves behind a smile meant to reassure the world and ourselves that everything is okay. Debby's story is riveting simply because it is so unexpected when you encounter the confident, articulate, put-together woman that she is today. And, of course, that is where the power lies!Debby today looks a lot like the Debby of that difficult time when she discovered how horribly she had been betrayed by Eric Cole. The brilliant smile and the strong, certain carriage have always been there. But there is an incredible, important difference and that is what Debby wants us all to know. She had the courage to look at herself behind the smile she was showing to the world. To admit her vulnerability, to own her mistakes, to take charge of her life And then, luckily for us all, she had the courage to tell us all about the vulnerable woman who hid behind that smile. The woman who just wanted to be loved and affirmed. The woman who just wanted to have a special someone to receive the love she had to give.As I said, the Debby today looks a lot like the Debby of just a few years ago when she was putting on the smile for her children, her parents, her church, and her community. But those two Debbies are worlds apart! Today, when Debby smiles, the woman behind the smile is smiling, too..

Wow! Is all that I can say! This is something we all need to hear. We can't live our loves "behind the masks" and the "I'm fines". Thank you Debby for sharing this so others will know not just about scammers but about what it takes to be strong mother and wife, how marriages are not always rosey, how we all need to feel loved and it is not just giving it but also receiving it. There is so much in this book we all can learn from. I am sorry Debby had to go through it to find out but SHE came out a stronger better person who gets my HUG!!!! Read the book, you will be glad you did!

My friend, Debby Montgomery Johnson, is one heck of an incredible soul and this book will speak to you if you are one that holds things in with blame, shame and victim mentality. This book is an EYE-OPENER into the deceives that go on in online dating. I have recommended to others I coach who are caught in the web associated with feeling embarrassed or ashamed as a result of the twisted tails they have been lured into. GREAT WORK Debby!! I hope everyone reads this who still lives with blame, shame and guilt. — Becca Tebon (Holistic Health, Life & Fitness Speaker & Coach) [...]

Book came quickly in the mail, however it was a waste to read.... the author mostly brags about herself, only a couple pages talk about the actual love scam, barely talks about it at all and she acts like she was smart about everything when in reality she was desperate and missed like 100 red flags about the catfisher. I thought it would be a good love scam true story but its mostly a brag fest and nothing about the actual scam! She plays a victim even though it was her own stupidity for giving a stranger her life savings.

Debby's story is not unlike many who have been scammed of their money and their heart. This is a compelling read that is filled with intrigue and mystery. Her story is definitely worth reading. She is a courageous and caring person and her story will raise awareness! Millions of smart and caring people are scammed out of an immense amount of money every year around the world. This trial didn't leave Debby hopeless rather it made her a stronger and ready to make a positive impact on others. This book is Outstanding!!!

I highly recommend anybody who wants to try online dating read this book first. Always follow your gut feelings and never wire any money over. These people study what to say and do and operate in groups. Read this book for the signs to watch out for.