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Finding Nicole: A True Story of Love, Loss, Betrayal, Fear and Hope
Nicole shares her journey from domestic violence victim to survivor in a very honest and vulnerable way. She takes us through the cycle of domestic violence and the wide range of emotions experienced including love, loss, betrayal, fear and hope. At the conclusion of her story, Nicole provides a guidebook for victims and survivors of domestic violence, stalking and toxic relationships. The goal of this guidebook is to help victims leave safely, feel hope, build resilience and find themselves again.
Nicole met her ex-husband in college and over the course of the next 10 years found herself in an increasingly abusive and violent relationship. Like many victims she stayed in this relationship for a multitude of reasons including love, for her children, due to financial abuse and fear. Nicole finally left her abusive ex-husband in 2009 and faced stalking, threats and harassment at the hands of her abuser for the next two and a half years until he was finally convicted of stalking after she delivered a powerful victim impact statement at his sentencing hearing.
Unfortunately her abuser continued to pose a threat to her and their children from prison as he attempted to hire multiple inmates to kill her and her children during his incarceration. Due multiple errors by law enforcement officers, miscommunication between the prison system and law enforcement and a Prosecutor who did not believe that a jury would believe the testimony of other inmates, her abuser was set to be released from prison at the conclusion of his original sentence. Nicole researched recreating her identity, relocation and ways of protecting herself and her children. She found out just how difficult it would be to find employment and housing after an identity change would leave her with no work, education or credit history.
After careful consideration she decided to stay and fight for new charges to be brought against her ex-husband. Through social media she enlisted the help of family, friends, other survivors of domestic violence and stalking to help her share her story and plead with the authorities to help protect her family. Over the course of just a few short weeks her story went viral and was shared across the country and world. Thousands of people stood with her and advocated for her family through phone calls, emails, posts and tweets.
To Nicole's joy their efforts paid off and her case was picked up by the Attorney General of the State of Michigan. Over the course of the next 13 months and multiple court hearings in three different counties Nicole's abuser was found guilty of new charges and sentenced to a longer prison sentence allowing her and her children to live with less fear for the next 11 years.
This is her story.
Nicole met her ex-husband in college and over the course of the next 10 years found herself in an increasingly abusive and violent relationship. Like many victims she stayed in this relationship for a multitude of reasons including love, for her children, due to financial abuse and fear. Nicole finally left her abusive ex-husband in 2009 and faced stalking, threats and harassment at the hands of her abuser for the next two and a half years until he was finally convicted of stalking after she delivered a powerful victim impact statement at his sentencing hearing.
Unfortunately her abuser continued to pose a threat to her and their children from prison as he attempted to hire multiple inmates to kill her and her children during his incarceration. Due multiple errors by law enforcement officers, miscommunication between the prison system and law enforcement and a Prosecutor who did not believe that a jury would believe the testimony of other inmates, her abuser was set to be released from prison at the conclusion of his original sentence. Nicole researched recreating her identity, relocation and ways of protecting herself and her children. She found out just how difficult it would be to find employment and housing after an identity change would leave her with no work, education or credit history.
After careful consideration she decided to stay and fight for new charges to be brought against her ex-husband. Through social media she enlisted the help of family, friends, other survivors of domestic violence and stalking to help her share her story and plead with the authorities to help protect her family. Over the course of just a few short weeks her story went viral and was shared across the country and world. Thousands of people stood with her and advocated for her family through phone calls, emails, posts and tweets.
To Nicole's joy their efforts paid off and her case was picked up by the Attorney General of the State of Michigan. Over the course of the next 13 months and multiple court hearings in three different counties Nicole's abuser was found guilty of new charges and sentenced to a longer prison sentence allowing her and her children to live with less fear for the next 11 years.
This is her story.
- GenresNonfictionBook Club
200 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2021
40 people are currently reading
1624 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Beverly
2 books29 followersNicole Beverly is a Clinical Social Worker, Advocate and Mother of two amazing sons, Myles and Carter. She is also a survivor of domestic violence, stalking and multiple attempts by her ex-husband to hire people to kill her from prison. After Nicole left her abusive ex-husband, he began to stalk and threaten to kill her and she found herself facing new challenges within the legal system that was meant to protect her and her family. After years of abuse and stalking by her ex-husband Nicole found herself in yet another battle for her life.
Nicole and her story of survival have been featured on Inside Evil with Chris Cuomo: Until Death Do Us Part, Huffington Post Live, NPR, The Detroit Free Press and many other news outlets. Nicole is the Founder and President of The ENOUGH Initiative Domestic Violence Prevention Organization. The ENOUGH Initiative focuses on ending domestic violence before it starts by providing Education, Non-Violence Alternatives, Opportunity, Understanding, Growth and Hope to young adults and victims of domestic violence.
Nicole is excited to share that her story is being adapted into a feature film by Screen Play Writer Geoffrey Calhoun, Film Director Harley Wallen and Painted Creek Productions. The film FINDING NICOLE, will be an amazing opportunity to reach a broader audience and shed an even brighter light on the epidemic of Domestic Violence and the many obstacles that victim's face. The film will feature actresses Kaiti Wallen, Blanca Blanco and actors John Savage, Brandon Quintin Adams and Yan Birch among others and is scheduled to be released in 2021.
Nicole and her story of survival have been featured on Inside Evil with Chris Cuomo: Until Death Do Us Part, Huffington Post Live, NPR, The Detroit Free Press and many other news outlets. Nicole is the Founder and President of The ENOUGH Initiative Domestic Violence Prevention Organization. The ENOUGH Initiative focuses on ending domestic violence before it starts by providing Education, Non-Violence Alternatives, Opportunity, Understanding, Growth and Hope to young adults and victims of domestic violence.
Nicole is excited to share that her story is being adapted into a feature film by Screen Play Writer Geoffrey Calhoun, Film Director Harley Wallen and Painted Creek Productions. The film FINDING NICOLE, will be an amazing opportunity to reach a broader audience and shed an even brighter light on the epidemic of Domestic Violence and the many obstacles that victim's face. The film will feature actresses Kaiti Wallen, Blanca Blanco and actors John Savage, Brandon Quintin Adams and Yan Birch among others and is scheduled to be released in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 12, 2021
Nicole's story is amazing to read! Nicole shares her story of her personal experience with domestic violence. This book generated all of the feels for me, from sadness to outrage to true anger to hope. Please buy this book and then make sure all of your friends read it too. After I started talking about Nicole's story to friends, I was hearing about my friends' experiences with this same issue. It touches more people than we think, and Nicole includes some great tips and resources in the back of the book. 5/5 stars
February 3, 2021
A very powerful story of domestic violence and the difficulties many victims experience. The author shares her real life experiences both good and bad and provides an example for other victims. Her experience allows her to provide a practical look and guidance about an all too common experience.
Her story is inspiring.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
Her story is inspiring.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway but the opinions expressed are solely my own.
April 13, 2021
I won a signed copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. First of all I'd love to thank the author for that, as it was so kind and thoughtful of you!
Second, the book... Wow. Just wow. This is such a powerful story that had me extremely angry, and brought tears to my eyes. The thought of what you and your beautiful family went through is mind blowing. But the strength you had to rise from it, tell your story, and be successful is even more powerful.
Thank you for this story in general and all the thought that went into it. From the cover, to the resources you provided throughout the book.
Its extremely hard to tell these stories, and admit what happened. I get the embarrassment and more importantly the fear. (Almost makes you question your sanity or if you're being paranoid, right?)It's difficult!
I unfortunately suffered from similar situations mentioned, and found myself in positions where I wanted to give up. I wish this book was available whenever I needed it back then. But im so glad I read it now.
Extremely powerful, moving, and a force to be reckoned with. Truly this woman is a role model for domestic violence survivors, and the failure of our law systems. (They failed me too)....
But the most important message is to keep going, keep fighting for what you and your family deserve, and be an advocate for people after you.
Second, the book... Wow. Just wow. This is such a powerful story that had me extremely angry, and brought tears to my eyes. The thought of what you and your beautiful family went through is mind blowing. But the strength you had to rise from it, tell your story, and be successful is even more powerful.
Thank you for this story in general and all the thought that went into it. From the cover, to the resources you provided throughout the book.
Its extremely hard to tell these stories, and admit what happened. I get the embarrassment and more importantly the fear. (Almost makes you question your sanity or if you're being paranoid, right?)It's difficult!
I unfortunately suffered from similar situations mentioned, and found myself in positions where I wanted to give up. I wish this book was available whenever I needed it back then. But im so glad I read it now.
Extremely powerful, moving, and a force to be reckoned with. Truly this woman is a role model for domestic violence survivors, and the failure of our law systems. (They failed me too)....
But the most important message is to keep going, keep fighting for what you and your family deserve, and be an advocate for people after you.
December 19, 2020
A raw look inside a relationship and recovery after. The author shares the painful parts of her life in the hopes of helping others including the intensely infuriating interactions with the justice system. It’s emotional and suspenseful and hopeful.
February 1, 2021
This book is like watching a slow motion train wreck. Early in the narrative, you know this will not end well. Fortunately, there is a safehaven for this battered wife and family but it is years in the making. Not a fun story.
December 9, 2020
Nicole provides a raw account of her story in a relatable voice leaving readers feeling as though they walked this journey with her. The book includes her perspective as well as excerpts directly from police reports which gives readers insights to both her experience and how others perceived the events. Nicole provides a guide for victims to leave their abusers safely and is a beacon of hope.
May 2, 2023
First, I just want to say based on this autobiographical piece along with my own educational learning; our justice system is broken. The process of getting justice and finding a fair chance seems convoluted and hopeless. The book shows all the potential cracks our system has and even though there was justice given; the process, emotional toll, suffering, money, and so much more in order to get there is ridiculous. Beverly is our main character and the story starts on the premise her husband has tried to pay someone to kill her. The offer made is like $50,000 dollars which anyone can answer. Of course the "quality informant" is another inmate who is claiming this with a signed statement as well as a polygraph test. What I liked a lot about this novel is the fact the author used actual excerpts from police reports, court documents, etc. This truly helps paint a more factual picture of the series of events which take Beverly on a roller coaster of emotional and psychological struggle. Kevin, her ex-husband is a complete 'gem' and I say that in sarcastic manner. He is completely abusive in so many ways throughout the description of their relationship. I do not want to spoil the piece to readers, but it is worth a read. It is the ultimate nightmare to any father whose daughter finds in a relationship with and there's nothing they can do about it. While I was reading this I kept thinking to myself, if the victims of the story protected themselves in the same type of manner they are being harrassed and victimized, they would immediately be arrested and our system would swallow them up. However, somehow the criminals have all these rights and the law protects them and unfortunately makes life for the innocent harsh and unfair. In the end, it is a very good and emotional read. Be ready though to get angry at our justice system and upset over these people and how their lives are turned upside down.
May 19, 2024
Nicole Beverly is a brave woman that has gone through incredible trauma in her quest to heal from her abusive ex-husband. "Finding Nicole" is Nicole's personal story of abuse and trauma as seen through the eyes of the victim.
Nicole is a survivor that has brought purpose to the horrific pain she and her son's endured. She shares her story to help other women escape their life of domestic violence and safely leave their abusers so they can stand on their own two feet and learn how to thrive. I
Nicole shares how her ex-husband attempts on multiple occasions to hire killers to murder her and then later murder her boys as well. She shares the frustration of continually falling through the cracks with various law enforcement agencies and how at multiple points she was not taken seriously, despite numerous incidents of her ex-husband violating her personal protection order and threatening her on tape and in front of witnesses. Nicole did not give up and as a result is the founder of The ENOUGH Initiative and has an excellent bonus guidebook section in her book that gives tips and tools to understanding the many layers of domestic violence, safety planning, strategies for surviving and recovering from an abusive relationship.
Nicole is a survivor that has brought purpose to the horrific pain she and her son's endured. She shares her story to help other women escape their life of domestic violence and safely leave their abusers so they can stand on their own two feet and learn how to thrive. I
Nicole shares how her ex-husband attempts on multiple occasions to hire killers to murder her and then later murder her boys as well. She shares the frustration of continually falling through the cracks with various law enforcement agencies and how at multiple points she was not taken seriously, despite numerous incidents of her ex-husband violating her personal protection order and threatening her on tape and in front of witnesses. Nicole did not give up and as a result is the founder of The ENOUGH Initiative and has an excellent bonus guidebook section in her book that gives tips and tools to understanding the many layers of domestic violence, safety planning, strategies for surviving and recovering from an abusive relationship.
April 7, 2023
Let me start by saying how proud I am of Nicole for not only surviving a horrific situation, but thriving. Her work with the memoir and the Enough initiative is truly inspiring. There were so many passages that I could relate to being a survivor as well. The wanting to fix the brokenness in the abuser was something that resonated with me. Also, friends distancing from the situation was an all too familiar experience. Another, is the treatment from the police. One of the officers told Nicole that she must have done something to upset her ex. One of the officers thought it was appropriate to say I should have known better after a four hour standoff with the police in which my ex threatened to kill me and destroyed my house to the point that it was uninhabitable. These "professionals" need to do better. I can't wait to see the movie adaptation. I hope that this book and the film shed light on the culture of domestic violence so that change can be made. It is brave souls like Nicole who say, "Enough" that give hope to others who have suffered at the hands of their abusers.
January 16, 2022
This book was written by my former coworker who shares her story of abuse, violence, fear, and perseverance relating to her ex-husband. I truly admire Nicole’s bravery in sharing her experiences to raise awareness about domestic violence. Complemented by police reports and legal documentation, she details a slow spiral into increasing violence with her ex and then the uphill battle with law enforcement and the courts. It is eye opening to read about the ways poor communication between agencies and the whim of individuals can put the lives of a woman and her children at risk. Sending my best to Nicole, her children, and extended family.
September 24, 2022
A powerful, raw book about domestic violence told by author and victim Nicole Beverly. She tells her story in graphic detail. She continually sought safety from her abusive, stalking ex-husband. She details her years of abuse and road-blocks she faced within the law-enforcement, prison, and justice systems.
Perhaps most importantly, Ms. Beverly includes a guidebook at the end for those affected, either as the victim, friends or family.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 www.thehotline.org
Content warning: domestic violence, child endangerment, stalking
Perhaps most importantly, Ms. Beverly includes a guidebook at the end for those affected, either as the victim, friends or family.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 www.thehotline.org
Content warning: domestic violence, child endangerment, stalking
September 11, 2022
Inspirational story of strength
My heart aches for this family. The fear is real in each word written and her courage shines brightly with each turn off the page. So very proud of Nicole for fighting so courageously as I know she had to have moments when she was petrified at the next breathe. Thank you for sharing your brave story. Prayers for the years to come. May you and your boys always find peace.
My heart aches for this family. The fear is real in each word written and her courage shines brightly with each turn off the page. So very proud of Nicole for fighting so courageously as I know she had to have moments when she was petrified at the next breathe. Thank you for sharing your brave story. Prayers for the years to come. May you and your boys always find peace.
October 26, 2022
Chilling and unbelievable
This book was a great read. The heartbreak she felt was portrayed well. The strength she had is unseen. My prayers to her and her son's. It's insane to think of all she Went through and how much she had to fight for her safety.
This book was a great read. The heartbreak she felt was portrayed well. The strength she had is unseen. My prayers to her and her son's. It's insane to think of all she Went through and how much she had to fight for her safety.
November 14, 2022
Aside from the typos and grammatical errors, this story was extremely powerful and moving. I especially connected with the fact that A) the author lives here in Michigan and B) I have heard her speak.
February 21, 2025
Good book
May 17, 2025
DNF- really wanted to make it through the book because of the story it tells but found it hard to keep my interest with all the poor grammar and writing 😭
February 23, 2021
Excellent for any women who have been in the same situation! 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews