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  • Author J. D. Mason takes readers on Ruth's unforgettable journey to self-actualization through a riveting and sometimes tense plot filled with some very appealing and memorable characters. When asked what challenges she faced when creating this story, she will tell you, "I wanted Ruth Johnson to be ... Continue

    Author J. D. Mason takes readers on Ruth's unforgettable journey to self-actualization through a riveting and sometimes tense plot filled with some very appealing and memorable characters. When asked what challenges she faced when creating this story, she will tell you, "I wanted Ruth Johnson to be a heroine. She had to be a woman who'd overcome some monumental odds and come out on top." Well, Ruth Johnson is an unforgettable heroine. This is a story I believe every woman should read . . . great debut novel!

    http://www.thegritsbookclub.com/Reviews/AndOnTh...

    

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• ― thegrits said on Apr 13, 2008 about the Paperback edition| Add your feedback

What happens after the abuse ends?

This is the question fueling one African American woman's journey on the road to self-discovery. Ruth Johnson has finally left her abusive husband of 14 years and jumped feet first into "What the hell do I do now?" oblivion. As much as she'd like to, Ruth finds that letting go of the past is easier said than done. Over the years, dodging the bullets of her husbands anger has become second nature and Ruth soon realizes that long after the physical scars disappear, the emotional scars have lingered on and shaped her into the woman she has become. But is this the woman she truly is? It's not easy learning to love yourself when you've been taught to believe you aren't worth loving. However, Ruth quickly begins to see the truth buried deep beneath the lies. The truth that little treasures are sometimes where you least expect to find them; in the company of good friends, winning the battle in fighting for a worthy cause, spending a quiet night alone sipping on a cup of hot tea, listening to some good jazz, and finally...falling in love. Ultimately, the return of her ex-husband and another of his vicious attacks is no longer powerful enough to break Ruth and her new foundation.

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