Karen Leroy

I Heard the Bells Karen Leroy

SYNOPSISThis is a story of survival and growth. After enduring over a decade of physical and mental abuse Pippa is brought to the depths of despair. Nevertheless feeling abandoned by the universe and God (if he existed), manages to finally escape the violence, but Pippa still finds herself alone with overwhelming responsibilities of a family she is ill equipped to deal with on her own still being but a child herself. Until that is, two strangers knock on her door and her life sets off in a new direction, one of hope, direction and lifelong education. They teach her about her origins and purpose in life. Soon she is adopted into a worldwide extended gospel family eager to help her reach her true potential. They help her learn to forgive, overcome bitterness and social ineptness, she finds a true friend who helps her develop still further in her personal success and independence, something she never could have allowed herself to dream she was capable of before. Although this is a work of fiction it has been based on real events and experiences. And dedicated to the untold stories of the abuse cycle some people get trapped in. Not all of them have a Cinderella endings as the news of violent deaths are still common in the media. Abuse does come in cycles I have observed because, one may escape an abuser but then having low self -esteem, and vulnerability attracts other abusers who target them knowing they will be swept off their feet by a kind word!! So what about all those little success stories you never hear about? Just putting one's life back together after the trauma of spousal abuse and sometimes very much against all odds, is a major achievement that takes courage, patience and a lot of hard work and yes sometimes therapy. They are the quiet warriors of this world and deserve our admiration. To anyone this book resonates with I admire you, applaud you and wish you all the best. You are not alone nor should you feel your success is diminished by the great success stories you hear about, you are no less successful, or worthy of recognition.