Wendy H. (donkeycheese) - , reviewed on 6/19/2013 + 1255 more book reviews

This riveting story is about Fran and Bobby Benedetto. They fell in love when they were young, and before they were even married Bobby started to show his violent nature. "The first time my husband hit me I was nineteen years old," begins Fran Benedetto. A heartbreaking story of how the years of abuse accumulated. Fran didn't want to leave Bobby because of their son, Robert. Plus, as Bobby said, What was she going to do? Call the cops? Bobby was a police officer. She finally had a home with friends, and she enjoyed her job at the local hospital as a nurse. But one day, Fran decides to leave Bobby with the help of a secret agency.

The agency relocates her to Florida, and tentatively she begins to rebuild her life. Robert starts a new school, she a new job, and they begin to make new friends. She is still fearful of the shadows, what lurks behind every corner, but she is trying. She really misses her sister Grace though. They spoke on the phone every day and when she left, she didn't tell anyone where she was going.

The story escalates to a heartbreaking ending, but one with hope. This being the first Anna Quindlen book I've read, I have to say I wasn't disappointed. The characters were emotional and the story gut-wrenching. Definitely will be looking for more from this author in the future.

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