Abuse is a vicious cycle and many do not understand the cycle. This is a well written story that takes the cycle into account. A very emotional read.
Many thanks to AuthorBuzz and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Paige Dearth writes some very tough stories. It can be sometimes really hard to get through the trauma and abuse that she writes about. They really gut you. I do like learning what life is like for some people. It's important to know that not all people live a safe and healthy life. I liked how Alessa's story from Believe Like a Child was entwined with Emma's.

This book will draw you in completely away from reality. The real feeling it gives you will emotionally get you. The book is well written. As well as hard to put down much less walk away from.

This was a hard book to read let alone write a review for.

I can say yes I had a hard time reading this book I think if one didn't one would have to question why. I didn't like the beginning all that much it was more about facts than story or so it seemed to me but once Emma got out on the streets the story and characters seemed to open up a bit more, though it did do some skipping around so we didn't get to see what happened in the years between. I do praise Paige for talking about such a tough subject especially when one has lived through some of the horrors I know I would have a hard time of it. If I did I feel it would be more about the facts than the story and almost no emotion. I think one of the reasons why the beginning of the book was so tough for me is that Emma's mother has some qualities that are a lot like my own mother. I am glad I made myself read it all, even though I went slow, that was more personal reasons than the writing. I am so happy when others pain and anger turn into something wonderful, pain and anger do not have to be destructive they can help motivate you and strive to create. I can not wait to read the other novels by this author, though I will have to take some time in between each of them.

The end though I at first was like she is a stronger person than I and then it turned and I was like yea that is more like it! Some times it is hard to be the better person, especially when other people make it easy not to be. That is why I feel so many people get lost in drugs and alcohol as well, not to mention murder, they find it easier and better than living with what they went through.