Vanessa Gallagher had an abusive father. She lived with her mother Darla, and her father, Clyde, on the wrong side of the creek. Her brother Junior ran the “bait” shop her father stayed too drunk to take care of. Vanessa worked in town at The Porcelain Teapot for a wonderful woman named Julia Calvin. She was saving her money little by little to enable her to move out of her father’s house. She knew, however, that her mother would be in more trouble if she left home.

Chad James, owner of Chadwick Builders was a neighbour to the Gallagher place. He drove the shortest distance from his home to the one he was building every day—twice, at least. That took him by Vanessa’s pitiful home place. Chad had always felt Vanessa was a fine woman. He hated to see her so shut off from society. When he picked her up one afternoon while she was walking home, he witnessed the after-effects of her father’s abuse to her mother.

Ms. Miley has penned (or typed) an exciting look at a big problem in our society. Her characters were strong, believable, and impressive. The offensive character—Clyde, Vanessa’s father—was so realistic. This was also true of the battered wife, the neglected son, and the abused daughter.

I highly recommend that readers rush to get this book. You will definitely be thrilled when you read it. Thanks, Ms. Miley, for sharing your insight into this poignant situation.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Sweet

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
March 13, 2010