I want to start off by saying that this is a well-written story. However, I don't think it's completely realistic. It takes many attempts to leave a violent relationship. Most attempts would end in injury if not near death.

Yes, she changes her name and moves across the country to start over. Good. But....she's already making eyes at a cute guy and she just escaped an abusive marriage. I have to question how realistic this is. Some survivors of domestic violence usually have a history of going from one abusive relationship to another. It's hard sometimes to tell the difference between a smooth-talking charmer with an ax to grind and a man who means every sweet word he says.

I'm glad that the truth came out in the end for Serenah/Amy because a lot of women lose their supports (friends, family, etc) when they need them the most. Charlie is a winner. John deserves to rot in jail. ( )

I really enjoyed this story that had me on the edge of my seat. When you get married, you have this beautiful dream of happily ever after. That dream never came true for Serenah. It started out with subtle little hints that her husband may have a problem. I think the author did a great job of showing what it is like to live with an abuser. Serenah would blame herself and hope that John would stop. A lot of abusers say they are sorry and for Serenah she hoped it was true.

One day when she has had enough, she flees to another town and changes her name. I liked how Serenah was able to slowly let down her guard and start to be friends with her co-workers. Working at a diner is hard work but it pays the bills for Serenah. She suffers a devastating loss and is still trying to get past her grief. When she meets Charlie will she be able to trust him? He is a good guy with a big heart. I like how their relationship developed and how they each shared that they were Christians. . It's hard to understand why we have to go through hard things, but it's nice to know that God is always there.

The story is filled with some violent scenes but the author does a great job of allowing readers to understand how far an abuser will go. John was a man who was demanding and jealous. He has a need for power and he is determined to find out where Serenah is hiding. What happens when John finds her? Will she ever be free of him? Can she trust God in her darkest moment to protect her? The book was good and I loved how the author writes characters with flaws that readers can relate to.

"Going through difficulties is part of life. It's how you come out on the other end that really matters."

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion. ( )

This book chronicles Serenah's leaving her abusive husband, John, and resettling across the country until he tracks her down. In a short time, he manages to turn most of her former friends against her. I think this book does well at showing the lengths an abuser will go to to keep someone in his sphere of influence and how well abusers can hide their true colors in the general public.

What I don't think it shows well is: how often the abused goes back to the abusive (for a variety of reasons) and how the mental/verbal abuse affects the abused person (which contributes to them staying with the abuser).

Some of the scenes may be a bit scary for younger readers. ( )