book by author Melanie Campbell

A Difficult, Yet Page-Turning Topic

Publisher’s Blurb

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?

Details

  • Title: One Woman Falling

My Thoughts

Not only is an abusive relationship hard to endure, but it can also make the reader uncomfortable. But on a positive side, reading and learning bring about an awareness that is much needed. So for that reason alone, open the book. We never know when that added awareness will be needed. Who can we help with this knowledge? Others? Hopefully not, but ourselves?

One Woman Falling touches on betrayal, fear, grief, hurt, healing, and much more. But on the forefront is being able to admit the truth.

Cassie Peterson shares her story which no doubt parallels many others in her same situation. She is a stay-at-home mom (well, that may not correlate to that many women in this day and age) with a four-year-old daughter. All seems fine until her husband, Derrick, enters the picture. Hopefully, none of us know a man like Derrick, but we are all familiar with him through TV or books.



Usually, my first thought is, Who puts up with that kind of nonsense and abuse? But then I remember that I too was a stay-at-home mom. While I had no desire to leave, if I had, it wouldn’t have been a simple thing to do. And from what I read, women who are abused allow mind games to enter into their lives. The see-saw effect of mind games must be devastating in making clear decisions.

So is leaving a bad situation a clear-cut easy-peasy thing to do? Hmmm. I’m sure you understand that after considering my earlier thought, that I’m backpedaling a little.

There are avenues of help available to those who are seeking help. But this book expertly shows that nothing about leaving is simple.

Cassie clearly has some tough choices to make, but there are those who are willing to help her. But she has to take the first step.

Though it’s subtle, and I’m glad it is, there is an element of faith that weaves through the story. 

This book addresses issues that are difficult. But I totally recommend it as not only a very interesting story, put a page-turner as well.

What Concerned Me

Nothing

What I Liked Bes

As I started reading I was a little bit afraid there would be nothing new this book had to offer. Wrong. It goes beyond abuse in the family setting and takes it to the courageous, survivor mode.

This story offers hope to many women. Bravo, author Melanie Campbell. Well done.

About the Author

Melanie Campbell is a member of Oregon Christian Writers and ACFW. She wrote her first story when she was eight-years-old and has been in love with the power of storytelling ever since. She is also passionate about social issues and holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon, which she obtained during her stint as a single mom. She’s now married and lives in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley with her husband, their three children, and several spoiled pets.




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