Closure

by Sylvia Stein

Garrison James had it all. A terrific home life and a loving family. Together, he and his wife built a successful ranch and construction company. His world changed the day he lost his wife to cancer. He turned to the bottle and became a monster. Sara, his daughter, tried everything to please him. After years of abuse, Sara’s aunt visits. She recognizes the abuse and removes Sara. The frail girl begins the delicate journey of find herself, while struggling to leave her father and the monster behind. Despite the emotional and mental scars she carried, Sara manages to start a new life. She is finally happy. A phone call changes everything. Will Sara continue her new life? Can she face the monster, or will she find closure?

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2014

About the author

Sylvia Stein is a published author with several anthologies with her Writer’s group 750 on linked

in. Stein obtained a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and English from Southern New

Hampshire University this past July 2015. She is a mother of three beautiful children Paul 10,

Michael 9 and Consuelo 6. She resides in the city of Fuquay Varina with her amazing husband

Jeremy. Stein has also published two solo books one was her first novella Closure which she

worked on while attending SNHU and published in July of 2014 and the other her first YA

Chasing Clarity was published this past October 2015 and it was created during National Novel

Month (Nano) in 2013. She is currently working on her prequel to Closure which is due out in

April 2016. When she is not writing she enjoys time with her children and husband. Her latest

work will be out this summer 2016. A Prequel to Closure entitled, “ The Diary of a Broken

Father.”

Reviews

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gutted me. This is about a girl, who lost her mom, and her loving father turns into a monster. He has a drinking problem, and things get very bad for Sara. I highly recommend this story.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closure
By: Sylvia Stein

I started reading this book and could not put it down. I loved it. Characters are all well written. Wasn't sure I liked the character Garrison but as the story went I got to love the guy. Sylvia did a great job showing all sides to abuse. I liked how the story of each character is shown, not just the one being abused. This is a journey of what this family went through. From things being great for Garrison James and his family to the day the word cancer came into the family. The death of the mother and the depending on alcohol to get him through a day. Sara is the one who will pay for this. How can Sara grow up with all the mental scars she carries of the abuse from the monster (her father)? Will Sara find closure? Wonderful must read book.. 5 stars

[Shelfish Twitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closure is a book about a young girl who loses her mother to cancer, and also loses her father to alcohol. She grows up, neglected and abused, and suffers terribly from PTSD. This would have been an incredibly tough book to write, as it’s a hard subject to tackle. I felt very connected to the main character. I understood her pain and suffering, and ended up in tears at the end of the book. It’s not often that a book makes me cry, but I felt that the character journey in this book was very strong, emotional, and had a powerful impact on me as a reader.
I think that if you enjoy writers like Jodi Piccoult, and good dramatic books with a strong emotional pull, then this book will leave you breathless.

[Heather Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Couldn’t Put This Book Down!

Grief is a tidal wave that slams into all of us eventually. Some have the Rock to stand on, while others are swept away and lose themselves.

Addiction is a demon and the battle for freedom from it is intense and takes time and determination.

Closure addresses these two themes and accurately portrays the fallout on the life of one little girl. This is her story, but really it resonates within every reader who has walked this path, even for a short time.

[Carla Terrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can be more private than a diary? A diary holds the secret thoughts of the writer. In this case, Sarah James is the writer. Having lost her mother, Lila, at a young age, she was left alone with a “monster,” her dad, Garrison James. Garrison was the owner of a construction company. His drunken rages…name calling…yelling was just the beginning of Sara’s sorrows. Physical abuse was commonplace in their Minnesota home, and as a result, Sarah lived in an atmosphere of constant stress: grand mal seizures, panic attacks, and nightmares. She could only reach for happiness in the memories of her beloved mother. Sara’s residence was a private hell!

What can tear at the heartstrings of the soul more violently than the whispered words of a tormented child saying, “Momma, I miss you”?

The sound of her daddy’s footfalls were heavy on the floorboards as he tromped through the house in search for her, yelling.

Quick, run and hide so the monster won’t find you!

As Sara grows up and finds her own way in life, her abusive past is never far from her thoughts. Her only comforts are found in the memories and words of her loving mother. . .the balm that often soothed the anguish that plagued her. Then one day, Garrison announced that her Aunt Valerie was coming to town. Heaven and the saints be praised! Her Aunt Valerie would slay the monster. She always had a wonderful relationship with her Aunt Valerie and Uncle Kyle.

Will Aunt Valerie be Sara’s saving grace?

Will Sara’s father, Garrison, ever recover from his drunken rages and binges?

Does Sara have the ability to forgive Garrison for the misery he’d caused her?

When a life is marred by physical abuse, the affects can be noticeably apparent. But what isn’t always obvious are the emotional/mental scars that often manifests through traumatic events (Post Traumatic Stress Disorders), which can cause physical impairments. Some scars cannot easily heal-over, but the offering and receiving of forgiveness is the process toward healing and closure.

This novel tore at my heart. Writing about abuse is no easy task, but Sylvia makes you feel Sara's pain, and rightly so.

[Tammy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to warn you from the start this book is not an easy read book it is very emotional with real life issues. Knowing this I dived into the book believing I was prepared for what I was about to read I couldn't have been more wrong. Closure captured my heart and emotions from the very first page and I would like to tell you that it let go with the last page but, I am not sure that it did. Sara James I would say was the main character and on some levels I could connect with her as my heart hurt for her. In the beginning I wanted to fight for her, protect her to take her pain away. It was hard to not want to climb through the pages and so this poor little girl that the sun would shine on her again and the she was not to blame nor did she deserve any of the things that happened. Then as she grew and the teenage years hit and at times it was frustrating and really difficult to not want to just wipe the word whatever out of her mouth. At the same time I still wanted to take her into my arms and show her that good still existed in this world. I couldn't shake the instant connection I felt with Sara. I went through such a barrage of emotions in this book I cried so much you would have thought I lost everyone I ever loved. Watching Sara grow and overcome her fears as much as she could and become a successful young woman made my heart swell just like as if I were her mother. I am just so thrilled to have gotten the chance to read Closure as it is one of the few books that have moved me so emotionally. Sylvia Stein wrote a book that even I did not see coming at me and capturing my heart and attention in the way that Closure did. I would like to thank Sylvia for helping more than one little girl face her demons and take the "Monster" go away.

[Kelly Pinella · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart went out to Sara since she was a victim of physical abuse and a witness to her dad's drinking problem. The suspense in this story gradually increases throughout the book. I wanted to find out if Sara could escape or if she could one day get over the traumatic childhood experience of losing her mother to cancer while living with a drunk, abusive dad. Here we have a story about the struggle to overcome a frightening living situation, a struggle to forgive, and a struggle to move from rage to becoming a productive person in life. The story flips back and forth from Sara to her drunk dad. I began to learn new things about a traumatized father-daughter relationship, forever changed by alcohol and anger, yet with a little bit of faith, something good can happen after something bad.

Sylvia Stein does a wonderful job presenting this story, most of which is in third person narrative. It is realistic and believable. I felt like I was right there with Sara, learning her fears, experiencing her anxiety, and identifying with her ability to hang onto hope. Sara is the hero who shows bravery. She is a person who has grown in character from difficult experiences in life.

[Christopher B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closure by Sylvia Stein is a heartwarming and heartbreaking tale all wrapped into one. With characters so real you have to wonder how you haven’t bumped into them on the street somewhere in your lifetime. Or if you have, how haven’t you recognized them till now. It takes you on a wonderful rollercoaster of a ride with emotional highs and lows that keep you turning the pages one right after the other. There is heartache, terror, warmth, a hint of romance, and more all wrapped into this book. It packs a powerful punch. The only thing I really can find wrong with it is that it ends too soon. Leaving this reviewer wanting more. Read both Sara’s and Garrison’s tale of recovery. You will not be disappointed, though maybe out of Kleenex. I give this book five out of five stars.

[Chrissie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closure is a really interesting and well thought out novella. The characters are really strong and I loved seeing the character of Sara grow, adapt and become stronger as the book went on. Closure tackles some every strong subjects; the death of someone and how a family deals with it, and what happens when people don't handle things well and become self absorbed and 'self harm' in order to cope. The author handled these subjects incredibly well, and having been through loss very recently like Sara and Garrett have, I could identify with their pain. The author captured these feelings excellently, the book is well written and the characters were extremely believable and strong.

I really liked this book and I would highly recommend it. I also can't wait to read more by this author.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvia tackles a difficult subject with Sara's heart-wrenching story. I loved the details of Sara's character, of how she dealt with the aftermath of her father's abuse, while recovering from the loss of her mother. At the start of the story, Sara struggles with guilt, anger and despair--yet by the end, she's reached where she wants to be. Her journey was realistically captured through things like her panic attacks and the little hurdles she had to overcome to keep herself together, while continuing to try and build her own life, identity and future. One nice detail was a minor character, Mitch. I would have loved to know more about some of the other folks in Closure, it seemed like the story was too short--but still good.

[Elle Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting more...
Through my tears, I was rooting for Sara from the start. I understand child abuse and how it emotionally and psychologically takes a toll on you. Sylvia was able to capture the innocence in Sara even as she was preyed upon by someone who was suppose to shelter and protect her from harm. I loved her strong sense of faith, because it plays a strong role in my life. So, I was glad Sara tried to cherish the good memories from her dead mother, through all of Garrison's abuse. I love this story and it left me wanting more. Looking forward to reading more of Sylvia's work in the future. This novella is an amazing read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara James needs closure. Her mother Lila died before Sara turned five, and her father Garrison began drinking, turning from a loving father into a monster. Years later Sara is still dealing with the effects of physical abuse and neglect. As she makes her way through the healing process she avoids all contact with her father. But before she can put the past behind her she still has some important decisions to make. The characters in this story find themselves in real life situations, making good and bad decisions and trying to move forward. For an emotional but hopeful story, be sure to read Closure!

[Steve Bridger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parables are stories with a message. Stories that touch your heart, mind and soul. Closure is not an easy read. It is all the more important because of that. Closure stirs the emotions and makes you relate to the characters in the story but may resonate with your own life story. I would guess that many of us have experiences that touch upon the deliberate or unwitting damage done by parents to children. Ultimately the story is life affirming and a testament to the human spirit. The moral of the story is one of forgiveness. Once you forgive you move on with a lighter load.

[Rejoice Denhere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make sure you have a box of Kleenex next to you when you read this. The characters are so real, the pain and the trauma described so vivid that the reader quickly becomes a part of the story. Sylvia has crafted an excellent story about life issues that people sometimes don't want to talk about - substance misuse, death, child abuse and despair - but manages to draw out the good that can come out when one has faith, hope and support. Excellent reading - I loved it.

[Jen Zingaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this story on audiobook. It is a very emotional story following the journey of Sarah growing up after living with an abusive father. I thought the choice of narrator was interesting, but it was good. I felt like I could really feel what Sarah was going through and sad about how much time it takes to undo the damage that one person (someone she trusted) can inflict. I definitely recommend it, just a good solid emotional story.

[Gail Harkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Closure, Sylvia Stein writes from the heart, telling the poignant story of girl, abused by her father after her mother’s tragic death. The message is one of hope, grace and redemption, for each of the major characters. Importantly, she portrays the situation from the perspective of the father and the daughter as they travel their very difficult roads to closure. It was well worth reading.

[A.A. Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

FEAR, REDEMPTION AND FORGIVENESS

This novella, a story of fear, redemption and forgiveness, brought a tear to my eye. It rather neatly began and ended with a death. Sylvia Stein pulls no punches in her description of a dysfunctional relationship, yet cleverly twists the tale round to finish on an upbeat note.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great emotional read

This was such a great book. It had me mad, crying, sad, and happy all at the same time. I love emotional books and this is one of them. Sylvia sure knows how to write a book. I was happy that Sara and Garrison made peace with each other at the end. It is one I will read over and over.

[Heather Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story touched my heart. I had an alcoholic for a step dad. He was horrible to me. I can relate to this book. I am glad that I have read it. This story is so touching. Please give this book a try.

[S. Willett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The journey of repairing a broken family is never easy. Sara James lost her mother to cancer. She lost her father at the same time. Be prepared for an emotional read.

[Marnie Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart wrenching

A difficult subject for some to read but an inspiring story of hope and second chances. Your past does not have to define you.

[Samantha Soccorso · Rating 5 out of 5]

love lost and found again

Sylvia stein has written another well written novel. If you like reading emotional, heart warming and family drama this is the book for you to pick up.

[Carol Cassada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before you read this story, you'll want to grab a box of tissues.

Closure is an emotional story on the effects of abuse, alcoholism, and death.

After the death of her mother, Sara's life is turned upside down when her father's drinking spirals out of control and she suffers the wrath of his abuse. With the help of her aunt and uncle, Sara is able to escape her father and start a new life, however her past comes back to haunt her when she gets a call from her father years later, which impacts her life.

You feel for Sara as you read her story, your heart breaks for her as she endures grieving over the death of her mother and the fear she felt living with her father. As for her father Garrison, you want to hate him for the pain he caused Sara, but as the novel progresses he comes to terms with his addiction and realizes the hurt he put his daughter through, you feel sorry for him.

From beginning to end, Closure will have you drawn into the story as you experience the emotions of the characters.

[Brenda Perlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Closure by Sylvia Stein is a touching story that glued me to the pages from the start. This story is full of life and heart. This emotional tale felt so real that I could see the story play out in front of me. Closure tackles some tough subjects like abuse, death and alcoholism. It does so with grace and dignity. This is a well-written story that is an escape worth visiting.

This is a heartbreaking story that I could relate to. So many human emotions, great characters and a compelling storyline. I look forward to Miss Stein’s next book. Her writing grabs hold and doesn’t let go. Closure is a story of inspiration. One I would highly recommend.

Quote ~

“Young and confused, nothing made sense. My father was crying, my mother was in a box, and people behind a curtain were there to say goodbye. Mother looked good, happy and without pain. How could someone who finally looked peaceful decide to leave?”

[Zelda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the audio version of this book. The narration was excellent and captivating. This was not an easy tale to read/hear, as it dealt with Sarah, a helpless young girl, whose whole world came crashing down around her when her mother died at an early age from cancer. Her dad took to the bottle and took out his anger and sorrow on little Sarah. She would try desperately to hide from "the monster", but most of the time he found her, and would verbally and physically ( not sexually ) abuse her.
Sarah is rescued by her aunt and uncle, and grows up to be a confident and successful young woman. She is however, plagued by bad dreams, anxiety and seizures. Towards the end of the book, Sarah finally gets closure, in ways that no one had thought possible.
This book is very compassionately written; the author shows great empathy and insight into her characters. The way the story is portrayed is very true to life and believable. I look forward to reading more books written by Sylvia Stein.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest book that is not afraid to dig deep

This was a well thought out, well written book. The reader is right there with the main character, Sara, throughout her long and tortuous journey. And one feels like cheering out loud when she finally fights through all of the pain of years of abusive treatment and the emotional abandonment by her widowed father, and reaches, if begrudgingly, an understanding, and finally, forgiveness for all that happened. Well worth reading, definitely!☺️

[Arlene Lagos · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much honest, raw emotion in this book, that you can't help but to be drawn in. A tough story to write and an emotional story to read. I felt Sara and Garrison's pain and love and guilt. Very powerful story!