As a young woman, Jackie suffered the kind of abuse no human being should ever have to endure, and all at the hands of those who were supposed to love and protect her. Ten years ago Jackie fled Mountain Ridge, her need to escape the pain and abuse her single motivation. It wasn’t until after she left that she realized she’d left her heart behind. Burying her feelings for the only woman she’d ever loved, and the only loving family she’d ever known, Jackie struggles to forget her past and move on with her life. Now ten years later, she wonders if she’ll ever find someone that can love the person she’s become. A suggestion from her therapist sends Jackie back to her old hometown in search of those she’d left behind so long ago. Can she settle the past and hope to find her future?
It is amazing what a body and mind can endure and overcome. It is also amazing what one person will and can do to another. Heavy read with unsettling situations.
The synopsis made me interested the reviews made me believe it was up to the hyp and without realizing it was the same Author like before I purchased the book and I must say Ms. Raven has some loyal fans.
Now the ideas of the Author is great but in this book she feels the best way to get Jack's story across is everytime she relapse with her trauma or has bad memories she adds another abuse for dramatic effect which is absolute ludacris every chapter is something new that's not how you explain someone trauma hence why I can't give this book a better review
Jackie has to overcome so many demons from her past in order to find the happiness and peace she lo vs for. With the help and support of so many people who love her regardless of the package she carries, Jackie manages to get closer and closer to her goal. Beautifully written and quite moving.
An amazing story. I think that this is one of the best stories I have read in a while. You couldn't help but feel for the characters. Their relationship, their struggles pulled you in. I definitely hope to read more by Rave Cavalleu!!
What I loved about this book was the honesty that comes out in each and every character. It absolutely felt like a family. There are aspects of this story that I and I am sure others can identify with. The character of Jackie was written beyond words. The ordeal that she endured since four years old is not one we can understand but it does happen. The writer was not afraid to tackle these hard to accept topics. Then you have Sam. The girl Jackie has been in love with since she was a little girl. Sam is in love with Jackie and she was way back then. Not understanding her feelings and not understanding why Jackie left tormented her soul. Liz and Shelley, Liz being the mother through guardianship that Jackie needed and Shelley who is her therapist, who marries Liz. Sara who was her best friend, who just never believed her also was left behind when Jackie left. Reese, Julie and Brooke all become part of Jackie’s life but without an inkling into her past. No one knew how deep it went, Shelley had the most but not all. Jackie had left to save her own life but even though she survived she was not living. To read this book is the only way to understand what the writer was trying to accomplish. Just so we’ll done !
The sheer strength of Jackie, the horrors she overcame astounds me. This writer excels in uber-strong MCs who retain a heart of gold despite living through horrors.
I read a lot on KU, and only buy the ones that stick with me to keep in my permanent library. This writer’s works hasn’t failed to touch something deep in my soul, and her books definitely belong in the permanent collection.
I highly recommend her work. However, be advised, especially in this story, the MC has overcome some pretty violent trauma. It may be a trigger.
It’s well portrayed and well told, but haunting and will bring you to tears.
This book took thru many emotions. Child abuse from the people who are suppose to protect you really hard to understand and it breaks my heart for the children who suffered. The story is very well written heartbreaking to here how Jackie was abused. There is hope Jackie has so many people who care about her. The love story of Jackie and Sam is truly beautiful. The characters are very well written and has a message of healing. Thanks
First time Reading this author. This book is about how to let all the bad things that happen to go, so they don't ruin your future. She show that if you have love and friends let them in and let them help with the hard stuff. Being honest and being able to communicate with your partner family and friends. She Jack went through a hard life since she was four. As she grew older she learn how to take care of herself with the help of friends.
Jackie was known as a player. When she returned to her hometown for the wedding of her childhood best friend, she reunites with the friend’s family who helped her survive a horrible and abusive life. A depiction of the trauma of mental, physical and sexual abuse and the effects which cause endless suffering. A story of love, recovery and healing.
What can I say this read had everything in it of human emotion. I cried at the abuse Jackie had suffered from a very young age no child should have had to go through this. I was overwhelmed with the kindness, love and unconditional support Jackie received. Loved Sam Jackie’s girlfriend who had no idea of the pain and trauma she had gone through to reach where she is today. Brilliant read
This book was very emotional and spiritual growth, it made me laughed and cry, Jackie's journey was very therapeutic it was a very emotional rollercoaster. I loved every bit of this book and I would love it there was continuation, showing the growth of their family.
This book carries the sensitivity and strength it needs to tell this kind of story. Shadowing pain and suffering, it takes a back seat to what’s important. Recovery and healing thru love.
This was hard to read, really hard. It is both heart breaking and life affirming in equal parts. This is not a book for the faint hearted but I don't regret reading it.
A very emotional read, a strong main character going through such emotional turmoil, that the writer has done well to express and pull me into the psychological as well as emotional pain. Although I could see this story continuing as happiness would always be Jackie's battle.
This is the first lesbian book I’ve read in a while that had me coming back for more. I’ve read 100’s of books and this one really touched me. As a survivor myself, it was cathartic to read.