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Where Would I Be
Once separated by time and iron bars James is now back and claiming to be a changed man. But for every time Lisa says "no" a little more of who he really is resurfaces. James Harris is the man Lisa Jenson thought she would marry. He turned out to be the man who almost kill her. Twice!
483 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Laura T. Johnson
7 books41 followers Laura T. Johnson is the author of Where Would I Be, Unbalanced Series, and To Love Again. Laura was first bitten by the writing bug six years ago. While reading her journal she began to realize that her story could possibly help others who were going through the same thing.
In 2006, Laura was the victim of an abusive relationship that lasted for two and half years. The relationship was volatile from the beginning. While in this relationship, Laura contemplated suicide almost on a daily basis. If asked, she would immediately tell you that what kept her from going through with suicide were her mother and younger brother. “I couldn’t leave them with that much pain, no matter what I was going through.”
In 2009, Laura began to write her first novel. She thought, as her mother had told her many times before that she was not the only woman who had or will ever go through something like this. After filling up four notebooks, she decided that she might have a book on her hands. Laura went on to make the necessary changes to her writing and started letting others read her work.
When those who’d read her work wanted to read more, she knew she had something good on her hands. Laura has continued her writing and the outcome has been one compelling story after another. She continues to keep her fans wanting more! She resides in Tennessee where she is an advocate against domestic violence.
In 2006, Laura was the victim of an abusive relationship that lasted for two and half years. The relationship was volatile from the beginning. While in this relationship, Laura contemplated suicide almost on a daily basis. If asked, she would immediately tell you that what kept her from going through with suicide were her mother and younger brother. “I couldn’t leave them with that much pain, no matter what I was going through.”
In 2009, Laura began to write her first novel. She thought, as her mother had told her many times before that she was not the only woman who had or will ever go through something like this. After filling up four notebooks, she decided that she might have a book on her hands. Laura went on to make the necessary changes to her writing and started letting others read her work.
When those who’d read her work wanted to read more, she knew she had something good on her hands. Laura has continued her writing and the outcome has been one compelling story after another. She continues to keep her fans wanting more! She resides in Tennessee where she is an advocate against domestic violence.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 24, 2015
Title: Where Would I Be
Author: Laura Johnson
Publisher: L.A.B.Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Where Would I Be" by Laura Johnson
My Thoughts....
What a story this author gives the reader quite a story of Lisa Jenson and Marcella [Marc] Cavell. 'Where Would I Be' entails a little bit of it all from 'love, manipulation, possessiveness, triumph, loss, drama, depression, strength, family, friends and to redemption.' This story will put one on quite a horrible emotional ride of a survivor's life of domestic abuse. Who will survive? This author really does a good job with relating this story to her readers being once herself caught up not once but twice in domestic violence where it touches parents and even children too. Many questions will be identified and answered in this read that will be a great help with anyone going through domestic abuse or one knowing someone who has been a victim .... such as 'Is there life after domestic violence?' How will this love story work its way out? Will this James Harris change for he good or what? This is where I say you will have to pick up this good read to see for yourself how well this author brings it all out to the reader. Will this heroine be able to to love again? I loved how this author brings out Lisa's strengths. This was a very touching story that as you read one can quickly be caught up in the emotions of it all where it will feel so real. This is definitely a good read that I would recommend and knowing that 'true love will conquer all.
Author: Laura Johnson
Publisher: L.A.B.Publishing
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Where Would I Be" by Laura Johnson
My Thoughts....
What a story this author gives the reader quite a story of Lisa Jenson and Marcella [Marc] Cavell. 'Where Would I Be' entails a little bit of it all from 'love, manipulation, possessiveness, triumph, loss, drama, depression, strength, family, friends and to redemption.' This story will put one on quite a horrible emotional ride of a survivor's life of domestic abuse. Who will survive? This author really does a good job with relating this story to her readers being once herself caught up not once but twice in domestic violence where it touches parents and even children too. Many questions will be identified and answered in this read that will be a great help with anyone going through domestic abuse or one knowing someone who has been a victim .... such as 'Is there life after domestic violence?' How will this love story work its way out? Will this James Harris change for he good or what? This is where I say you will have to pick up this good read to see for yourself how well this author brings it all out to the reader. Will this heroine be able to to love again? I loved how this author brings out Lisa's strengths. This was a very touching story that as you read one can quickly be caught up in the emotions of it all where it will feel so real. This is definitely a good read that I would recommend and knowing that 'true love will conquer all.
September 22, 2014
Extremely Timely and Encouraging Read
Laura T. Johnson’s novel, “Where Would I Be,” is a tale of the journey of Lisa Jenson and Marcello ‘Marc’ Cavell as they navigate relationships, separately then together. The two are co-workers for a very prestigious investment banking firm. Marc has had his eye on Lisa since she started there six years ago but the timing for them never matched up, or so he thought. Things progress when they work late one Friday night and both eventually take a chance. As one consumes this enticing novel, they learn whether their chance is worth it.
“Where Would I Be” is an extremely timely and encouraging read. Ms. Johnson penned a story of love, triumph, strength, family, friends, and growth. As much as I enjoyed this story, it saddens me to have to say that due to faulty editing it was frustrating to read at times. I recommend that Ms. Johnson get it edited and release it again. It is definitely a powerful tale.
Reviewed by: Rhea
Laura T. Johnson’s novel, “Where Would I Be,” is a tale of the journey of Lisa Jenson and Marcello ‘Marc’ Cavell as they navigate relationships, separately then together. The two are co-workers for a very prestigious investment banking firm. Marc has had his eye on Lisa since she started there six years ago but the timing for them never matched up, or so he thought. Things progress when they work late one Friday night and both eventually take a chance. As one consumes this enticing novel, they learn whether their chance is worth it.
“Where Would I Be” is an extremely timely and encouraging read. Ms. Johnson penned a story of love, triumph, strength, family, friends, and growth. As much as I enjoyed this story, it saddens me to have to say that due to faulty editing it was frustrating to read at times. I recommend that Ms. Johnson get it edited and release it again. It is definitely a powerful tale.
Reviewed by: Rhea
February 12, 2021
A Wonderful Ending
This was a beautiful love story. I laughed and cried throughout. Such a great ending for such a strong woman.
This was a beautiful love story. I laughed and cried throughout. Such a great ending for such a strong woman.
October 8, 2011
Headline: I had to keep going....
What do you do when the person you love so much, delivers an hour of hatred to your body? What happens when your pain is so deep that you want to die? Can you escape this and become a productive citizen in society?
Meet Lisa Jenson who as the book opens recites words she has heard most of her life. “You’ll learn, just keep on living.” Words that her mother would repeat over and over and now have become her mantra for living. She is 28 years old, an Investment Banker at Morgan & Peterson and very successful. Her colleague the handsome Mr. Cavell is 30 something. He was born Marcello “Marc” Cavell, but only his mother and Lisa has the privilege to call him Marcello. He too is an Investment Banker; he has worked for Morgan & Peterson for eight years.
Lisa believes she is living the life, single and successful; and she believes she is happy. Her friends; Nicole, Pat and Carol will say otherwise. She is surrounded by friends and family who keep it real. Unfortunately her ex James Harris enjoys tormenting and teasing Lisa. His antics continue to escalate the more Lisa gets involved in a new relationship. Years ago James beat her so bad it landed him a bid in jail. Now he’s back trying to prove to her that he has changed, but what he fails to realize is he is only showing Lisa how much he remained the same. It’s amazing how Lisa pressed forward after the abuse she endured by a fist that proclaimed love. For those of us who are experiencing or have experienced abuse should take note of the strength Lisa has.
Where Would I Be, was a wonderful read Johnson created characters and relationship that felt real. I believed every emotion. It didn’t matter whether the character was good or bad their story was full of LIFE. With James you knew exactly what was coming, there were no surprises with him. This doesn’t mean that his character wasn’t complex oh it was, but his disease was transparent. But what Ms. Johnson did with Marc and James blew me away, the contrast between the 2 characters was like oil and water, and you needed both for balance in the story. At times the story was a little drawn out but I understood why the author did this and you will too. Johnson takes the reader through the valleys of abuse to the roaring mountains of victory.
My favorite quote in the book was when Lisa was talking to Marc in the very beginning of their relationship. They were talking about Lisa invitation to him to join her at church on Sunday. She said another one of her mother truism in reference to going to church with your beaus: “because if they don’t care about your soul, they won’t care about your heart.” Now doesn’t it make you go ummmm?
PDF copy provided by the author for the purpose of this review.
Missy
Readers Paradise
4 book makrs
What do you do when the person you love so much, delivers an hour of hatred to your body? What happens when your pain is so deep that you want to die? Can you escape this and become a productive citizen in society?
Meet Lisa Jenson who as the book opens recites words she has heard most of her life. “You’ll learn, just keep on living.” Words that her mother would repeat over and over and now have become her mantra for living. She is 28 years old, an Investment Banker at Morgan & Peterson and very successful. Her colleague the handsome Mr. Cavell is 30 something. He was born Marcello “Marc” Cavell, but only his mother and Lisa has the privilege to call him Marcello. He too is an Investment Banker; he has worked for Morgan & Peterson for eight years.
Lisa believes she is living the life, single and successful; and she believes she is happy. Her friends; Nicole, Pat and Carol will say otherwise. She is surrounded by friends and family who keep it real. Unfortunately her ex James Harris enjoys tormenting and teasing Lisa. His antics continue to escalate the more Lisa gets involved in a new relationship. Years ago James beat her so bad it landed him a bid in jail. Now he’s back trying to prove to her that he has changed, but what he fails to realize is he is only showing Lisa how much he remained the same. It’s amazing how Lisa pressed forward after the abuse she endured by a fist that proclaimed love. For those of us who are experiencing or have experienced abuse should take note of the strength Lisa has.
Where Would I Be, was a wonderful read Johnson created characters and relationship that felt real. I believed every emotion. It didn’t matter whether the character was good or bad their story was full of LIFE. With James you knew exactly what was coming, there were no surprises with him. This doesn’t mean that his character wasn’t complex oh it was, but his disease was transparent. But what Ms. Johnson did with Marc and James blew me away, the contrast between the 2 characters was like oil and water, and you needed both for balance in the story. At times the story was a little drawn out but I understood why the author did this and you will too. Johnson takes the reader through the valleys of abuse to the roaring mountains of victory.
My favorite quote in the book was when Lisa was talking to Marc in the very beginning of their relationship. They were talking about Lisa invitation to him to join her at church on Sunday. She said another one of her mother truism in reference to going to church with your beaus: “because if they don’t care about your soul, they won’t care about your heart.” Now doesn’t it make you go ummmm?
PDF copy provided by the author for the purpose of this review.
Missy
Readers Paradise
4 book makrs
May 7, 2012
In her debut novel, Where Would I Be, Laura T. Johnson, takes us on an emotional journey into the psyche of a survivor of domestic abuse. Lisa Jenson, a successful Investment Banker at Morgan & Peterson, has finally put her abusive past behind her - or so she thinks. Afraid to love again, Lisa takes a six-year break from relationships; that is, until her strikingly handsome colleague, Marcello "Marc" Cavell, catches her attention. Try as she might, Lisa soon finds out that her feelings for Marc are stronger than her restraint.
After serving three years behind bars for beating Lisa within an inch of her life, James Harris resurfaces with aspirations of reconciliation. She continues to reject James' assertions that he is a changed man, and after much prodding, decides to give love another try with Marc. Her decision only serves to fuel James' obsession: "I'll see you dead before I see you with someone else..."
Laura T. Johnson's, Where Would I Be, is a heartfelt story of love, loss and redemption. Her characters and relationships were believable and relatable. While well written, there were a few choices that detracted from the story. Firstly, at times, it became difficult to tell who was speaking during conversations. This is an easy fix for the author. Secondly, many of the sex scenes (and they were hot!) had repetitions such as "whispered against her lips" and "hard against her inner thigh". Again, this is another easy fix for the author. Lastly, aside from the author telling the reader the ethnicity of a few of the characters, there was no clear differentiation in vernacular, preferences or mannerisms. Personally, I would have liked to have seen a clearer delineation between the ethnicities.
Despite these detractions, Johnson still managed to weave a powerful story of one woman's struggle to love again. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone who has experienced abuse or is looking for a romantic love story. I admire Johnson for her bravery in allowing us a peek into her personal experiences with abuse, and I suspect, a peek into the heart of a woman who still believes in love despite almost having it beat out of her.
J'son M. Lee, Reviewer
After serving three years behind bars for beating Lisa within an inch of her life, James Harris resurfaces with aspirations of reconciliation. She continues to reject James' assertions that he is a changed man, and after much prodding, decides to give love another try with Marc. Her decision only serves to fuel James' obsession: "I'll see you dead before I see you with someone else..."
Laura T. Johnson's, Where Would I Be, is a heartfelt story of love, loss and redemption. Her characters and relationships were believable and relatable. While well written, there were a few choices that detracted from the story. Firstly, at times, it became difficult to tell who was speaking during conversations. This is an easy fix for the author. Secondly, many of the sex scenes (and they were hot!) had repetitions such as "whispered against her lips" and "hard against her inner thigh". Again, this is another easy fix for the author. Lastly, aside from the author telling the reader the ethnicity of a few of the characters, there was no clear differentiation in vernacular, preferences or mannerisms. Personally, I would have liked to have seen a clearer delineation between the ethnicities.
Despite these detractions, Johnson still managed to weave a powerful story of one woman's struggle to love again. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone who has experienced abuse or is looking for a romantic love story. I admire Johnson for her bravery in allowing us a peek into her personal experiences with abuse, and I suspect, a peek into the heart of a woman who still believes in love despite almost having it beat out of her.
J'son M. Lee, Reviewer
March 7, 2013
I love this book and the author. Loosely based on true events, "Where Would I Be" tells the story of survival. However, the thing I love most about "Where Would I Be" is Laura took the time to give a voice to the family and friends of domestic violence survivors."Where Would I Be" discusses how domestic violence relationships touches everyone from parents to children. No one gets out alone and this story drives that point home. Each character has wit and an individual voice. It was the each character's distinctive voice which made reading the dialogue and conversations easy. This book is a must read for everyone from the girlfriend who asks, "why does she keep going back?" to the mother who wonders, "Does she know I love her?". "Where Would I Be" is such an encouragement. As Laura's debut piece it is the shining example of her motto: there is life after domestic violence.
October 10, 2014
Once separated by iron bars James is now back and claiming to be a changed man. But for every time Lisa says no to him, a little more of who he really is resurfaces. James Harris is the man Lisa Jenson thought she would marry. He turned out to be the man who would almost kill her. Twice!
This is an emotional journey into the life of a survivor of domestic abuse.
This is a good book for any woman who has been a victim of domestic violence or who has known someone who has been a victim.
The few editing issues did not take away from the storyline.
I enjoyed the book and look to read more from the author.
This is an emotional journey into the life of a survivor of domestic abuse.
This is a good book for any woman who has been a victim of domestic violence or who has known someone who has been a victim.
The few editing issues did not take away from the storyline.
I enjoyed the book and look to read more from the author.
January 10, 2013
I won this book frm Goodresds. I enjoy a book where the author shows themselves in true nature. Laura Johnson is honest with the portrayal of her life and love and the difficulty of accepting and trusting love after her last relationship. Personally, I don't care for the sex scenes or language. Additionally, the writing style makes this book difficult to read and therefore am only giving this book 3 stars.
December 19, 2016
I would have given this book about 2 more stars if it wasn't for the grammatical errors and the typos. The story was okay. Mainly an inspiration about real love. It was clear to see that an editor was not used for this book. The wrong tense of words were used about most of the time and at some point, the font of the letters had changed in the middle of the story. I really didn't understand why Lisa felt protective towards James after all he had done to her. This isn't one I would recommend.
December 19, 2016
I really struggled reading this book. James truly has mental issues and is very abusive. Marc is exactly what every woman's heart desires. I was truly happy that Lisa finally found someone to accept her just the way she was. This book shows how
family and friends can love and support each other in difficult times as well as times of celebration.
family and friends can love and support each other in difficult times as well as times of celebration.
December 21, 2011
I enjoyed the story and felt that it had a great concept. However, the style of writing was overly descriptive at times and some of the narrative became repetitive. Besides that, this was a good read. Diehard romance fans would enjoy this novel.
May 21, 2012
I loved the book n so did my ma,n sisters yes I bought 3 copies
November 16, 2020
It was better the second time around
October 14, 2011
A great book for sure. Tugs at your heart but teaches a good leasson
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews