~ REVIEW: Finding the Light by Rose Briner ~

My name is Carrie. For the past fifteen years I have lived with an abusive monster that I feared I would spend the rest of my life with or worse would become my killer. But one night fate turned my entire world upside down, giving me a second chance at a new life. I was taken in by a friend I haven’t seen in years and thrust back into the path of a man that I thought I would never see again; forcing me to face the past and the one man I wish my heart could forget.

Andrew shows me the deepest, darkest side of passion, unleashing a side of myself I never knew existed. But everything comes at a price and will this be what finally costs me the man I have secretly loved my entire life?

I thought he would be the light in my life, that perhaps we could have back our moment in time that was stolen from us so long ago. But when Brian returns and secrets are exposed will our love be enough to withstand the ultimate test and the secrets Andrew’s kept hidden from me all these years? Or will I be forced back into the darkness that once consumed me?

This book is recommended for ages 17+ due to language, sex, and other disturbing content.

Only 99 cents!

Amazon * B & N * KoboCarrie has had a hard life, dealing with more sadness in her young life than anyone should have to endure.  After losing both her parents in a horrible car accident, she was taken in by her best friend, Sandy’s, family.  She thought she had found happiness again when she and Andrew, her best friend’s brother, started dating. But shortly after giving him her virginity, he walked away.  Devastated with another loss, Carrie thought she finally found someone to care for and who would always be there for her. 

In the beginning, Brian showered Carrie with attention and affection.  But after a few months, the abuse began. At first, it was just verbal/emotional and Carrie blamed herself for it and stayed by Brian’s side.  By the time the physical abuse began, Carrie was isolated from everyone she knew.  She endured Brian’s abuse for 15 years until an unforgettable night that would give her the chance to break free and she would find herself given another chance at happiness with Andrew, her first and only true love.

Andrew has never forgotten Carrie and has longed for a second chance with her.  He never wanted to end things with her but was in a situation where he was given no choice. He feels he has failed Carrie and wants to make things up to her.  But when secrets come to light about why Andrew walked away, will Carrie be willing to forgive him? And when Carrie’s past comes back to haunt her, will Andrew be able to save her?

This story is full of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing what will happen next. I did love Carrie and Andrew together and thought they made a great couple, although there were a few times I wanted to smack some sense into both of them.  I admired Carrie’s strength to carry on when she had been beaten down physically and emotionally.  I think Rose Briner did a great job in dealing with such a sensitive matter as domestic violence. The ending isn’t a cliffhanger, but does leave you with a few questions.  I did feel that this story had a bit more angst and drama than was necessary but overall a good read.

**ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**

I don’t really like to talk about myself, I would rather hear about you. But I guess if I had to say something about myself it would be that I am a Bay Area native. I have lived in the Bay my entire life. I am originally from Belmont but now live in Hayward. By day I am an Operations Specialist, by night I am a reader and writer looking for my next great read. I had so many ideas in my head that eventually I had to get them down on paper before they drove me insane. I have three kids and one cat and when I’m not reading or writing, I enjoy cooking and listening to music.I can be reached by email at: rosebrinerauthor@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!

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