Reader Comments

The following is typical of the comments Evelyn regularly receives from readers:

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My goodness. I don't think anyone has written this poignantly, this beautifully since John Steinbeck. I'm certain you're going to cause a sensation. Love and hugs - e

Esther Luttrell

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It's Drama with the tension of a thriller that moves deeply into the emotional territory of family ties.

Mary Hawthorne

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Read your book every moment possible, day and night..

The best book I've read for years. This stunning novel you have written plums the depths of your families pain and hope, evoking love's risks and rewards. A nightmare for Evelyn and her family testing the ties binding people together and the wounds ripping them apart.

Sit up, "Take a deep breath, this riveting story won't let you come up for air".
Love Ya!!

Durwood Forte

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Dear Evelyn,

Finished your book last night. It was one of the best ones I have read in a long, long time. I feel like I have known you for a lot of years. How you ever managed to hold out on that man for thirty years, I will never know. I know our children make us do things we would not normally do, I think in this case, it was your children that gave you the strength to hang in there for the long haul. I was so happy when Lawrence let you get out. So sorry you lost your son, that was really one thing that is hard for parents to get through. And am happy you had a few good years with a good man G. W. My daughter Jeanne is coming to pick it up after work today.....I think she will benefit from reading it. Then Jim and his wife want to read it. After that I will give it to my 2 other daughters-in-law, and pass it on to my friends. But it is one book I will want to read again. I was so lucky to have a husband who always put me first. I thank God for that everyday....we were childhood sweethearts. And never lost the love that God gave us. And am thankful for the 5 wonderful children, we have. Without them I would never have got through his death. They are my life now. And the gran-children of course. Wonderful kids, 2 have graduated college already and 3 started just this Sept. Thank You, for sharing your life. I hope we will continue to be friends. God Bless You, and keep you in his loving care.
I look forward to your next book.

Love, Jean

PS - I hope someone gives your daughter a chance to make a demo of her song. And maybe someday I will hear it on the radio,
and I can buy the disc.

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A must read, December 5, 2003

Reviewer:

"mrpeepersca" (Lake Elsinore, ca United States)

I recently read Evelyn's book and I couldn't put it down once I started reading. This book is a must read for anyone that is in what they feel is a hopeless situation involving domestic violence. She really took me with her on her journey while I read this book. She shows us all there is hope and a life after living through these kinds of horrors.

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A Life Saver., August 13, 2003

Reviewer:

Carol Holden (Burnley, Lancashire England)

After reading this book, I passed it on to my friend to read. She has suffered domestic violence from her husband for several years. After she read the book, she found the courage to leave her husband and is now safe and happy. Thank you Evelyn for having the courage to write this book. It is truly a life saver. May God always bless you.

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Couldn't Put It Down!, November 12, 2002

Reviewer:

Christine Lydon "barry2661" (Mountain Home, AR United States)

Evelyn Stewart has excelled in sharing the effects of abuse on the family. She opened her life to share with us how family violence was passed from generation to generation until one woman was ready to say "enough is enough." This book keeps the reader spell bound. I would recommend this book to anyone, but particularly the woman that thinks she is in a hopeless situation. Evelyn shows with faith and fortitude, anything is possible.

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Totally Blown Away, October 27, 2002

Reviewer:

Laurie Geroux (Hesperia, Ca. United States)

I've always been one to read a book that teaches me something and reveals the life of a person who lives or lived a life of interest. Evelyn is one of those people. She deserves to be heard. Domestic Violence is something we don't always hear about because I believe we've turned a deaf ear on the subject. I for one didn't believe it happened like this. It's hard for the average person to phantom the rage any one person could project toward someone they are suppose to love, honor and cherish. The way Evelyn tells her story is not only a history lesson but it is her true to life account of what she lived through. Some will say "why didn't she leave him?" Other's will say "I applaud her courage and I understand." Today more than ever this horror needs to be exposed for what it is. The suffering has to stop and people need to be courageous enough to run and hide from domestic violence. Every man, woman and child will benefit from Evelyn's story and realize that the silence and hiding of such a crime is only perpetuating the violence.
If this book becomes a movie it is a sure blockbuster. The way Evelyn relates her life story is a movie on pages. This book deserves to be read whether a victim or a survivor, the average person or not, it is an eye-opener. I never got the full picture when I read this book. It has made me aware and has equipped me with knowledge and compassion to help anyone who might be suffering in the life of domestic violence. This book is a must read for anyone with the heart of compassion and anyone who would choose to expose the ugly truth that goes on behind closed doors all over the world.

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My Personal Thoughts, October 27, 2002

Reviewer:

Mable Adams (Greenville, S.C. USA)

I am an avid reader of all sorts of books. Once in a great while, a book comes along everyone should read Evelyn's book . It's well written, encouraging to victims of abuse. Reveals the courage of this lady. A fantastic book, that keep you on the edge of your seat. I thank Evelyn, who had the interest of other women in abusive situations, for writing this wonderful book. Thanks, Evelyn!!

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A Good Book To Read!

Pat (Belle077@aol.com), A reviewer, September 2, 2003,

I thought the book was well written and shows what domestic violence does to families. What Evelyn went though was hell. Hell on earth. The fear she must have felt no one knows but others who have been in her shoes. She lived with a monster for 25 years. I'm glad that she made it out alive. That was a miracle. She has helped me a lot by reading her book and being my friend. Both of us have similar stories. I recommend this book to every woman and man who has been abused in their lifetime. Not just people who have been abused. It's a good book to help anyone who may have a daughter, sister, child, or friend who is in an abusive situation. And for those who have never been in this type of situation became aware of domestic abuse.

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Been There!

Martha Miranda Miller (mmm_nest@mindspring.com), I own a restaurant in SC, September 2, 2003,

Been there!
It takes a lot of courage for anyone to make public such private and personal sorrows of one's life, making one vulnerable to all manners of criticisms and unkind remarks. So I cannot praise Evelyn enough for lifting up the banner of abuse that might save anyone or someone from becoming a victim, a headline, a statistic. I myself have purchased this book and given it to a woman in such a situation. The true statistics of abuse are like seeing but the tip of an iceberg with all of the miles and miles of ice hidden underneath of the water, BUT, the tip only proves the depth of the iceberg. It's there. We need to melt it, so we do not have to bury its victims!

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Survivor of DV

Colleen Sauter (Cawhs4Him5@aol.com), an author, survivor of DV. June 30, 2003,

Evelyn's Story takes a hard look at domestic violence. It brings one up lose, personal, with the author's personal life experience. Harrowing, nail biting, and hair raising non-fiction. But, although it is an autobiographical account, it speaks a universal language to all who are or have been in abusive relationships. Every DV shelter should have a copy on their shelves, in my opinion. It should be required reading for all of the thousands of the volunteers who answer the DV crises lines.