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Butterfly
Grace Elliot is falling apart. Overwhelming tragedy has turned her world into a dark and lonely place. Facing the pain and the ghosts is impossible. Hiding her secret behind a mask of confidence and living a lie is the only thing she knows how to do. She's alive...but not living.
Counsellor Ben Hardy is certain he can help Grace heal. Maybe it's a way to rid himself of the demons haunting him from that one horrific night when his life shattered.
When they meet, everything changes, and their pasts offer them a remedy to save each other...until Ben's traumatic history threatens to destroy the trust they've built.
Will the truth tear them apart? Or will it force them to understand the healing power of forgiveness and love?
Counsellor Ben Hardy is certain he can help Grace heal. Maybe it's a way to rid himself of the demons haunting him from that one horrific night when his life shattered.
When they meet, everything changes, and their pasts offer them a remedy to save each other...until Ben's traumatic history threatens to destroy the trust they've built.
Will the truth tear them apart? Or will it force them to understand the healing power of forgiveness and love?
258 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2014
28 people are currently reading
1634 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 9, 2014
**ARC generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
Butterfly provides a pretty emotional read. Grace is a living ghost, scared of everything after she's been raped. We learn her story almost immediately and see the major impact it has had on her life. The subject matter is obviously very sensitive and the author handles it beautifully. It's a very well written, poignant story of survival for both the hero and heroine. Ben Hardy has been through a lot, his story has mysterious elements to it throughout the whole book, and we never get his full story until closer to the end. Ben is drowning in guilt and regret. Upon his seeing Grace for the first time he feels a connection and the way he handles her fragility is so special. The two of them working through their relationship and building a trust in each other is sweet. The emotions and reactions that Grace works through are very real and bittersweet. Her road to healing is handled so beautifully and honestly by the author. Butterfly is well written and a good story. It's an explosive read and there were times when I found myself getting a little restless with it but overall it's worth reading.
Butterfly provides a pretty emotional read. Grace is a living ghost, scared of everything after she's been raped. We learn her story almost immediately and see the major impact it has had on her life. The subject matter is obviously very sensitive and the author handles it beautifully. It's a very well written, poignant story of survival for both the hero and heroine. Ben Hardy has been through a lot, his story has mysterious elements to it throughout the whole book, and we never get his full story until closer to the end. Ben is drowning in guilt and regret. Upon his seeing Grace for the first time he feels a connection and the way he handles her fragility is so special. The two of them working through their relationship and building a trust in each other is sweet. The emotions and reactions that Grace works through are very real and bittersweet. Her road to healing is handled so beautifully and honestly by the author. Butterfly is well written and a good story. It's an explosive read and there were times when I found myself getting a little restless with it but overall it's worth reading.
April 30, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance novel with depth. Followers know that this is not a genre I delve into very often. However, knowing this was written by the fabulous author Sibel Hodge under a new pen name I had to give it a whirl.
Such a page-turning, entertaining and intriguing story.
This isn’t fluffy, gooey, sickly romance with unrealistic characters and a plot only found in fairy tales. Nope. This has depth and is so well written.
I enjoyed both main characters, flawed, demons in the closet and pulled together by not average circumstances. Sometimes being broken means the opportunity to heal and become whole again.
The butterfly is birthed after struggle.
Whether you have read Sibel’s other books or not I highly recommend you do. If you love modern romance with a realistic plot and characters you’ll love this. If you don’t normally read romance but want a break from darker genres you read, pick up this gem. I’m glad I did! Five stars from Booklover Catlady for this one.
Such a page-turning, entertaining and intriguing story.
This isn’t fluffy, gooey, sickly romance with unrealistic characters and a plot only found in fairy tales. Nope. This has depth and is so well written.
I enjoyed both main characters, flawed, demons in the closet and pulled together by not average circumstances. Sometimes being broken means the opportunity to heal and become whole again.
The butterfly is birthed after struggle.
Whether you have read Sibel’s other books or not I highly recommend you do. If you love modern romance with a realistic plot and characters you’ll love this. If you don’t normally read romance but want a break from darker genres you read, pick up this gem. I’m glad I did! Five stars from Booklover Catlady for this one.
January 18, 2014
... except him.Even whilst fighting with my own related issues when reading, I couldn't recommend this book enough. It's raw, it's honest, it's brutal, it's real ... handled beautifully, with many messages to share because in the end it's about surviving any way you can. Also, one of the very best duel-POV's I've ever read.
March 26, 2014
Although a work of fiction and a story of love and romance, this book is highly inspirational on overcoming trauma, and should be read as a primer not just for the victims of atrocities, but for their physical and mental-health professionals as well. The advice given and the process of her recovery is presented in a believable and applicable manner, and could be utilized for a variety of traumas besides the rape and PTSD suffered by the character in this story. The book is well written, modern, topical, and realistic, I could feel their tension, confusion, and indecision; as well as their hope and relief as the slow process of understanding, self acceptance, and little by little - as those all important things know as forgiveness and healing - occurred. And in the midst of all that, there is a tender and steamy love story evolving as well, thankfully. I fell in love with Ben before Grace did, he is the ultimate boyfriend and almost too good to be true, although he has secrets too...
Favorite Quotes:
"I'm holding two things in my hands right now. Hell and hope. It's up to me which one I choose to follow."
"You saved me, Ben, but I was blind to the fact you needed saving too. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes, because you're worth the fight. You just have to realize that yourself."
"You see, I know bad things happen. Every day. To good people. It's called life. The thing is, though, when you hit rock bottom, the only place left to go is up. I'm starting to believe that good things, special things, can come from the bad, the horrific, and the ugly. That a tragedy can be a gift in disguise, and has the ability to turn into something positive and life changing. Something that will help others, if you let it. That love can heal the pain and bring meaning back to life."
Favorite Quotes:
"I'm holding two things in my hands right now. Hell and hope. It's up to me which one I choose to follow."
"You saved me, Ben, but I was blind to the fact you needed saving too. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes, because you're worth the fight. You just have to realize that yourself."
"You see, I know bad things happen. Every day. To good people. It's called life. The thing is, though, when you hit rock bottom, the only place left to go is up. I'm starting to believe that good things, special things, can come from the bad, the horrific, and the ugly. That a tragedy can be a gift in disguise, and has the ability to turn into something positive and life changing. Something that will help others, if you let it. That love can heal the pain and bring meaning back to life."
January 21, 2014
This book hit home for me, as I went through the same experience as Grace did. Ben he was a sweetheart, and funny, "I raise my eyebrows, and that effing hurts, too, but I don't care as long as she's talking to me. "Well, Mr. Dashboard won tonight, I think." He's weirdly out of place when it comes to Grace, "I nod and smile. 'As long as you're a woman.' Which sounds really creepy under the circumstances, so I add, 'You know, seeing as it's a class for women.' I didn't take a lot of notes not because I didn't like the story but I did, but because it really hit close to home.
January 22, 2014
Amazing is the first word that comes to mind when i think of this book. We all think that something like this could never happen to us and most of us are right but some peopler arent as lucky. This story shows us this and also gives us hope that normalcy can be achieved again. Grace is an amazing woman and Ben and amazing man but they both have a past and that past is something that could destroy them both. I highly recommend this book but also say to take the time to read this and to have tissues ready!
February 7, 2014
Butterfly was an instance of two incredibly sad stories that come together to find healing and a HEA!
'The butterfly is powerful symbol of metamorphosis. The way we can move through different cycles in our lives and find happiness again.'
Grace Elliot has suffered something no woman should ever have to, especially at the hands of someone who is supposed to care for her, and it has totally broken her! Though she is incredibly good at hiding that pain in public, she is completely shattered inside. Grace does know one thing though. If she is ever going to get through this she needs help! Professional help. She just can't bring herself to go for it.
When your soul cries, no one can hear it, and the wounds you can't see hurt the most.
It is on a failed attempt at group therapy that she catches Ben's eye. She is running from the women's center when Ben Hardy sees a pain in her eyes that he recognizes immediately. Because it was the same pain his sister had before she gave up and took her own life. At this point I like to think fate intervened and pushes them together. Simply because they need each other.
"You are not a rape victim, Grace, you're a survivor. And you're not ordinary, you're extraordinary for surviving." ~Ben
Ben has a big secret in his past as well, but he is now a counselor getting certified in rape counseling to help women and he teaches a self defense class. See....Fate!
Grace can't believe she can be with Ben, who is a former MMA fighter and HUGE btw, and she doesn't feel threatened. She actually feels safe and when she reveals what happened to her he helps her by teaching her ways to cope and get through the pain. Now as you can imagine, they fall in love. Oh, don't get me wrong, it's a long beautiful, bumpy ride but they get there!
This was a beautiful story of two broken people who help each other through the pain and healing to find love and a life together!
'The butterfly is powerful symbol of metamorphosis. The way we can move through different cycles in our lives and find happiness again.'
Grace Elliot has suffered something no woman should ever have to, especially at the hands of someone who is supposed to care for her, and it has totally broken her! Though she is incredibly good at hiding that pain in public, she is completely shattered inside. Grace does know one thing though. If she is ever going to get through this she needs help! Professional help. She just can't bring herself to go for it.
When your soul cries, no one can hear it, and the wounds you can't see hurt the most.
It is on a failed attempt at group therapy that she catches Ben's eye. She is running from the women's center when Ben Hardy sees a pain in her eyes that he recognizes immediately. Because it was the same pain his sister had before she gave up and took her own life. At this point I like to think fate intervened and pushes them together. Simply because they need each other.
"You are not a rape victim, Grace, you're a survivor. And you're not ordinary, you're extraordinary for surviving." ~Ben
Ben has a big secret in his past as well, but he is now a counselor getting certified in rape counseling to help women and he teaches a self defense class. See....Fate!
Grace can't believe she can be with Ben, who is a former MMA fighter and HUGE btw, and she doesn't feel threatened. She actually feels safe and when she reveals what happened to her he helps her by teaching her ways to cope and get through the pain. Now as you can imagine, they fall in love. Oh, don't get me wrong, it's a long beautiful, bumpy ride but they get there!
This was a beautiful story of two broken people who help each other through the pain and healing to find love and a life together!
March 25, 2014
This was one of the most beautiful stories I have read in a long time, about overcoming a traumatic event that could just as easily destroy and throw you into a deep dark spiral. I thought it was a beautiful story about overcoming demons that threaten to destroy self confidence, self esteem, and self worth. It was a story of being held back in a cocoon and fighting to come out of it, at the right time, to soar.
Grace is falling apart and has been for awhile. She is struggling to make it not only through the day but through each hour of the day. She meets Ben and he is set on helping her work through her pain. Ben has dedicated his life to helping others like Grace due his own past tragic events. Ben has his own demons, heartache, and guilt to work through.
Lovely story of how Ben and Grace learn to trust again, learn to love again, and learn to heal through the pain.
I thought that the author did an excellent job of writing a book about a difficult topic that is hard to discuss, is often misunderstood, and often goes unreported. I look forward to reading more of her books.
ARC provided thru Netgalley, author Elle Harper - Thank you
Grace is falling apart and has been for awhile. She is struggling to make it not only through the day but through each hour of the day. She meets Ben and he is set on helping her work through her pain. Ben has dedicated his life to helping others like Grace due his own past tragic events. Ben has his own demons, heartache, and guilt to work through.
Lovely story of how Ben and Grace learn to trust again, learn to love again, and learn to heal through the pain.
I thought that the author did an excellent job of writing a book about a difficult topic that is hard to discuss, is often misunderstood, and often goes unreported. I look forward to reading more of her books.
ARC provided thru Netgalley, author Elle Harper - Thank you
August 4, 2014
I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book. It was such a powerful story and so well written that I stayed by the pool reading all day and ended up with a sunburn. Yes, I know it is January, but this is Texas! It was so compelling that I was immediately swept up into the story. All the characters were well developed and interesting. It deals with issues that most of us prefer not to think about or read about, but it was such a beautiful story that I am immensely glad that I read it and will recommend it to every woman. Even if you haven’t had something tragic happen to you, hopefully it will make you feel more compassion to someone who has. It also doesn’t disappoint in the romance department either, which is the uplifting part of the book. I almost hate to mention the romance part in case that leads you to think that is all this book is about; it is about so much more than that. It is about trust and compassion and caring and love.
April 2, 2019
This book completely blew me away. The subject matter (rape) is sensitively handled and there are actually a lot of tips and approaches that would be helpful for counsellors and/or family and friends of such survivors to use. It could also be used by the survivor herself, however, I think this book could also be triggering for some.
Apart from one of the main storylines involving a character healing from rape, this book is a powerful love story as well. It had me in tears several times because of the connection that Grace and Ben had, but especially because Ben sounds like the sort of man that every woman wished she had! However, no man is perfect and Ben has a secret too - something that will create major issues for their relationship.
Beautifully written story.
Apart from one of the main storylines involving a character healing from rape, this book is a powerful love story as well. It had me in tears several times because of the connection that Grace and Ben had, but especially because Ben sounds like the sort of man that every woman wished she had! However, no man is perfect and Ben has a secret too - something that will create major issues for their relationship.
Beautifully written story.
January 29, 2014
Elle Harper (Sibel Hodge). WOW
Butterfly.
From page 1 this book had me gripped,so much so that I slowed my pace of reading right down as I did not want to miss any part of it. The author has a knack of bringing the characters alive, the 2 main characters in this book feel as though they are in the room beside you. This book covers very difficult subjects and does it very well. If all the books I read this year are half as good as this one was then I am in for a great year of reading.
I am hoping this is only the start for Grace and Ben and there will be a follow up book.
5 stars. 29th January 2014.
Butterfly.
From page 1 this book had me gripped,so much so that I slowed my pace of reading right down as I did not want to miss any part of it. The author has a knack of bringing the characters alive, the 2 main characters in this book feel as though they are in the room beside you. This book covers very difficult subjects and does it very well. If all the books I read this year are half as good as this one was then I am in for a great year of reading.
I am hoping this is only the start for Grace and Ben and there will be a follow up book.
5 stars. 29th January 2014.
March 7, 2014
Meet Grace, a sad soul who a year ago was raped by her now ex boyfriend. She is just existing day to day living with nightmares and in constant fear. A chance meeting with Ben, a councillor/self defense tutor, brings about a whole new Grace.
I love Sibel's books and this is no different. I found it hard to put down. I finished it in 2 days. Fabulous characters who you can sympathise with. Both have a back story and the book is written from the perspective of both of them. The story flows really well that way and I really didn't want it to end.
Loved it.
I love Sibel's books and this is no different. I found it hard to put down. I finished it in 2 days. Fabulous characters who you can sympathise with. Both have a back story and the book is written from the perspective of both of them. The story flows really well that way and I really didn't want it to end.
Loved it.
July 19, 2016
It's a year after Grace was raped by her (now ex) boyfriend and she still can't cope. A chance meeting with Ben, a councellor, makes her want to make the effort to get her life back.
This has adult themes, but is not too gritty. It is boy meets girl, etc, but it has an underlying message of how to get help if this has happened to you and that you can survive. In saying that, it is not preachy at all. The basic is, this is a really good, well written story.
This has adult themes, but is not too gritty. It is boy meets girl, etc, but it has an underlying message of how to get help if this has happened to you and that you can survive. In saying that, it is not preachy at all. The basic is, this is a really good, well written story.
January 25, 2014
I read the both in a couple days and wish either there is another one or a little longer. I really enjoyed the book women have to read this book either who have been raped or abused or not. It was a great read and glad I got it. Thank you so much encouragement to anyone. thank you again
January 17, 2014
Very well written. I think out of all the novel, the closing paragraphs got to me more than anything else.
March 24, 2019
Butterfly starts out with the recollection of the rape that has haunted Grace Elliot for months. She's barely sleeping, checks her multiple locks multiple times, sleeps with a knife under her pillow and is afraid of every sound. She's exhausted, and since she has no family to speak of (other than the aunt that retired to Spain and left her on her own, running the coffee shop) and no close friends (other than an employee who started working for her after her rape and is pregnant) she has no support system in place. Grace realizes if she doesn't get some help she may lose her mind and she's unhappy with her life the way that it is, but she can't afford counseling.
She gets up the courage to try to attend a rape crisis group meeting but can't go through with it. Enter Ben Hardy, who sees her flee the building where he teaches self defense classes. The same building where the rape crisis group meets. He sees the look on her face and recognizes it for what it is. She's a haunted victim who needs help. He jots down the phone number of the coffee shop on his hand, because there's an advert for it on her car, and follows her. When he's in an accident and taken to the hospital unconscious the hospital staff call Grace's number, thinking he might know her.
Grace goes to the hospital thinking it may be the husband of her employee. When she gets there she realizes it isn't, but there's something oddly compelling about Ben. She returns to the hospital the next day but he's been discharged.
To her surprise, Ben turns up at her coffee shop. He witnesses her having a panic attack but manages to talk her through it. After he fixes her plumbing problem in the kitchen he shows interest in the job for staff she has advertised because her employee is going on maternity leave.
They have a candid conversation, which Ben showing all his skills as a counselor. He's been training for this for years and has just received his credentials. He doesn't corner her and makes sure that he shows her he isn't a threat to her safety. He also opens up and tells her about the rape of his sister, who committed suicide.
This enables Grace to start the process of trusting someone and talking about what happened. Ben is able to give her guidance on strategies she can use to cope with her PTSD. Grace stops feeling like a freak and starts feeling like a person again, and the two wrestle with their attraction to each other.
Unfortunately, Ben has a secret he hasn't shared. When Grace finds out the full truth will she understand, or will she lose trust in the one person who's helped her begin to heal?
This book draws you right in and doesn't shy away from the emotional turmoil that rape survivors experience. Grace's responses and struggles are raw and visceral. At the same time, Ben conveys a lot of wisdom and guidance applicable to rape victims. Someone who has experienced rape or sexual assault will identify with Grace in many respects, and can also benefit from employing some of the strategies Ben uses to help Grace work through her trauma. In that respect, this is much more than just a story. It's a story that has its own blueprint for how to begin your own healing journey.
These characters are both damaged and compelling and their journey together draws you in effortlessly. They are likable and have you rooting for them every step of the way. Their story isn't an easy one and they face many challenges, but Butterfly is both devastating and heartwarming, demonstrating the power of the human spirit to overcome the deepest losses and most personal violations and find a way to become whole again.
She gets up the courage to try to attend a rape crisis group meeting but can't go through with it. Enter Ben Hardy, who sees her flee the building where he teaches self defense classes. The same building where the rape crisis group meets. He sees the look on her face and recognizes it for what it is. She's a haunted victim who needs help. He jots down the phone number of the coffee shop on his hand, because there's an advert for it on her car, and follows her. When he's in an accident and taken to the hospital unconscious the hospital staff call Grace's number, thinking he might know her.
Grace goes to the hospital thinking it may be the husband of her employee. When she gets there she realizes it isn't, but there's something oddly compelling about Ben. She returns to the hospital the next day but he's been discharged.
To her surprise, Ben turns up at her coffee shop. He witnesses her having a panic attack but manages to talk her through it. After he fixes her plumbing problem in the kitchen he shows interest in the job for staff she has advertised because her employee is going on maternity leave.
They have a candid conversation, which Ben showing all his skills as a counselor. He's been training for this for years and has just received his credentials. He doesn't corner her and makes sure that he shows her he isn't a threat to her safety. He also opens up and tells her about the rape of his sister, who committed suicide.
This enables Grace to start the process of trusting someone and talking about what happened. Ben is able to give her guidance on strategies she can use to cope with her PTSD. Grace stops feeling like a freak and starts feeling like a person again, and the two wrestle with their attraction to each other.
Unfortunately, Ben has a secret he hasn't shared. When Grace finds out the full truth will she understand, or will she lose trust in the one person who's helped her begin to heal?
This book draws you right in and doesn't shy away from the emotional turmoil that rape survivors experience. Grace's responses and struggles are raw and visceral. At the same time, Ben conveys a lot of wisdom and guidance applicable to rape victims. Someone who has experienced rape or sexual assault will identify with Grace in many respects, and can also benefit from employing some of the strategies Ben uses to help Grace work through her trauma. In that respect, this is much more than just a story. It's a story that has its own blueprint for how to begin your own healing journey.
These characters are both damaged and compelling and their journey together draws you in effortlessly. They are likable and have you rooting for them every step of the way. Their story isn't an easy one and they face many challenges, but Butterfly is both devastating and heartwarming, demonstrating the power of the human spirit to overcome the deepest losses and most personal violations and find a way to become whole again.
March 5, 2019
Grace is in a dark and lonely place. She can’t face what’s happened to her and tries to hide behind a mask every day. She’s alive but not living.
Ben is sure he can heal Grace, it will help him face some of his own demons from one night when his life was shattered.
When they meet, everything changes and they try to save each other, until something from Bens past threatens everything. Will it tear them apart or make them understand the healing power of forgiveness and love?
What an amazing book! It is written so beautifully and is so powerful. Told from the perspectives of both Ben and Grace, it is easy to follow. It reminds us that bad things do happen, but they don’t need to define who we are and we can overcome them and move on with our lives.
Thank you TBC Reviewer Request Group and Sibelius Hodge for the pleasure of reading this fantastic book.
Ben is sure he can heal Grace, it will help him face some of his own demons from one night when his life was shattered.
When they meet, everything changes and they try to save each other, until something from Bens past threatens everything. Will it tear them apart or make them understand the healing power of forgiveness and love?
What an amazing book! It is written so beautifully and is so powerful. Told from the perspectives of both Ben and Grace, it is easy to follow. It reminds us that bad things do happen, but they don’t need to define who we are and we can overcome them and move on with our lives.
Thank you TBC Reviewer Request Group and Sibelius Hodge for the pleasure of reading this fantastic book.
March 7, 2019
'The butterfly is powerful symbol of metamorphosis. The way we can move through different cycles in our lives and find happiness again.'
This book had me hooked from the very first page and I read it in one sitting.
It is the story of survival.
After Grace is raped by her then boyfriend she suffers from terrible nightmares and panic attacks. She tries to put on a normal act at work but is a virtual recluse in her own home where OCD takes over. She meets Ben, who has issues himself, and together they help each other.
It is a well written book dealing with a difficult subject, and about learning to trust, love and heal again.
Highly recommend!
This book had me hooked from the very first page and I read it in one sitting.
It is the story of survival.
After Grace is raped by her then boyfriend she suffers from terrible nightmares and panic attacks. She tries to put on a normal act at work but is a virtual recluse in her own home where OCD takes over. She meets Ben, who has issues himself, and together they help each other.
It is a well written book dealing with a difficult subject, and about learning to trust, love and heal again.
Highly recommend!
March 21, 2019
I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
I love Sibel Hodges writing her novels are always a pure delight to read and Butterfly is absolutely no exception. It’s a story that covers in such a sensitive manner trauma and the way that different people deal with trauma. As a novel it’s description sounds wrong but Sibel has the art of crafting a fabulous story that’s both touching and though provoking. What I really loved in this book was how well the ‘dual points of view worked’. It’s so different from the days of a chapter from each character, in Butterfly Sibel blends the voices and the view beautifully it really is a fantastic book.
I love Sibel Hodges writing her novels are always a pure delight to read and Butterfly is absolutely no exception. It’s a story that covers in such a sensitive manner trauma and the way that different people deal with trauma. As a novel it’s description sounds wrong but Sibel has the art of crafting a fabulous story that’s both touching and though provoking. What I really loved in this book was how well the ‘dual points of view worked’. It’s so different from the days of a chapter from each character, in Butterfly Sibel blends the voices and the view beautifully it really is a fantastic book.
March 2, 2019
Sibel Hodge has done it again. Another heartbreaking beautiful story which reminds us that we are stronger than we ever realise and things that happen to us don’t have to define who we become. We can survive and move on from horror and tragedy and this book shows us that you can rise up from the ashes. I loved it.
April 3, 2019
A sensitively told story of a young womans journey after being raped. Well told and has a love story interwove throughout. This story gives insight into what rape survivors go through and how you can get out the other side stronger and survive.
March 10, 2019
Beautifully written story about Grace, who is a rape victim and Ben, a counsellor, who helps
her recovery.
her recovery.
May 2, 2016
First of all I would like to thank miss Sibel Hodge for the opportunity to review this book. I have been given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I find this book so beautiful. The characters are so real and you'll find yourself relating to them even if you haven't gone through the same tragedies in your life. This book centers on the two protagonists, Grace Elliot and Ben Hardy, that is suffering from the demons that lurk in their pasts.
Grace is a very strong character despite all she's been through. And it's because of this book that I began thinking just how many criminals gets convicted and how many victims gets justice. This book tackles a subject that is not a far cry from reality. In fact I do believe that many women all around the globe are experiencing this excruciating battle to overcome this. At the start of the story I knew Grace will be a strong character, one that knows she needs help and seeks it not one that seeks it and is constantly dwelling on self pity. Seriously, if I would ever (knocks on wood) get into Grace's shoes for that past year, I would not have survived it. I mean, my mental health will not cope that fast and especially my emotional aspect. To think that she was able to put a mask on for an entire year without anyone noticing was an indication that she is not a girl to be put down that easily. (Not that what she has gone through was easy) One more strong female character? Rebecca.
Ben Hardy.. gosh what can I say, perfect boyfriend?? hahaha! He really is ideal because he knows how to judge a character and he just knows how to deal with everyone. I like his character because we don't get to see much of guy leads that would have gone through the same patience and understanding he has when he dealt with Grace's healing period. Maybe it pays because he is, technically, a counselor and having patience and understanding is a must. Some may say that he is "too perfect" and that only fictional guys are like him well, you must not have met many Ben Hardy's in your life but guys like him may be rare but, they are there :D And besides, Ben is not perfect, he is far from perfect. He has/had his own demons to deal with and like some people, he was great at masking them. He has temperamental/anger issues and that is one of his flaws and despite that flaw, I still love this character! He learned to redirect all that pent up anger unto things instead of people and I love how he teaches self defense classes to women, even though he had no choice, still you can feel that he really would want to even if he wasn't required to do it.
One more thing I loved about this book is their character developments. Everyone has their demons and we deal with them either on our own, with family, friends, professionals, or with our significant other. This book encourages us to talk and listen. Be sensitive around others because you don't know what they are going through. It is also never too late to seek justice and acceptance. The truth will always win! :D
At first I was really curious on why this book was called Butterfly but when I got to that part where Ben mentioned the comparison/simile/metaphor or whatnot, I just *feels* cried. That part was so beautiful I was happy because finally Grace gets to heal and forgive herself and be free.
The book doesn't feel rushed and I think it's a good thing because first of all, healing should not be rushed. Healing takes gradually slow steps until you're finally comfortable and strong enough to get to the next level. Women who undergo this situations are unable to move on with life because they think they don't deserve it anymore or just doesn't know how to continue living their lives the way they want it. Seeking help will really get you somewhere.
**This is totally random, but I have been recently watching book tags being made in youtube by booktubers and there's this tag called "the first sentence tag" and if I were to be blindfolded and a friend of mine would read the first sentence of this book, I would totally get it right away. That is how powerful the first line of this book is. It will get you hooked right away**
I read this in one sitting, though I couldn't call this a light read because of the subject and themes involved but you'll find yourself so captivated by Grace's healing progress. I definitely recommend this book to everyone and if you are fortunate to have a normal life, this book will help you understand and help loved ones going through the same things.
I find this book so beautiful. The characters are so real and you'll find yourself relating to them even if you haven't gone through the same tragedies in your life. This book centers on the two protagonists, Grace Elliot and Ben Hardy, that is suffering from the demons that lurk in their pasts.
Grace is a very strong character despite all she's been through. And it's because of this book that I began thinking just how many criminals gets convicted and how many victims gets justice. This book tackles a subject that is not a far cry from reality. In fact I do believe that many women all around the globe are experiencing this excruciating battle to overcome this. At the start of the story I knew Grace will be a strong character, one that knows she needs help and seeks it not one that seeks it and is constantly dwelling on self pity. Seriously, if I would ever (knocks on wood) get into Grace's shoes for that past year, I would not have survived it. I mean, my mental health will not cope that fast and especially my emotional aspect. To think that she was able to put a mask on for an entire year without anyone noticing was an indication that she is not a girl to be put down that easily. (Not that what she has gone through was easy) One more strong female character? Rebecca.
Ben Hardy.. gosh what can I say, perfect boyfriend?? hahaha! He really is ideal because he knows how to judge a character and he just knows how to deal with everyone. I like his character because we don't get to see much of guy leads that would have gone through the same patience and understanding he has when he dealt with Grace's healing period. Maybe it pays because he is, technically, a counselor and having patience and understanding is a must. Some may say that he is "too perfect" and that only fictional guys are like him well, you must not have met many Ben Hardy's in your life but guys like him may be rare but, they are there :D And besides, Ben is not perfect, he is far from perfect. He has/had his own demons to deal with and like some people, he was great at masking them. He has temperamental/anger issues and that is one of his flaws and despite that flaw, I still love this character! He learned to redirect all that pent up anger unto things instead of people and I love how he teaches self defense classes to women, even though he had no choice, still you can feel that he really would want to even if he wasn't required to do it.
One more thing I loved about this book is their character developments. Everyone has their demons and we deal with them either on our own, with family, friends, professionals, or with our significant other. This book encourages us to talk and listen. Be sensitive around others because you don't know what they are going through. It is also never too late to seek justice and acceptance. The truth will always win! :D
At first I was really curious on why this book was called Butterfly but when I got to that part where Ben mentioned the comparison/simile/metaphor or whatnot, I just *feels* cried. That part was so beautiful I was happy because finally Grace gets to heal and forgive herself and be free.
The book doesn't feel rushed and I think it's a good thing because first of all, healing should not be rushed. Healing takes gradually slow steps until you're finally comfortable and strong enough to get to the next level. Women who undergo this situations are unable to move on with life because they think they don't deserve it anymore or just doesn't know how to continue living their lives the way they want it. Seeking help will really get you somewhere.
**This is totally random, but I have been recently watching book tags being made in youtube by booktubers and there's this tag called "the first sentence tag" and if I were to be blindfolded and a friend of mine would read the first sentence of this book, I would totally get it right away. That is how powerful the first line of this book is. It will get you hooked right away**
I read this in one sitting, though I couldn't call this a light read because of the subject and themes involved but you'll find yourself so captivated by Grace's healing progress. I definitely recommend this book to everyone and if you are fortunate to have a normal life, this book will help you understand and help loved ones going through the same things.
August 12, 2016
Review: Jo Rushton
Copy gifted for honets review
"Butterfly" was a heartbreaking, powerful and thought provoking read about two people battling to survive... and I loved it. This book told the story of Grace Elliot, a woman hanging on to life by a thread. Struggling to cope, it didn't help that slowly but surely she had shut those who cared out. I was so overcome with sadness for this woman and my heart truly broke for her. She was in desperate need of a life line:
Grace and Ben met when Grace finally sought help at a center where Ben was a Councellor, and despite their meeting being brief, he felt an immediate connection to her and really wanted to help. Because of his occupation, Ben had the right skills and knowledge that were vital when it came to helping and supporting Grace and it was like he was her knight in shining armour, ready to battle through the darkness to save her. Ben was definitely the type of guy Grace needed in her life... he was patient, understanding, kind and loving.
When reading the story I discovered that Ben had a reason why he could empathise with Grace, why he felt truly connected with her and because of this Grace began to let him in.
The connection between Ben and Grace brought them closer together. Ben was able to help Grace overcome her fears and look towards a future, a future together but he had his own secret, one he was reluctant to share. What was he was hiding? How would Grace react if she found out? Would the secret change their relationship? My brain was working overtime to keep up with my thoughts!
I loved Ben and Grace's relationship. Ben truly was Grace's saviour. He was always so patient and caring toward her, even when she pushed him away, which she did on several occasions. I became a little frustrated each time she did this but luckily Ben understood and Grace eventually realised her mistake and went running back into his open arms. However things changed when Grace discovered what Ben was hiding, once again shutting him out, and it appeared that this time it was for good.
I felt so sorry for Ben. I understood his reasons to protect Grace from the truth. He was crazy in love with her and I was certain that he wouldn't have done anything to hurt her. I only hoped that Grace would eventually come to her senses.
I felt that "Butterfly" was a beautiful and emotional story that covered a disturbing subject. It really made me think about what women like Grace have to go through in order to recover and heal. I found that the book was very well written and I felt so much compassion for the characters. The story truly pulled at my heart strings and by the time I reached the end of the story, I was proud of this couple, the journey they had taken and the fears they had each overcome. They were soul mates in every sense of the word. "Butterfly" gets 4 emotional hearts from me.
"Butterfly" was a heartbreaking, powerful and thought provoking read about two people battling to survive... and I loved it. This book told the story of Grace Elliot, a woman hanging on to life by a thread. Struggling to cope, it didn't help that slowly but surely she had shut those who cared out. I was so overcome with sadness for this woman and my heart truly broke for her. She was in desperate need of a life line:
I can't do this anymore. I don't want to be this person. Don't even recognise who I am anymore. I'm too scared to live and to scared to end it all. I barely exist. I'm exhausted. It hurts to breath.
Grace and Ben met when Grace finally sought help at a center where Ben was a Councellor, and despite their meeting being brief, he felt an immediate connection to her and really wanted to help. Because of his occupation, Ben had the right skills and knowledge that were vital when it came to helping and supporting Grace and it was like he was her knight in shining armour, ready to battle through the darkness to save her. Ben was definitely the type of guy Grace needed in her life... he was patient, understanding, kind and loving.
Her pain and hurt are like shards of glass, stabbing me all over, which just makes me want to comfort her. Protect her. Take it all away."
When reading the story I discovered that Ben had a reason why he could empathise with Grace, why he felt truly connected with her and because of this Grace began to let him in.
Ben has bought me back to life again. He's like the other part of me I didn't know I was missing and it feels like I've known him forever.
The connection between Ben and Grace brought them closer together. Ben was able to help Grace overcome her fears and look towards a future, a future together but he had his own secret, one he was reluctant to share. What was he was hiding? How would Grace react if she found out? Would the secret change their relationship? My brain was working overtime to keep up with my thoughts!
Grace has crept under my skin. No, more than that.
She's burrowed through all the scar tissue and crept into my heart.
The walls I've built around myself are crumbling,and it's all because of her.
I loved Ben and Grace's relationship. Ben truly was Grace's saviour. He was always so patient and caring toward her, even when she pushed him away, which she did on several occasions. I became a little frustrated each time she did this but luckily Ben understood and Grace eventually realised her mistake and went running back into his open arms. However things changed when Grace discovered what Ben was hiding, once again shutting him out, and it appeared that this time it was for good.
I felt so sorry for Ben. I understood his reasons to protect Grace from the truth. He was crazy in love with her and I was certain that he wouldn't have done anything to hurt her. I only hoped that Grace would eventually come to her senses.
I felt that "Butterfly" was a beautiful and emotional story that covered a disturbing subject. It really made me think about what women like Grace have to go through in order to recover and heal. I found that the book was very well written and I felt so much compassion for the characters. The story truly pulled at my heart strings and by the time I reached the end of the story, I was proud of this couple, the journey they had taken and the fears they had each overcome. They were soul mates in every sense of the word. "Butterfly" gets 4 emotional hearts from me.
February 1, 2014
What is the fascination with rape victims in New Adult books? I’ve read half a dozen books with this being a recurring theme and it kind of makes me sick. It seems that some of these books are implying that all you need is a good guy to help you cope with your attack. Or they have this “hero” who gets it all wrong and forcefully gets the woman to admit she was raped. There is this one book where this guy basically corners a girl, grabs her shoulders and forces her to tell him what happened. THAT is not a healthy way to do it.
Butterfly breaks those stereotypes and does this perfectly. Beautiful and heartbreaking, Elle Harper touches this subject in a very realistic, frightening way.
I loved Grace. Her story broke my heart every time a new piece was introduced. She doesn’t start out a strong character, but she grows to believe she is.
Ben. Sweet, troubled Ben. His story killed me, as well. He is a counselor, specializing in rape victims and he had the most amazing things to say. (Guy in that other book, take a cue from Ben. He knows what he's doing).
(Let me veer off the path for a second: During my third semester of college, I had this guy hold the door open for me. I said thanks and he responded with “you’re welcome, baby”, which I immediately rolled my eyes at, but turned to smile at him anyways. He then started walking with me toward the parking lot during which he asked for my number, he handed me his phone to enter it in and his background was of a spread-eagle naked women. So with that, I gave him a fake number and told him goodbye. He continued following me, asking me what I was majoring in. After I told him accounting, he said, with the smoothness of a guy who is used to getting what he wants and who obviously has trouble hearing, “awe, counseling? I need counseling.” Not understand what the fuck he was talking about, I asked him why and he answered with “because I have a broken heart.” Needless to say, I never saw that guy again. I don’t even remember his name).
And THAT is what I think of every time I hear the word counseling.
Anyways, Ben is a counselor and he is just the sweetest thing. I’m so glad Grace found someone like him to help her heal. It warms my heart!!
Lisa is a great supporting character. She says a very important thing that stuck out to me the most. “He didn’t make you do those things. He gave you the tools to use so you could heal yourself.” Ben may have helped her out, but ultimately Grace overcame it herself.
There is a great romance swirling around in this book. A slow, languid, beautiful, healing romance that made my heart clench with happiness. Grace and Ben get through their troubles together, helping each other out any way they can.
I’m always wary when it comes to books about rape, because none of us can truly understand how it feels to be a victim unless it has happened to you. And that is not necessarily a mindset I wanna delve into. It’s a touchy subject and it is not always handled well. This book touches on every type of person who is around rape. The victim. The healer. The friend. The asshole who doesn’t believe you and blames you for it (Seriously, I have a note on my Kindle that just says “fuck Claire”).
Butterfly is worth picking up. It’s worth the tears and the stupid, happy smile you will have in the end.
Butterfly breaks those stereotypes and does this perfectly. Beautiful and heartbreaking, Elle Harper touches this subject in a very realistic, frightening way.
I loved Grace. Her story broke my heart every time a new piece was introduced. She doesn’t start out a strong character, but she grows to believe she is.
Ben. Sweet, troubled Ben. His story killed me, as well. He is a counselor, specializing in rape victims and he had the most amazing things to say. (Guy in that other book, take a cue from Ben. He knows what he's doing).
(Let me veer off the path for a second: During my third semester of college, I had this guy hold the door open for me. I said thanks and he responded with “you’re welcome, baby”, which I immediately rolled my eyes at, but turned to smile at him anyways. He then started walking with me toward the parking lot during which he asked for my number, he handed me his phone to enter it in and his background was of a spread-eagle naked women. So with that, I gave him a fake number and told him goodbye. He continued following me, asking me what I was majoring in. After I told him accounting, he said, with the smoothness of a guy who is used to getting what he wants and who obviously has trouble hearing, “awe, counseling? I need counseling.” Not understand what the fuck he was talking about, I asked him why and he answered with “because I have a broken heart.” Needless to say, I never saw that guy again. I don’t even remember his name).
And THAT is what I think of every time I hear the word counseling.
Anyways, Ben is a counselor and he is just the sweetest thing. I’m so glad Grace found someone like him to help her heal. It warms my heart!!
Lisa is a great supporting character. She says a very important thing that stuck out to me the most. “He didn’t make you do those things. He gave you the tools to use so you could heal yourself.” Ben may have helped her out, but ultimately Grace overcame it herself.
There is a great romance swirling around in this book. A slow, languid, beautiful, healing romance that made my heart clench with happiness. Grace and Ben get through their troubles together, helping each other out any way they can.
I’m always wary when it comes to books about rape, because none of us can truly understand how it feels to be a victim unless it has happened to you. And that is not necessarily a mindset I wanna delve into. It’s a touchy subject and it is not always handled well. This book touches on every type of person who is around rape. The victim. The healer. The friend. The asshole who doesn’t believe you and blames you for it (Seriously, I have a note on my Kindle that just says “fuck Claire”).
Butterfly is worth picking up. It’s worth the tears and the stupid, happy smile you will have in the end.
February 28, 2014
Still loving the New Adult genre and this was no exception.
Rape is often a hard subject to tackle and sometimes I have a hard time reading about it because it’s not a very nice subject and as a woman it’s one of the worse things that can happen to someone I think.
Grace Eilliot is a character who is going through something traumatic and a year later things aren’t any better for her. She is alive but she isn’t living. She has a mask on and gets on with things but is scared constantly. I found as the reader that it was easy to relate to Grace, everything she was going through felt perfectly reasonable and understandable and at points it made me want to hug the character. I thought she was an extremely well written, likeable, strong female character.
Ben Hardy…well what to say about him? Loved him. He also has a traumatic past and you aren’t quite sure what he’s done etc but when you find out it really isn’t something that I felt readers would judge him on, in fact if anything it made his character even better and again another one I wanted to hug. I liked his character not just because he was strong and sexy, but because he was also sensitive and he helped Grace heal and never pushed her for anything.
The love story between these 2 characters was extremely sweet, I wanted a happy ending for them both, they both deserved it so much.
I enjoyed the counselling angle of this story too. As someone who has had counselling in the past, I encourage people who need help to get it, because it really does help, and I don’t think I would be the person I am today without the lovely lady I spoke to as a teenager. I would have loved for it to have been a bit more in depth on this subject but obviously there were more important parts to this story and it didn’t affect the story in any way.
For me it was obvious where it was going to lead in the end with the court case etc. Another gripe for me was how quick it all seemed to happen because court cases very rarely happen so quick, so because of this I do think the storyline there could have been expanded on a little more covering a little longer in the timeline.
I really enjoyed the writing by this author, I loved the fact that this went from Grace perspective one chapter, to Ben’s the next. For me, that makes the story more full and rounded and we get to read how each character feels in same situations.
As I am writing this review I realised I haven’t expanded on the other female character to comes into this book and with her own traumatic experience. That’s because we aren’t really given any information on her and I am hoping that maybe the author will be giving this character her own story (if she hasn’t already – off to look I go!)
Really enjoyed this and will now be on the lookout from work from this author in the future.
Rape is often a hard subject to tackle and sometimes I have a hard time reading about it because it’s not a very nice subject and as a woman it’s one of the worse things that can happen to someone I think.
Grace Eilliot is a character who is going through something traumatic and a year later things aren’t any better for her. She is alive but she isn’t living. She has a mask on and gets on with things but is scared constantly. I found as the reader that it was easy to relate to Grace, everything she was going through felt perfectly reasonable and understandable and at points it made me want to hug the character. I thought she was an extremely well written, likeable, strong female character.
Ben Hardy…well what to say about him? Loved him. He also has a traumatic past and you aren’t quite sure what he’s done etc but when you find out it really isn’t something that I felt readers would judge him on, in fact if anything it made his character even better and again another one I wanted to hug. I liked his character not just because he was strong and sexy, but because he was also sensitive and he helped Grace heal and never pushed her for anything.
The love story between these 2 characters was extremely sweet, I wanted a happy ending for them both, they both deserved it so much.
I enjoyed the counselling angle of this story too. As someone who has had counselling in the past, I encourage people who need help to get it, because it really does help, and I don’t think I would be the person I am today without the lovely lady I spoke to as a teenager. I would have loved for it to have been a bit more in depth on this subject but obviously there were more important parts to this story and it didn’t affect the story in any way.
For me it was obvious where it was going to lead in the end with the court case etc. Another gripe for me was how quick it all seemed to happen because court cases very rarely happen so quick, so because of this I do think the storyline there could have been expanded on a little more covering a little longer in the timeline.
I really enjoyed the writing by this author, I loved the fact that this went from Grace perspective one chapter, to Ben’s the next. For me, that makes the story more full and rounded and we get to read how each character feels in same situations.
As I am writing this review I realised I haven’t expanded on the other female character to comes into this book and with her own traumatic experience. That’s because we aren’t really given any information on her and I am hoping that maybe the author will be giving this character her own story (if she hasn’t already – off to look I go!)
Really enjoyed this and will now be on the lookout from work from this author in the future.
February 27, 2014
Still loving the New Adult genre and this was no exception.
Rape is often a hard subject to tackle and sometimes I have a hard time reading about it because it’s not a very nice subject and as a woman it’s one of the worse things that can happen to someone I think.
Grace Eilliot is a character who is going through something traumatic and a year later things aren’t any better for her. She is alive but she isn’t living. She has a mask on and gets on with things but is scared constantly. I found as the reader that it was easy to relate to Grace, everything she was going through felt perfectly reasonable and understandable and at points it made me want to hug the character. I thought she was an extremely well written, likeable, strong female character.
Ben Hardy…well what to say about him? Loved him. He also has a traumatic past and you aren’t quite sure what he’s done etc but when you find out it really isn’t something that I felt readers would judge him on, in fact if anything it made his character even better and again another one I wanted to hug. I liked his character not just because he was strong and sexy, but because he was also sensitive and he helped Grace heal and never pushed her for anything.
The love story between these 2 characters was extremely sweet, I wanted a happy ending for them both, they both deserved it so much.
I enjoyed the counselling angle of this story too. As someone who has had counselling in the past, I encourage people who need help to get it, because it really does help, and I don’t think I would be the person I am today without the lovely lady I spoke to as a teenager. I would have loved for it to have been a bit more in depth on this subject but obviously there were more important parts to this story and it didn’t affect the story in any way.
For me it was obvious where it was going to lead in the end with the court case etc. Another gripe for me was how quick it all seemed to happen because court cases very rarely happen so quick, so because of this I do think the storyline there could have been expanded on a little more covering a little longer in the timeline.
I really enjoyed the writing by this author, I loved the fact that this went from Grace perspective one chapter, to Ben’s the next. For me, that makes the story more full and rounded and we get to read how each character feels in same situations.
As I am writing this review I realised I haven’t expanded on the other female character to comes into this book and with her own traumatic experience. That’s because we aren’t really given any information on her and I am hoping that maybe the author will be giving this character her own story (if she hasn’t already – off to look I go!)
Really enjoyed this and will now be on the lookout from work from this author in the future.
Read and reviewed courtesy of Netgalley
Rape is often a hard subject to tackle and sometimes I have a hard time reading about it because it’s not a very nice subject and as a woman it’s one of the worse things that can happen to someone I think.
Grace Eilliot is a character who is going through something traumatic and a year later things aren’t any better for her. She is alive but she isn’t living. She has a mask on and gets on with things but is scared constantly. I found as the reader that it was easy to relate to Grace, everything she was going through felt perfectly reasonable and understandable and at points it made me want to hug the character. I thought she was an extremely well written, likeable, strong female character.
Ben Hardy…well what to say about him? Loved him. He also has a traumatic past and you aren’t quite sure what he’s done etc but when you find out it really isn’t something that I felt readers would judge him on, in fact if anything it made his character even better and again another one I wanted to hug. I liked his character not just because he was strong and sexy, but because he was also sensitive and he helped Grace heal and never pushed her for anything.
The love story between these 2 characters was extremely sweet, I wanted a happy ending for them both, they both deserved it so much.
I enjoyed the counselling angle of this story too. As someone who has had counselling in the past, I encourage people who need help to get it, because it really does help, and I don’t think I would be the person I am today without the lovely lady I spoke to as a teenager. I would have loved for it to have been a bit more in depth on this subject but obviously there were more important parts to this story and it didn’t affect the story in any way.
For me it was obvious where it was going to lead in the end with the court case etc. Another gripe for me was how quick it all seemed to happen because court cases very rarely happen so quick, so because of this I do think the storyline there could have been expanded on a little more covering a little longer in the timeline.
I really enjoyed the writing by this author, I loved the fact that this went from Grace perspective one chapter, to Ben’s the next. For me, that makes the story more full and rounded and we get to read how each character feels in same situations.
As I am writing this review I realised I haven’t expanded on the other female character to comes into this book and with her own traumatic experience. That’s because we aren’t really given any information on her and I am hoping that maybe the author will be giving this character her own story (if she hasn’t already – off to look I go!)
Really enjoyed this and will now be on the lookout from work from this author in the future.
Read and reviewed courtesy of Netgalley
June 5, 2014
'Butterfly' is a beautiful story of two broken people in desperate need of each other, yet them being together isn't as easy as they need it to be.
Grace Elliot has gone through something that no person ever should especially when it was someone she trusted and thought she loved. She's the ghost of the person she used to be and she knows she needs helps but she can't bring herself around to get it. That is until she meets Ben Hardy, a counsellor. Meeting him brings back hope in her life but she didn't expect to fall in love with him.
It's hard to review this book, especially Grace's character because I don't know if it was a realistic representation of what she went through. I don't know. But, what I do know is that it definitely did feel realistic and as a reader, it really hit home hard. Reading about her journey and how much she started to love herself and realise none of it was her fault was definitely emotional and it was so easy to empathise with her and feel proud of her. She was such a brill heroine and written incredibly well.
Ben Hardy was also a great character, I loved reading in his POV and the breath of fresh air he brought into Grace's life was lifting and inspiring. From the beginning of the novel we don't know the full extent of what he did to get imprisoned but it was quite easy to guess what and why he did what he did. And, again, it was so hard to judge him off the bat because in some ways he had a justified reason. He was a great character though and he brought the much needed laughter and humour into the novel as well as Grace's life.
I thought the secondary characters, especially Grace's friend Lisa, were great and very endearing. They were the much needed contrast to the darker side of the novel. All of the secondary characters, from Lisa to Ben's boss, had back stories and I think that definitely helped Grace realise she wasn't alone.
The dual POVs were wonderfully written and both Grace and Ben had completely different voices and the character development was consistent for each of them and the contrast between their voices was also consistent which can be very hard to find in dual POV books.
The author definitely doesn't shy away from the truth of each of the character's past which was brilliant. It was all dealt with and nothing was left out.
All in all, this is a book about love, hope and a journey for both of the two characters. It really is great!
*Thanks to the author who sent me a free copy in exchange of a review!*
Grace Elliot has gone through something that no person ever should especially when it was someone she trusted and thought she loved. She's the ghost of the person she used to be and she knows she needs helps but she can't bring herself around to get it. That is until she meets Ben Hardy, a counsellor. Meeting him brings back hope in her life but she didn't expect to fall in love with him.
It's hard to review this book, especially Grace's character because I don't know if it was a realistic representation of what she went through. I don't know. But, what I do know is that it definitely did feel realistic and as a reader, it really hit home hard. Reading about her journey and how much she started to love herself and realise none of it was her fault was definitely emotional and it was so easy to empathise with her and feel proud of her. She was such a brill heroine and written incredibly well.
Ben Hardy was also a great character, I loved reading in his POV and the breath of fresh air he brought into Grace's life was lifting and inspiring. From the beginning of the novel we don't know the full extent of what he did to get imprisoned but it was quite easy to guess what and why he did what he did. And, again, it was so hard to judge him off the bat because in some ways he had a justified reason. He was a great character though and he brought the much needed laughter and humour into the novel as well as Grace's life.
I thought the secondary characters, especially Grace's friend Lisa, were great and very endearing. They were the much needed contrast to the darker side of the novel. All of the secondary characters, from Lisa to Ben's boss, had back stories and I think that definitely helped Grace realise she wasn't alone.
The dual POVs were wonderfully written and both Grace and Ben had completely different voices and the character development was consistent for each of them and the contrast between their voices was also consistent which can be very hard to find in dual POV books.
The author definitely doesn't shy away from the truth of each of the character's past which was brilliant. It was all dealt with and nothing was left out.
All in all, this is a book about love, hope and a journey for both of the two characters. It really is great!
*Thanks to the author who sent me a free copy in exchange of a review!*
August 6, 2016
Writing as Elle Harper, author Sibel Hodge has delved into the NA sphere with a tale of loss, love and healing. Be aware that this book could be triggering for some: these characters have experienced abuse, and the process of learning to deal with and recover from guilt, regret and abuse is a central theme of the story.
There are several stories that deal with rape and its aftermath in the NA genre: few manage to deal with a sensitive subject in a way that is both helpful and honest without feeling as if the information, advice or even the character’s reactions are stereotypical or formulated. Elle Harper brings us Grace, alive but not living; she moves through her days since being raped in a fog of one foot in front of the other. The one thing that she does have a grasp of is the unwillingness and inability to move forward without help.
She gathers her courage and joins a group of survivors, and while the group dynamic just wasn’t one that felt right, she left with intentions of finding some other help. Ben is a former MMA fighter, determined to help women after they have been violated: to that end he is working toward being certified in rape counseling, and is running a self-defense class for the women he encounters. Perhaps too little too late, but Ben’s heart is in the right place, and his own guilt and helplessness he felt after not being able to save his sister is a huge reason for his own motivation.
This is a story of two broken people, both with their own wounds and reasons that impair their ability to move forward: together they start to find ways to heal one another, firstly a relationship that was more co-dependent than helpful, then it starts to become a safe place where they can share, grow and start to heal.
Handled with a deft hand, the story unfolds and puts the pain on the page, in some ways lessening the power it has to keep the characters trapped, in others giving readers a sense of the stages and concerns that one would have in a similar situation. While not a “how to survive” guide, as there really isn’t a way to make one that is all-inclusive, this book is a hopeful light and one story of recovery and learning to move forward, all wrapped in a finding love and hope to live again story that will keep you glued to the pages from beginning to end.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
There are several stories that deal with rape and its aftermath in the NA genre: few manage to deal with a sensitive subject in a way that is both helpful and honest without feeling as if the information, advice or even the character’s reactions are stereotypical or formulated. Elle Harper brings us Grace, alive but not living; she moves through her days since being raped in a fog of one foot in front of the other. The one thing that she does have a grasp of is the unwillingness and inability to move forward without help.
She gathers her courage and joins a group of survivors, and while the group dynamic just wasn’t one that felt right, she left with intentions of finding some other help. Ben is a former MMA fighter, determined to help women after they have been violated: to that end he is working toward being certified in rape counseling, and is running a self-defense class for the women he encounters. Perhaps too little too late, but Ben’s heart is in the right place, and his own guilt and helplessness he felt after not being able to save his sister is a huge reason for his own motivation.
This is a story of two broken people, both with their own wounds and reasons that impair their ability to move forward: together they start to find ways to heal one another, firstly a relationship that was more co-dependent than helpful, then it starts to become a safe place where they can share, grow and start to heal.
Handled with a deft hand, the story unfolds and puts the pain on the page, in some ways lessening the power it has to keep the characters trapped, in others giving readers a sense of the stages and concerns that one would have in a similar situation. While not a “how to survive” guide, as there really isn’t a way to make one that is all-inclusive, this book is a hopeful light and one story of recovery and learning to move forward, all wrapped in a finding love and hope to live again story that will keep you glued to the pages from beginning to end.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
March 29, 2014
"Hope is the antidote to fear. Having hope and faith in the power of women will lessen the fear you feel"
This book touches a very sensitive subject. It is a very emotional and beautiful read. "Butterfly" will make you feel and truly understand the seriousness of rape and its effect on victims. This book shows all the ugliness, it is really honest. This is not fully a romance book, it is more of a getting through a horrible experience and learning to live again.
There are two main characters in the book that we read a perspective of: Grace and Ben. They both have something dreadful that happened to them and caused them to not live a life every person deserve to. They both don't see themselves as worthy of happiness, they both fear of what happened and what might happen next. Grace is scared of living, she wants a better life but she just thinks of herself as to broke to have that. She needs help. Ben wants forgiveness. He needs to help someone else, to be able to help himself. They both have their demons that haunt them everyday, leaving them hopeless. I liked Grace character, I liked how she knew that she needed help. She is a character that seems weak to herself, but strong to others. Through out the book, you really see how much her character developed.
"Locked inside my home with the emptiness inside my heart, and the engulfing ache of loneliness squeezing me until I can't breathe. It's not like home. It's a prison cell"
Ben is the character I just loved. He is a such a beautiful soul, he is selfless and passionate. I really felt for him, and everything he went through. He is also a bit of a mystery, because we don't find out his full story until towards the end.
"When your soul cries, no one can hear it, and the wounds you can't see hurt the most."
I really loved how the romance in the book developed. It wasn't "love at first sight" kind of thing. It was more of a getting to know each other and seeing the true selves beyond the mask, and slowly feeling for each other. I would highly recommend to read this book! It is truly an amazing story.
'The butterfly is powerful symbol of metamorphosis. The way we can move through different cycles in our lives and find happiness again.'
This book touches a very sensitive subject. It is a very emotional and beautiful read. "Butterfly" will make you feel and truly understand the seriousness of rape and its effect on victims. This book shows all the ugliness, it is really honest. This is not fully a romance book, it is more of a getting through a horrible experience and learning to live again.
There are two main characters in the book that we read a perspective of: Grace and Ben. They both have something dreadful that happened to them and caused them to not live a life every person deserve to. They both don't see themselves as worthy of happiness, they both fear of what happened and what might happen next. Grace is scared of living, she wants a better life but she just thinks of herself as to broke to have that. She needs help. Ben wants forgiveness. He needs to help someone else, to be able to help himself. They both have their demons that haunt them everyday, leaving them hopeless. I liked Grace character, I liked how she knew that she needed help. She is a character that seems weak to herself, but strong to others. Through out the book, you really see how much her character developed.
"Locked inside my home with the emptiness inside my heart, and the engulfing ache of loneliness squeezing me until I can't breathe. It's not like home. It's a prison cell"
Ben is the character I just loved. He is a such a beautiful soul, he is selfless and passionate. I really felt for him, and everything he went through. He is also a bit of a mystery, because we don't find out his full story until towards the end.
"When your soul cries, no one can hear it, and the wounds you can't see hurt the most."
I really loved how the romance in the book developed. It wasn't "love at first sight" kind of thing. It was more of a getting to know each other and seeing the true selves beyond the mask, and slowly feeling for each other. I would highly recommend to read this book! It is truly an amazing story.
'The butterfly is powerful symbol of metamorphosis. The way we can move through different cycles in our lives and find happiness again.'
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