Alison's Journey
By Amey S. Tippett
Publish America
172 pages
ISBN: 1-4137-4007-3
Alison Shaw finally accepts the fact that her husband will always be abusive. She has no other choice but to pack her bags and get her two cats ready to move on.
Three days later she comes to a stop in Grabill, Ohio. Eric Shaw is 2,000 miles behind her in Los Angeles. What's ahead is uncertain, but for the first time in Alison's life she is in control. That is until her car demands to be fixed at the first gas station she can find. There she meets Tyler, a rude mechanic who considers her a spoiled rich girl. Tyler later regrets their first encounter.
In this friendly, little town, one that loves gossip, but would do anything for a neighbor, Alison hooks up with Tyler's sister, Jessica. She just happens to have an apartment to rent above her antique store.
Jessica tells her about an opening for a position as a second grade teacher in the local elementary school. No sooner does she apply for the position does she get the job. It does seem that fate guided her to this comfortable, small town and welcomed her with open arms.
With a bank account, apartment and a suitable job to earn a living Alison can realistically make a home for herself here.
In no time at all, Tyler's family welcomes Alison into their lives during Fourth of July festivities. Tyler quickly realizes that he shouldn't be considering an intimate relationship with a married woman, but he sees how natural it is for her to be a part of their little circle. He wants to have a family of his own. Sooner or later a decision has to be made.
ALISON'S JOURNEY is about one woman's courage to break out of the vicious circle of domestic abuse. Alison's life actually begins when she leaves her husband. What makes it work is her determination to be in control of her own life. And there is the constant looking over her shoulder and fear that Eric will find her. Having her own money and the education to support herself kind of made it too easy for her to settle into a very different lifestyle. You care about the well being of the characters and hope through all Alison endures that there will be a happy ending.
--4 out of 5 homework assignments
Denise Fleischer, gottawritenetwork.com
January 19, 2006
c D. Fleischer & GWN
