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Światło w ciemności
Jade oddałaby wiele, by zapomnieć o koszmarze, jakim było jej dzieciństwo. Od lat ucieka od przeszłości, żyje z dnia na dzień, utrzymuje się z ulicznej sprzedaży malowanych przez siebie obrazów. Doświadczyła zbyt wielu okrucieństw, by komukolwiek zaufać, lata spędzone w groźnej sekcie na zawsze odcisnęły na niej swe piętno. Ma jednak kochającego ojca, który nigdy nie pogodził się ze zniknięciem jedynej córki… Sam Cochrane po piętnastu latach przypadkowo trafia na ślad Jade i natychmiast wznawia poszukiwania, zlecając sprawę byłemu policjantowi, Luke’owi. Prywatne śledztwo kończy się sukcesem. Jade dzięki miłości Sama i Luke’a powoli odzyskuje radość życia, lecz komuś bardzo zależy, by mroczne sekrety z jej dzieciństwa nigdy nie wyszły na jaw. Komuś, kto nie zawaha się nawet zabić.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
266 people are currently reading
1492 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
279 books2,300 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
March 16, 2012
What a story! Absolutely fabulous, but not for someone who likes sweet romance! I found this book on an Amazon Discussion as an "make you cry like a baby book". Just know what you are getting into before reading this story, their is lots of bad stuff, pedophiles, sexual abuse and awful people that turn your stomach, but the story has some beautiful relationships and is very uplifting as well.
Out of the Dark grabbed me right at the beginning. The heroine Jade has had a horrific young life. The story begins back in 1977 where free love and drugs were the way of life. So Jade, 4 years old, is woken up in the middle of the night by her mother and taken from her loving father to join a cult, The People of Joy, which is run by a con man and is a front for under age prostitution. Jade's father is devastated and spends boatloads of money and 10 years trying to find them without ever a clue being discovered. (There were a few holes in this part of the story, but I just went with it) Jade's mother dies when she is 6 and Jade is thrown into this cruel existence from age 6-12 yrs old of being pimped out to pedophiles. Even though the book is very mild in description of sex, both in the romance and the heinous acts that happen to her in her young life, it is heart breaking and unsettling. At age 12 she is rescued by her best friend, Raphael, who is only 15 at the time, and also living this same fate.
Out of the Dark grabbed me right at the beginning. The heroine Jade has had a horrific young life. The story begins back in 1977 where free love and drugs were the way of life. So Jade, 4 years old, is woken up in the middle of the night by her mother and taken from her loving father to join a cult, The People of Joy, which is run by a con man and is a front for under age prostitution. Jade's father is devastated and spends boatloads of money and 10 years trying to find them without ever a clue being discovered. (There were a few holes in this part of the story, but I just went with it) Jade's mother dies when she is 6 and Jade is thrown into this cruel existence from age 6-12 yrs old of being pimped out to pedophiles. Even though the book is very mild in description of sex, both in the romance and the heinous acts that happen to her in her young life, it is heart breaking and unsettling. At age 12 she is rescued by her best friend, Raphael, who is only 15 at the time, and also living this same fate.
I have to say I had a lump in my throat throughout the whole book. It was just so sad that such a beautiful and loving family could be torn apart by such selfish and villainous people and there were many villains. There were many triumphs throughout the story too. The three men in Jade's life were amazing. Raphael was my favorite, he was her best friend and was so unselfish and protective, yet there was such tragedy in his story. Luke was her love interest and although the book wasn't overly romantic (the love scene didn't happen until the very end), Luke was so tender and patient with her and worked at earning her trust. I felt so sorry for her father and all the years he waited for her return. He showered Jade with kindness and and showed her his unconditional love which she thought she didn't deserve because of all the bad things that had happened to her. This is why I feel even though there were lots of horrid themes is this book it was a very positive read. There were 3 men that loved Jade so deeply; her father gave her life and never gave up on her, Raph kept her alive with his support, and Luke taught her to live again. Also the ending was extremely fulfilling and I felt complete closure to the story. High Recommend this book!!
July 25, 2011
This is the second book by Sharon Sala that I've read and she hit the ball right out of the park with this one, I LOVED this book! It's good thing that I read it over the weekend because I couldn't put it down and I didn't get much sleep. =)
Jade (h) at the age of 4 her mother has a chance meeting with a cult leader named Soloman and The People of Joy. One day she decides that she needs to join them and leave her husband Sam , she can't however leave Jade. So one night she wrapes a sleeping Jade up in a blanket and runs off leaveing a devastated Sam behind. Two years later Jade's mother dies and instead of seeing Jade returned to her father, Soloman decides to keep her (and other children) as a child prostitute. She lives this hell for 6 years until her and an older child are able to escape. They have lived on the streets now for the past 10 years making a living selling paintings of Jades at street fairs.
Luke (H) recives a call from his friend Sam he finds out that he has a clue to where his wife and daughter might be after all of these years. So he hires Luke (he's a private detective) to find them.
When Luke finally catches up to Jade he can't believe how beautifull she is and as he gets to know her, just how much she has suffered. He knows that just reuniting her with her father isn't going to heal her completely but it's a start down a very long road for Jade. What he doesn't know is that there are several people who would do anything to stop Jade from speaking about all that she's been through.
I loved Luke, I loved how tender and understanding he was with Jade but at the same time he was honest about what he felt even if he was pissed off and angry with her. And how he stood up and was ready to slay her dragons no matter how long it took. Then there was Raphael, Jade's bestfriend who she escaped with, he just broke my heart.
Jade (h) at the age of 4 her mother has a chance meeting with a cult leader named Soloman and The People of Joy. One day she decides that she needs to join them and leave her husband Sam , she can't however leave Jade. So one night she wrapes a sleeping Jade up in a blanket and runs off leaveing a devastated Sam behind. Two years later Jade's mother dies and instead of seeing Jade returned to her father, Soloman decides to keep her (and other children) as a child prostitute. She lives this hell for 6 years until her and an older child are able to escape. They have lived on the streets now for the past 10 years making a living selling paintings of Jades at street fairs.
Luke (H) recives a call from his friend Sam he finds out that he has a clue to where his wife and daughter might be after all of these years. So he hires Luke (he's a private detective) to find them.
When Luke finally catches up to Jade he can't believe how beautifull she is and as he gets to know her, just how much she has suffered. He knows that just reuniting her with her father isn't going to heal her completely but it's a start down a very long road for Jade. What he doesn't know is that there are several people who would do anything to stop Jade from speaking about all that she's been through.
I loved Luke, I loved how tender and understanding he was with Jade but at the same time he was honest about what he felt even if he was pissed off and angry with her. And how he stood up and was ready to slay her dragons no matter how long it took. Then there was Raphael, Jade's bestfriend who she escaped with, he just broke my heart.
September 3, 2015
This is not a new book for me, nor is the author new to me. This one has been on my 'keeper' shelves for some time. I finally got some reading glasses yesterday ... since the paperback print seems to keep getting smaller the older I get. I wanted to try them out and grabbed this book to re-read.
This is not a sweet romance story, although romance does play a part, but the story itself is Jade. Jade was taken by her mother to a cult. As you can imagine what a young child's life is under these circumstances, we're talking pedophiles, selling or renting young children. It's not for the faint of heart. It's a sad portrayal of things that happen all too often.
Jade makes a friend .. Raphael ... who is also a child of the cult. He has no parents..not even a last name. He saves Jade's life and they go on the run. Years later, they are still together .. he is her protector, her guardian.
Due to strange circumstances, she finds out that her father is still alive and has been looking for her for 20 years. And it happens at a time when Rafael learns he is dying. He's not afraid of death, but it scares him to think of leaving Jade behind. She needs someone to show her how to live her life without all the fear.
It's all about Jade .. her ability to learn to trust again. To have someone love her without the pain. She is portrayed so perfectly. She's like a young child growing up for the first time while an adult. Jade is a lot stronger than she thinks. And she's met a good man who's willing to give her space to grow up, to know that she can make it on her own, but she doesn't have to.
There are moments that I had to grab some tissues. You just cannot read this without shedding a few tears along the way. And Luke is the man we all wish we could meet.
I am so glad I happened to walk by a display of reading glasses. They work wonderfully and they made re-reading this wonderful book so much easier.
This is not a sweet romance story, although romance does play a part, but the story itself is Jade. Jade was taken by her mother to a cult. As you can imagine what a young child's life is under these circumstances, we're talking pedophiles, selling or renting young children. It's not for the faint of heart. It's a sad portrayal of things that happen all too often.
Jade makes a friend .. Raphael ... who is also a child of the cult. He has no parents..not even a last name. He saves Jade's life and they go on the run. Years later, they are still together .. he is her protector, her guardian.
Due to strange circumstances, she finds out that her father is still alive and has been looking for her for 20 years. And it happens at a time when Rafael learns he is dying. He's not afraid of death, but it scares him to think of leaving Jade behind. She needs someone to show her how to live her life without all the fear.
It's all about Jade .. her ability to learn to trust again. To have someone love her without the pain. She is portrayed so perfectly. She's like a young child growing up for the first time while an adult. Jade is a lot stronger than she thinks. And she's met a good man who's willing to give her space to grow up, to know that she can make it on her own, but she doesn't have to.
There are moments that I had to grab some tissues. You just cannot read this without shedding a few tears along the way. And Luke is the man we all wish we could meet.
I am so glad I happened to walk by a display of reading glasses. They work wonderfully and they made re-reading this wonderful book so much easier.
August 4, 2018
This was my first book read by this author and it was good for the most part. Quite a bit of faith in God thrown in....not completely preachy but more than I care for. After awhile it kind of felt like product placement....think I'm going to H.E double hockey sticks for comparing God to Chex Mix?
Anyway, the last 100 pages seemed to drag and I thought as traumatized as Jade was, I felt that her couple months of therapy that turned her into a woman emotionally available for a full on relationship with a man seemed abrupt and not real. The suspense was drug out even though technically Jade was safe for the last hundred pages or so making the story feel longer than it really was. I felt, however, that the situations within the book (the childhood physical and sexual abuse and the emotions that came with it....up until the last part of the book) were spot on and Sala did a great job of convincing me of Jade's plight. I was as emotional as Jade was through much of the book.
Overall, as I said, a good book. 3.5 Stars. I will read more of Sharon Sala in the future....at least to get a better feel of her writing.
Anyway, the last 100 pages seemed to drag and I thought as traumatized as Jade was, I felt that her couple months of therapy that turned her into a woman emotionally available for a full on relationship with a man seemed abrupt and not real. The suspense was drug out even though technically Jade was safe for the last hundred pages or so making the story feel longer than it really was. I felt, however, that the situations within the book (the childhood physical and sexual abuse and the emotions that came with it....up until the last part of the book) were spot on and Sala did a great job of convincing me of Jade's plight. I was as emotional as Jade was through much of the book.
Overall, as I said, a good book. 3.5 Stars. I will read more of Sharon Sala in the future....at least to get a better feel of her writing.
March 2, 2023
This sounded really promising but sadly I didn't enjoy the story all that much. Jade was made to be such a weak and broken heroine in the beginning, which made absolute sense with everything she had been through, but from there there was no growth. We never truly got to see any character development from her so by the end when she was healing from her trauma it felt out of place and forced. As for Luke...he was there. That was about it. His character was very bland for me and honestly didn't add anything to the story for me.
Overall, I know I used to read and enjoy Sharon Sala's books back in the day when I was first starting to get into reading. But I don't think I'm her target audience anymore.
Overall, I know I used to read and enjoy Sharon Sala's books back in the day when I was first starting to get into reading. But I don't think I'm her target audience anymore.
February 2, 2018
My mother recommended I read this book, not simply because she likes the author’s writing style, but because the book moved her beyond many authors and it was fast-paced.
It was a nice read – as long as you ignore the so-called romance.
The amount of research the author must have invested in writing this book, is clear in the entirety of Jade’s character. The young woman has been through a lot in her 24 years; abducted by her mother from her own home age 4 to join a cult, losing the one parent she knew 2 years later and without that protection, becoming the victim of sexual abuse by the hand of countless pedophiles for the next six years before escaping.
You feel for this woman who in ways is still somewhat like a child – innocent, naïve and inexperienced – but at the same time jaded beyond her years and distrustful of men.
Luke Kelly is a good friend of her father and was hired to find his missing daughter. Thirteen years Jade’s senior, he’s more familiar with the ways of the world, and has dealt with hardships having been a cop turned private investigator. He’s stricken by Jade’s beauty as soon as he sees her, but he also feels sorry for what she’s been through and the results thereof that still affect her life – and put her in danger.
There’s a sense of “meant-to-be” between the two main characters, but it’s hard to believe they’ve really fallen in love. Luke already considers himself in love with her and thinking of how to convince her to spend the rest of their lives together – after two days.
Perhaps it’s the circumstances that make them grow closer to each other. The problem is, a lot of their times spend together, are always about the case and Jade’s past. I never got the idea the two actually got to know each other. Jade’s distrust of all man except for the one she knows, disappears rather quickly and miraculously. Her character seems to grow and evolve, but it happens so suddenly it wasn’t believable to me.
Though I liked Jade most of the times, I couldn’t really fall for Luke because I didn’t feel like his character had as much depth.
The heart of the story, to me, was sweet Raphael. The way he acted around Jade, you’d almost wish you had a man like him in your life. He didn’t remember a life, parents or home before he came to the People of Joy, and he looked upon the cult leader as a father figure but never questioned the fate he endured alongside the other children. At least, not until he noticed Jade rebelled. From what you learn of his past, that was the point his life changed – he became Jade’s savior, trustee, best friend and brother.
He is all she has, all she’s known for most of her life, but Raphael has been keeping a secret for the past year – he’s sick, to the degree that he’s dying probably sooner than later. He’s always been the one to take care of them both, providing them with money and food, without Jade needing to ask questions. (Though at times, not bothering to ask questions, which was the easier way.) Now that he’s faced with the reality that Jade will have to fend for herself, he’s relieved to learn Jade’s family has caught up with her and she can return to them at last.
But Jade seems to be the only one to care deeply for the one constant in her life. He saved her over and over again, never asking anything in return and putting his life in service of hers. Luke, her father, and many of the other characters fail to appreciate him for who he is.
When Jade and Raphael confess in veiled words what they’ve experienced by the hands of pedophiles, it’s Jade who’s experiences horrible things no child should suffer. But Raphael went through the same thing – in fact, he once offered to take her place.
When Raphael tells Luke he’s sick and dying, Luke can only think of what the news will do to Jade. When Raphael then dies (having been murdered), he can only think of what the news will do to Jade.
Luke even has a conversation with the coroner, who tries to make it easier by commenting that “Sooner or later death comes to us all”.
Luke responds with “Yeah, but we usually have some family left to fall back on. The man lying in there on that slab was the only family Miss Cochrane had for most of her life. In effect, his death the death of all she’s known.” You know at this point Luke doesn’t consider the dead body Raphael any longer, but his remnants on this earth, but the way he disembodies Raphael – who was the one to encourage Jade to even go back home with Luke and give him the time of day – and then strips him of his own value by again making his death all about Jade… It didn’t sit well with me.
Both Luke and Sam – Jade’s father – tried to prevent Jade from seeing Raphael’s body in the morgue, but she insisted to see him for herself. Yet when she returns home from the morgue, one of the first things her father says are, “I’m sorry you had to go through that.” I assumed he meant the visit to the morgue, not just Raphael’s death, but to me, this was another moment where Raphael was denied his own person.
Every time it concerns Jade, people respond in a comforting manner, a “oh no, you poor thing!” knee-jerk response. But when it concerns Raphael, I get a vibe of nonchalant “bummer”.
The saddest thing is, while you feel like you get to know Raphael, you come to care for him, the author doesn’t do him justice. I wished we’d learn what had happened to him, his own background, but he dies before he can be feel embodied.
As I said though, if you ignore the romance, the book is ridden with suspense. The bad guys are deliciously dislikeable and the plot drags on long enough to keep you from putting down the book before you’ve finished the entire book.
It was a nice read – as long as you ignore the so-called romance.
The amount of research the author must have invested in writing this book, is clear in the entirety of Jade’s character. The young woman has been through a lot in her 24 years; abducted by her mother from her own home age 4 to join a cult, losing the one parent she knew 2 years later and without that protection, becoming the victim of sexual abuse by the hand of countless pedophiles for the next six years before escaping.
You feel for this woman who in ways is still somewhat like a child – innocent, naïve and inexperienced – but at the same time jaded beyond her years and distrustful of men.
Luke Kelly is a good friend of her father and was hired to find his missing daughter. Thirteen years Jade’s senior, he’s more familiar with the ways of the world, and has dealt with hardships having been a cop turned private investigator. He’s stricken by Jade’s beauty as soon as he sees her, but he also feels sorry for what she’s been through and the results thereof that still affect her life – and put her in danger.
There’s a sense of “meant-to-be” between the two main characters, but it’s hard to believe they’ve really fallen in love. Luke already considers himself in love with her and thinking of how to convince her to spend the rest of their lives together – after two days.
Perhaps it’s the circumstances that make them grow closer to each other. The problem is, a lot of their times spend together, are always about the case and Jade’s past. I never got the idea the two actually got to know each other. Jade’s distrust of all man except for the one she knows, disappears rather quickly and miraculously. Her character seems to grow and evolve, but it happens so suddenly it wasn’t believable to me.
Though I liked Jade most of the times, I couldn’t really fall for Luke because I didn’t feel like his character had as much depth.
The heart of the story, to me, was sweet Raphael. The way he acted around Jade, you’d almost wish you had a man like him in your life. He didn’t remember a life, parents or home before he came to the People of Joy, and he looked upon the cult leader as a father figure but never questioned the fate he endured alongside the other children. At least, not until he noticed Jade rebelled. From what you learn of his past, that was the point his life changed – he became Jade’s savior, trustee, best friend and brother.
He is all she has, all she’s known for most of her life, but Raphael has been keeping a secret for the past year – he’s sick, to the degree that he’s dying probably sooner than later. He’s always been the one to take care of them both, providing them with money and food, without Jade needing to ask questions. (Though at times, not bothering to ask questions, which was the easier way.) Now that he’s faced with the reality that Jade will have to fend for herself, he’s relieved to learn Jade’s family has caught up with her and she can return to them at last.
But Jade seems to be the only one to care deeply for the one constant in her life. He saved her over and over again, never asking anything in return and putting his life in service of hers. Luke, her father, and many of the other characters fail to appreciate him for who he is.
When Jade and Raphael confess in veiled words what they’ve experienced by the hands of pedophiles, it’s Jade who’s experiences horrible things no child should suffer. But Raphael went through the same thing – in fact, he once offered to take her place.
When Raphael tells Luke he’s sick and dying, Luke can only think of what the news will do to Jade. When Raphael then dies (having been murdered), he can only think of what the news will do to Jade.
Luke even has a conversation with the coroner, who tries to make it easier by commenting that “Sooner or later death comes to us all”.
Luke responds with “Yeah, but we usually have some family left to fall back on. The man lying in there on that slab was the only family Miss Cochrane had for most of her life. In effect, his death the death of all she’s known.” You know at this point Luke doesn’t consider the dead body Raphael any longer, but his remnants on this earth, but the way he disembodies Raphael – who was the one to encourage Jade to even go back home with Luke and give him the time of day – and then strips him of his own value by again making his death all about Jade… It didn’t sit well with me.
Both Luke and Sam – Jade’s father – tried to prevent Jade from seeing Raphael’s body in the morgue, but she insisted to see him for herself. Yet when she returns home from the morgue, one of the first things her father says are, “I’m sorry you had to go through that.” I assumed he meant the visit to the morgue, not just Raphael’s death, but to me, this was another moment where Raphael was denied his own person.
Every time it concerns Jade, people respond in a comforting manner, a “oh no, you poor thing!” knee-jerk response. But when it concerns Raphael, I get a vibe of nonchalant “bummer”.
The saddest thing is, while you feel like you get to know Raphael, you come to care for him, the author doesn’t do him justice. I wished we’d learn what had happened to him, his own background, but he dies before he can be feel embodied.
As I said though, if you ignore the romance, the book is ridden with suspense. The bad guys are deliciously dislikeable and the plot drags on long enough to keep you from putting down the book before you’ve finished the entire book.
October 8, 2011
My second reading of this book. I liked it although it is uncomfortable in spots. The heroine has the most horrific childhood of any heroine I've EVER read. Solving the mystery part was interesting how they went about it. I appreciated the choice the author made to have the authorities actually carry out the arrests etc., instead of the hero/heroine involved in every little bit of it. It seemed more realistic that way. Although, they had a definite hand in it and the hero did involve himself in questioning the bad guys. The heroine started to overcome her past with the help of the hero. I wasn't sure about this as her past was so horrific but on the other hand, it was 12 years in the past and she started seeing a psychologist during the story. The hero fell in love pretty fast and I could have used a little more background on him but his wasn't really the focus of the story so I guess I can forgive that.
All in all I recommend this.
All in all I recommend this.
April 17, 2018
Wow, what an emotional ride this book gave me! I love Sharon Sala's books. This one deals with some gut wrenching topics but sadly they are all true in today's world. I was hooked from the beginning to the very end. SS really knows how to tell a story.
August 8, 2017
Jade Cochrane was 4 years old when her mother took her and joined a cult. But then her mother died and Jade was subjected to what no child should ever be. She escaped the cult with her friend Raphael and now makes a living selling her art. When a painting of her mother is recognized, Jade's father sends Luke Kelly to bring his daughter home.
This was a very emotional read. The subject matter hard to take at times but a story that needed to be told. Please grab your tissues before reading this.
This was a very emotional read. The subject matter hard to take at times but a story that needed to be told. Please grab your tissues before reading this.
September 13, 2016
good book but will make you mad but has a happy ending
May 24, 2012
Goodreads Description- Street artist Jade remembers little of her childhood except for the time she spent under the ruthless control of a cult leader, a time marked by terrible abuse and suffering. For the fifteen years since she escaped his grasp, she has survived by living on the streets and never putting down roots. Ex-cop Luke Kelly knows his friend Sam Cochrane wants nothing more than to find his daughter, Jade, who was taken from him as a child. So Luke uses all his connections to make that happen, not knowing that by reuniting Jade with her father he is exposing her to a deadly peril.
Jade and Raphael were kidnapped as children and lived with cult members from the People of Joy. Soloman, the cult leader, sold the children into the sex trade for money. This abuse goes on for years until one day, a client becomes angry with Jade and hits her. Raphael hears her screaming and comes to help finding both the client and Jade unconcious in the room. Soloman tells Rafie to get rid of Jade and he does one better and steals Soloman's car and Raphael and Jade have been on the run ever since. During this time Sam Cochrane, Jade's father has never stopped looking for her. Finally a friend brings a clue from San Fransisco in a painting of Sam's wife who disappeared with Jade years ago. Sam calls in a favor from Luke Kelly, friend and ex-cop, to find the artist to see if she knows anything about Jade and his wife. Luke is able to track down Jade in New Orleans and, along with the help of Raphael, convinces her to return to St. Louis to her father, Sam. Jade has a lot of emotional trauma due to the years of abuse and has always been afraid that Soloman would eventually find her. Upon the return of Jade to Sam, national news picks up the stories and soon the information of the reappearance of Jade gets into the wrong hands. Jade and Raphael find themselves facing their past. Will Luke and Sam be able to protect them before the past comes back to get them?
I really expected a lot more from this book. The premise of the story is so good and could go to so many interesting places, however, the author decides to write a Harlequin like plot with more romance than suspense. It was hard to believe that in such a short time, Jade goes from literally flinching at the touch of a man to not only trusting Luke lets him kiss her. It all seems a little over the top after about the first 1/4 of the book. It really is too bad that the author turned what could have been a very good story into something cheap, uninteresting, and unbelievable. This book was just ok! I really wanted more! 2 stars.
Jade and Raphael were kidnapped as children and lived with cult members from the People of Joy. Soloman, the cult leader, sold the children into the sex trade for money. This abuse goes on for years until one day, a client becomes angry with Jade and hits her. Raphael hears her screaming and comes to help finding both the client and Jade unconcious in the room. Soloman tells Rafie to get rid of Jade and he does one better and steals Soloman's car and Raphael and Jade have been on the run ever since. During this time Sam Cochrane, Jade's father has never stopped looking for her. Finally a friend brings a clue from San Fransisco in a painting of Sam's wife who disappeared with Jade years ago. Sam calls in a favor from Luke Kelly, friend and ex-cop, to find the artist to see if she knows anything about Jade and his wife. Luke is able to track down Jade in New Orleans and, along with the help of Raphael, convinces her to return to St. Louis to her father, Sam. Jade has a lot of emotional trauma due to the years of abuse and has always been afraid that Soloman would eventually find her. Upon the return of Jade to Sam, national news picks up the stories and soon the information of the reappearance of Jade gets into the wrong hands. Jade and Raphael find themselves facing their past. Will Luke and Sam be able to protect them before the past comes back to get them?
I really expected a lot more from this book. The premise of the story is so good and could go to so many interesting places, however, the author decides to write a Harlequin like plot with more romance than suspense. It was hard to believe that in such a short time, Jade goes from literally flinching at the touch of a man to not only trusting Luke lets him kiss her. It all seems a little over the top after about the first 1/4 of the book. It really is too bad that the author turned what could have been a very good story into something cheap, uninteresting, and unbelievable. This book was just ok! I really wanted more! 2 stars.
August 22, 2011
Sam Cochrane has never given up hope of one day finding out what happened to his daughter and wife twenty years ago. When a new lead is found by a family friend, he sends close friend and ex-cop Luke Kelly to see what he can find on the artist who painted a picture of his wife.
Jade has spent her life in hiding with her best friend Raphael, they both share the same horrific pasts and when a woman questions them about one of Jade's paintings it starts a series of events that leads Luke to finding them. When a reuinion between parent and child goes awry and Jade's life is put at risk, Luke will stop at nothing to protect her.
Powerful story. It was filled with emotion, I cried almost the whole book as Jade relives her past. There is a lot of tragedy in this book, but there is also a lot of hope and promise for the future. Jade'a transformation as she begins to heal is brilliantly written. I could go on and on but I don't think I could possibly find enough words to give this book the justice it deserves.
Jade has spent her life in hiding with her best friend Raphael, they both share the same horrific pasts and when a woman questions them about one of Jade's paintings it starts a series of events that leads Luke to finding them. When a reuinion between parent and child goes awry and Jade's life is put at risk, Luke will stop at nothing to protect her.
Powerful story. It was filled with emotion, I cried almost the whole book as Jade relives her past. There is a lot of tragedy in this book, but there is also a lot of hope and promise for the future. Jade'a transformation as she begins to heal is brilliantly written. I could go on and on but I don't think I could possibly find enough words to give this book the justice it deserves.
July 4, 2010
2.5 stars: OK romantic suspense story with a touch of paranormal
The suspense/mystery portions of this book were pretty well done, but the romance I just didn't buy. There were very emotional moments, as Jade's childhood rapes were brought to light. The bad guys were real sickos, as you would expect with a ring of sex offenders who preyed on children. There was a touch of paranormal -- a psychic foreteller who they met briefly and a ghost of a friend.
The character development was just so-so. I didn't connect with the two lead characters. But I did connect with a secondary character Raphael, Milla's best friend who was like a brother to her.
I like a well developed romance, and the relationship development wasn't very well done and wasn't believable. This is my first book by this author and I don't know that I'll read any more of her books.
The suspense/mystery portions of this book were pretty well done, but the romance I just didn't buy. There were very emotional moments, as Jade's childhood rapes were brought to light. The bad guys were real sickos, as you would expect with a ring of sex offenders who preyed on children. There was a touch of paranormal -- a psychic foreteller who they met briefly and a ghost of a friend.
The character development was just so-so. I didn't connect with the two lead characters. But I did connect with a secondary character Raphael, Milla's best friend who was like a brother to her.
I like a well developed romance, and the relationship development wasn't very well done and wasn't believable. This is my first book by this author and I don't know that I'll read any more of her books.
September 21, 2020
EDIT: I keep thinking about flaws in this one and how illogical and delusory the story was. I'm coming back to deduct another star. I'm still confused by the good ratings. 🤷🏻♀️
The story in this one was okay, I suppose. The writing definitely left something to be desired. The dialog was stilted and unrealistic. The female heroine's behaviors were unbelievable. And the omniscient narration didn't do the story any favors. If we had been able to peer more deeply into a few characters' minds, rather than shallow glimpses into everyone's, it might have created a more emotional impact. As is, this one just fell really flat for me and I fail to understand its good ratings. 🤷🏻♀️
The story in this one was okay, I suppose. The writing definitely left something to be desired. The dialog was stilted and unrealistic. The female heroine's behaviors were unbelievable. And the omniscient narration didn't do the story any favors. If we had been able to peer more deeply into a few characters' minds, rather than shallow glimpses into everyone's, it might have created a more emotional impact. As is, this one just fell really flat for me and I fail to understand its good ratings. 🤷🏻♀️
May 4, 2018
RATING = NO STARS
DNF - DID NOT FINISH
I wanted to read this so badly! However, a sub character (more like a main character) that I adore doesn't fair too well at all and I just abhor when the good guys don't finish last. Selfless, beautiful people who known nothing but tragedy in their life, deserve a HEA, at least in the fiction world anyway.
So, nope, not gonna do it. I struggle enough with illness everyday in my own, very real life. I'm sure not gonna try to entertain myself by reading stories like this.
DNF - DID NOT FINISH
I wanted to read this so badly! However, a sub character (more like a main character) that I adore doesn't fair too well at all and I just abhor when the good guys don't finish last. Selfless, beautiful people who known nothing but tragedy in their life, deserve a HEA, at least in the fiction world anyway.
So, nope, not gonna do it. I struggle enough with illness everyday in my own, very real life. I'm sure not gonna try to entertain myself by reading stories like this.
January 10, 2019
Sharon Sala has become one of my most favorite authors. King’s Ransom truly blew me away, Chosen hooked me, and now Out Of The Dark sealed the deal. I’m a fan forever!!!
This was one Amazing book of courage, danger, and the evil lurking in our world.
Ms Sala truly cast a spell on me with her storyline and exceptional writing.
This was one Amazing book of courage, danger, and the evil lurking in our world.
Ms Sala truly cast a spell on me with her storyline and exceptional writing.
June 6, 2024
This was so completely gripping at the beginning. I thought it would be a five star read, and I have to say, I think it’s no fault of the author’s. The subject matter was just so harrowing, I found it hard to finish.
I’m really glad I did. Sala writes so well and I felt like these were real characters.
The only other thing I wasn’t a huge fan of was the insta love. I would have preferred a longer book to accommodate a more authentic romance.
I will definitely be reading more Sharon Sala.
I’m really glad I did. Sala writes so well and I felt like these were real characters.
The only other thing I wasn’t a huge fan of was the insta love. I would have preferred a longer book to accommodate a more authentic romance.
I will definitely be reading more Sharon Sala.
March 30, 2022
wonderful and heartbreaking
This book grabbed me and I could not put it down. Jade and Raphael’s story is beautiful and heartrending, and Luke the perfect person to help Jade become whole again.
This book grabbed me and I could not put it down. Jade and Raphael’s story is beautiful and heartrending, and Luke the perfect person to help Jade become whole again.
December 9, 2015
When Jade was four, her mother joined a cult and took her with her. Her mother died when she was six and for the next six years, she was pimped to child-molesters by the cult leader, Solomon, until her friend Raphael, a boy three years older than her who was also being abused in the commune, took her away. After that, they lived on the streets mostly, Raphael contracting AIDS during this time. Jade is a talented artist and manages to keep them fed by selling her paintings, but when a painting she did of her mother falls into her father's hands, he sends Luke, a private investigator and ex-cop, to find her. Luke finds her and persuades her and Raphael to go to her father's, but the reunion gets the attention of the media and some of Jade's abusers recognize her, leading to murder attempts to keep the scandal from coming out.
I was so excited when I read this book's summary, but it was a big disappointment. Jade's moments with her father were rushed and not as poignant as I would have liked. There could have been so much there. I know it's a romance novel and all and that it's expected for the focus to be on Jade and Luke, but their relationship could have been so great. I didn't enjoy a single scene she had with Luke. Luke wasn't a very interesting character and they had zero chemistry. And as always, even though she's been so horrendously abused, she's mysteriously attracted to Luke almost from the start. The sex came way too easily, and even though her best friend is dying of AIDS, they don't hesitate to do it without protection.
There was a scene in which a police officer is asking about why someone would want to kill her and Raphael, and she bares all. I hated this scene. There were a lot of cheesy, melodramatic lines, and I hated the way it wasn't just her and the police officer, but her dad, Luke, and some shrink are also present. Awful, awful read.
Oh, and Luke at one point tells Sam that all these bad things are happening because Sam's wife abandoned him and abducted their child. Didn't anyone watch that movie Enough? It's not kidnapping when the mother takes the child.
I was so excited when I read this book's summary, but it was a big disappointment. Jade's moments with her father were rushed and not as poignant as I would have liked. There could have been so much there. I know it's a romance novel and all and that it's expected for the focus to be on Jade and Luke, but their relationship could have been so great. I didn't enjoy a single scene she had with Luke. Luke wasn't a very interesting character and they had zero chemistry. And as always, even though she's been so horrendously abused, she's mysteriously attracted to Luke almost from the start. The sex came way too easily, and even though her best friend is dying of AIDS, they don't hesitate to do it without protection.
There was a scene in which a police officer is asking about why someone would want to kill her and Raphael, and she bares all. I hated this scene. There were a lot of cheesy, melodramatic lines, and I hated the way it wasn't just her and the police officer, but her dad, Luke, and some shrink are also present. Awful, awful read.
Oh, and Luke at one point tells Sam that all these bad things are happening because Sam's wife abandoned him and abducted their child. Didn't anyone watch that movie Enough? It's not kidnapping when the mother takes the child.
July 1, 2021
*Spoiler warning*
*Trigger warning - child molestation*
So, I don't often take time to write reviews, but this book had me so torn, I needed to. In terms of being a page turner and having an intriguing story line it was 5 stars for me (though more like 4.5 since writing seemed uninventive at times). But there were two issues with this book that honestly made me want to throw it across the room without finishing it (and made me hate myself a bit for being so invested I read it anyway). The more minor issue was the not-so-subtle religious beliefs being pushed. Really? Our Knight in shining armour argues with our victim of cold molestation that God exists? And then she sees her deceased best friend as a guardian angel? Not a chance. First, if you try to tell a non believer who was molested as a child God exists, you're a piece of shit. That is definitely keep-your-beliefs-to-yoursef situation. Second, her suddenly "seeing the light" since she then sees a guardian angel??? Puh-lease. But, ya know, I coulda ignored that bit (and maybe skipped the epilogue that took that nonsense to a whole other level).
But this creep who had sex with her that soon?!?!? That lusts over her even though she is still so childlike in so many ways (which, of course she is). This dude calling her all these pet names when he hardly knows her? But the kicker was when he kissed the strange, lost girl in the mall on the cheek. That would disturb ANYONE in their right mind and yet it doesn't phase the victim of child rape?!?!?! Ughhhhh
In conclusion, great idea for a story but maybe drop the romance because it was creepy and inappropriate and made Jade seem like she was still just a puppet being a man's plaything.
*Trigger warning - child molestation*
So, I don't often take time to write reviews, but this book had me so torn, I needed to. In terms of being a page turner and having an intriguing story line it was 5 stars for me (though more like 4.5 since writing seemed uninventive at times). But there were two issues with this book that honestly made me want to throw it across the room without finishing it (and made me hate myself a bit for being so invested I read it anyway). The more minor issue was the not-so-subtle religious beliefs being pushed. Really? Our Knight in shining armour argues with our victim of cold molestation that God exists? And then she sees her deceased best friend as a guardian angel? Not a chance. First, if you try to tell a non believer who was molested as a child God exists, you're a piece of shit. That is definitely keep-your-beliefs-to-yoursef situation. Second, her suddenly "seeing the light" since she then sees a guardian angel??? Puh-lease. But, ya know, I coulda ignored that bit (and maybe skipped the epilogue that took that nonsense to a whole other level).
But this creep who had sex with her that soon?!?!? That lusts over her even though she is still so childlike in so many ways (which, of course she is). This dude calling her all these pet names when he hardly knows her? But the kicker was when he kissed the strange, lost girl in the mall on the cheek. That would disturb ANYONE in their right mind and yet it doesn't phase the victim of child rape?!?!?! Ughhhhh
In conclusion, great idea for a story but maybe drop the romance because it was creepy and inappropriate and made Jade seem like she was still just a puppet being a man's plaything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2016
Kirja, joka on varmasti viimeisen kymmenen vuoden aikana luettu kymmeniä kertoja. Aina yhtä tunteikas matka Jaden elämään ja selviytymiseen hyväksikäytön seurauksena. Kirjan suomeksi oleva nimi, Kun enkelit itkevät, kertoo kyllä todella hyvin asian. Olen rakastanut tätä kirjaa vuodesta 2006 saakka ja toisaalta tää kirja oli myös aikoinaan syy Sharon Salan kirjojen keräämiselle ja niiden tultua yhdeksi suosikeistani. Sen lisäksi, vaikka Raphaelin kohtalo on mikä on, niin tää saa minut aina ajattelemaan, että näissäkin tilanteissa ja lapsuuden traumoista kyllä pääsee eroon. Tosin tässä kirjassa myös sellainen ajatus, ettei ikinä tahtoisi itse kokea samaa, oli se sitten vanhemman tuskaa lapsen menettäessä tai lapsen seksuaalistakin hyväksikäyttöä, joka kyllä vahvana teemana menee tässä kirjassa. Kirja, joka ei raskaasta aiheesta huolimatta tuntunut liian raskaalta ja, jossa myös keveämpiä asioita nähtiin. Kaiken kaikkiaan en ihmettele jälleen kerran tätä lukiessa, miksi kirja sellainen, jonka lukenut kymmeniä kertoja, vaikka aihepiirinä ei todellakaan kevyestä päästä kirjallisuutta.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2019
I love this book
I have read this book several times. It's just as good as the first time I read it. I love the characters and I love the story, how anyone can do a child like they did in this book needs their private cut off.
I have read this book several times. It's just as good as the first time I read it. I love the characters and I love the story, how anyone can do a child like they did in this book needs their private cut off.
December 17, 2016
Sharon Sala takes the reader on a gut wrenching journey of child abuse at the hands of pedophiles, the agony of losing a loved one to a terminal illness, and the slow unsure steps taken by a young woman toward reclaiming a life and family she had no idea was hers for the asking. Jade endured hell from the age of six thru the age of twelve, along with her only friend Raphael who was three years older. On a night when she almost died at the hands of one of their abusers, Raphael managed to save them both and escape with her into an uncertain future where they had to survive by their wits and depend only on each other. Keep your handkerchiefs handy because Ms. Sala's story will bring forth tears of sadness as well as rejoicing for the triumph of the human spirit, the resilience of children, and the downfall of evildoers. This unforgettable journey ends at a very emotionally satisfying destination!
December 27, 2020
Definitely one of my favorite stories from Sala, but it's not an easy read. I'd say this needs a trigger warning for recollections of graphic sexual violence against children. The characters have a truly traumatic past and the author does a very good job at gutting you without making it gratuitous.
I'm probably being a little generous with this rating because I do have some issues with the MC, but I just can't bring myself to dock the rating for it. I understand why she behaved how she did, even if I didn't like it.
Absolutely zero mystery here - you get to read what everyone is thinking and doing in real time and while that often bothers me, it works really well in this story. I think there are 6 or 7 different focuses, but they don't hop back and forth between characters too quickly.
Overall, definitely recommended.
I'm probably being a little generous with this rating because I do have some issues with the MC, but I just can't bring myself to dock the rating for it. I understand why she behaved how she did, even if I didn't like it.
Absolutely zero mystery here - you get to read what everyone is thinking and doing in real time and while that often bothers me, it works really well in this story. I think there are 6 or 7 different focuses, but they don't hop back and forth between characters too quickly.
Overall, definitely recommended.
January 11, 2019
Another great read by Sharon Sala! This book is about one of the worst tragedies that can happen in this world to a child. Jade Cochrane has been missing for decades after her mother takes her in the night to join a cult. Jade does not remember her father, Sam Cochrane, or her childhood when her parents were still together. The only man she trusts is her best friend, Ralphie, as she calls him. The bond between Ralphie and Jade is a friendship that has been through unimaginable trials but those trials just made them even closer. Sam's friend, Luke Kelly, an ex-cop, vows to find Jade for Sam. Will finding her and giving her the life she deserves after a horrific childhood be possible and will it be a blessing or put many peoples lives in danger. Excellent read!
June 14, 2016
This book was pretty good for being what it was. The biggest issue I had with it, was the fact that due to her trauma it did not feel realistic that she would so quickly fall in love physically even with Luke. It's not that they didn't have chemistry, and I get there was supposed to be something paranormal about it, but still. It didn't feel like it was all that sensitive to people who might have this kind of trauma. It was more like 'Oh well when you find the right person the trauma won't matter' which I dont think is true at all. Overall 3 out of 5 stars.
February 1, 2012
I had to give this book 5 stars because this book made me laugh and cry out loud and I can't remember the last time I could say that about a book. This is not a fluffy, easy read, but so emotional and wonderful. My heart broke for the main character Jade and I loved to see her transition through her pain into a healed, healthy woman. I highly recommend this book. It has one of the best stories I've read in a long time.
December 2, 2019
Margret picked up her 4 year old daughter Jade and left
She had fallen in with a cult called the People of Joy and their leader who was called Solomon. Two years later she was dead of a drug overdose.
It was then that Solomon told the six year old that she had to work for her living, she offered to stand on a chair and wash dishes. He had some other work in mind. And for the next 6 years he sold her to men in the cults Purple Room.
She had fallen in with a cult called the People of Joy and their leader who was called Solomon. Two years later she was dead of a drug overdose.
It was then that Solomon told the six year old that she had to work for her living, she offered to stand on a chair and wash dishes. He had some other work in mind. And for the next 6 years he sold her to men in the cults Purple Room.
December 16, 2021
I cried. I laughed. I was engrossed. This was a really good book! I'm sad it's over.
My only complaint would be Jade unable to be "just Jade" for anything more than a week. She was so codependent, even when the author tried to make her seem like she wasn't. She fell in love and married the 1st man she "dated"🤭, in a week of this man being in her life he was in love, she was in love. I dislike instalove.
My only complaint would be Jade unable to be "just Jade" for anything more than a week. She was so codependent, even when the author tried to make her seem like she wasn't. She fell in love and married the 1st man she "dated"🤭, in a week of this man being in her life he was in love, she was in love. I dislike instalove.
May 3, 2013
I loved this book. I especially loved the tenderness between Raphial and Jade. They went through hell and came out alive. The fact that the father never gave up is touching. Start to finish, this book had me on the edge of my seat. I have read this book six times and the end still gets me! Want to see this one on the big screen!
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