Til Death Do Us Part: A Second Chance Novel

by Cassandra Adams

Dakota Lewis is determined to never live the same life as her mother-a sheltered housewife mistreated by her abusive husband. As she heads off to Columbia University on a full scholarship, Dakota is excited to begin a new life inspired by her love of God. Two years later, Dakota gets involved with Rakiem Bennett, a martial artist with a heart of gold and a dream of one day managing a dojo that will provide an escape for at-risk children. But Dakota sees other plans for their future, setting off a series of disagreements that prompts her to doubt their relationship. As she battles her own problems and worsening family burdens, Dakota's prayers are left unanswered, leaving her to question her faith in God. She then meets Dominique, a successful entrepreneur who quickly sweeps her off her feet-and discovers Rakiem's infidelity, leading her to choose Dominique as her life partner. But it is not long before Dakota finds herself in the midst of her worst trapped in an abusive marriage, just like her mother. In this emotional tale, a woman desperate to escape her madness must learn to rely on her faith and inner strength to break a cycle of abuse as she seek her true destiny.

298 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2013

About the author

Cassandra enjoys reading & writing. She's motivated by Toni Morrison's quote, "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.”

Cassandra studied Creative Fiction Writing at Columbia College Chicago in hopes of enlightening and educating readers all over the world.

She resides in Chicago with her husband, and five dogs Rocky, Tyson, Ali, BamBam and Max.

**********************************************
Click the link below to purchase my e-book and please leave an Amazon review. :)
amazon.com/author/cassandraadams

Reviews

[Alretha Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading Cassandra Adams’ ‘Til Death Do Us Part. It focuses on the lives of a young woman named Dakota, her brother Stevie and their mother who they call Mrs. Lewis. The book opens with a harrowing nightmare wherein Dakota and her unborn child are shot by her husband Dominique. The opening scene left me with my heart in my throat and unsure of what was going to happen next. Cassandra then takes us back to the beginning when Dakota is a young woman about to head to college, hoping to do something with her life. We soon learn why Dakota is in the situation she’s in when the book opens. Her mother is a victim of abuse and despite Dakota and her bother Stevie’s urging, their mother stays with their father, enduring endless beatings.

Cassandra takes us on Dakota’s journey while periodically revisiting her mother and the life of abuse her mother endures. Dakota determined to do better than her mother, finishes school, lands a job at a radio station and relies on emotional support from her best friend Passion. Both girls end up with boyfriends. Dakota hooks up with Rakiem, a good-looking martial arts expert and Passion’s man is a young Muslim who has a passion for youth. We watch as the two young women forge a path to success and happiness. However, along the way Dakota struggles with her relationship with Rakiem who is hard-pressed to remain faithful. On the other hand, Passion and her boyfriend Tariq get it right.

Dakota, fed up with Rakiem decides to hook up with Dominique, a man she briefly meets in Vegas and then again at the house of a mutual friend. He treats her like a queen. Excited about her new relationship she eventually moves in with him and then agrees to get married. Is Dakota marrying the man of her dreams or the man of her nightmares? Will she live happily ever after or in a living hell like her mother? Those unanswered questions had me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails.

‘Til Death Do Us Part is an engaging read that brought me back to my twenties while I was trying to find my way in love and life. I loved how well developed Dakota was and the believable and relatable relationship she has with her best friend Passion. It’s a story that embodies invaluable lessons about being careful about who we partner with and the vicious cycle of abuse. Any woman can learn something from this book, but especially those women who find themselves in abusive relationships. There is a strong message about relying on one’s faith that gives the book depth and richness. I enjoyed the read and recommend this book.

[Denise (Dee-Dee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really surprised me. I thought it was going to be another one of those gruesome melodramatic domestic violent stories but after the first chapter or two, it was actually pretty good and hard for me to put down. The Author takes the reader through the years, where a young woman and her brother grow up seeing their mother being abused by their father. On many occasions Dakota tries to get her mother to leave but after her mother repeatedly refuse, she finds it hard to understand why she would want to stay in a violent relationship. After college Dakota and her brother, Stevie find their own separate ways in life--she gets married and he takes to the streets. After her marriage to Dominique, she understands why it wasn’t so easy for her mother to just pick up and leave. I was drawn into each scene as Dakota loses her faith in God while trying to build her status in life. She then rebuilds her relationship with God when she find that He is everything she needs. This book is emotional and all about survival. To forgive is a tough thing to do and Dakota digs deep within herself to forgive a man who had taken everything away from her. This one will definitely go on my best books list.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I'm not really into fiction this book caught my attention and I actually enjoyed reading 'Til Death Do Us Part. With this being her first book, I believe Cassandra did an excellent job. I didn't realize how truly talented she is until reading the finished product. I was honestly impressed!!

Domestic violence is a topic that is often taken lightly in my opinion so I'm glad she decided to write on this topic. Although one of the overarching themes is domestic violence I really enjoyed the way she weaved humor, love and romance into the story line as well. I enjoyed the mixture of characters and their different personalities. Each scene was brought to life by referencing recognizable things such as iconic city settings and popular songs.

My favorite part of the book is when Dakota's mom shows up at her daughters house in Wisconsin and takes her back home to chicago. I love that I anticipated her eventually going back home to Wisconsin to her brain-washing and physically abusive husband because she felt guilty for leaving. Dominique calls her mother's house looking for Dakota. When her mom left for church I thought Dakota was going to call him back but instead there is an action filled twist that really surprised me.

I believe Cassandra did a good job researching the topic of domestic violence in order to really build each scene accurately. Many people don't understand why women don't leave or why women allow violence in their relationships but it all begins with mental breakdown of the woman before the physical beat down ever starts. Very well researched. If I could sum this book up in one sentence it would be: Redefining one's self through the strength of God, humor, good friends and family. Very well done and a very good read. I highly recommend it!!

[Orlando · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the book, the subject matter hits home. Domestic Abuse is promient in many household, needs more attention from the mainstream media.