It's an old story -- generation to generation -- decade to decade -- women who live under the thumb of the man who professed to love them. Sad when the greatest hurt comes from the very person sworn to protect. One of the great tragedies is that of women who stay. The reasons are varied but the outcome is invariably the same. The prospect of escape seems to be more frightening than staying and multiplied exponentially when children are involved. Time and time again you hear of women finally making that decision -- the impetus is the endangerment of the child.

In THE BEST OF ME by Elisabeth Barrett we are witnesses to the internal struggle of a woman who escaped but did she. Jane Pringle endured physical and emotional abuse but at the point where it was escalating she knew she had to leave. Her son Andy was at risk. Interesting aside is that her ex-husband didn't really seem that involved in his son's life. He was too busy. And yet Andy was his weapon of choice. That's not a show of strength -- that's just a bully.

Rather than continue to face that bully Jane makes a new life for herself and Andy with the help of a great number of support people that ultimately became friends. Oh and that's another thing. Women in an abusive relationship with a control freak are discouraged from making friends. So they are always flying solo.

At Briarwood Jane was getting a chance. Doing a job she loved with a boss that encouraged her and praised her abilities. Jane loved watching Andy grow and come out of his shell. Her friends were so supportive of both Jane and Andy. None more than Preston North. Initially Jane regarded Press with a not so subtle cold shoulder. She knew his type. But Press was determined to let Jane see who he was as a man. A man with feelings for her and her son. A man who had some demons of his own that he carefully manages -- rather than let those demons manage him.

Surely hard choices to face. Come out from the shadows and enjoy life and maybe if really lucky find someone that will love you and earn your trust. Jill was just beginning to entertain the idea of a new life with someone special. But her old life was making that feel implausible. Jane had learned to be strong for Andy's sake. Now she was going to have to make still another leap of faith and trust Press. Hardest decision ever -- to put your well-being in the hands of someone else -- even if that person loves you.

THE BEST OF ME by Elizabeth Barrett handles this age old problem amazingly well. Her characters each have need of personal and emotional growth. Life is tough but the strong can rise above their fears and accept changes. This is not the first book I've read by Elizabeth Barrett. I returned for another visit with this wonderful author whose characters come to life page by page with this return to Briarwood #2 book.