Cries of Innocence by Angela Beach Silverthorne (5 stars)

About Cries of Innocence

In the small coastal community of Silverton, an evil presence resides. Over time most residents have grown numb to its insidious and subtle presence. A few have resisted.

Seventeen-year-old Bren has lived a life of abuse, discrimination, and exclusion. She blames her father, the town drunk, for every misery she has ever endured. Instead of surviving within her situation like others do, Bren is fiery mad and begins to push against a system she can’t begin to understand. When her efforts fail, she decides to escape with her mom. They never make it.

Bren is whisked away to The Haven, home of her paternal grandmother, GG. Under her tutelage, Bren is awakened to a destiny she could have never envisioned. She learns about truth and witnesses another side of life. In the process of self-discovery, she has to deal with her own weaknesses, fears, and unforgiveness.

As evil approaches Bren asks, “Who are we up against?” The answer strikes deep within her breast.

Can she stand firm? Can she look into the eyes of hate and forgive? If she can’t, her greatest fear will be realized.

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Review

Bren hasn't had it easy. She's the daughter of the town drunk, her mom looks the other way, and Bren's boyfriend wants what she's not ready to give. Unable to stand it any longer, and feeling very alone, she can't wait to get a one-way ticket out of town.

With all her struggles, she can't imagine things getting worse. Yet they do. There's an evil brewing, and Bren will need some powerful teaching to stand up to it. Thanks to help from unlucky sources, Bren becomes stronger. But will it be enough?

Every once in a while, I read a book I know will really impact readers. Beyond the well-executed storyline, the characters, the good writing, this book will resonate with people and stay with them long after the last page. 

Abuse, both physical and mention, is sadly what too many young women have to face. Evil is real. But there's hope. This story showcases that. But, note, there are mature situations. Most of the book, my heart broke for Bren and her mother. I wanted to tell them to run and get away from the pain. But staying to fight, especially with a power all of us can access, was inspiring. I love these characters.

If you believe in the power of the human spirit, in the power of faith and belief, I highly recommend Cries of Innocence. It's a journey, and one you won't soon forget.

Rating: 5 stars

About the Author

Angela Beach Silverthorne is the co-author of the award-winning novel, Depression Cookies, and author of a poetry book, Promises Seeded Inside. Her short stories and poetry have been featured in numerous magazines and websites. She is currently writing the sequel to Cries of Innocence.

Angela and her husband of 45 years, Dallas, live in eastern North Carolina with their Boston terrier, Miss Lillie. They are the parents of three daughters and have nine grandchildren who often beg her to tell them “one more story.” She has a special place in her heart for women who are victims of abuse, brokenness, insecurity, and self-doubt.

Find out more on her blog and Facebook.

Note: I edited this book through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.