Feature Friday: Nobody Knows – Rebecca Barber

 Gillian Dempsey must find a reason to go on…

Easier said than done after a rare virus robs her of both parents. Left alone and confused, the mourning nineteen-year-old flees to her three best friends, who receive her with open arms.

Her parents give her more than an inheritance—they give her a second chance at life…

When Gillian is left with some properties in her parents’ will, she assigns them to a real estate agent to manage. Joel Matthews takes the job, but he quickly becomes more than a business associate. After a string of fortunate coincidences, Gillian and Joel spend a passionate night together—after which Joel all but vanishes from her life.

But they still have unfinished business, and Gillian won’t allow him to slip away—especially with her heart.

Life is a roller coaster of tragedy and joy…

Gillian reels him in, and soon the two are married. Gillian’s heart expands even more when they receive the news of their first pregnancy. But after the baby is born, things aren’t the same. Joel becomes distant…resentful. And then the abuse begins. Darkness consumes their marriage—only to get worse.

While Gillian tries to hold her family together, it seems Joel is doing everything to tear them apart. But just one slip of his temper makes all the difference, because this time, there’s no turning back.

Maybe being abused can be endured, as long as Nobody Knows…until someone ends up dead.

Amazon

Amazon UK

Kindle AU 

Paperback US

 

This story grabs you from the first line.
The acceptance, fear and guilt Gillian feels is evident as soon as we meet her and as her story unfolds, the reasons why are hauntingly clear. This isn’t an easy subject to write about or read but the author creates a poignant, thought provoking story without sensationalism. The writing is sensitive and the characters realistic and easy to relate to.
Joel is all surface glamour and no depth but it’s easy to see how he would attract Gillian, young and newly bereaved. Gillian is at an all time low when she meets Joel and never really manages to achieve her full potential. A victim of abuse she displays classic denial but although some of her actions are hard to support they are understandable.
Joel displays lack of insight and is completely self-centred. He is easy to hate.
The other women in Gillian’s life are vibrant and care about her even when she lies to them and pushes them out of her life. The see-sawing of Gillian’s relationship with her friends illustrates their powerlessness perfectly. If she hides the truth from them, they can’t help.
Joel’s mother is the most conflicted of the characters, Gillian sees her as a saviour but is Adele more motivated out of guilt than compassion?
The menace and suspense in this story is excellent and even though domestic abuse is not an easy story to write, this book succeeds right up to the riveting end.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

Rebecca, one of four kids to her parents who are both primary school teachers, was born in Wollongong on the south coast of Australia before moving to the country with her family. After a few years of embracing all that country life had to offer, the family relocated to Port Macquarie with its white sand beaches. After a brief period enjoying the sun and the surf they finally settled in Canberra where Rebecca still lives today. But all through her childhood a notepad and a book where never far away. These days Rebecca is an avid reader, and when she isn’t buried in a book or cheering on her beloved football team she’s spending time with her husband Robert and their overly spoilt dog Levi.

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

Goodreads