In My Bedroom

by Donna Hill

Rayne Holland is a woman who appears to have it a handsome, successful husband, a beautiful five-year-old daughter, and a rapidly rising film career. What everyone doesn't realize is that behind closed doors, the picture is not so perfect. And in the recesses of Rayne's mind she harbors a dark past that even she is unaware of. Then tragedy strikes and Rayne slowly discovers that the story of her life is just beginning and nothing and no one are as they seem...

Gayle has been Rayne's best friend for years and always secretly wished that her life was more like Rayne's, from Rayne's wonderful husband to her burgeoning success. Gayle had been the one to introduce Paul to Rayne and a small part of her still regretted the day. Although Gayle married a good man and has a good life, she can't help feeling that the grass may be greener on the other side. Out of a deep sense of guilt, Gayle tries to help Rayne along the road to recovery, even at the expense of her own marriage . . .

Pauline, Rayne's psychologist, found herself drawn to the lovely woman from the moment they met. For in Rayne, she sees parts of herself, disturbing similarities and secret pains. Faced with the most daunting case of her career, Pauline must walk the thin line of medical ethics knowing that if she saves Rayne, she may lose everything but if she takes the risk she may save herself as well and unlock the secrets that would free them all.

Told with Donna Hill's grace, wit and uncompromising honesty, this novel explores the strength, passion, hope and healing of three extraordinary women.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never judge a book by its cover or title! I thought this was going to be a romance story based off the title and to my surprise it definitely was not. It was more intrigue and psychological. I enjoyed reading Rayne's story and finding out slowly what had happened in her life to cause her disturbing behavior. The story took awhile to unravel but it all came together in the end and made you understand the why's. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes to read stories that focus on analyzing the mind and can stomach reading about trauma and abuse. Although this book did not get graphic in details so it was not that disturbing of a read.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

the accounts of the mental disorders and therapy as a profession are not that realistic, this is sort of the "made for tv" version. other than that, it was a worthwhile read.

[Che · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is interesting and the writing pulls you in, but I just feel like the writer withheld the "secret" too long. It wasn't until several chapters into the book that it's revealed what the character is running from, although it was quite obvious to me very early. This book is extremely helpful for anyone who has experienced abuse. It does have some hope within it, but it's subtle. Even in the end, the hope is subtle. But I guess, that's how hope is sometimes....I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading this book, but I must say that emotionally it can be draining."

[Ollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the first books from Donna Hill I've read a few years ago, and I must say this was by far one of the best reads as of date. Like an onion, each chapter unraveled some sort of mystery from Rayne and her family; which I thought was genius on her end. Her wordplay in this book is more than impeccable which I thought was intriguing from the first line. The book itself is filled with emotion, passion, and pain. Definitely a book I'd recommend to anyone. You'll be done by the end of the day.

[Katie Katieneedsabiggerbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this book I was taking a psychology course. I found it fascinating that while I read I could tell certain things that I would not have understood before they were revealed had I not been taking that class. I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. While the title can be deceiving, and you will get a lot of looks for it, it is most definitely worth it.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites by Donna Hill, this book was deep and has stayed with me since I read it.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book I read by Donna Hill, It's been sitting on my shelf for a while. I read this book in 2 days, Donna kept me completely intrigued with the characters, and mystery behind Rayne's pain, and double personality. I enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago and liked it very much. To this day, I wonder what happened to Rayne. This book is just that good. It wasn't the kind of book where everything was wrapped up in a nice neat bow at the end, but it was very, very good.

[Melissa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was an excellent book. one of my favorites

[Karen Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story on how you let your past takeover your life and consume you.

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Enjoyed the mystery of the secret and intrigue.

[Mj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of my all time favs. i've read it at least a dozen times! the story! the characters! i fell in love with this book and i do every time i read it.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of three women: Rayne is a successful film maker who is hospitalized following a tragedy and subsequent suicide attempt. Her recovery is slow due to her reluctance to open up about past sexual abuse. Gayle is Rayne’s best friend and wants to help Rayne but has her own pressing marital problems. Pauline is Rayne’s psychiatrist and puts her career on the line to keep Rayne safe while being forced to face her own similar past. Heavy topics but the book does have a hopeful ending.
This book addresses several heavy issues and I liked the strength that the women displayed especially in their willingness to sacrifice for each other. Unfortunately, the information around psychiatric hospitals, relationships between mental health colleagues and patient rights is very inaccurate. As a long time psychiatric nurse, these discrepancies were disappointing to me. Also, I can’t get past the inappropriate book cover - the woman pictured suggests seduction in the bedroom, not sexual abuse! Seems like the picture implies that women seduce their abusers. Ugh!
Thanks to St.Martin’s Press for the ARC and Goodreads giveaway.

[Cordy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting read. I enjoyed reading this. I particularly liked Gayle and James’s story and their struggle during their marriage. Not for any particular reason, i just enjoy the second chance trope. The characters are lovable and i think the book does a somewhat good job of describing one’s healing journey.

[evian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a one day read for me. It started off kind of slow but a few chapters in, I could see where it was headed. The title and cover give off steamy romance novel but it was an intriguing, psychological ride. Of course never judge a book by its cover. My first Donna Hill read and I’m looking forward to more.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling but thoughtful. Beautifully written!

This was a moving tale that unmasked trauma,fears and misconceptions. No matter how well one thinks he knows someone there's always more than appears on the surface.

[Essence Cropper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was WOW. I wasn't sure if I was going to finish it at first, I didn't understand what was happening. I pushed through and enjoyed the story. Trigger warnings for sexual assault.

[Charity Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger Warning: sexual abuse, abuse, suicide

[Chyanne Diaries]

A SUPER SOFT DNF. Maybe I’m not in the right headspace to be reading about these topics, as some of them are triggering me a bit. But I love me some Professor Donna Hill so I will be back for sure.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title and cover to this book are very misleading. We had a pretty slow week at work, so I would have loved to take this book to read during the downtime, but didn’t want people thinking I was reading a steamy romance novel while on the clock. In actuality, this book is a wild ride of psychological trauma and the therapeutic process. Being my area of study, I love reading well-researched fiction narratives that help my mind consider different perspectives of mental illness (Sorry, I feel like I say perspective a lot on here–I need to find a new buzz word). I recommend the story, but wish the publishing company would change the cover photo.

[M Landry · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing story about the pain suffered by a woman who was traumatized repeatedly. Rayne's story is sad, yet hopeful, and the author's delivers the story through eloquent and poignant writing. Very enjoyable. I plan to read more from Ms. Hill after this book, because it was a wonderful introduction to her work that makes me want to read more.

[Calisha DeAngelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

It gives you an insight to the human mind. After reading this book I don't necessarily think that psychiatry is all false anymore. Very good read...a little on the graphic side though.

[Aone]

This book was so slow I don't even remember what it was about.

[Lynelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I read this before...

[Jerrilynn Lilyblade]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11025562

[Darlene Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book.

[Sierra Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the writing style of the story, as well as the interaction between the characters.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not what it appears and I'm really glad. The secret was obvious from the start, but being right there as the main character went through her processing was riveting.