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Something To Be Brave For
Would you die for love…?
Christmas 1997 and Katie Giraud is taking refuge under her grand piano.
Just a few short years after marrying Claude, she now lives in fear for her safety and that of her young daughter, Rose.
Claude, the dashing and charming Frenchman she’d fallen in love with, so attentive and considerate during their whirlwind courtship, has become a monster.
Nothing she does is right and she constantly walks on eggshells, terrified that she will unwittingly inflame his anger.
He humiliates her, he violates her, he beats her…
But Claude is a well-respected, highly successful surgeon, always so polite and thoughtful to everyone but her. As a result, he has succeeded in creating the perfect façade behind which to hide his true self.
Katie’s parents think the world of him, his own patients adore him – everyone loves Claude.
So, who will ever believe what he does behind closed doors?
This story sensitively lifts the lid on the processes of an abusive relationship, which anyone who has ever experienced will identify with, and for those who haven’t, will answer questions like, ‘Why is she putting up with that?’
Something To Be Brave For is a deeply moving account about one woman’s battle for survival.
‘A unique – yet still universal – story of domestic violence’ – bestselling author Rosemary Rogers
‘Spellbinding’ – Lewis Burke Frumkes, author of Advice for Young Writers
Priscilla Bennett , born and raised in Boston, is a retired emergency room nurse. For more than 20 years she witnessed and treated abused women from all backgrounds. She merged her love of writing with her sincere desire to spotlight firsthand domestic violence with the goal of empowering women to escape and heal.
Christmas 1997 and Katie Giraud is taking refuge under her grand piano.
Just a few short years after marrying Claude, she now lives in fear for her safety and that of her young daughter, Rose.
Claude, the dashing and charming Frenchman she’d fallen in love with, so attentive and considerate during their whirlwind courtship, has become a monster.
Nothing she does is right and she constantly walks on eggshells, terrified that she will unwittingly inflame his anger.
He humiliates her, he violates her, he beats her…
But Claude is a well-respected, highly successful surgeon, always so polite and thoughtful to everyone but her. As a result, he has succeeded in creating the perfect façade behind which to hide his true self.
Katie’s parents think the world of him, his own patients adore him – everyone loves Claude.
So, who will ever believe what he does behind closed doors?
This story sensitively lifts the lid on the processes of an abusive relationship, which anyone who has ever experienced will identify with, and for those who haven’t, will answer questions like, ‘Why is she putting up with that?’
Something To Be Brave For is a deeply moving account about one woman’s battle for survival.
‘A unique – yet still universal – story of domestic violence’ – bestselling author Rosemary Rogers
‘Spellbinding’ – Lewis Burke Frumkes, author of Advice for Young Writers
Priscilla Bennett , born and raised in Boston, is a retired emergency room nurse. For more than 20 years she witnessed and treated abused women from all backgrounds. She merged her love of writing with her sincere desire to spotlight firsthand domestic violence with the goal of empowering women to escape and heal.
- GenresDrama
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 18, 2017
Something to be Brave For was written to highlight domestic abuse and how women become trapped in these relationships.
Katie falls in love with the charismatic Claude Giraud, an up and coming plastic surgeon. Not long after their marriage Claude’s behaviour becomes erratic and abusive. Katie believes that each event is caused by something she did wrong and Claude is always apologetic afterwards saying it won’t happen again. Katie gives birth to a baby girl, Rose, and the abuse and controlling behaviour escalates.
It’s hard for some to understand why these women stay in these relationships but for many there is no escape. They are made to feel worthless, cut off from family and friends. They have no money of their own and are threatened with worse repercussions if they leave.
All too sadly this is still happening today and books like this need to be read by all. We need to speak out, be a friend and not turn the other way. Domestic abuse has no socio-economic boundaries. It affects both the rich and the poor.
There were a few moments in the story that I thought would be unlikely to happen but these minor things didn’t detract from the important story it tells.
I would like to thank Odyssey Press for my copy to read and review.
Katie falls in love with the charismatic Claude Giraud, an up and coming plastic surgeon. Not long after their marriage Claude’s behaviour becomes erratic and abusive. Katie believes that each event is caused by something she did wrong and Claude is always apologetic afterwards saying it won’t happen again. Katie gives birth to a baby girl, Rose, and the abuse and controlling behaviour escalates.
It’s hard for some to understand why these women stay in these relationships but for many there is no escape. They are made to feel worthless, cut off from family and friends. They have no money of their own and are threatened with worse repercussions if they leave.
All too sadly this is still happening today and books like this need to be read by all. We need to speak out, be a friend and not turn the other way. Domestic abuse has no socio-economic boundaries. It affects both the rich and the poor.
There were a few moments in the story that I thought would be unlikely to happen but these minor things didn’t detract from the important story it tells.
I would like to thank Odyssey Press for my copy to read and review.
April 14, 2017
5☆ Gripping read
Something to be brave for is a book about a young girl who married the man of her dreams, only to be the victim of domestic abuse. Not just physical but mental and emotional.
It Started off slow, the first chapter didn't really add to the story.
But from chapter 2 is where it came together. I couldn't put it down.
Claude was a top cosmetic surgeon and was very wealthy.
Everyone adored him, to the outside world he was a gentleman, a pillar of the community, a fantastic surgeon, women were addicted to him.
But behind closed doors he held a darker side to him. One which was highly unpredictable and very dangerous.
He was flippant and had a nasty tongue.
Katie's father adored Claude, he too was a top surgeon.
Katie adored Claude she was besotted with him. Claude made Katie dependant on him so much so she didn't even realise it.
You could see Katie's care free, buzz for life slowly fading away.
You could see from early on Claude was possessive and Extremely jealous.
He wanted her for himself and he wasn't about to share her.
So when Katie fell pregnant with Rosie, things started to go horribly wrong.
Claude was furious when Katie fell pregnant. All he could see was Katie getting "fat" he couldn't bare to look at her.
When Katie was 8 months pregnant and in bed, Claude kicked her in the back so hard she fell out of bed and landed on her back.
She went into early labour as a result of this. Luckily Rosie and Katie was fine.
Well apart from the cesarean scar, he insisted she was ugly and that he wanted to perform a tummy tuck to get rid of her scar.
From that moment things just kept getting worse.
He hated Katie's only friend, Gillian a fellow surgeon who worked with her dad. He called her all kinds of names. I believe it's because he was scared. Gillian knew what he was doing to Katie but she kept denying it
One night was so bad he strangled her in front of Rosie.
She told her mum what was going on but she brushed it aside telling her to be a good wife. You have to work at being a wife and to go make herself look good for Claude.
Later we come to see Katie's mum isn't that much different from Katie.
Claude made my skin crawl.
I wanted to someone to punch him in the face and let him ses what it was like.
At first I wanted to shake Katie, tell her to wake up, get out, run!!... but i could see she was so dependant on him it was never going to happen until she found her light and strength!
I did admire Katie's strength towards the end she was beaten so low she was determined not to give up on Rosie.
Priscilla portrays a good representation of domestic abuse. Not just physical but mental and emotional. It showed that abuse can be in varied forms and no one male or female should ever be afraid to speak out.
I liked how she showed that people don't want to open their eyes and see what is going on in front of them and even when the person being abused does speak out they are not always listened too.
It was Beautifully written and we'll researched. Difficult at times to read but still very addictive as I needed to know Katie would be ok.
I recommend this book to everyone as I believe not enough is done or written to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Just because someone may not speak out they may just need someone to help give them some encouragement to know that support is out there.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
Something to be brave for is a book about a young girl who married the man of her dreams, only to be the victim of domestic abuse. Not just physical but mental and emotional.
It Started off slow, the first chapter didn't really add to the story.
But from chapter 2 is where it came together. I couldn't put it down.
Claude was a top cosmetic surgeon and was very wealthy.
Everyone adored him, to the outside world he was a gentleman, a pillar of the community, a fantastic surgeon, women were addicted to him.
But behind closed doors he held a darker side to him. One which was highly unpredictable and very dangerous.
He was flippant and had a nasty tongue.
Katie's father adored Claude, he too was a top surgeon.
Katie adored Claude she was besotted with him. Claude made Katie dependant on him so much so she didn't even realise it.
You could see Katie's care free, buzz for life slowly fading away.
You could see from early on Claude was possessive and Extremely jealous.
He wanted her for himself and he wasn't about to share her.
So when Katie fell pregnant with Rosie, things started to go horribly wrong.
Claude was furious when Katie fell pregnant. All he could see was Katie getting "fat" he couldn't bare to look at her.
When Katie was 8 months pregnant and in bed, Claude kicked her in the back so hard she fell out of bed and landed on her back.
She went into early labour as a result of this. Luckily Rosie and Katie was fine.
Well apart from the cesarean scar, he insisted she was ugly and that he wanted to perform a tummy tuck to get rid of her scar.
From that moment things just kept getting worse.
He hated Katie's only friend, Gillian a fellow surgeon who worked with her dad. He called her all kinds of names. I believe it's because he was scared. Gillian knew what he was doing to Katie but she kept denying it
One night was so bad he strangled her in front of Rosie.
She told her mum what was going on but she brushed it aside telling her to be a good wife. You have to work at being a wife and to go make herself look good for Claude.
Later we come to see Katie's mum isn't that much different from Katie.
Claude made my skin crawl.
I wanted to someone to punch him in the face and let him ses what it was like.
At first I wanted to shake Katie, tell her to wake up, get out, run!!... but i could see she was so dependant on him it was never going to happen until she found her light and strength!
I did admire Katie's strength towards the end she was beaten so low she was determined not to give up on Rosie.
Priscilla portrays a good representation of domestic abuse. Not just physical but mental and emotional. It showed that abuse can be in varied forms and no one male or female should ever be afraid to speak out.
I liked how she showed that people don't want to open their eyes and see what is going on in front of them and even when the person being abused does speak out they are not always listened too.
It was Beautifully written and we'll researched. Difficult at times to read but still very addictive as I needed to know Katie would be ok.
I recommend this book to everyone as I believe not enough is done or written to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Just because someone may not speak out they may just need someone to help give them some encouragement to know that support is out there.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
April 11, 2017
---This is a book about domestic violence.
---The author is an ex ER nurse who wrote this book to highlight this violence and hopefully empower women to leave and help heal.
I admire this tremendously, and if this book is successful in doing this for just 1 woman, then it was a smashing success.
With that said-I found this to be a predictable story about a young woman (Katie) swept off her feet by the handsome and dashing plastic surgeon(Claude). Katie comes from a wealthy and bit pretentious family, and they seem all too happy to hand her over to the charismatic Claude. Life is good for awhile, but eventually Claude's true colors are exposed. Now with a daughter to take care of, Katie is forced to make some hard decisions, with no support from her family.
While the message is good, I had a hard time investing in the characters. The writing seemed to just scratch the surface with both Katie and Claude, focusing more on the wealth and lifestyle they lived in. And while this is often the case I think further character development would have been helpful for me to relate to them in the capacity I think the author wanted. There just wasn't anything special here to make this a stand out for me.
I commend the author for this books purpose, domestic abuse is a dark hidden secret that needs more exposure and resources to help the victim.
My thanks to Endeavour Press for the ARC.
---The author is an ex ER nurse who wrote this book to highlight this violence and hopefully empower women to leave and help heal.
I admire this tremendously, and if this book is successful in doing this for just 1 woman, then it was a smashing success.
With that said-I found this to be a predictable story about a young woman (Katie) swept off her feet by the handsome and dashing plastic surgeon(Claude). Katie comes from a wealthy and bit pretentious family, and they seem all too happy to hand her over to the charismatic Claude. Life is good for awhile, but eventually Claude's true colors are exposed. Now with a daughter to take care of, Katie is forced to make some hard decisions, with no support from her family.
While the message is good, I had a hard time investing in the characters. The writing seemed to just scratch the surface with both Katie and Claude, focusing more on the wealth and lifestyle they lived in. And while this is often the case I think further character development would have been helpful for me to relate to them in the capacity I think the author wanted. There just wasn't anything special here to make this a stand out for me.
I commend the author for this books purpose, domestic abuse is a dark hidden secret that needs more exposure and resources to help the victim.
My thanks to Endeavour Press for the ARC.
April 18, 2018
"Maybe that's what evil is: understanding compassion only in terms of how it makes you look to others. And knowing that when no one's looking, you're capable of doing anything to achieve your own gratification."
Something To Be Brave For is a decent and quick read. Though I would not place in the thriller category because there is no mystery or suspense involved. Since it takes on one of the major social issues of domestic violence, I'd consider it more of an eye-opening, inspirational story for those who either know or are a victim of such an abuse. The narrative is quite simple and rather matter of fact. Except for the preface, where we get a glimpse of the turning point in the story, it is narrated in a chronological fashion.
Katie is a privileged Boston girl, who meets and falls in love with Claude, a charming, funny and chivalrous Frenchman who also happens to be a renowned cosmetic surgeon and a colleague of Katie's father. Everything is like a dream come true, until after a few months of their wedding. Claude is no longer the doting admirer but an erratic, controlling and abusive husband. Katie who is portrayed as very naive keeps justifying Claude's behavior to herself until she realizes how deeply she is entrapped. Now with a little daughter to look after, and no one to turn to for help, Katie needs to make some difficult decisions.
I felt the character development had more scope. Katie, was extremely gullible and a bit too trusting since the very beginning. Even though she had a sheltered childhood, it doesn't explain why she would just let go of her career and dreams for marriage. Since the very beginning why would she agree to almost everything Claude said and asked for, however much she loved him. It was indeed a welcome change to see her get strong and stand for herself towards the end. As for Claude, he was completely unlikeable, but we get very little background on him. Katie's friend Gillian, was probably the most well developed character of all. I wished she had a more important role in the story.
Another thing that I found lacking was the flow, sometimes the events in the story seemed too rushed while at other occasions they felt dragged. I couldn't find myself getting in pace with it. Also, the ending was abrupt. It felt like the story didn't get the closure it needed. I am not saying the ending was bad, it was rather brusque.
All that being said, this was still a passable read and it kept me interested enough to make it till the end.
**Free ebook provided by Endeavour Press in exchange for an honest review**
Something To Be Brave For is a decent and quick read. Though I would not place in the thriller category because there is no mystery or suspense involved. Since it takes on one of the major social issues of domestic violence, I'd consider it more of an eye-opening, inspirational story for those who either know or are a victim of such an abuse. The narrative is quite simple and rather matter of fact. Except for the preface, where we get a glimpse of the turning point in the story, it is narrated in a chronological fashion.
Katie is a privileged Boston girl, who meets and falls in love with Claude, a charming, funny and chivalrous Frenchman who also happens to be a renowned cosmetic surgeon and a colleague of Katie's father. Everything is like a dream come true, until after a few months of their wedding. Claude is no longer the doting admirer but an erratic, controlling and abusive husband. Katie who is portrayed as very naive keeps justifying Claude's behavior to herself until she realizes how deeply she is entrapped. Now with a little daughter to look after, and no one to turn to for help, Katie needs to make some difficult decisions.
I felt the character development had more scope. Katie, was extremely gullible and a bit too trusting since the very beginning. Even though she had a sheltered childhood, it doesn't explain why she would just let go of her career and dreams for marriage. Since the very beginning why would she agree to almost everything Claude said and asked for, however much she loved him. It was indeed a welcome change to see her get strong and stand for herself towards the end. As for Claude, he was completely unlikeable, but we get very little background on him. Katie's friend Gillian, was probably the most well developed character of all. I wished she had a more important role in the story.
Another thing that I found lacking was the flow, sometimes the events in the story seemed too rushed while at other occasions they felt dragged. I couldn't find myself getting in pace with it. Also, the ending was abrupt. It felt like the story didn't get the closure it needed. I am not saying the ending was bad, it was rather brusque.
All that being said, this was still a passable read and it kept me interested enough to make it till the end.
**Free ebook provided by Endeavour Press in exchange for an honest review**
March 20, 2017
Katie married the man she thought was her Prince Charming.
And he is charming , and good-looking, and kind, and smart. Katie's mother and father adore him... and they don't believe that he is abusive. He's also a plastic surgeon with wonderful hands when there's a scalpel in it.
He's also really good with his hands when he beats his wife ... strangles her .... throws her face first into a wall over and over and over.
She constantly walks on eggshells knowing that the day will come when he kills her. She has a very young daughter ... she has to keep her safe.
The first 75% of the book is intense and riveting. As a woman, I could not believe that anyone would put up with what she does. I've also never been in her shoes, so I won't judge her character. Her parents made me angry ... how could they see the bruises and cuts on her and not believe what she told them? They certainly would not rate anywhere close to Parents Of The Year.
While I know that this kind of abuse goes on all over the world. And while the first part of the book was almost too realistic, it just fizzled at the end. It's almost like the author did not know where to go with it and hurriedly tied it all up with a pretty red ribbon.
Many thanks to Endeavour Press for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
And he is charming , and good-looking, and kind, and smart. Katie's mother and father adore him... and they don't believe that he is abusive. He's also a plastic surgeon with wonderful hands when there's a scalpel in it.
He's also really good with his hands when he beats his wife ... strangles her .... throws her face first into a wall over and over and over.
She constantly walks on eggshells knowing that the day will come when he kills her. She has a very young daughter ... she has to keep her safe.
The first 75% of the book is intense and riveting. As a woman, I could not believe that anyone would put up with what she does. I've also never been in her shoes, so I won't judge her character. Her parents made me angry ... how could they see the bruises and cuts on her and not believe what she told them? They certainly would not rate anywhere close to Parents Of The Year.
While I know that this kind of abuse goes on all over the world. And while the first part of the book was almost too realistic, it just fizzled at the end. It's almost like the author did not know where to go with it and hurriedly tied it all up with a pretty red ribbon.
Many thanks to Endeavour Press for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 23, 2017
I was graciously provided an advance reader copy from Endeavour Press in return for my honest review.
At heart a biography lover, and knowing the gist of this story, I wondered if I would find interest in reading this account of a mentally and physically abused wife. I normally plod through the average book, taking a week or more to consume it. However, this one took me just two days to blitz through, it was so riveting.
The story latches onto the reader as it begins with a terrorized and bloodied wife trying to sleep/hide under her piano following a holiday party at home. One immediately feels a sense of a shattered woman who has suffered without reason, having reached a state where she can tolerate her abusive husband no longer. Why would any sane woman withstand such treatment from her husband? One can grasp a background of success, wealth and privilege as the stage is set for a rewind, a journey back to the beginning of this relationship to find out how all went wrong. This moment, Katie Giraud's breaking point, whets the appetite of the reader to devour all the details leading up to it.
The story deliciously unfolds at the start of the relationship, when Claude was invited to a family dinner by Katie's surgeon father. Katie's father takes Claude under his professional wing, while Katie and Claude find an immediate attraction to each other. Claude finds success as a skilled plastic surgeon, and following a whirlwind romance, he and Katie marry. It all sounds like a fairytale until Claude's unexpected and unwarranted bouts of anger, suspicion and jealously test and ultimately poison the marriage.
The book is very instructive in describing how a marriage can seemingly have everything going for it in terms of looks and material things, but underneath it all the relationship can in fact be poisonous. Keeping up appearances in public can be difficult when there is no normalcy behind the scenes. There is makeup concealer to cover bruises, tearful apologies and gifts following abuse, mental manipulation to keep a free spirit suppressed and open communication an impossibility for fear of repercussions. As time progresses, the abused lives a life of creeping fear and concealment to friends and family.
The writing was excellent, the subject matter relevant and hard-hitting...but satisfying and triumphant in its conclusion. The author, a former ER nurse, parlayed her experiences on the job into an important book that will perhaps open the eyes of people suffering in similar circumstances to make a life change before it's too late.
At heart a biography lover, and knowing the gist of this story, I wondered if I would find interest in reading this account of a mentally and physically abused wife. I normally plod through the average book, taking a week or more to consume it. However, this one took me just two days to blitz through, it was so riveting.
The story latches onto the reader as it begins with a terrorized and bloodied wife trying to sleep/hide under her piano following a holiday party at home. One immediately feels a sense of a shattered woman who has suffered without reason, having reached a state where she can tolerate her abusive husband no longer. Why would any sane woman withstand such treatment from her husband? One can grasp a background of success, wealth and privilege as the stage is set for a rewind, a journey back to the beginning of this relationship to find out how all went wrong. This moment, Katie Giraud's breaking point, whets the appetite of the reader to devour all the details leading up to it.
The story deliciously unfolds at the start of the relationship, when Claude was invited to a family dinner by Katie's surgeon father. Katie's father takes Claude under his professional wing, while Katie and Claude find an immediate attraction to each other. Claude finds success as a skilled plastic surgeon, and following a whirlwind romance, he and Katie marry. It all sounds like a fairytale until Claude's unexpected and unwarranted bouts of anger, suspicion and jealously test and ultimately poison the marriage.
The book is very instructive in describing how a marriage can seemingly have everything going for it in terms of looks and material things, but underneath it all the relationship can in fact be poisonous. Keeping up appearances in public can be difficult when there is no normalcy behind the scenes. There is makeup concealer to cover bruises, tearful apologies and gifts following abuse, mental manipulation to keep a free spirit suppressed and open communication an impossibility for fear of repercussions. As time progresses, the abused lives a life of creeping fear and concealment to friends and family.
The writing was excellent, the subject matter relevant and hard-hitting...but satisfying and triumphant in its conclusion. The author, a former ER nurse, parlayed her experiences on the job into an important book that will perhaps open the eyes of people suffering in similar circumstances to make a life change before it's too late.
May 11, 2017
Written by former ER nurse, Priscilla Bennett, with the objective to draw attention to domestic abuse, this is the story of naive Katie who falls head over heels for Claude, a charming and attentive French doctor, who comes with pre-approval from Katie's self-important father, a conceited surgeon. Soon after their wedding, Claude starts to show his real face, but it's not until their daughter Rose is born that Katie has Something To Be Brave For and attempts to escape her desperate situation.
I applaud Priscilla Bennett for her intention to empower women to leave abusive relationships and to help them heal. This alone makes picking up this book worthwhile.
However, I found it difficult to invest in the characters, who (to me) were mainly pretentious individuals with few redeeming features. I so wanted to root for Katie, but there were times when I didn't even find her likeable. Claude remained a rather flat character. I'm not sure whether this was intentional to keep the focus firmly on Katie's development?
It's a very readable book, but I found some parts were over detailed, e.g. with descriptions of their lifestyle, while there were other - more important - passages when I wanted to find out more.
With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a copy.
I applaud Priscilla Bennett for her intention to empower women to leave abusive relationships and to help them heal. This alone makes picking up this book worthwhile.
However, I found it difficult to invest in the characters, who (to me) were mainly pretentious individuals with few redeeming features. I so wanted to root for Katie, but there were times when I didn't even find her likeable. Claude remained a rather flat character. I'm not sure whether this was intentional to keep the focus firmly on Katie's development?
It's a very readable book, but I found some parts were over detailed, e.g. with descriptions of their lifestyle, while there were other - more important - passages when I wanted to find out more.
With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a copy.
April 1, 2017
First I want to thank Endeavour press for kindly sending me this book.
I enjoyed it, it was such a light, easy read even though the subject was far from light.
The main theme is domestic abuse, the author portrayed the horror that women go through behind closed doors. I found myself connecting with Katie in the second part of the book and hoping for her to break free from Claude. I really didn't like her at first, only because of her rushed decisions but she progressively grew and developed to be stronger and wiser.
To be honest I have never hated a fictional character in a book as much I despised Claude. He got on my nerves and I wanted to punch him every time he had his hands laid on his wife.
One last thing I want to mention without spoiling anything is the last scene.. It really felt rushed to me, I was hoping for a heartfelt closure. That is the only thing that bugged me otherwise I would totally recommend this and I really hope this book gets more attention and appraise because it is genuinely well written. Plus, it sheds light on a very serious problem.
I enjoyed it, it was such a light, easy read even though the subject was far from light.
The main theme is domestic abuse, the author portrayed the horror that women go through behind closed doors. I found myself connecting with Katie in the second part of the book and hoping for her to break free from Claude. I really didn't like her at first, only because of her rushed decisions but she progressively grew and developed to be stronger and wiser.
To be honest I have never hated a fictional character in a book as much I despised Claude. He got on my nerves and I wanted to punch him every time he had his hands laid on his wife.
One last thing I want to mention without spoiling anything is the last scene.. It really felt rushed to me, I was hoping for a heartfelt closure. That is the only thing that bugged me otherwise I would totally recommend this and I really hope this book gets more attention and appraise because it is genuinely well written. Plus, it sheds light on a very serious problem.
March 22, 2017
5* Monster Dr Stars
I just finished reading Something to be Brave For. The book was very intense and shocking as it centres around domestic abuse. It was very heartfelt and sad to know that there are many people out there that are suffering in silence and just because of your families social status it does not mean that you are immune to it. The book was very well written and realistic.
Thank you Endeavour Press for the opportunity to review this eye-opening book.
I just finished reading Something to be Brave For. The book was very intense and shocking as it centres around domestic abuse. It was very heartfelt and sad to know that there are many people out there that are suffering in silence and just because of your families social status it does not mean that you are immune to it. The book was very well written and realistic.
Thank you Endeavour Press for the opportunity to review this eye-opening book.
March 19, 2017
I was given a copy of this book because I have read and reviewed similar books. While it was an easy quick read, the main problem I had with this book was that I didn't love the main character, Katie. So as a victim of domestic abuse by her husband, you want to root for her but I found her so....plain....that of course I wanted her to get away but was frustrated at how long it was taking because I just wanted to get to the end.
In a typical pattern, patterns of violence slowly escalated over time. While seeking help, and not finding it, Katie tries to repair things in her life on her own - and fails. When she finally gets away, everything is tied up with a pretty bow.
I thought this was just okay. Sadly realistic. I just wanted to like her more.
In a typical pattern, patterns of violence slowly escalated over time. While seeking help, and not finding it, Katie tries to repair things in her life on her own - and fails. When she finally gets away, everything is tied up with a pretty bow.
I thought this was just okay. Sadly realistic. I just wanted to like her more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2017
There are many books about women married to psychopaths who have elaborate plans to abuse them without the world knowing. But Something To Be Brave For is different in that the psychopath in question is not an evil stereotypical villain, but a very damaged man with no real plan, and who thinks it's OK to abuse his wife as long as he apologizes with jewels or flowers. And it all starts as a fairy tale for Katie - she married a handsome and rich doctor who seems to adore her until he becomes a monster. But Katie is not your typical spineless victim. She may start off as a silly little girl, but she evolves in the course of the novel. She knows this is wrong, she takes the part of the blame that can be laid at her feet for not seeing the signs, but no more. Her plight made me cringe and sometimes cheer- she tries again and again to fix things, especially after the birth of her daughter, and this is what the novel is about. Despite the horrific violence, it's a very readable book with well-defined characters and parts that made me gasp out loud.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Endeavour Press!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Endeavour Press!
April 15, 2017
Bennett’s provocative new novel tackles domestic abuse. I was invited to read this one free and in advance by a representative from Endeavor Press in exchange for an honest review.
Katie Giraud is the daughter of a successful surgeon. Her father is disappointed when she chooses not to go into medicine, but he is overjoyed when she falls in love with his protégé, Claude Giraud. Claude is the son he never had. Katie is an art lover, and now she can enjoy her passion while being well provided for. Her husband is a handsome, charming Frenchman who woos her with roses and jewelry. It’s like something out of a fairy tale.
The trouble commences when the wedding is done and real life begins. You see, Claude has a wicked temper. He has enormous control issues, and he’s unpredictable. You just don’t know when he’s going to lash out. Next thing she knows, Katie is bleeding and cowering beneath the grand piano. But after daughter Rose is born, things are better, but they’re worse; Katie is more willing to try to escape this abusive relationship because she knows that it traumatizes her little girl to see Claude hurt her, but having a daughter also makes flight more complicated.
It isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Feminists everywhere can rejoice that the problem is so well demonstrated. Even in a home where there is such affluence, leaving isn’t as easy as it sounds. Her husband’s reputation is excellent, and he’s a smooth liar. Her parents love him, and he’s friends with the chief of police. Every effort she makes is thwarted. I appreciate this as I read it, because in cases of domestic abuse, societal conversation tends to question the victim: what is wrong with her, to make her stay in a situation like that? Why not develop a spine, get up, walk out? And yet statistics tell us that a woman is much more likely to be killed by a violent spouse, or former spouse, after she has left him, than to be killed by him while still in the marriage.
Leaving is dangerous.
That said, it seems strange that I never feel bonded to Katie. I know she is an art lover, a battered wife, and a devoted mother, and I know some of her physical attributes, but beyond these things her character remains blurry and underdeveloped. Better character development would move the entire story forward and add greater impact to the overall message.
The ending feels simplistic and somewhat formulaic. But those that care about domestic violence and champion women’s issues may want to read it anyway because it adds to the discussion, one that so often is stifled as its victims remain isolated in the shadows.
This book was published April 3, 2017 and is available for sale now.
Katie Giraud is the daughter of a successful surgeon. Her father is disappointed when she chooses not to go into medicine, but he is overjoyed when she falls in love with his protégé, Claude Giraud. Claude is the son he never had. Katie is an art lover, and now she can enjoy her passion while being well provided for. Her husband is a handsome, charming Frenchman who woos her with roses and jewelry. It’s like something out of a fairy tale.
The trouble commences when the wedding is done and real life begins. You see, Claude has a wicked temper. He has enormous control issues, and he’s unpredictable. You just don’t know when he’s going to lash out. Next thing she knows, Katie is bleeding and cowering beneath the grand piano. But after daughter Rose is born, things are better, but they’re worse; Katie is more willing to try to escape this abusive relationship because she knows that it traumatizes her little girl to see Claude hurt her, but having a daughter also makes flight more complicated.
It isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Feminists everywhere can rejoice that the problem is so well demonstrated. Even in a home where there is such affluence, leaving isn’t as easy as it sounds. Her husband’s reputation is excellent, and he’s a smooth liar. Her parents love him, and he’s friends with the chief of police. Every effort she makes is thwarted. I appreciate this as I read it, because in cases of domestic abuse, societal conversation tends to question the victim: what is wrong with her, to make her stay in a situation like that? Why not develop a spine, get up, walk out? And yet statistics tell us that a woman is much more likely to be killed by a violent spouse, or former spouse, after she has left him, than to be killed by him while still in the marriage.
Leaving is dangerous.
That said, it seems strange that I never feel bonded to Katie. I know she is an art lover, a battered wife, and a devoted mother, and I know some of her physical attributes, but beyond these things her character remains blurry and underdeveloped. Better character development would move the entire story forward and add greater impact to the overall message.
The ending feels simplistic and somewhat formulaic. But those that care about domestic violence and champion women’s issues may want to read it anyway because it adds to the discussion, one that so often is stifled as its victims remain isolated in the shadows.
This book was published April 3, 2017 and is available for sale now.
April 5, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from Endeavor Press in exchange for an honest review. To be fair, I had just finished reading Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris (which has recently become one of my favorites). I wanted to like this book so badly. While I did enjoy parts, I had a really hard time identifying with any of the characters and felt that they all fell flat. The main character was extremely weak, the supporting characters were even worse, and the ending was a haphazard effort to tie up a very narrow story line. This book just wasn't for me, but I appreciate the opportunity to have read it!
July 19, 2017
Meet Claude, Famous Plastic Surgeon. Respected highly by Katie's Father, an eminent surgeon. So much so that Claude and Katie ended up as a couple, then marry.
This book handles the emotional subject of Domestic Violence, a subject I'm passionate about through my paid work and previous volunteer work with Victim Support.
The Author delicately handles the subject and shows how a couple on the outside can be the envy of everyone who meets them; outwardly seen as being a happily married and successful couple, but behind closed doors the story couldn't be more different. The Author shows how one party can be so controlling and capable of psychological damage that goes unseen and unreported. With no help from outside parties when a cry for help comes along, even when children are involved, it becomes a desperate situation. The book shows how a victims strength of character can eventually shine through and I really liked the character of Katie and kept willing her on all the way through the book.
The book is completely indicative of cases I've seen like this, having spoken to women like Katie, and to me it is extremely well researched. I would love to think that this book would empower other women reading it who are in a similar situation.
This is a very emotional read.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and review her book. I was not paid for my review.
This book handles the emotional subject of Domestic Violence, a subject I'm passionate about through my paid work and previous volunteer work with Victim Support.
The Author delicately handles the subject and shows how a couple on the outside can be the envy of everyone who meets them; outwardly seen as being a happily married and successful couple, but behind closed doors the story couldn't be more different. The Author shows how one party can be so controlling and capable of psychological damage that goes unseen and unreported. With no help from outside parties when a cry for help comes along, even when children are involved, it becomes a desperate situation. The book shows how a victims strength of character can eventually shine through and I really liked the character of Katie and kept willing her on all the way through the book.
The book is completely indicative of cases I've seen like this, having spoken to women like Katie, and to me it is extremely well researched. I would love to think that this book would empower other women reading it who are in a similar situation.
This is a very emotional read.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and review her book. I was not paid for my review.
June 12, 2017
Something to be brave for was terrific. I enjoyed reading it a lot. The book starts with Katie on the floor, beaten and bleeding, thinking about her body and her family. Everything!! Then we go back when these two met Katie and Claude. Her father's favorite student. A French, handsome guy. I suddenly forgot about the first scene and I was amazed and impressed. He was cute and understood her. After reading more and more I understood that people are not so easy to understand. There's a hidden part of their personality and this hidden part could be destroying, dangerous. We get deceived. We believe what they actually want us to believe. We believe It's not his mistake. It's her's and she should do better. She should take care more of him. I know a lot of women like this, Who always think it was their fault and they are actually blaming themselves. Something to be brave for is a fictional story, but there are many stories out there that remain untold.
February 20, 2018
Hard reading at times with strong, realistic characters
OMG my heart was in my mouth towards the end and I wasn't sure if I dare carry on reading. I won't give anything away but you will know where I mean if you read it. A story that is real to so many women and it does make difficult reading at times but the strength Katie has is incredible. A very well written book that strangely gives hope as well. Highly recommended.
OMG my heart was in my mouth towards the end and I wasn't sure if I dare carry on reading. I won't give anything away but you will know where I mean if you read it. A story that is real to so many women and it does make difficult reading at times but the strength Katie has is incredible. A very well written book that strangely gives hope as well. Highly recommended.
March 21, 2017
Not bad- I didn't love it, but i definitely wanted to finish it. There was never a point in time where I wanted to stop reading it, and if had it's shining moments, but overall it was just ok. The main character really annoyed me at the beginning: she was SO naive it physically hurt, and I found myself really frustrated with her several times. I also took some issue with the writing. The book seemed really choppy at some points and didn't flow very well sometimes- one thing would be happening, and then suddenly it was something else that didn't QUITE fit, and it left me rereading to see if I had accidentally skipped something. That being said it was an easy and quick read, and I did somewhat enjoy it.
May 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The prologue got me hooked. The torment Katie suffered happens all to often. The friendship between Katie and Gillian was what a true girlfriend friendship should be. I was disappointed in Katie's dad. My father would have killed my husband with his bare hands. I would love to see a continuation with Katie and Nate!
March 22, 2017
a fairly predictable, but not badly written story of domestic abuse. I felt that it didn't quite manage to build up the elements of suspense and fear until near the end which others have perhaps captured better. I did feel for Katie as no one would support her despite knowing (or at least suspecting) what was happening behind closed doors and this was well portrayed throughout the book. Thank you to endeavour for a review copy of this book.
April 2, 2021
Many will relate to this story. Abusive relationships are on the rise and so many are afraid to speak up. There are so many reasons abused women don’t feel they can ask for help.....their abuser is a well known member of their community, they won’t be believed, they will be blamed and told its their own fault.
The list is limitless.
This story highlights so much and can be helpful to some even though it is a fictional story.
It’s a must read.
The list is limitless.
This story highlights so much and can be helpful to some even though it is a fictional story.
It’s a must read.
March 27, 2017
I received this book from Endeavour Press in exchange for an honest review.
This is a short, suspenseful, sometimes shocking read.
This is a short, suspenseful, sometimes shocking read.
March 28, 2017
**I received a copy of this book from Endeavor Press**
This was not a long read and fairly easy, comprehension wise, topic wise not so much as it is on Domestic Violence. I was surprised at the rate in which Katie determined when enough was enough... at least in book time. Her parents really made me upset, her father in particular. I definitely wanted Katie to prevail in this. I did feel like there was something missing to give the story more edge or suspense. There was enough to keep me reading but I didn't feel as if I was on the edge of my seat dying to find out how everything would play out. The author did a good job in making me not like Claude, that's for sure. I don't know anyone who has ever been in this type of situation but I could imagine that the annoying tendencies Katie initially displayed could be true of a victim, before they truly know or accept they are a victim... or when the fear of others finding out and thinking how that may put them in further danger instead of helping. Hard topic to read and or discuss but necessary to shed light on unfortunately.
This was not a long read and fairly easy, comprehension wise, topic wise not so much as it is on Domestic Violence. I was surprised at the rate in which Katie determined when enough was enough... at least in book time. Her parents really made me upset, her father in particular. I definitely wanted Katie to prevail in this. I did feel like there was something missing to give the story more edge or suspense. There was enough to keep me reading but I didn't feel as if I was on the edge of my seat dying to find out how everything would play out. The author did a good job in making me not like Claude, that's for sure. I don't know anyone who has ever been in this type of situation but I could imagine that the annoying tendencies Katie initially displayed could be true of a victim, before they truly know or accept they are a victim... or when the fear of others finding out and thinking how that may put them in further danger instead of helping. Hard topic to read and or discuss but necessary to shed light on unfortunately.
April 3, 2017
Wow! Such a good tension-filled story. Of course, I wanted to go into the story and kick the asshole's ass. I also wanted to kick Katie's mom and dad for not helping their only child. It didn't end with the above mentioned asshole's death but it did end very well. Very gripping story and I was able to read from 25% to the ending today, I wasn't able to put it down.
I loved the minor characters, from Gillian to Victoria. I like to think of Katie ending up with a certain person and them and Rose riding off into the sunset in Nantucket.
I received this book because I reviewed other books like this. Thanks Endeavour Press.
I loved the minor characters, from Gillian to Victoria. I like to think of Katie ending up with a certain person and them and Rose riding off into the sunset in Nantucket.
I received this book because I reviewed other books like this. Thanks Endeavour Press.
April 5, 2017
Good start but sadly for me the ending is poor didn't tally up to what I had just been reading about the characters.
Shame.
Shame.
April 14, 2017
I was given a copy of the book to review because I've read and liked similar novels. At first, I wasn't sure. The author starts her story at a climactic point, and then goes back to the main character (Katie) first meeting her now-abusive husband (Claude). It's frustrating to watch Katie slowly catch on (and admit) to her situation. She feels helpless and hopeful that Claude will return to his once-loving self.
Although these sad-but-true stories are not easy to read, the ending held my attention.
Although these sad-but-true stories are not easy to read, the ending held my attention.
April 18, 2017
Unlike "Behind Closed Doors", "Something to be Brave for" is a more typical domestic violence case. The woman was put into an disempowered and dependent state feeling that she was not capable of living without her husband, so she was desperate and helpless but couldn't go away. The husband regretted and apologized after the abuse and after some time he did it again forming a cycle and making the woman believe that he would change every time.
The first half of the story is a bit slow and boring but it turns better towards the end. It describes how the battered women think and feel and their struggles in a plain way but it is a story that is very likely to be happening around us.
The first half of the story is a bit slow and boring but it turns better towards the end. It describes how the battered women think and feel and their struggles in a plain way but it is a story that is very likely to be happening around us.
April 19, 2017
This was a very well written book it pulled me in and i could not put it down.A difficult read at times as its not a pleasant subject.Would read more from this author
April 21, 2017
I will be honest and say that this was not one of my favorite books, i wanted to like it and i kept reading in hopes that i would catch on and be in love but it never happened for me. I didn't have a connection with the characters everything just felt flat. I understand that Domestic Violence and Abuse is serious and it should not be taken lightly. I think that this book tried to do that but i think it was just missed its mark.
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