This is a hard book to read in some ways because it’s dealing with a difficult issue…domestic violence. Working with a DV shelter and on the board I can say this book hits it home. Everything in it is true to life and something women (and some men) deal with every day.

The author does a great job of going back and forth between two women; Officer Nicole Nolan and Amanda a domestic violence victim. During the book you learn what Amanda’s life is like as someone who always turns a blind eye to the abuse she receives. You learn about the difficult decisions Officer Nolan has to make when involved with a domestic violence call.

It’s a book I suggest everyone should read to get a better understanding of domestic violence. I did receive this book for an honest review. ( )

From the first chapter I was hooked when it came to reading this book. I kept reading because I want to know when and how the two stories ran into each other. I thought that Amanda was a total idiot through out most of the book because she kept going back and dating total losers. I really liked Nicole because she seemed to have her stuff together. I was shocked at how the two stories did come together though. I really didn't like the ending of the book but I would still read it again if I had to. ( )

This novel was submitted to me for an honest review by the author.
This third novel by Stacy Eaton has received excellent reviews. Many use the words, “compelling”, “gripping”, and “heart wrenching”. They are all very good descriptions of this novel. I can only say this book grabbed my heart from page one.

We meet Amanda, an attractive young woman, with a good job, a best friend named Angela, and what seems at first glance to be a normal, happy life. She is drawn into a relationship with a very attractive man, who seemingly has the same interests, and cares for her. As the relationship continues, small things creep in to make her uncomfortable. He is verbally abusive and belittling, which escalates to physical abuse. Amanda leaves. She is protected by a friend from the gym she goes to, and their relationship moves to sex, and living together. This relationship spirals down the same sad road of abuse, ending with a decision that breaks Amanda’s heart, and her spirit. She leaves again.

Next we meet Nicole, a recent graduate of the Police Academy, in a small town in Pennsylvania. Nicole sees a bright future, she has many friends, and a thirst for justice. We follow her as she grows into a respected officer in the community, and with her fellow police officers. She finds love and security with Colton, an officer in another division. These two women come together in a startling conclusion.

Ms. Eaton has brought the sadness of abuse in our society to us, in a fictionalized version , looking at two different women who seem to have no connection. The abuse to women, men, children and even innocent animals is not fiction.

Thank you Ms. Eaton for this excellent story of a very heartbreaking fact of life. ( )