A Rose Blooms Among the Thorns

by Cissy Hunt

The story of a woman's journey from domestic abuse through healing to forgiveness.
After finally receiving the divorce that LaRae believed would set her free from domestic violence, she ends up staying on the run from place to place, because her ex-husband, James, continued to stalk her. When she finds herself free of James, LaRae struggles through the up and downs of trying to make a peaceful life for herself. A life free of the violence that left her with scars of fear and pain, not only physically, but emotionally as well. LaRae finds a friend that helps point her on a path that leads to hope, healing, and a new life.

328 pages, ebook

Published February 29, 2016

Reviews

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bittersweet....

This book deals with the difficult subject of domestic abuse or more correctly with the ripples of its aftermath as LaRae, the heroine of the story, is forced to live in constant fear, unable to settle in any one place; she is at.risk of being found by her obsessive ex...

The premise is compelling, the writing good and the characters realistic but I did struggle with some aspects of this story and its delivery; for example the first chapter pulled me in and I was immediately drawn to LaRae and her sad existence but the author repeated her name so many times throughout the narrative book that it began to distract me..there were also other inconsistencies and minor irritations which overall affected my perception of the book.

There are some details which seemed unlikely scenarios..for example LaRae is a woman frightened, alone and on the run but she is using her unusual name for work purposes and allows it to be printed in a newspaper..these actions are inconsistent with her constant vigilance and cautious behaviour.

Finally but most importantly; whilst I appreciate the good work and support offered by all organisations that provide a safe haven for women, and men for that matter, from abusive partners and spouses I am not keen on books that focus on the religious aspect; the fact that the accompanying blurb did not allude to this meant that the inclusion of it within the book was unexpected and unwelcome..

This book is sensitively written with a strong message but in my opinion there were too many detractors, and in the end I did not love this book as much as I should and could have done... I received a copy of this book through the Quirky Blind Date with a Book.

[Suafole · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story line was really interesting. It was good to read despite such a heavy subject. The wording was confusing, it's set in modern world, but it almost seems like the author purposely went through the thesaurus and tried to smarten up some words. "Iʻm not getting in that automobile" I found this funny.

It was a passable story...up until it got to the part where the x-husband dies, and then for a while, I thought it was going to the whole healing process but instead it went through how she found God. I guess in away that's some people's healing journey, but not once in the beginning, middle, or anywhere did it seem like she was any way religious. Came out of the blue...seems like she left one controlling relationship for another.

I don't mind the bad writing, but I do mind the jumping storyline.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book and especially the message it delivers. I felt like it was meant for me and it definitely applied to things that are going on in my life right now. There were some parts that I felt were a little extreme, but I know that people interpret the Bible differently and some believe differently than I do. I try not to judge who is right and who is wrong in their beliefs because I believe that is God's decision and we are only expected to do our best to understand his word. The story line was pretty good as well. I was in an abusive relationship in my late teens and early twenties, and so I could relate to the characters and the story. I would have given it a higher rating, except that I felt like the story dragged on in places and I felt bored at times.

[Fiona Chislett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first half of this book was really good with heartfelt drama and the build up of suspense that it creates. However, the middle half I was more than a little disappointed and nearly stopped ready it. As I use books as an escape, the heaviness of the religious content almost felt like bible class.

[Kirsty Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't really know how I feel about this book. Whilst the main focus of Domestic Violence is an extremely important issue and one I am behind 100%, I felt that the religion aspect was a bit much for me. I'm not religious at all and found that I skipped over the religious passages that were included in this book. Sadly, this book was not for me.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a truly emotional story that had me wanting to keep reading even when I needed sleep. So if you want to read a story that pulls at your heartstrings and shows a person’s second chance of a life after domestic abuse, this is a book for you!

[Lori Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is different then the books I usually read it is a great book about domestic violence how you live through it and find god to heal her heart and how she started a house to help women through abuse from their husbands and boyfriends and how to live afterward

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about physical and mental abuse and running for your life. A good story but lots of errors and not extremely original in my opinion.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the message behind this book. My mother was physically and verbally abused. I watched it with my own eyes, I didn't understand it then, but I most certainly have learned so much more as an adult. Reading a story like this, at times can be hard. But what transpires is truly amazing and inspirational.