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Prisoners In The Shed: The Harrowing True Journey From Captivity To Hope
** 03/24/21 PRINT VERSION SLATED TO BE RELEASED 03/31/21**
"The strongest bonds are not chains or bars. They are the lies we believe, the false perceptions we hold as truth. Those are our true chains." - Bella Hope Shiloh Having grown up in a life of childhood abuse, Bella Hope was determined to break the cycle and live a life full of passion and purpose. An enthusiastic dreamer, she viewed her future as her "second chance." Sadly, the results of her past could not be shaken as easily as she thought. Lured by the promise of love and acceptance to fill the voids in her soul, she married a compelling, fearless man who was also a leader in a controlling religious cult. Prisoners in the Shed is the chilling, true story of Bella Hope Shiloh's journey through the darkness of mind control and exploitation, which ultimately led to being captive in a shed in the woods for 2-1/2 years. Under his control, she struggles to survive a life barely sustainable -- washing dishes in a snake-infested creek, foraging weeds for food, bathing in the rain -- always praying for deliverance. Her testimony provides a raw, uncensored glimpse into the tragic reality of domestic violence. It is also a triumphant story of a girl who, despite deprivation and terror, defied all odds and broke through to freedom with the only ally she had - hope.""It is not the strongest who survive. It is the ones who have hope. Because you can break the human mind. You can break the human spirit. But those who have hope...you can't break them. Their arsenal is far more powerful than you can ever imagine.""Riveting...heart-wrenching...a powerful example of resiliency... a story of hope."- KYLA THORNE, Trauma Recovery Coach"Bella Hope's story is an extraordinary account of hope and perseverance in the midst of astounding abuse. Her account gives great insight into how abusers operate and how one can get caught up in abusive relationships."- NAGHMEH ABEDINI PANAHI, Executive Director of Tahrir Alnisa Foundation"Domestic violence cloaked in religious fanaticism is a terrifying fact of modern reality. Prisoners in the Shed reads like a horror story, all the more chilling because it's true."-SARAH MCDUGAL, Author, Speaker, Abuse Recovery Coach, WildernessToWild.Com"A story of resilience and strength inspires and touches the heart as you read it. Shiloh shares with us an account of what is often not heard of, and often silenced by those who allow such horrific abuse to fester. Her story is likely to inspire other survivors and will challenge the status quo of how abuse festers across the world. Bella Hope's bravery and strength shines in a story that is sure to inspire change."- RUBEN MURIENTE, Outreach Coordinator, Interim Executive Director, Chattanooga Family Justice Center
- GenresMemoir
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 2, 2026
I got to meet the author randomly at a Fourth of July party last year, where we got to talking about my profession in mental health and she brought up a book she wrote about her past while living in a cult, right here in Tennessee. It’s eye-opening, sad, makes you angry, but also so full of hope.
February 22, 2023
I initially thought this book was about a woman and her children being locked in a shed by her abusive husband for a few years. Once I began the book, I realized what I already knew but still tend to forget: that is, for many abusers, they don’t need a padlock and chain—they have already chained their victims in their minds!! This is so important for us to remember. We cannot help victims if we don’t understand how abusers operate. This book was a fantastic look into the horrific tactics and mind games abusers play with their victims and anyone else who attempts to help them. Only reason I gave four stars was because there’s a fair amount of typos/grammatical errors. Still a great book, though!
August 26, 2020
After reading this hunting and surreal account of Bella’s life story, I cannot help, but to travel back in time to my own experience. The imagery with which she so eloquently portrays her experience is palpable, the contradicting emotions, the instinct to protect her children at the expense of self, the dream like state of her life and surroundings and the adaptability of the human psychic is beautifully expressed. The redeeming quality and resiliency which God has given us, is what this book brings the reader.
As Charles Spurgeon insightfully said. “Trials make room for consolation. There is nothing that makes man have a big heart like a great trial. I have found that those people who have no sympathy for their fellows, who never weep for the sorrows of others very seldom have any of their own. Great hearts could be made only by great troubles.”
I recommend this life story to everyone; in it you will find that hope is ever present in the human heart and that evil no matter how beautifully packaged is always destructive.
As Charles Spurgeon insightfully said. “Trials make room for consolation. There is nothing that makes man have a big heart like a great trial. I have found that those people who have no sympathy for their fellows, who never weep for the sorrows of others very seldom have any of their own. Great hearts could be made only by great troubles.”
I recommend this life story to everyone; in it you will find that hope is ever present in the human heart and that evil no matter how beautifully packaged is always destructive.
September 3, 2021
Disturbing but a powerful story
This book was intensely triggering to read and occasionally felt difficult to follow at times, but it offers an insightful and disturbing look into how easily someone can get swept into a domestic violence relationship and the insidious thinking and abuse dynamics that make them stay even under the most horrific of circumstance...
It also reveals how important it is that churches be educated on domestic violence and how to support and help women and children facing it. Bella's church failed her terribly. I've heard so many similar stories that echo her own on this point too. As Christians, we must do better. We must protect the vulnerable. And we can start by reading stories like these and being ready and willing to hear the gritty details when necessary, to see the abusive tactics and dynamics, and to step in and stand between an abuser and their victim whenever necessary.
This book was intensely triggering to read and occasionally felt difficult to follow at times, but it offers an insightful and disturbing look into how easily someone can get swept into a domestic violence relationship and the insidious thinking and abuse dynamics that make them stay even under the most horrific of circumstance...
It also reveals how important it is that churches be educated on domestic violence and how to support and help women and children facing it. Bella's church failed her terribly. I've heard so many similar stories that echo her own on this point too. As Christians, we must do better. We must protect the vulnerable. And we can start by reading stories like these and being ready and willing to hear the gritty details when necessary, to see the abusive tactics and dynamics, and to step in and stand between an abuser and their victim whenever necessary.
September 3, 2021
I have to admit, I stopped reading a couple of times to check the authors name and make sure that it was not someone that wrote a personal story that I experienced when I read this book. I realized that abusers follow the same patterns. They as she states, take your voice so you can’t ask for help, take your freedom and enslave you. When she was asked why she didn’t call someone else for help and realized it didn’t cross her mind, I was there too. I felt this woman’s pain and knew the struggle of losing your friends, the church you thought would support you and being cast out, struggling with any semblance of faith when you were done.
I admire her telling of the story, as I know it was not easy.
I admire her telling of the story, as I know it was not easy.
April 23, 2022
Wow. This story is painful to read yet hard to put down. The author showed incredible strength and perseverance in the face of ongoing deprivation and manipulation. This book gives a very clear picture of why victims of abuse usually don’t even realize that they are being abused, and why it can take such a long time for them to find courage to seek freedom. And when they do break free, many times those who should help them do not. Sadly (though understandably), all the author went through caused her to completely give up on God. I hope that as she continues to heal she will be able to learn that the true God is far different than the one taught in the cult she was with for so long.
August 15, 2020
Heart wrenching story of abuse and eventual freedom
Stories like Prisoners in the Shed are hard or almost impossible for many of us to imagine. It's hard to believe that someone can be so evil as the author's husband. The story is well written and actually made me physically cringe as I read about the many things she had to contend with ... Not just from a man she loves but from others that she lived in her family and church.
Excellent read for anyone wanting to understand the dynamics of abuse and poor responses from churches.
Stories like Prisoners in the Shed are hard or almost impossible for many of us to imagine. It's hard to believe that someone can be so evil as the author's husband. The story is well written and actually made me physically cringe as I read about the many things she had to contend with ... Not just from a man she loves but from others that she lived in her family and church.
Excellent read for anyone wanting to understand the dynamics of abuse and poor responses from churches.
August 26, 2020
Totally recommend! Reading this book keeps you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last. You will laugh when she laughs and cry when she cries. It is much more than a story of survival. It is a story of HOPE when everything looked hopeless! A story of LIGHT when darkness engulfed her! A true story that will awaken every emotion. So glad this author told her story of abuse that will surely help many others know there’s hope and light at the end of this nightmare they are living, even when they may be feeling trapped and hopeless.
October 17, 2020
Excellent.
This is an amazing account of what Narcissistic abuse can do to the victim. It's an insight to how victims suffer in a relationship with a person with NPD. Though this was religious cult abuse it is the same brainwashing that scapegoat victims suffer. The aftermath of this controlling abuse, is horrific, victims are robbed of their identity, their very being, their souls.
This is an amazing account of what Narcissistic abuse can do to the victim. It's an insight to how victims suffer in a relationship with a person with NPD. Though this was religious cult abuse it is the same brainwashing that scapegoat victims suffer. The aftermath of this controlling abuse, is horrific, victims are robbed of their identity, their very being, their souls.
January 29, 2023
As you read this harrowing story, you can clearly see how deceptively the beginnings of an abusive marriage start and how hard it is to escape - physically, emotionally and psychologically. Once again, I'm horrified to see how the church failed to protect and even used its power to tie the bonds tighter. We must do better. Kudos to Bella for her courage and grace in living and sharing this story. I hope your freedom is filled with joy and love today.
August 16, 2020
A powerful story of hope and survival out of darkness
This is a story every woman should read. It contains the elements of how someone can whittle away your dignity, self-esteem and power under the guise of love. A wonderful example of how the human Spirit is capable of surviving unspeakable abuse and reclaiming their freedom through Hope.
This is a story every woman should read. It contains the elements of how someone can whittle away your dignity, self-esteem and power under the guise of love. A wonderful example of how the human Spirit is capable of surviving unspeakable abuse and reclaiming their freedom through Hope.
Read
August 26, 2020Inspiring book of hope and courage. Resilience and fortitude under unprecedented circumstances.
I recommend this book to those who in dark times do not discern the light and redeeming grace of God’s mercy and compassion that is always there.
"evil exist, but so does beauty"
"darkness exist, but so does light"
I recommend this book to those who in dark times do not discern the light and redeeming grace of God’s mercy and compassion that is always there.
"evil exist, but so does beauty"
"darkness exist, but so does light"
September 17, 2020
Can men like this actually exist?
This was quite a (true) story! How Bella was able to survive her horrific life is beyond me. She is one of the bravest persons I've ever read about, and the life she lived is unbelievable. She tried so hard to please her abusive husband, but it just was not possible. This book is awesome!
This was quite a (true) story! How Bella was able to survive her horrific life is beyond me. She is one of the bravest persons I've ever read about, and the life she lived is unbelievable. She tried so hard to please her abusive husband, but it just was not possible. This book is awesome!
October 4, 2020
Wow - this is an inspirational book about a mother who fought for her freedom and that of her children. It is a pretty raw story involving seriously heavy topics so I can't truthfully say I loved it but it was an amazing read. There were also a few editing issues which I always find distracting. A strong 4 stars though ⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 21, 2021
An eye-opener
My heart bled for the author as I read her story. Suffering years of abuse from a man who professed to love her and their 4 children. Religious cults such as the one the author was with is just bad and enables abuse! Didn’t even know that this kind of stuff even happened in today’s society.
My heart bled for the author as I read her story. Suffering years of abuse from a man who professed to love her and their 4 children. Religious cults such as the one the author was with is just bad and enables abuse! Didn’t even know that this kind of stuff even happened in today’s society.
March 29, 2021
Gets real
This is not a book “to be enjoyed” but to learn from. It does end with hope. It’s a clear portrayal of abuse & cultish religions. I hope she succeeds at law and writes a follow up sharing where her hope leads her. There it no limit to how far her strength and work and God (big “”G”) can take her.
This is not a book “to be enjoyed” but to learn from. It does end with hope. It’s a clear portrayal of abuse & cultish religions. I hope she succeeds at law and writes a follow up sharing where her hope leads her. There it no limit to how far her strength and work and God (big “”G”) can take her.
August 13, 2020
Highly recommend reading this book
This book is an eye opener. Bella's journey is dark and haunting, an inside look at domestic abuse and how crazy and crippling it is. I am amazed how she tells her story and it paints a picture, capturing the details. Couldn't put it down.
This book is an eye opener. Bella's journey is dark and haunting, an inside look at domestic abuse and how crazy and crippling it is. I am amazed how she tells her story and it paints a picture, capturing the details. Couldn't put it down.
September 29, 2020
A pretty good read
One thing tjat stick out for me was the thought many people have when their friend or loved one is in a difficult relationship is how difficult it mist be to truly break dree enotoonally.
One thing tjat stick out for me was the thought many people have when their friend or loved one is in a difficult relationship is how difficult it mist be to truly break dree enotoonally.
Read
December 20, 2021Harrowing story. How easy it is for someone you love and trust to manipulate you into thinking your at fault for everything that goes wrong and after years of this abuse you start to believe it. Good ending.
July 25, 2023
Amazing
A true story of growth and survival. She is a true hero in working to better herself and that of her children. Unless you have ever been in this situation you do not know the struggle. Here’s to HOPE.
A true story of growth and survival. She is a true hero in working to better herself and that of her children. Unless you have ever been in this situation you do not know the struggle. Here’s to HOPE.
September 29, 2020
Disjointed and Hard to Follow
Terrible writing. Story jumped all over the place. Don't waste your time reading this. Lost interest within the first 2 chapters.
Terrible writing. Story jumped all over the place. Don't waste your time reading this. Lost interest within the first 2 chapters.
August 4, 2021
Gripping
I had a hard time putting it down (I still managed to read it in one day). I couldn't wait to hear how she escaped. Good for her!
I had a hard time putting it down (I still managed to read it in one day). I couldn't wait to hear how she escaped. Good for her!
September 7, 2021
Great Book with great insight into abuse and how we can listen, learn, and help the abused.
January 1, 2022
Wow! What an amazing woman to survive and break free from such evil.
November 13, 2021
This was a sad set of events that took this girl into an abusive relationship one step at a time without her realizing it until it. I’m so proud of her for her coping abilities and how she managed to get away from the situation and protect her children.
July 9, 2022
Dark And Haunting
This is an Inspiring book of hope and courage and a wonderful example of how Bella was capable of surviving unspeakable abuse for years but eventually a mother who fought to reclaim her freedom for herself and that of her children The life that Bella lived is unbelievable as Bella tried so hard to please her abusive husband, but it just was not possible. The aftermath of this controlling abuse is horrific, as victims are robbed of their identity.
The story is well written. It is much more than a story of survival. It is a story of hope when everything looks hopeless. It is an amazing account of what Narcissistic abuse can do to the victim
How Bella was able to survive her horrific life is beyond me. She is one of the bravest persons I have read about. There were also a few editing issues but do not let this put you of. An inspirational book to learn from. I highly recommend reading this book and this book will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last. I am part of the ARC group for Wildblue Press and BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is an Inspiring book of hope and courage and a wonderful example of how Bella was capable of surviving unspeakable abuse for years but eventually a mother who fought to reclaim her freedom for herself and that of her children The life that Bella lived is unbelievable as Bella tried so hard to please her abusive husband, but it just was not possible. The aftermath of this controlling abuse is horrific, as victims are robbed of their identity.
The story is well written. It is much more than a story of survival. It is a story of hope when everything looks hopeless. It is an amazing account of what Narcissistic abuse can do to the victim
How Bella was able to survive her horrific life is beyond me. She is one of the bravest persons I have read about. There were also a few editing issues but do not let this put you of. An inspirational book to learn from. I highly recommend reading this book and this book will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last. I am part of the ARC group for Wildblue Press and BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2020
Captivating Read
An almost unimaginable insight into the cruelty of an abusive marriage. It is indeed a captivating read. I am amazed that one who endured such trauma could revisit and recount it. We all journey through life, encumbered with our childhood, and hopefully eventually emerging into peaceful consciousness. It is painful to comprehend the author’s journey, but well worth it for the understanding gained of the difficult situations that no doubt entrap many.
An almost unimaginable insight into the cruelty of an abusive marriage. It is indeed a captivating read. I am amazed that one who endured such trauma could revisit and recount it. We all journey through life, encumbered with our childhood, and hopefully eventually emerging into peaceful consciousness. It is painful to comprehend the author’s journey, but well worth it for the understanding gained of the difficult situations that no doubt entrap many.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews