Soaring in Silence: One Woman’s Triumph Over Fear

by Beverly Gandara

What would you do if you were being stalked and no one took you seriously? A recently handicapped young married woman, who by her own resourcefulness and the wonders of the Internet, overcomes her struggle against the unwanted sexual advances of a dangerous retiree with a buried criminal past.

285 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2025

About the author

I am an Award-winning author/screenwriter who has written two novels, two non-fiction books, and several screenplays after retirement from the corporate world. My books earned four awards and my screenplays earned several wins and placements via the Film Festival Circuit. Two of my screenplays have novels attached.

My Five-Star Readers’ Favorite, debut novel Concrete Wings, a family drama/coming-of-age story earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval with a recommendation for school and home libraries and the 2021 Speak Up Radio Firebird Book Award.
My second novel, Soaring in Silence, a suspense thriller, earned a Five-Star Readers’ Favorite Seal.

My third book, Women, Work and Triumph is a compilation of interviews with a diverse group of 26 fascinating women from 5 countries in 26 careers from A – Z with 1 goal – acceptance and respect. It earned the 2020 Five-Star Readers’ Favorite Seal and the 2021 Speak Up Radio Firebird Book Award.

My fourth book When Did You Know and Who Did You Tell? Interviews With Members of the LGBTQAI+ Community was released in November 2023.

My books are available on Amazon and all fine stores where books are sold. https://www.amazon.com/Beverly-Gandar...

For more information about me and my work, please visit https://bevgandara.com.

Reviews

[ಸುಶಾಂತ ಕುರಂದವಾಡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beverly Gandara’s “Soaring in Silence: One Woman’s Triumph Over Fear” is a powerful story about fear and resilience. It follows Kim Wolf, a young woman who has recently become handicapped and seeks a peaceful life in the Arizona desert with her husband, Brad. Their peace is shattered when Harry Gellis, a charming retiree with a dark past, becomes obsessed with Kim, leading to harassment and stalking.
Kim struggles as no one believes her, but she uses her creativity and the Internet to uncover Harry’s true identity and protect herself. The book highlights her transformation from feeling powerless to gaining strength. It touches on modern themes of technology and the survival of women's voices in difficult situations.

[Kasongo Mulipa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful novel that follows the journey of a woman determined not to let her health challenges define her life. Through the story of Kim and the people around her.

We see themes of resilience, personal growth, love, and community weaved together.
The book made me feel hopeful and reflective. There’s something deeply encouraging about watching characters navigate life’s ups and downs while still choosing to ‘soar’ in their own way.

What I loved most were the gentle wisdom and memorable one-liners sprinkled throughout. Some of my favourites:
“Just because there’s snow on the roof, don’t mean there’s no fire in the furnace.”
“Each situation presents an opportunity for growth.”
“Where there is love, there is no need for control.”

There writing is warm and accessible, though at times the story moves between character moments and reflective passages in a way that feels a little episodic.

The pacing is gentle rather than propulsive, which suits the introspective tone but might not grab readers looking for high drama.

Overall, Soaring in Silence is an uplifting read about overcoming adversity, building meaningful relationships, and finding strength in silence.

I would recommend it especially to women going through life transitions, anyone facing health challenges, or readers who enjoy character-driven stories with heart and quiet wisdom.

If you’re looking for a book that leaves you feeling a little stronger and more hopeful, this one
delivers.

[Cath Tourluks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arizona.. land of retirees, witness protection program participants and ill people hoping to recover in the Arizona sun and air. They all meet up in the novel Soaring in Silence. Enjoyable page turner. Tension, humor and mystery. You will feel for Kim, the main character, as she struggles to deal with an unwanted aggressive, arrogant person in her daily life. You will root for her, as her illness wavers.
Will she share her situation with her husband? Will she file a police report? Will the aggressiveness towards her subside or increase? Is it harmless or is it leading to danger in her life? Is there anyone who is able to help her or will she have to help herself?

Recommended highly.

After reading Concrete Wings, by Beverly Gandara, I was especially happy and looked forward to reading Soaring in Silence, One Woman's Triumph Over Fear

[Free Ekpe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is about a woman who is diagnosed with a rare disease and told she has one year left to live. With that, she decides to move from New York City to a small town in Arizona with her husband who is working on starting a business selling antiques. While in Arizona, the woman, whose name is Kim, is harassed by a neighbor who has a mysterious past and may be involved in criminal activity.

I didn't like the book for two reasons: the plot and the writing. The story just didn't have much substance to it. It sets itself up to be some sort of mystery/crime novel but the bulk of the book is dedicated to describing the multiple ways Kim is being stalked and harassed by her neighbor. There was no mystery, as it is very obvious that Kim's neighbor is a villain, has committed many crimes, and may be responsible for the mischief currently happening in town. And because the story is told from multiple perspectives, as readers, we become privy to the extent Kim's neighbor, whose name is Harry, chooses to terrorize everyone around him. But unfortunately, none of this makes for an interesting story. There's no aspect of "Whodunit", there are very few big reveals, and the main character, Kim, is bland.

The writing also didn't help in telling the story. Now that I know that the author writes screenplays, I can see why her style of writing felt strange to read. A lot of the beginning paragraphs within each chapter were written like the author was giving the characters directions or simply telling the reader about events rather than describing the situation in a way that pulls the reader in. Take this paragraph as an example:

"Kim spends the afternoon in the shopping center. She goes to the department store looking for a blouse with a big bold print. She has high boots and palazzo pants. Brad has large sunglasses and an old paisley print shirt. They’re set for the party."

It feels very choppy, with short sentences telling us what the characters are doing, setting up the scene just before dialogue begins. It just doesn't read the way I expect novels or books to sound. Moreover, the prologue in the beginning of the book was more of a synopsis and spoiler, telling us everything that was about to take place in the next several pages, and the chapters have very transparent titles like "Harry Stalks Kim" and "Harry Threatens Kim". So once again, there is no mystery as the author's style of writing does not allow for it.

Overall, the book was an easy read even though I didn't enjoy reading it - 2 stars.

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Book Review: *Soaring in Silence: One Woman’s Triumph Over Fear* by Beverly Gandara**

*Soaring in Silence* is a gripping, emotionally charged novel that explores what it means to be unheard—and the extraordinary strength it takes to survive when the world refuses to listen. Beverly Gandara delivers a powerful story of resilience, fear, and quiet determination through the eyes of a woman forced to protect herself when every support system fails.

At the center of the story is Kim Wolf, a newly handicapped young woman attempting to rebuild her life with her husband in the Arizona desert. Gandara skillfully captures Kim’s vulnerability and isolation, making her struggle feel both deeply personal and painfully realistic. What begins as an uneasy encounter with a seemingly harmless retiree quickly spirals into a chilling psychological battle, as Kim realizes she is being stalked by a man with a buried and dangerous past.

One of the novel’s most compelling elements is its exploration of disbelief—how easily women’s fears are dismissed, especially when the threat does not fit society’s expectations. Kim’s frustration and terror are amplified by the indifference around her, including a distracted spouse and a community unwilling to confront uncomfortable truths. This makes her decision to take matters into her own hands all the more powerful.

Gandara shines in depicting Kim’s transformation from a fearful victim into a resourceful survivor. The clever use of the internet as both a weapon and a lifeline adds a modern edge to the story, emphasizing how knowledge and persistence can become tools of empowerment. The suspense steadily builds, leading to haunting questions about justice, truth, and the cost of survival.

Years later, the story’s lingering mystery adds an extra layer of intrigue, reminding readers that trauma does not simply fade—and that silence often leaves unanswered questions in its wake.

*Soaring in Silence* is a tense, thought-provoking read that honors the quiet courage of those who fight unseen battles. It is both a cautionary tale and a tribute to inner strength, making it a compelling choice for readers drawn to psychological suspense, survivor stories, and narratives that give voice to those too often ignored.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soaring in Silence: One Woman’s Triumph Over Fear by Beverly Gandara is a compelling tale of courage, resourcefulness, and resilience. The novel follows a young married woman, recently handicapped, as she navigates the harrowing experience of being stalked by a dangerous retiree with a hidden criminal past. Despite the skepticism of those around her, she leverages her ingenuity and the power of the Internet to fight back and reclaim her sense of safety and independence.

This 199-page story is both suspenseful and inspiring, shedding light on the complexities of fear, perseverance, and empowerment. Gandara's writing captures the emotional depth of the protagonist’s struggle while maintaining a gripping narrative pace. The book is a poignant exploration of personal strength in the face of societal indifference, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and stories of triumph over adversity.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Concrete Wings, I was very anxious to read Beverly Gandar's new book, Soaring in Silence. A true page turner that keeps your attention through
out the entire book. A fascinating story about a woman who overcomes her fears. I am never disappointed when I have an opportunity to read something written by Beverly Gandara. I
highly recommend the book. Deserves five stars.

[Heather Fredette · Rating 1 out of 5]

If your looking to sleep this is your book !

[Myrna Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soaring in Silence is so much more than a good fast read. The book touches on serious topics of sexual harassment and a debilitating illness. It does this in a light way with Kim who doesn't accept unwanted attention while other woman accept or make excuses. Along the way the author educates on vintage watches, prejudice, racism, "the mob" and witness protection.

[Richard Shames · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one excellent book. A real page turner about a women's struggle in the light of major adversity. Very well written and it's hard to put down from the first page to the last.
Fast moving and all of us can identify with this story one way or another.

[George Prunes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read! The author does a great job at getting one to relate with the characters. A surprising and twist of an ending will leave you very satisfied! I would definitely recommend this book. Great job Bev!