HIM: A True Story Of Love & Fear

by Danielle Davis

We never know what is going on behind closed doors, if that happy smile we see every day from the woman across the road is painted on, hiding the real, terrible truth, if 'I'M FINE,' directly translated is actually 'HELP ME.' People living with domestic abuse become masters of deception, just like their abusers, and so it is almost impossible to know of their inner torment from their outward appearance. HIM is the true story of a life lived with domestic abuse. The author began writing her blog ‘I got flowers today’ in 2015, sharing her story with the world, with her sole aim to help others who were living with, or had experienced domestic abuse. This book shares not only her story, but through a collection of her blogs, takes a look at domestic abuse in general; how an abuser gains their victims trust, and then gradually, over time manipulates, takes control and by whatever abusive means necessary, ensures their victim chooses to stay rather than leave. I was his Princess. The children were pawns in his game of cat and mouse. He was our nightmare.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2020

About the author

Danielle grew up in a leafy Hertfordshire village, with her mum, dad, two sisters and cat, Pugsley. She always loved to write, occasionally unable to put her pen down. It wasn’t unusual as a teenager for her to be found pushing the shopping trolley for her mum and scribbling a poem down at the same time.

As her life changed, writing took a back seat.

Now, at 36 years old, she lives in another leafy village, this time in the Midlands, with her husband, five children and ginger cat Ron. She is qualified as a psychotherapeutic counsellor, and when she isn’t seeing private clients in her little cabin in her garden, she can be found writing the next part to her book.

Reviews

[Poppy Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book that we all should read

This is a story about domestic abuse so make sure you check your triggers going into it 🩷

[Erica⭐ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A harrowing story about one very brave lady who is actually lucky enough to be around to tell this story. You can only image what she endured during a big chunk of her life.
This will be an insightful read to many women.. and men.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't finish this book.
I was a child of domestic abuse, I understand how hard it is to get out. I also understand how hard it is to be a kid in that situation. At one point Danielle leaves her daughter with him when she leaves because she's confident that within 24 hours a kid would get in the way of his lifestyle and he'll bring her back.
I can't even wrap my head around that.. I'm glad she got out and I'm sure she did the best she knew how given the circumstances but I don't think I could ever understand that.

[Amira Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't, I just can't. It takes a strong person to know the way it will end up and get out sooner rather than later. I understand the mentality of wanting to stay but I also don't. Once should be enough for any person and for children to be involved which is harrowing enough; no child should have to ever go through the fear of knowing whether your mother is going to emerge from the next room, or not. That's the real deep down fear isn't it? Has he killed her yet? What damage has been done? The child should never have to be in that situation.

The forces in any country should do better especially when it comes to domestic violence!!!

[Pauline White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing

Told in a kind of flashback way each slice getting worse than the one before it. I have no idea how women put up with this suffering sometimes for years, i feel most for children that are watching their mother being pounced into the floor night after night that the child abuse is sickening. She got out, she was lucky many are not

[Beverley Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and heartbreaking

A great book very powerful you went through hell so did your poor babies then to find yourself in a country where the law believes what goes on between a husband and wife is between them and they wasn't really any help to you.
I'm glad you finally managed to get yourself and your children to freedom and safety and with the help of your wonderful parents.
glad you are finally happy with your family and your children stay strong and positive you are an inspiration

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure what I think of this book.

Definitely scary and extremely sad for those poor children.

This man (and I use the term very loosely here) needs to never be able to reproduce ever!) Is clearly disturbed. This is obviously all on him.

Having said this, Danielle is 1000% right. I don't understand why she stayed, I REALLY dont understand how she kept having babies? She took such a chance with their lives, not to mention the PTSD they must have.

Still, the author was brave in writing this book. I hope it's helped with some of the healing.

[janet ozer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too many of us have been there and too few get out.

I recognise the abuse the signs before it starts and the regret and the apologies that mean nothing. This book brought back so many memories from my past that I thought I had buried. Well done for helping others see that they can get out and have their lives back, you don't have to be someone else's property, punchbag or slave to other abuse.

[Emma Bartholomew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutally honest and amazingly written.

Brutally honest and amazingly written.
What a great read, I read the whole book with 48hrs.
What horrendous things humans can do to the people they claim to love the most in the world.
God bless you Danielle and thank you for sharing your story of survival.

[Janet Elizabeth Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard hitting but eye opening

It's feels strange to say I was glued to this book but I was. I saw myself, both at my lowest and at my highest. The author bares all and I would recommend it to anyone who has had that first slap or put down or jealous tantrum swiftly followed by tearful apologies. This book shows that there is a way out. So we'll written and honest.

[H R Gifford · Rating 4 out of 5]

An very impactful book that I imagine was therapeutic and vulnerable to put together. I have given 4 stars as there were areas that could have benefited from more detail but I realise that's asking a lot from the author!

[Sarah Forster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbroken true story

So sorry you had to go through this!
Amazing strong lady! Has written her story about the physical and mental abuse at the hands of her husband .
Good luck for your future

[vikki mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

powerful read i can relate to

i found this book some thing i could relate to it made cry it made me smile and made me see i was not the only person to have been through this such a strong lady to haven writen this .

[Rach Duckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

What an amazingly strong woman you are. Your children are lucky to have a Mum like you and your parents sound like amazing people.

[alison oshaughnessy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart wrenching

This author has been through so much, my eyes were streaming reading this but i just couldnt put it down

[Sharmilla]

Beautiful book

[Louise walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Very brave woman sharing her life with us well done for getting away and managing to make a positive out of your story is amazing xx

[Mia Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and awful story. But 5 stars for being an engaging read and raising awareness.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir of an abusive relationship that has been very bravely and honestly documented. Due to the topic of this read, it did prove to be very difficult and upsetting in some places, and may not be for everyone.

However, despite this I found this insight and perspective incredibly empowering and inspiring. As with all material discussing domestic violence, the awareness it brings, is faultless.

It’s very hard not to add spoilers whilst reviewing this, so why not pick it up yourself (if you are able) and give it a shot! I highly recommend it if you’re a fan of this genre.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a very hard read, but it’s important to read books like this.