It takes a woman an average of twenty attempts to break free
of an abusive relationship, according to information provided by the local
women’s shelter.
So when Allie gets caught up with Carbon in my novel SHADOW
RIDERS, it should come as no surprise that getting out from under his control
takes the entire book...and (perhaps) then some.
It is not, however, a reality that all appreciate. As in
society at large, many readers put the onus on Allie to break free and are
frustrated by her failed attempts.
It has bothered me for a long time that people blame women
in abusive relationships for their troubles, their pain, their murders. “Why
didn’t she just leave?”
My intent in writing SHADOW RIDERS was to explore the ties
that keep women in violent relationships. In the SHADOW RIDERS’ Afterword I
write, “It’s my hope Allie’s story helps both the victims of domestic violence and
their communities understand the mental and emotional processes involved in the
bonding between abused and abuser. May this understanding empower victims to
break free and encourage us all to support them until they find the strength to
do so.”
This intent is, of course, wrapped in an entertaining story
that circumnavigates the globe, involves biker gangs, murders, espionage, drug trafficking,
and the maligning of Canadian justice...among other things.
This month you can get the eBook here for half price in a format
for any device during Smashwords’ Summer/Winter Sale.
Abusive relationships...has been brought to you by SHADOW RIDERS.
"Love for an abuser is a mystery...but Schuh carries us so thoroughly into Allison’s mind...we almost understand.
"Shadow Riders is a thriller with depth and weight and fully explored characters"
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