Review: Powerful read!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 11, 2013
I had to actually put this book down when I first started it because Author Brandi Kennedy has written such a visual story that my heart was absolutely breaking with what I felt I was witnessing.  She painted the realistic picture of domestic violence right from page one.  My stomach sunk as our female lead, Christine, was taken on by her husband in a very violent manner. We watch as she is treated as worthless junk.  As my tears slid down my face and I put the book (kindle) down...I paced my room, took a few deep breaths and tried to calm myself down.  I was outraged at what this character was going through.  I felt so much passion for Christine as soon as it all started. I cried with her. I stood back from the horror.When I was finally able to start again (the next day), I was entranced by the story.  I immediately started rooting for Christine and her 'fight for freedom'.  We are allowed into the mind of a victim of domestic violence.  We are torn apart like she is.  We get to peek into her mind as she struggles to come to some terms about how she had gotten there, how she was going to get out, and more importantly how she was finally going to be free for herself.  This journey is not short or easy, but it happens. This journey is worth reading.  I'm amazed at the strength it takes for women everywhere that go through this.  I want to say that this book gives you hope. Strength. Belief in getting out. Belief in a way out.  Belief that you deserve to be out!Every page turn is a new experience, a new thought and a new outlook on the life Christine has to endure.  You feel every emotion she goes through.  You cry when she makes a breakthrough. You will cry when she stumbles and admits to still loving him.  But never doubt she is not strong.  It takes A LOT of strength to admit that and walk away for her own good.  To walk away so she can live. When she learns to stand up for herself and voice her battles you stand with her and applaud. Every emotion she experiences is realistic.  It will tear your heart and will build it back up.  Brandi Kennedy wrote it that well!I don't want to fail the mention of Aiden.  A boy she grew up with, a boy she lost touch with and eventually sees again when he is a man.  I love that with him she can learn to trust a man again.  I love that the author didn't immediately throw her in a relationship with him.  We start to root for him, but we root for Christine's healing first.  I love that that's the route the author took. She made sure Christine is on the path to healing.  She creates a friendship with obvious attraction and little touches here and there, but holding back always as she knows our strong female lead needs to grow first.This is just the first part of the story.  It closes with you wanting to know where she finally goes, but are left satisfied to see that our Christine is on the path of finding the freedom she has fought so hard for.  Thank you Brandi Kennedy for writing a powerful story. For writing a story of hope for any woman going through something like that. Your book is truly an inspiration. I applaud you. I give this book my thumbs up!