Melanie Campbell

Title: One Woman Falling
Author: Melanie Campbell
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Series: Whispers of Grace Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"One Woman Falling" by Melanie Campbell

My Sentiments:

'One Woman Falling' was quite a read of how her husband almost destroyed Cassie Peterson's life, but our God came through for her by giving her the healing she needed. Dealing with domestic violence is no way to have to live. This author did an excellent job with this story giving the reader so exciting characters as you will see how the 'abuse, emotions, trauma, and struggles' were handled in the fantastic story. This story was a page-turner where in the end, seeing how Cassie finally turned to God with help from her grandfather and grandmother. I liked the study questions at the end of the read, which brought in the story's primary focus.… (mehr)

Mother/daughter relationships can be a challenge, especially when the roles are reversed, and the daughter is taking care of the mother while she faces the demons of her past, and struggles through sobriety. That's exactly where we find Sharon and Cassie.

In the first book of the Whisper of Grace series, we see Cassie's harrowing ordeal of leaving an abusive relationship, and her fight for a better life for her and her daughter, Renee. In One Way Home, this is Sharon's story and struggle, though Cassie plays a major role.

The entire novel is told from Sharon's perspective and frankly, is depressing. You hear her inner struggles of fighting alcohol addiction, and trying to get her life together, while also trying to mend the broken relationship with her daughter, and establish a bond with her granddaughter. There is a love interest that pops up out of nowhere, but that is not the focal point at all, but instead it adds more color and dimension to Sharon, connecting the reader to her character on an even deeper level.

Though it's Sharon's story, as told by her, One Way Home also puts a lot of focus on Cassie and Renee, the reader feeling the sadness for their situation as well, but also hope for their little family. Slowly you begin to see the small beams of grace penetrating their lives as the story continues to unfold. Little Renee is definitely the sunshine with her pure innocence and optimism, as well as a certain pastor that continues to help the family. The ending is soulful and satisfying, and I put down the book with a small smile on my face.

Although it's not a fast-paced read by any means, it has a good rhythm, with good writing, and is a glimpse into a true life situation that I'm sure many can identify with in some way.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read through Kindle Unlimited for JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.… (mehr)

In the second book of the Whispers of Grace series, Melanie Campbell once again takes a difficult subject (addiction) and weaves a story of forgiveness, grace, and love throughout.

While One Woman Falling told Cassie’s story, One Way Home is all about her mother. Sharon’s life has been rocky and after learning a secret her own mother held during a confession, she’s on a mission to find the father she never knew and answers she longs for.

This is not a light read. Campbell’s characters are faced with temptations, challenges, and consequences of their poor decisions. But they’re also given hope, healing, and some redemption. Sharon’s relationship with Cassie is fraught with uncertainty but considering the history they have, it works and makes the story well-rounded and the conclusion that much more special.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.… (mehr)

Thank you in advance to the author, Melanie Campbell, and JustRead Publicity Tours for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.

There might be some content warnings for readers who have issues/struggles with certain subjects:

* Divorce
* Alcoholism
* DUI
* Child Custody
* Verbal Abuse
* Physical Abuse
* Domestic Violence


This is not an easy read despite it being a Contemporary Christian Fiction novel. It will be painful for the reader to read this, especially those who have gone through it.

The writer herself has gone through something similar which was painful and she at first didn’t want to write it.

I’m glad she did. And, I hope it inspires other women to stand up and take care of themselves, and remove themselves from an abusive situation.

With that said …

Obviously the subject this book is based on will be troubling and triggering. As I had read another similar book last year, this was much better than that one in terms of the realities. This was far less brutal than “Lulu’s Café” by T.I Lowe. But, neither one shies away from the realities of domestic violence.

Told in three parts: “The Rapids”, “The Fall”, and “The River”; Campbell brings an authentic approach with a vivid reality to the issues described. In this book though, the couple shares a four (4) year old daughter who doesn’t understand the dynamics of her parents’ marriage.

The realistic alienation of Cassie from family and friends places her in a lonely place. However, when her “Nannie” (grandmother) calls the police after over-hearing an argument between Cassie and Derrick, I felt hopeful. Yet, Derrick manipulates the situation, or tries to, to his advantage.

It proves to be the catalyst Cassie needs to stand on her own. Despite not being able to afford an attorney, Cassie does get some legal advice. And, she has the help of some co-workers to get her through, though she has doubts and valid concerns.

But, as Campbell eloquently writes in “One Woman Falling”, it is never easy to leave an abusive situation. The reader is thrown into the frightening reality of domestic violence. My heart alternately broke and yet I was furious at reading some of the story – the unfairness and at times, injustice of the situation.

One of the most heart-breaking points is how deeply Renee, Cassie and Derrick’s child, is affected by it. “One Woman Falling” highlights a systemic failure in how psychological trauma fails at being addressed in a custody battle. Despite what the child is being put through, and thus hurling at her mother – it isn’t considered “abuse”.

Renee’s “acting out”, particularly towards her mother, is a perfect example of parental manipulation. Derrick’s threats are even more infuriating. It isn’t something society enjoys talking about, let along reading about – but it is something that NEEDS to be talked about.

Despite how painful this is to read, Campbell’s honest approach draws the reader in and holds their attention. While the subject behind the story is raw and deeply disturbing, it is well-written, and definitely hard to put down. I found myself wanting to keep reading it simply to see if Cassie’s nightmare was going to end.

There were a few things I wanted more of a resolution to:

** Renee’s attitude with her mom. I wanted to know more about what Derrick was saying and doing to the child for her to “act out”

** A resolution with Cassie and Brian

** What ultimately was going to happen with Derrick and the DUI?

While this is a Christian Fiction book, there are no overwhelming references to God or scripture. That’s not to say there isn’t any – there are references, but they are done without feeling like the author is preaching to the reader.

Given the material, this is a clean read with the only objectionable word being wh@re.… (mehr)