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.
In the follow-up to ONCE AND AGAIN—hailed by bestselling
author Claudia Connor as “a beautiful second-chance love
story”—Elisabeth Barrett returns to the Briarwood, an
unforgettable place where legacy and longing make dreams
come true.
Jane Pringle never meant to fall for her boss. After landing
a job as a pastry chef at the exclusive Briarwood Golf and
Yacht Club in Eastbridge, Connecticut, she just wants to
keep her son in a good school district and find some peace
and quiet, far away from her manipulative ex-husband. But
when Briarwood’s charismatic co-owner takes an interest in
her, Jane’s best-laid plans go awry . . . in the sweetest
way possible.
Rich and handsome, the grandson of one of the most powerful
men in New York City, Preston North hasn’t lived quite the
charmed life everyone believes. His family taught him
everything he needs to know about betrayal—and Press wants
no more of it. What he wants is Jane. The gorgeous single
mom is selfless and kind, plus she’s got a backbone. To win
her trust, Press just needs to shake off his playboy reputation.
They’ve each been burned in the past. But now Press and Jane
will have to choose between letting their fears get the best
of them . . . or breaking free and following their hearts.
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