
Title: One Woman Falling (Whispers of Grace #1)
Author: Melanie Campbell
Genre: Christian Fiction
Publishing Date: Aug 1, 2019
Publisher: Mountain Brook Inc
Length: 344 Pages
About the Book:
Cassie Peterson lives in an invisible prison of fear, chained by self-doubt and guarded by a relentless warden—her husband. Derrick’s verbal and physical abuse as well as his alcoholism have left Cassie alienated from her family, without friends, and certain she can’t survive on her own.
After an unexpected police visit, Cassie realizes the survival of her four-year-old daughter, Renee, depends on Cassie’s courage to leave. What she doesn’t plan on is Derrick’s vengeful custody fight.
While walking through the treacherous world of divorce, Cassie is encouraged by her spunky new friend, Missy Langdon, to pursue her love of waterfalls. Cassie finds solace in the waterfalls on the agonizing weekends she’s forced to hand Renee over to Derrick. Meanwhile, unexpected help comes in the form of Brian Sutton, an attorney at the firm where Cassie works—but what price will she ultimately pay for his assistance?
As Derrick’s threatening behavior escalates, Cassie questions her choices. How long will her daughter suffer before the custody case is resolved? Why is she drawn to waterfalls during this chaotic time? And who will stand with her when everything comes crashing down?
My Review:
I always talk about how I love when books make me feel something but I have to say that this one incited a whole level of anger I didn’t know I had in me. In the beginning I felt like Derrick was actually underplayed from his role, but the further I got into the story the more his personality showed its true colors. I have seen countless families broken up in my lifetime and seen the level of damage that can arise especially when one party is an abuser and manipulator. As a child I saw friends hurt by their parents fighting and often rebelling themselves either for attention or simply because they knew they could get away with it. As an adult I’ve seen parents struggle because of unsupportive exes and seen others manipulate their children (and even new spouses) to make themselves appear more innocent. We are all broken selfish sinners, but there is something to be said about intentional manipulators and abusers. (Ask me how I really feel haha). As sad as it may sound, the chances are that in today’s world you’ve either witnessed abuse and divorce personally or seen friends or other loved ones walk through it. So chances are the more you dig into this one, the more anger you’ll find springs up in you too. There are so many people walking in Cassie’s shoes in today’s world that it breaks my heart. This isn’t a story I’ll soon be forgetting.
*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
Not sure I could read this one as I’ve lived through multiple aspects of this nightmare. No truer words are spoken than yours “We are all broken selfish sinners, but there is something to be said about intentional manipulators and abusers.” Absolute truth for many of the participants in/during a divorce or bringing together a blended marriage. My experience says don’t do either without a relationship with the Lord, or the love and support of wise family and/or friends. Great review. Thanks!
I’m so sorry for your experience. I would definitely see it being an even more difficult read the more personal experience you have.
I can totally see why you were angry. Too bad this happens so often in lives. Nice review Becca.
Thanks 😊
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