Available Books
Overview
In a small lakeside town in Iowa where everyone smiles and no one asks questions, Tessa has perfected the art of staying small, moving carefully, speaking softly, and hiding bruises beneath long sleaves. Her life revolves around keeping the peace for her two daughters, living by instincts shaped by tension and restraint.
Some days, survival looks like making coffee the right way.
Some days, it looks like holding her breath until the house goes still again.
But then there are unexpected and dangerous moments when the world reminds her of who she used to be.
A best friend who refuses to give up on her.
A tattoo shop filled with color, warmth, and noise.
A quiet man who looks at her like she exists beyond fear.
As Tessa begins to step, cautiously, back into the world, she is forced to confront an impossible truth, staying is destroying her, but leaving may be the most dangerous choice of all.
After the Bruises is a raw, emotionally intimate novel about domestic abuse, motherhood, and the slow, terrifying work of reclaiming yourself. It is not a story of instant rescue or easy love, but of survival measured in breaths, small rebellions, and the courage it takes to imagine a different life.
Reader Reviews
★★★★☆
“I recommend this new author. Abuse is a hard subject to write about, but this believable love story kept me wanting to read more. I loved all the characters and I’m excited this will be a series.”
— Goodreads Review
★★★★★
“So good! Author depicts what it's like to be in a DV marriage, especially with the struggles and guilt of leaving or not leaving for the kids and being in the grasp of your abusers manipulation tactics. I don't want to give away spoilers so I won't say much but would definitely recommend.”
— Goodreads Review
★★★★★
“Could not put it down. Easy to follow. Great story. Can't wait for the next one. Not one negative thing to it.”
— Goodreads Review
★★★★★
“I loved this book. The characters felt relatable and real, and I cried several times while reading. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait for the story to continue.”
— Amazon Reviewer
★★★★★
“I would highly recommend this book to readers interested in trauma recovery, mental health awareness, military experiences, or anyone looking to better understand the strength it takes to survive and heal.”
— Amazon Reviewer