Reviewed by Noriah I. for Readers' Favorite

This is a story of abuse. The family was happy and loving until the widowed mother remarried. The new husband, Warren Tucker was a pastor. He tortured and raped the girls.

Amy and her brother Lee return to the beach house to scatter the ashes of their baby sister. Lee feels the weight of guilty, blaming himself for the Darla’s death many years ago. He hopes digging up the child and reburying her will give Amy some comfort and closure. Amy is writing her memoir hoping it will help release her from the past. Lee drowns his sorrow and feelings of guilt in a bottle.

Lee was a teenager when he sought his revenge on the abuser. He hoped by leaving proof of the abuse in the church hymnals would in some way stop the abuse. It had the opposite effect, the abuse escalated.

This book shines light on the issue of child abuse. Child abuse of course affects children but it stays with them long into their adult years. Often an abused person will turn to drugs, alcohol and suicide. An abused person will usually be an abuser.

I struggle to understand how anyone can abuse a child. I don’t think I am capable of understanding it. Amy Macon’s words will tear at the reader’s heart. This is a story that needs to be told. I had to keep reminding myself this is a work of fiction. Well written, well developed with a dynamic plot what more could a reader ask for.