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Escaping the Shadows
A story of heartbreak, healing, and second love...
Asha Tate has it all—a doting boyfriend and a beautiful daughter. Until it all comes crashing down.
As a child, Asha loved God and followed Him without question, but when her mother died, she drifted away from her faith. In the midst of her pain and grief, Russell Steffens appears. His love is a balm to her hurting heart, and he showers her with the affection she craves, pulling her further from God and deeper into compromise.
His charm soon twists into control, but Asha is embarrassed. How can she tell her friends what really happens behind closed doors? As the weeks turn into months, Asha’s desperate cries to God seem to go unanswered.
Asha feels trapped with no way of Escaping the Shadows. Is she doomed to live in this prison she’s constructed for herself forever? Or will she realize that all God ever wanted was her surrender, and she may just find freedom in the most unexpected place.
Asha Tate has it all—a doting boyfriend and a beautiful daughter. Until it all comes crashing down.
As a child, Asha loved God and followed Him without question, but when her mother died, she drifted away from her faith. In the midst of her pain and grief, Russell Steffens appears. His love is a balm to her hurting heart, and he showers her with the affection she craves, pulling her further from God and deeper into compromise.
His charm soon twists into control, but Asha is embarrassed. How can she tell her friends what really happens behind closed doors? As the weeks turn into months, Asha’s desperate cries to God seem to go unanswered.
Asha feels trapped with no way of Escaping the Shadows. Is she doomed to live in this prison she’s constructed for herself forever? Or will she realize that all God ever wanted was her surrender, and she may just find freedom in the most unexpected place.
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Published September 23, 2025
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20 people want to read
About the author
Aleah Donald
1 book3 followersAleah writes to place Christ at the center while exploring the depth of human emotion through honest, relatable characters. She's a Christian woman, writer, and foster mom who treasures her god-children and big family. Aleah lives in South Carolina with her husband and their beloved dog.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 29, 2025
A beautiful, heart-wrenching story! I couldn’t put this book down and as I finished the last page I wished there was more for me to read.
Everyone has their own story, but Asha’s helps us remember that even through the toughest times, we have never drifted beyond God’s reach. What a journey of faith, healing and most importantly hope.
Everyone has their own story, but Asha’s helps us remember that even through the toughest times, we have never drifted beyond God’s reach. What a journey of faith, healing and most importantly hope.
September 3, 2025
Firstly, I wanted to thank the author for allowing me to have early access to this book! Being an ARC reader for Escaping The Shadows has not only been a fun experience, but also a spiritually rewarding one. Aleah made it her mission to check in on the readers weekly, often asking questions so that she could get to know us personally, and constantly offering to pray for us. Being a part of this launch team has been such a gift and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on the story! 🫶
Escaping The Shadows is so much more than a book about toxic, abusive relationships. It’s a beautifully, carefully crafted picture of God’s love for us, and shows exactly how His plans always work together for our good. It’s a story of resilience, courage, determination, grit, and reliance on the Lord, even when you feel like you don’t have the strength left to pick yourself up anymore. It’s a story of redemption, healing, forgiveness, and love. It’s a story of unbreakable friendships and the kind of “village” everyone hopes and prays for when they become a parent. This is a story about one woman’s journey to hell and back, and how God was present and walking alongside her every step of the way. From the moment I started reading I was captivated by the characters and the storyline, and that feeling only grew in intensity as I progressed further and learned more. The last few chapters of the book had me smiling and kicking my feet constantly LOL #iykyk
This was a pretty easy 5/5 stars and I definitely recommend giving it a try❤️
Escaping The Shadows is so much more than a book about toxic, abusive relationships. It’s a beautifully, carefully crafted picture of God’s love for us, and shows exactly how His plans always work together for our good. It’s a story of resilience, courage, determination, grit, and reliance on the Lord, even when you feel like you don’t have the strength left to pick yourself up anymore. It’s a story of redemption, healing, forgiveness, and love. It’s a story of unbreakable friendships and the kind of “village” everyone hopes and prays for when they become a parent. This is a story about one woman’s journey to hell and back, and how God was present and walking alongside her every step of the way. From the moment I started reading I was captivated by the characters and the storyline, and that feeling only grew in intensity as I progressed further and learned more. The last few chapters of the book had me smiling and kicking my feet constantly LOL #iykyk
This was a pretty easy 5/5 stars and I definitely recommend giving it a try❤️
September 7, 2025
4.5⭐️
This was an ARC read for me and I am VERY impressed by it.
As a Christian, I appreciate not having smut or spice in a book and this book was just that. Just a good, realistic Christian fiction. It unravels Asha’s story in such detail that you can literally imagine it all—The smells, colors, feelings of impending doom, all of it.
I absolutely loved this read. I’m so thankful to the author that allowed me to be an ARC reader of her debut novel. I definitely was not disappointed in this read!
This story made me feel so many emotions—Some that resonated with me personally. This story has grief,healing, forgiveness, love, letting go, hope, patience, lifelong friendship and bonds. I felt so connected to main character like I was reading pages out of her Diary.
A lot can be learned from this read. Especially as a woman of color that is a child of God. I love how the main character has always had a heart for God and trusts Him with her situation and walking in obedience to Him as he blesses her in the most tender way. Love. 💕
I highly recommend this read. It’s worth a re-read and It definitely will have you smiling real big at the end. 😁😁
This was an ARC read for me and I am VERY impressed by it.
As a Christian, I appreciate not having smut or spice in a book and this book was just that. Just a good, realistic Christian fiction. It unravels Asha’s story in such detail that you can literally imagine it all—The smells, colors, feelings of impending doom, all of it.
I absolutely loved this read. I’m so thankful to the author that allowed me to be an ARC reader of her debut novel. I definitely was not disappointed in this read!
This story made me feel so many emotions—Some that resonated with me personally. This story has grief,healing, forgiveness, love, letting go, hope, patience, lifelong friendship and bonds. I felt so connected to main character like I was reading pages out of her Diary.
A lot can be learned from this read. Especially as a woman of color that is a child of God. I love how the main character has always had a heart for God and trusts Him with her situation and walking in obedience to Him as he blesses her in the most tender way. Love. 💕
I highly recommend this read. It’s worth a re-read and It definitely will have you smiling real big at the end. 😁😁
August 22, 2025
This book is truly amazing. From the very first chapter, it drew me in and took me on such a beautiful, emotional journey. The way the author wrote about faith and the connection to God was so powerful and moving that I often had to pause just to let the words sink in. It wasn’t just a story, it was an experience that touched my heart and reminded me of the beauty of hope, love, and trust in God.
I felt every emotion while reading, and there were moments that left me reflecting on my own relationship with God in the most inspiring way. It’s rare to find a book that blends storytelling with such spiritual depth, but this one did it perfectly.
I am beyond grateful to have read this book, and I know it will stay with me for a very long time. Aleah has such a gift with words, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. If her future books are anything like this one, I know they will be equally life-changing and uplifting.
I felt every emotion while reading, and there were moments that left me reflecting on my own relationship with God in the most inspiring way. It’s rare to find a book that blends storytelling with such spiritual depth, but this one did it perfectly.
I am beyond grateful to have read this book, and I know it will stay with me for a very long time. Aleah has such a gift with words, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. If her future books are anything like this one, I know they will be equally life-changing and uplifting.
August 24, 2025
Be ready to experience every emotion there is multiple times! The way Aleah dives into the complex reality of relationships is amazing and there are parts of this book that will stay with me forever! So much raw truth unveiled in words I could never express myself. Loved every moment! Even the ones that made me cry
October 3, 2025
This book perfectly captures the story of a woman in a dark place but overcomes through faith! This book highlights community, faith-filled love, redemption, and God’s unfailing love! The author does a great job of creating characters who are real, relatable, and raw!!! A reminder that all things— even dark things— work together for the good of those who love Him (Jesus, Romans 8:28). The characters are easy to see visually without a picture. I found myself feeling as though I knew each character personally. A great read that keeps you intrigued and engrossed in the story! I love that Aleah includes a trigger warning so you are forewarned about some things that can be a trigger.
As an ARC Reader, it exceeded my expectations. I will be buying a copy to reread and a copy to gift to someone else! This story NEEDS to be read!
As an ARC Reader, it exceeded my expectations. I will be buying a copy to reread and a copy to gift to someone else! This story NEEDS to be read!
October 2, 2025
I give this 4 1/2 Stars!
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a Christian romance book. Normally I would name the main characters but there are so many characters who play a big part in this. I will say the man character throughout this book is Asha. Asha is in a relationship with Russell as he is the man who loves her like she thinks she should be loved. However, as time goes by things don’t go as Asha expected. Russell becomes a cruel and abusive man. Will Asha reach out and tell her what is going on? Will she leave for the safety of herself and her daughter? She has drawn away from God. Will she realize God never left her. That He is her rock and all she has to do is pray and come back to him. When she opens up to Malachi will he help her escape? Will he show her what it truly means to be loved by a God-fearing man? Will Asha come back to God? My heart broke for Asha as I can’t imagine what it is like to be in an abusive relationship. Asha has some amazing God-fearing friends who helped her. I loved watching Asha overcome all she has been through. This book goes to show even in your darkest time God has a plan. What you go through can be your testimony to help others in the future. I do believe I went through every emotion when reading this book. Overall, this book was a good and full of heartbreak, faith, and healing. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a Christian romance book. Normally I would name the main characters but there are so many characters who play a big part in this. I will say the man character throughout this book is Asha. Asha is in a relationship with Russell as he is the man who loves her like she thinks she should be loved. However, as time goes by things don’t go as Asha expected. Russell becomes a cruel and abusive man. Will Asha reach out and tell her what is going on? Will she leave for the safety of herself and her daughter? She has drawn away from God. Will she realize God never left her. That He is her rock and all she has to do is pray and come back to him. When she opens up to Malachi will he help her escape? Will he show her what it truly means to be loved by a God-fearing man? Will Asha come back to God? My heart broke for Asha as I can’t imagine what it is like to be in an abusive relationship. Asha has some amazing God-fearing friends who helped her. I loved watching Asha overcome all she has been through. This book goes to show even in your darkest time God has a plan. What you go through can be your testimony to help others in the future. I do believe I went through every emotion when reading this book. Overall, this book was a good and full of heartbreak, faith, and healing. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
September 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
“…don’t ever marry someone unless you feel complete peace about it, unless you talked to God about it. It is easy to say ‘I do’ but so hard to get out of it when things go wrong.”
Escaping the Shadows is a story about toxic & abusive relationship. Leaving is not as easy as you think. Some parts are heavy to read, but the author wrote it in such a beautiful way that it kept me engaged and wanting to see the story through. I loved the characters. This book is categorized as a Christian fiction, which provides hope and redemption.
I want to thank the Author for sending me a copy of her book. Being an ARC reading was a fun experience.
“…don’t ever marry someone unless you feel complete peace about it, unless you talked to God about it. It is easy to say ‘I do’ but so hard to get out of it when things go wrong.”
Escaping the Shadows is a story about toxic & abusive relationship. Leaving is not as easy as you think. Some parts are heavy to read, but the author wrote it in such a beautiful way that it kept me engaged and wanting to see the story through. I loved the characters. This book is categorized as a Christian fiction, which provides hope and redemption.
I want to thank the Author for sending me a copy of her book. Being an ARC reading was a fun experience.
September 13, 2025
This book was definitely well worth the read, even though it was one of the saddest ones I've read this year. Donald's writing style was so good, it flowed beautifully and really enhanced the characters and how they dealt with everything that happened. I also thought that Asha was an interesting character, and really felt sorry for her as she navigated how to move on with her life, as well as escape. Finally, I also loved the supporting characters, especially Malachi, I think that they added a perfect enhancement to the novel.
Thankyou Aleah for the copy, I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more of your work!
Thankyou Aleah for the copy, I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more of your work!
September 19, 2025
Beautifully written, great depth to the characters. One can visualize them easily, feel their inner turmoil. Deeply appreciate the focus on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as our answer --our light--our safety--our hope. The story enveloped me. My inner voice kept shouting "get out now" as I have been a marriage and family counselor.
The book has an ending which makes it a satisfying read. This is not a "romance" novel in common terms. It is a story about any of us that wants to spend our lives married to a husband/wife that loves us, that wants to pull harder when we cannot and vice versa. That we create a home that is centered on Christ, raising good, moral children, and where we work things out together no matter how challenging.
The book has an ending which makes it a satisfying read. This is not a "romance" novel in common terms. It is a story about any of us that wants to spend our lives married to a husband/wife that loves us, that wants to pull harder when we cannot and vice versa. That we create a home that is centered on Christ, raising good, moral children, and where we work things out together no matter how challenging.
September 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! As a child, I dealt with a walking on eggshells situation. Fortunately, I was never hurt, but I saw my share of holes punched in walls; I heard lots of screaming and cars squealing out of the driveway. No one deserves this treatment. This book is a reminder that God is good all the time and all the time God is good!!
August 29, 2025
This book is in my top 3 favorite of all time! This book was absolutely amazing, This book had me on an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. Never have a ever felt like a book was picked from my life, and wrote. The emotions that this book brought back, broke me but in a good way. This was wonderfully written and portrayed the real struggles and feelings that Domestic Violence leaves you with.I am beyond grateful for Mrs. Donald letting me read this book. It was written beautifully, the characters were amazing , except one, you will have to read to find that one out lol:) but it truly is an astonishing book, and she is such an amazing writer, I cant wait to see if she continues writing, and what her next book will be like! Please chck this book out you will not regret it!
September 24, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Escaping the Shadows, and I truly loved the experience. This was actually my first Christian novel, and I can honestly say I loved it. The author delivers a story that’s engaging, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. I connected with the characters right away and found myself completely immersed in their journey.
This book gave me all the emotions—hope, conviction, and encouragement—and reminded me of the power of faith even in the darkest moments. A beautiful, inspiring read that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys stories with depth and heart.
This book gave me all the emotions—hope, conviction, and encouragement—and reminded me of the power of faith even in the darkest moments. A beautiful, inspiring read that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys stories with depth and heart.
September 11, 2025
I could not put this book down! Aleah's writing draws you in. The story of Asha is difficult, but one many women find themselves in. When the person you love isn't who you thought they were, when do you give them more chances and more grace, and when do you choose to walk away? The story showed such strength and faith in the main character's journey. It ends with hope for the future.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews