Brenda Hill (1)

In Brenda Hill's novel, Beyond the Quiet, a grieving widow, Lisa, discovers that her husband led a secret life, deceived her, and took away her financial security. Further, she learns that her husband's brother and his wife, whom she had always loved and trusted, were privy to this betrayal. In the midst of her shock and anguish, she meets another man, Terry. She finds full-on love and passion for the first time in her life. For a few short months, she knows what it's like to love and be show more loved by someone who truly cherishes her.

Beyond the Quiet is a well-written book that starts with a sedate pace but soon lays out twists and turns that pull the reader into the tale. I soon became emotionally invested in the outcome.

Her husband's death marks the beginning of a journey of enlightenment for Lisa as she is forced to re-examine her marriage, her relationship with her daughter, her capacity for forgiveness, and her automatic lifelong responses to pain and heartache, which were not healthy. She struggles to feel deserving of the joy she discovers with Terry, at the same time trying to establish some autonomy and control over her own destiny.

The erotic scenes between Lisa and Terry are handled with heat, finesse, and tenderness. There is poignancy in Lisa being able to finally experience true closeness, and being able to throw off a lifetime of undeserved shame about her body. Also compelling was Terry's insistence that they enjoy the rare gift of love that was bestowed upon them by fate, an insistence that finally overcame Lisa's reticence and gave her some of the happiest times she had ever known.

Real life simply does not always have happy endings, and this book is very much like real life. I won't include any spoilers in this review; however, I will say the ending of this book had me raving in disappointment. I have never been happy with a Nicholas Sparks ending either, but must concede that he, too, tells a riveting tale. The ending, while not to my liking, was a satisfactory conclusion that neatly tied up any loose ends and echoed hope for Lisa's future. With a bit of pouting, I will admit it is the author's choice to take the story where she will, and this is a great story. I would have no problem recommending this book and feel it was a very well-crafted and engaging work. I certainly would read other books by this author. show less

Hill mesmerizes with the horrific details of rape, self-blame and the will to live. Tracy's tale speaks for all victims who have been brutalized and fought back. It also speaks for those who suffered and died without ever seeing their attacker brought to justice. A compelling tale of pain, courage and hope.
RT Book Reviews

I really liked this book but could have done without the explicit sex scenes. I liked the story line, I connected with the lead character and there were definite teary moments. Good book overall.

This is the story of Tracy Michaels who is raped and the rapist starts stalking and terrorizing her to keep her mouth shut. I really enjoyed this book.