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Brianna's Story: Married to an Arab
Brianna Phillips thought she would never find another man to take the place of her high school sweetheart, Billy Starrett, who was killed in Iraq. That was before she met a very handsome and somewhat mysterious man named Khaleel who, like Brianna, is an engineering student at Columbia University. Before graduation, however, Brianna's life is turned upside down when she becomes pregnant with Khaleel's baby and is suddenly whisked away to a tiny village in the heart of Saudi Arabia's Empty Quarter. Completely separated from everything she has ever known, Brianna quickly discovers that Khaleel is no longer the man she fell in love with. That man has been replaced by a domineering stranger who wants to control everything, especially Brianna. This revelation is followed by other shocks as Brianna tries to adjust to a world that has suddenly turned into an endless nightmare of abuse, suppression, threats, and isolation. Pregnant and cut off from the outside world, Brianna can focus on only three things her own safety, the safety of her unborn child, and, most of all, how to escape from a prison built on hatred.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 6, 2015
As a true story written in the first person, this was a compelling read. However, the emotional involvement of the author makes it impossible for her to detach from the story and give an unbiased evaluation. Instead, her emotional pain is channeled into wildly racist generalities that serve the plot of the story, but undermine the reality of Arabic and Muslim cultures.
June 13, 2014
Couldn't put it down...amazing that this is a real story.
September 5, 2017
Interesting...
It wasn't a bad read, maybe somewhere in the middle. She was too gullible for me. Like so many women, we ignore the red flags that pop-up throughout the relationship. What she attribute to him being "mysterious," was really someone who was secretive, hiding, sneaky and who had no real regard for her. Sometimes in order to hold on to a relationship, we diminish our light, inner knowing and intelligence to appease the man and that is always a lose lose situation. She had clearly been protecting herself as she had been sexually active previously, then just a few months into the relationship, she was pregnant. When we "chose" to ignore the red flags, we choose to ignore the truth. He treated her poorly in the United States. Anything she asked him, he would be hostile and sometimes downright angry for the simplest things. When she came home and those men were there and she tried to question him, he was mean and nasty. She knew absolutely nothing about him. He had 11 siblings, but she didn't know that until it was too late. She thought he was an only child and the time he grabbed her by the shoulder harshly and balled his hand into a fist aimed at her stomach...all those red flags and she ignored them. She was extremely lucky to get out alive because she discovered that he was a monster who acted as if he hated women, but then what can you expect from a terrorist...they exist on hatred, evil and lies. I always wondered how some could claim to love God, however you perceive Him, and do such evil, starting in your own home. I've been on a kick for almost two years reading about the middle eastern culture and most of the books were 90% non-fiction and how they view and treat women is unbelievable and horrifying. I am sure not all are that way, but it is clearly a vein that runs through their culture...such a tragedy.
It wasn't a bad read, maybe somewhere in the middle. She was too gullible for me. Like so many women, we ignore the red flags that pop-up throughout the relationship. What she attribute to him being "mysterious," was really someone who was secretive, hiding, sneaky and who had no real regard for her. Sometimes in order to hold on to a relationship, we diminish our light, inner knowing and intelligence to appease the man and that is always a lose lose situation. She had clearly been protecting herself as she had been sexually active previously, then just a few months into the relationship, she was pregnant. When we "chose" to ignore the red flags, we choose to ignore the truth. He treated her poorly in the United States. Anything she asked him, he would be hostile and sometimes downright angry for the simplest things. When she came home and those men were there and she tried to question him, he was mean and nasty. She knew absolutely nothing about him. He had 11 siblings, but she didn't know that until it was too late. She thought he was an only child and the time he grabbed her by the shoulder harshly and balled his hand into a fist aimed at her stomach...all those red flags and she ignored them. She was extremely lucky to get out alive because she discovered that he was a monster who acted as if he hated women, but then what can you expect from a terrorist...they exist on hatred, evil and lies. I always wondered how some could claim to love God, however you perceive Him, and do such evil, starting in your own home. I've been on a kick for almost two years reading about the middle eastern culture and most of the books were 90% non-fiction and how they view and treat women is unbelievable and horrifying. I am sure not all are that way, but it is clearly a vein that runs through their culture...such a tragedy.
July 10, 2022
Not a true story. A fictional account, and badly researched too. I wouldn’t have bothered reading it had I known this before. It should be made clear that it’s made up, as clearly a lot of people have assumed it’s true, as I did.
July 17, 2022
Brianna’s Story: Married to an Arab
I was interested in this story because we had know a young American woman who married a man from Saudi Arabia and it did not go well.
This story was a lot more violent from Bree’s kidnapping to the terrorist activities and sheer cruelty of her spouse, Kahleel. What did not seem to be authentic was Bree’s initial response to the horrific subterfuge and abuse she suffered. At the beginning it seems she did not grasp what was happening to her but, perhaps, that is the way it unfolds when one is in a state of disbelief. I suppose it was a a lack of depth with the dialogue that was the main criticism. The conversations between Bree and her husband before and after her kidnapping to Saudi Arabia did not ring true.
I was interested in this story because we had know a young American woman who married a man from Saudi Arabia and it did not go well.
This story was a lot more violent from Bree’s kidnapping to the terrorist activities and sheer cruelty of her spouse, Kahleel. What did not seem to be authentic was Bree’s initial response to the horrific subterfuge and abuse she suffered. At the beginning it seems she did not grasp what was happening to her but, perhaps, that is the way it unfolds when one is in a state of disbelief. I suppose it was a a lack of depth with the dialogue that was the main criticism. The conversations between Bree and her husband before and after her kidnapping to Saudi Arabia did not ring true.
January 31, 2025
Strict Discipline to put this book down!
Unaware that her lover is working for Al Queda, he drugs and flies her to a Saudi Arabian training camp, where he holds her captive during her pregnancy. Because she births only twin girls, the babies are stolen away and killed. With her friend and her daughter they manage to escape towards the United Arab Emirates...
A compelling easy read, but shockingly credible and very carefully, well set.
Unaware that her lover is working for Al Queda, he drugs and flies her to a Saudi Arabian training camp, where he holds her captive during her pregnancy. Because she births only twin girls, the babies are stolen away and killed. With her friend and her daughter they manage to escape towards the United Arab Emirates...
A compelling easy read, but shockingly credible and very carefully, well set.
December 21, 2021
A gripping story
There is a lot to be said about culture and being aware of differences you should not overlook. This is not to say that all relationships of mixed cultures are doomed but look for the signs of what is acceptable early in the relationship. When a man shows his anger and disrespect for you, RUN.
There is a lot to be said about culture and being aware of differences you should not overlook. This is not to say that all relationships of mixed cultures are doomed but look for the signs of what is acceptable early in the relationship. When a man shows his anger and disrespect for you, RUN.
September 29, 2022
same thing only a different day
Do these women never learn,these people are living a different life,culture,religion and why do they get involved with them,will any of these women ever learn multiculturalism doesn’t WORK birds of a feather should flock together
Do these women never learn,these people are living a different life,culture,religion and why do they get involved with them,will any of these women ever learn multiculturalism doesn’t WORK birds of a feather should flock together
December 14, 2017
Average
Average written. Very easy to read. 3rd grade level. Parents should read first before letting their girls or boys read at book.
Average written. Very easy to read. 3rd grade level. Parents should read first before letting their girls or boys read at book.
September 25, 2018
Excellent story
I love stories like these of strong women who figure it out to save their lives this was very intriguing.
I love stories like these of strong women who figure it out to save their lives this was very intriguing.
May 12, 2019
Good book
I was shocked what was the guy was really working for . I am glad that she managed to get back to the America
I was shocked what was the guy was really working for . I am glad that she managed to get back to the America
September 12, 2019
Excellent and scary very brave
Loved it
Very gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat .
A definite must read so intense
Loved it
Very gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat .
A definite must read so intense
May 7, 2020
Good read
Read book in two days very good read brave lady a bit sad but a good ending must have been so frightening to be in that situation
Read book in two days very good read brave lady a bit sad but a good ending must have been so frightening to be in that situation
October 20, 2020
Good read gives an insight to how woman are treated!
January 24, 2021
Heartbreaking
It's very heartbreaking to know that women are still treated like objects in some cultures and countries. Be careful who you trust.
It's very heartbreaking to know that women are still treated like objects in some cultures and countries. Be careful who you trust.
December 4, 2021
Please proofread!
This book made me crazy with all the mistakes! Very frustrating for such a simple book I read in a couple of hours. Proofing your work should be required!
This book made me crazy with all the mistakes! Very frustrating for such a simple book I read in a couple of hours. Proofing your work should be required!
April 18, 2025
Soooo interesting...
....but heartbreaking. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting. Educate yourself on how women are treated in the Middle East.
....but heartbreaking. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting. Educate yourself on how women are treated in the Middle East.
February 5, 2014
The modern world has evolved in such a way that all nations intermingle and travel worldwide is common. Every country has a potpourri of cultures and we can all learn a lot from the opportunities we have to integrate.
However, the fact that they are living in a different country does not necessarily mean that a person forsakes their roots.
Who we fall in love with is dictated by the heart and the author, after previously suffering heartbreak, finally, at Columbia University, falls in love with a handsome and mysterious Saudi Arabian.
Then, before graduation, she finds herself pregnant with his child and the nightmare begins...
Suddenly she finds herself in the Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia; the man she thought she knew has gone; instead, now in his homeland she meets the real Khaleel.
A real life horror story, brutally honest and offering a real insight into what a mixed marriage may actually means.
This story as it evolves should serve as a salient warning to young girls throughout the world to take care.
However, the fact that they are living in a different country does not necessarily mean that a person forsakes their roots.
Who we fall in love with is dictated by the heart and the author, after previously suffering heartbreak, finally, at Columbia University, falls in love with a handsome and mysterious Saudi Arabian.
Then, before graduation, she finds herself pregnant with his child and the nightmare begins...
Suddenly she finds herself in the Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia; the man she thought she knew has gone; instead, now in his homeland she meets the real Khaleel.
A real life horror story, brutally honest and offering a real insight into what a mixed marriage may actually means.
This story as it evolves should serve as a salient warning to young girls throughout the world to take care.
August 24, 2016
The book was okay
I have read many of these books, preferring true stories that 'feel' real to me. I've been too close to some of the tamer, very realistic ones. I worry that a few are written and a bit exaggerated to shock. Though I have heard and seen things that make your toes curl as well, somehow the writing didn't feel right and please forgive me if I have offended or wronged anyone I read this a while back.
I have read many of these books, preferring true stories that 'feel' real to me. I've been too close to some of the tamer, very realistic ones. I worry that a few are written and a bit exaggerated to shock. Though I have heard and seen things that make your toes curl as well, somehow the writing didn't feel right and please forgive me if I have offended or wronged anyone I read this a while back.
January 8, 2015
All females should read this book
This book should be read by all young females because these men prey on young girls. They are innocent and would not think these men are doing wrong and The money also helps fool Them.
This book should be read by all young females because these men prey on young girls. They are innocent and would not think these men are doing wrong and The money also helps fool Them.
May 9, 2016
A sobering story about falling in love with a stranger from another country and then getting pregnant without really knowing him or his background.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews