“Relationships are all like a wheel of Stockholm syndrome, from severe to mild. Like a provider, a parent or a spouse, you know somewhere deep inside yourself that they could choose to not provide a home or food for you, only they do and you are thankful and love them. It produces loyalty.” (TTL)
Release Date: November 21st, 2019
Olivia Brooks has been able to keep her life in Sugar Mill, Louisiana held perfectly together, far away from the small town where she grew up. Even though her past still haunts her, she has found a perfect process of surviving, until a string of events brings Luke Plaisance to Sugar Mill and turns her organized life upside down.
While Olivia fights to hold on to the life she’s created, unraveling it may be exactly what it takes for her to truly survive. She must accept her past in order to live, or let it threaten the only future she’s ever wanted. Because some secrets can’t stay buried… and shouldn’t.
An inspiring and heartbreaking tale of abandonment, survival, and purpose. A harrowing journey of self-discovery and perseverance.
EXCERPT
Luke
saw her red face and swollen eyes.
“Whatever
it is, I’m sorry.”
“No
need. Besides, maybe I just cut an onion.”
“I’m
not asking you why, Olivia, but also don’t feel like you have to lie to me.
It’s none of my business and I know that. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.”
“Then
why are you here?” she turned abruptly to face him, obviously angered.
“I
like cinnamon rolls.”
“You
also don’t have to lie either.”
“Mama
Gigi,” Luke responded quietly.
“What?”
Olivia bowed her head slightly.
“Mama
Gigi. She said when I smell cinnamon and baking bread, if I look over here and
your kitchen door is open, and I quote, ‘go to her and stay until she’s safe.’”
Olivia
looked up with tears welling in her eyes again, “I’ll be sure to close my door
next time.”
“No,
you won’t. Mama Gigi said you will always have your door open when you make
them. She thought whatever you were mourning was pretty strong, ‘cause it
obviously made you feel suffocated.”
“I miss her. I miss her so much.”
Luke
stood quickly and went to Olivia. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and
hold her. But, as he got closer she stepped back, so he stopped.
“I
can’t leave until you’re safe.”
“I’m
never safe,” she whispered.
“You’ve been
safe since I got here.”
--
“I am so
sorry. Please don’t be scared, I would never hurt you.” Olivia opened the jar
and dug the jerky deep inside it. She then slowly put it toward the dog and
waited. It wasn’t long before the dog scooted to her, inch by inch. Then it
licked the peanut butter and survival surpassed fear.”
About the author:
Michelle Jester lives in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana with her husband, high school sweetheart and retired Master Sergeant. Together they have a son and daughter. She is a hopeless romantic and has been writing poems and stories for as long as she can remember.
One of her prize possessions is a bracelet with only a yellow, Rubber Duckie charm on it; which she wears every day to remind her to enjoy the fun and happy things of life!
Sounds like a really good book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read.
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ReplyDeleteWOW this looks amazing, love the cover and the title.
ReplyDeleteThis cover is spectacular! I love what I have read about this book & I am looking forward to reading more!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing
ReplyDeleteGreat cover.
ReplyDeleteLooks good.
ReplyDelete