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Beyond the Quiet
Beyond the Quiet shares a widow's struggle through loss, betrayal, and bitterness. In her search for answers, she finds something unexpected and unwanted—a growing attraction to a retired fire chief. When he pursues her with a passion that melts her icy façade, she falls in love for the first time and learns to offer the love she’d always felt but never knew how to express. When her life changes again, she has the opportunity to follow her heart’s desire, but only if she’s strong enough to cherish each moment and leave her old life behind.
COFFEE TIME REVIEWERS CHOICE AWARD
PREDITORS AND EDITORS TOP TEN
"A great read! Ms Hill is a cross between Iris Johansen and Nora Roberts. The tension kept me spellbound until the end." Claire M Teeters,
Editor Yucaipa/Calimesa News Mirror
"This book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride, pulling me along and refusing to let me go. Lisa deals with some tough an alienated daughter, a friend's betrayal, a husband's deceit. Trying to cope with anger and bitterness forces her on a journey of self-discovery, struggling to learn how to live again, and how to love. BEYOND THE QUIET is a love story, a life story. It's the story of what it means to be a woman."
Working Girl Reviews
"If I could give more than five cups I would give 10 or more. Ms. Hill has written Lisa's story so well that I could barely set the book down to wipe away my tears. If you do not add this book to your collection, you will have missed a truly amazing read." Matilda,
Coffee Time Romance
"Beautifully written, if you one read one book this year, this is it!"
Jenny Woodall
COFFEE TIME REVIEWERS CHOICE AWARD
PREDITORS AND EDITORS TOP TEN
"A great read! Ms Hill is a cross between Iris Johansen and Nora Roberts. The tension kept me spellbound until the end." Claire M Teeters,
Editor Yucaipa/Calimesa News Mirror
"This book took me on an emotional roller coaster ride, pulling me along and refusing to let me go. Lisa deals with some tough an alienated daughter, a friend's betrayal, a husband's deceit. Trying to cope with anger and bitterness forces her on a journey of self-discovery, struggling to learn how to live again, and how to love. BEYOND THE QUIET is a love story, a life story. It's the story of what it means to be a woman."
Working Girl Reviews
"If I could give more than five cups I would give 10 or more. Ms. Hill has written Lisa's story so well that I could barely set the book down to wipe away my tears. If you do not add this book to your collection, you will have missed a truly amazing read." Matilda,
Coffee Time Romance
"Beautifully written, if you one read one book this year, this is it!"
Jenny Woodall
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2009
42 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Hill
9 books22 followersHello. I'm Brenda Hill, a California-based author, writing coach, and L. Cooper Press CEO.
I love things that go bump in the night whether they're serial killers or other strange creatures. I've written about those pesky people who intrude on our lives with deadly force - Ten Times Guilty, With Full Malice. I'm still writing about those pesky people/creatures who intrude on our lives, but this time they're in a bit different form.
The House on Serpent Lake is a ghost/love story - with a twist.
www.BrendaHill.com
www.lcooperpress.com
I love things that go bump in the night whether they're serial killers or other strange creatures. I've written about those pesky people who intrude on our lives with deadly force - Ten Times Guilty, With Full Malice. I'm still writing about those pesky people/creatures who intrude on our lives, but this time they're in a bit different form.
The House on Serpent Lake is a ghost/love story - with a twist.
www.BrendaHill.com
www.lcooperpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 17, 2011
Ok, I thought this was a good story with quite the interesting twist from her late husband. I was glad the new guy came along and showed her that there is more to life. HOWEVER..... I totally did not like the new guy dying. I mean, holy cow! I actually cried at the end of this book. I told the husband to just let me be. I didn't know if I was sad, or mad at the book for ending the way it did. Very frustrating. Now, as I write (or type) my review after 3 months of reading this, I still don't know which way to fall, mad or sad. All I know is that I won't be able to re-read this book without feeling that way again and cry over it.
June 22, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this ebook.
Lisa, a widow after 25+ yr marriage, grieving for Mac.
Mac, decided 10 yrs prior to his death that he would cheat, not only cheat but “marry” Jenna. 3 yrs later Jenna had a son names Marshal, Mac’s fathers name. Mac’s brother and sister-in-law new about the child and Mac’s relationship with Jenna and hid it from Lisa.
Mac left Lisa with no money; he mortgaged their house and bought Jenna a house, withdrew his entire pension and took his life insurance out and gave it to Jenna.
Lisa found out about Jenna from cards she gave to Mac, from this weirdo who continually made appointments with Lisa via her Real Estate company and never showed up.
Lisa meets Terry, who is dying of a muscle disorder. He was married for 30 yrs to a woman who lied to him. Told him she was pregnant, he married her, never loved her, stuck in it. He meets Lisa and falls in love immediately.
The story go through Lisa’s ups and downs, tears and laughter, hatred and love.
I cried! I CRIED! I was so upset with Mac, I wanted to punch Jenna. The things she said, oh, if those had ever been said to me I would have smashed her face in. The child, Marsh, I don’t think I could EVER look at him or feel that anything was rightfully his. The family that knew about this and IN MY FACE hid the truth, I would cut off forever.
This was a wonderful book. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel that connection and find that happily ever after.
Lisa, a widow after 25+ yr marriage, grieving for Mac.
Mac, decided 10 yrs prior to his death that he would cheat, not only cheat but “marry” Jenna. 3 yrs later Jenna had a son names Marshal, Mac’s fathers name. Mac’s brother and sister-in-law new about the child and Mac’s relationship with Jenna and hid it from Lisa.
Mac left Lisa with no money; he mortgaged their house and bought Jenna a house, withdrew his entire pension and took his life insurance out and gave it to Jenna.
Lisa found out about Jenna from cards she gave to Mac, from this weirdo who continually made appointments with Lisa via her Real Estate company and never showed up.
Lisa meets Terry, who is dying of a muscle disorder. He was married for 30 yrs to a woman who lied to him. Told him she was pregnant, he married her, never loved her, stuck in it. He meets Lisa and falls in love immediately.
The story go through Lisa’s ups and downs, tears and laughter, hatred and love.
I cried! I CRIED! I was so upset with Mac, I wanted to punch Jenna. The things she said, oh, if those had ever been said to me I would have smashed her face in. The child, Marsh, I don’t think I could EVER look at him or feel that anything was rightfully his. The family that knew about this and IN MY FACE hid the truth, I would cut off forever.
This was a wonderful book. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel that connection and find that happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2019
Beyond the Quiet
This was a good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
This was a good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
books-boxed-sets
April 26, 2020In boxed set - "And Justice for Her: Boxed Set"
May 3, 2020
Good reading
Good reading and interesting story line. Some twists and turns. And a few surprises that I didn't see coming. Didn't see that ending coming.
Good reading and interesting story line. Some twists and turns. And a few surprises that I didn't see coming. Didn't see that ending coming.
August 1, 2011
This story is rich with emotion ranging from love, anger, joy, happiness, sadness, disbelief, and frustration.
Lisa, overwrought from her husband's death, is pulled out of her stupor when she hears pounding on her door. It's her daughter who's come to help her sort through her late husband's belongings. In the process, Lisa finds a notice regarding a post office box that she knew nothing about. Curiosity peaks and she looks into it after her daughter and grandson head back home. She enlists the help of brother-in-law Stan who is also her friend and lawyer, setting in motion an unraveling ball of yarn and she discovers things she was absolutely clueless about.
While at an open house which Lisa was hosting, she meets Terry O'Neal, retired firefighter who forms an instant attraction to her and pursues her. Lisa, bouncing back from the recent death of her husband, returning back to work, and discovering some flooring news, is not looking for romance, while rejecting him, is fascinated by him.
While all this takes place, her daughter Shanna is begging Lisa to visit her in Minnesota and when Lisa turns down the invitation, Shanna gets upset, making this one more thing Lisa has to deal with.
On top of all this, there's a guy in the office who has been harassing her, showing up at a home-showing while Lisa is alone.
Beyond the Quiet is a story about relationships, between a man and a woman, a woman and her daughter, work relationships, and other familial relationships. It's about love and loyalty and betrayal. It's about forgiveness. It's about self-discovery where Lisa comes to terms with who she thought she was, who she really was, and who she is becoming.
Having read as many books as I have, I am no longer as generous in handing out 5-star ratings, and while I am not fond of explicit love scenes, the first that takes place helps define an aspect of Lisa's relationships. (I did find myself skipping over steamy parts of the story.) (And, yah, I thought Terry was over the top in his pursuance. That part was sketchy - as in "Urban Dictionary"-sketchy.)
Those who read my reviews can tell I'm not into romance as authors of this type generally tend to fill them up with descriptive verbiage, adding no value to the story, causing many an eye-roll. Beyond the Quiet however, reaches beyond that into a something that lingers in this reader's mind. Yes, 5 stars!
Lisa, overwrought from her husband's death, is pulled out of her stupor when she hears pounding on her door. It's her daughter who's come to help her sort through her late husband's belongings. In the process, Lisa finds a notice regarding a post office box that she knew nothing about. Curiosity peaks and she looks into it after her daughter and grandson head back home. She enlists the help of brother-in-law Stan who is also her friend and lawyer, setting in motion an unraveling ball of yarn and she discovers things she was absolutely clueless about.
While at an open house which Lisa was hosting, she meets Terry O'Neal, retired firefighter who forms an instant attraction to her and pursues her. Lisa, bouncing back from the recent death of her husband, returning back to work, and discovering some flooring news, is not looking for romance, while rejecting him, is fascinated by him.
While all this takes place, her daughter Shanna is begging Lisa to visit her in Minnesota and when Lisa turns down the invitation, Shanna gets upset, making this one more thing Lisa has to deal with.
On top of all this, there's a guy in the office who has been harassing her, showing up at a home-showing while Lisa is alone.
Beyond the Quiet is a story about relationships, between a man and a woman, a woman and her daughter, work relationships, and other familial relationships. It's about love and loyalty and betrayal. It's about forgiveness. It's about self-discovery where Lisa comes to terms with who she thought she was, who she really was, and who she is becoming.
Having read as many books as I have, I am no longer as generous in handing out 5-star ratings, and while I am not fond of explicit love scenes, the first that takes place helps define an aspect of Lisa's relationships. (I did find myself skipping over steamy parts of the story.) (And, yah, I thought Terry was over the top in his pursuance. That part was sketchy - as in "Urban Dictionary"-sketchy.)
Those who read my reviews can tell I'm not into romance as authors of this type generally tend to fill them up with descriptive verbiage, adding no value to the story, causing many an eye-roll. Beyond the Quiet however, reaches beyond that into a something that lingers in this reader's mind. Yes, 5 stars!
October 12, 2011
Wow. That's all I can say. I don't know why I chose this book to read but by the 2nd chapter, I am sucked in. It is one of the emotional book I have read after a long time and usually I avoid books like that.
Lisa is a recent window who was married for 30 years. She receives a mail about a post office box and things go down from there. She finds that her husband has got a second mortgage without her knowledge and no insurance money. She also finds that he has a mistress and son and the bother-in-law and sister-in-law(who is her best friend) knows about it. She is just devastated by this revelation. Her daughter is not close to her and she finds it hard to tell her everything.
She is a real estate agent and meets up with Terry who wants to date her. Terry genuinely loves her and she feels better about moving on with her life except for the fact that she couldn't forgive her in-laws and her husband. She sells her condo and moves in with Terry.
In-between, Rick is obsessed with Lisa and stalks her. In the end, Rick ends up shooting Terry and he dies telling her to move on.
This is one of the most emotional book, I read for a long time. I was in tears towards the end of this book. I kept thinking how would I feel if it was me. Would I be able to forgive the in-laws and the husband? would I be nice to the mistress and son? How is that its easy to accept for lot of people that its ok to cheat. Lot of questions in my mind. But overall, its a wonderful story and I give it 4.5 stars.
Lisa is a recent window who was married for 30 years. She receives a mail about a post office box and things go down from there. She finds that her husband has got a second mortgage without her knowledge and no insurance money. She also finds that he has a mistress and son and the bother-in-law and sister-in-law(who is her best friend) knows about it. She is just devastated by this revelation. Her daughter is not close to her and she finds it hard to tell her everything.
She is a real estate agent and meets up with Terry who wants to date her. Terry genuinely loves her and she feels better about moving on with her life except for the fact that she couldn't forgive her in-laws and her husband. She sells her condo and moves in with Terry.
In-between, Rick is obsessed with Lisa and stalks her. In the end, Rick ends up shooting Terry and he dies telling her to move on.
This is one of the most emotional book, I read for a long time. I was in tears towards the end of this book. I kept thinking how would I feel if it was me. Would I be able to forgive the in-laws and the husband? would I be nice to the mistress and son? How is that its easy to accept for lot of people that its ok to cheat. Lot of questions in my mind. But overall, its a wonderful story and I give it 4.5 stars.
October 24, 2011
When Lisa’s husband dies after a long illness it’s bound to take time before Lisa returns to her old self. But in Brenda Hill's Beyond the Quiet, Lisa’s old self might not be someone she wants to return to. Her loving marriage and wisely prudent husband turn out not to have been quite as she imagined. Soon Lisa’s under threat of losing home and friends. Even her memories seem false. Meanwhile two strangers seem to stalk her while her daughter threatens to cut off any chance at love.
Lisa has always relied on others to define her view of herself. Unmoored by disaster, she has to choose her new friends carefully. Will she learn to take risks? Will she learn to take care? Or will she learn both?
Brenda Hill’s novel, Beyond the Quiet, explores what hidden strengths a quiet woman might have, in the bedroom and in the office, eventually revealing the greater strength required to make oneself vulnerable and survive. Lisa may not be my favorite character, and some of her decisions seem simply foolish. But her story certainly kept me reading, and many women may have had to learn her lessons in their time. A tough page-turner with a good ending, I really enjoyed the read.
Disclosure: I was fortunate enough to be given an ecopy of this book through a book blog in exchange for my honest review.
Lisa has always relied on others to define her view of herself. Unmoored by disaster, she has to choose her new friends carefully. Will she learn to take risks? Will she learn to take care? Or will she learn both?
Brenda Hill’s novel, Beyond the Quiet, explores what hidden strengths a quiet woman might have, in the bedroom and in the office, eventually revealing the greater strength required to make oneself vulnerable and survive. Lisa may not be my favorite character, and some of her decisions seem simply foolish. But her story certainly kept me reading, and many women may have had to learn her lessons in their time. A tough page-turner with a good ending, I really enjoyed the read.
Disclosure: I was fortunate enough to be given an ecopy of this book through a book blog in exchange for my honest review.
April 14, 2013
Ok, I don't know what to say about this book. I did understand the point the author was making with women needing to embrace the life that they lead, not holding on to the past or being scared to move forward. In that instance, this book was cool. The problem was the rhythm of the book, it threw it all off for me. At some points it seemed to move at 0-60 in 10 seconds, but then other times it went from 0-2 in 20 minutes!!! I don't know, I think for that reason alone the book didn't grab me as much as I hoped it would. I mean I feel like at some points the story was rushed, and at others it was entirely too slow. I felt very sorry for Lisa originally, dealing with her loss, and then later finding out about the immense betrayal that had taken place right under her nose. But later she started to aggravate with some mistakes she'd made, still acting too scared to "move" for lack of a better word. Overall the book was ok, tender at some points, but at others, it just left me shaking my head wondering why it suddenly was weird and off.
March 28, 2009
Lisa is a young widow who is forced to examine the relationships she had and has with her late husband, a take charge daughter, protective friends, and co-workers. Just when she thinks everything in her life has fallen apart, a new man enters her life and teaches her that is is okay to feel, to love, and to be happy.
It was hard not to keep reading from page one of this emotionally charged book - and by the last page, I felt better for having known Lisa.
Ms. Hill did a terrific job and I look forward to reading more of her works.
~Chelle Cordero, Author
http://chellecordero.blogspot.com
It was hard not to keep reading from page one of this emotionally charged book - and by the last page, I felt better for having known Lisa.
Ms. Hill did a terrific job and I look forward to reading more of her works.
~Chelle Cordero, Author
http://chellecordero.blogspot.com
May 13, 2009
Brenda Hill has managed to tell a tale of mystery entwined skillfully with romance and sorrow.
Lisa Montgomery finds herself in dire straights when her husband dies after many years of marriage. She manages to climb out of her depression and go on with life, only to find her husband had hidden many things and left her seriously in debt.
She begins a quest to find what had happened to the money that should have been left. This quest causes her pain and anguish, but she is unable to stop seeking and finds romance during the search. I was unable to quit reading.
This is a good story of hope and new beginnings.
Lisa Montgomery finds herself in dire straights when her husband dies after many years of marriage. She manages to climb out of her depression and go on with life, only to find her husband had hidden many things and left her seriously in debt.
She begins a quest to find what had happened to the money that should have been left. This quest causes her pain and anguish, but she is unable to stop seeking and finds romance during the search. I was unable to quit reading.
This is a good story of hope and new beginnings.
June 21, 2011
This book was full of exceptionally dirty references. You have to skim a lot just to get through it. I was very curious about what her husband did with the money, so I kept reading (skimming). If this is you, you can stop reading halfway through. Nothing else is revealed.
The characters in this book were pretty unbelievable. I don't think friends would hide an affair for YEARS. I don't think the main character would change as much as she did so quickly. Maybe she didn't change that much after all. She deserted her daughter again at the end. And the "unwashed" guy with a convertible? really?
The characters in this book were pretty unbelievable. I don't think friends would hide an affair for YEARS. I don't think the main character would change as much as she did so quickly. Maybe she didn't change that much after all. She deserted her daughter again at the end. And the "unwashed" guy with a convertible? really?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2013
A 44 year old widow upset because her dead 50 something husband cheated her out of retirement. Who retires at 44? Why would anyone over the age of 16 paint some one who is only 44 as being old? There were so many bits like that that I just couldn't believe the characters. That some one with a grown child could be so horribly naive... That you could find out your husband of 25 years lied to you, died and then be engaged to a guy with a terminal illness in less than 6 months... That you could just shrug your shoulders and go hmm I'll do it...
There aren't many times where I feel like a book was not worth my time - but this one definitely was not.
There aren't many times where I feel like a book was not worth my time - but this one definitely was not.
August 18, 2013
This story was heart breaking on so many levels but also uplifting too, the story of Lisa who loses her husband Mac, after over 25 years together, can she start her life again? the story develops, the strained relationship with her daughter, the unwanted advances of a work colleague, betrayal by loved ones, secrets are revealed and painful truths are found, this had me weeping in parts and smiling in others, mostly due to the wonderful kind Terry, just a beautiful story about forgiveness and courage no matter what age you are, definite TBR.
January 18, 2013
This book was pretty good....once you get past the typos and repeat sentences. I'm wondering who published and edited it?
The story was very good though and the hurdles she had to overcome were pretty realistic.
The story was very good though and the hurdles she had to overcome were pretty realistic.
December 30, 2012
I REALLY enjoyed this book.
As a woman divorced, it really rang true in so many ways about how we deal with losing our husband to divorce or death.
It was helpful and a great story of loss, healing and rejoining life!
As a woman divorced, it really rang true in so many ways about how we deal with losing our husband to divorce or death.
It was helpful and a great story of loss, healing and rejoining life!
January 21, 2015
I couldn't put the book down at first wanting to know what happens next, but then the plot changed from being a mystery to a romance novel. The sex scenes were a bit too much and not my type of novel.
July 1, 2011
Very good! Kept my attention throughout the entire book. Forewarning: it gets a little steamy in some parts.
Currently reading
July 8, 2011So far so good...lessons to learn when life hits you in the face!
July 9, 2011
The ending was a bit much to really believe but overall ok for a summer vacation read...not going to challenge thinking too much...could see where the plot was going ...
July 21, 2011
A recent widow, Lisa discovers that her perfect marriage, finances and family were not what she thought.
September 6, 2011
the writing isn't the best (the whole show vs. tell me the story...) but i did enjoy it.
September 20, 2011
good grief...
January 2, 2012
Quick read.
September 22, 2012
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.
December 11, 2012
I loved reading this story. I could not put the book down near the end
July 12, 2015
A good Lifetime movie
I don't know why the author didn't develop the mystery more, and left unanswered questions. Awkward sex scenes. Awkward relationships.
I don't know why the author didn't develop the mystery more, and left unanswered questions. Awkward sex scenes. Awkward relationships.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews