Fed up with her life and the abuse she’s suffered at the hands of her alcoholic boyfriend, Carla Taylor sets out on a journey to escape all the trauma she’s endured. With no one to call and nowhere to go, she soon realizes how much she has isolated herself from the outside world. Deep down, Carla knows she deserves more out of life than what she’s been handed. Determined to break free from the chains of her misery, Carla finds her way to a whole new city where she soon discovers her luck is all about to change. The promise of a life she’s always longed for may just be around the corner.Will Carla’s fresh start lead her to true love? Or will the ghosts of her past come crawling to drag her back into the pits of hell she fought so hard to escape?
Carla has an abusive alcoholic boyfriend. She runs to Boston and meets a new guy named Jasper. She gets a job at a place called Silver Linings that helps trauma survivors.
That alcoholic abusive boyfriend didn’t take kindly to her leaving like abusers do and thus the cliffhanger.
If you liked stories along the lines of Sleeping with the Enemy, this is definitely the book for you. It’s difficult to try and start a new life with a dark shadow looming over you.
Trigger warning for the beginning.
I’m interested in book 2 to see how things resolve! I’m fortunate enough to be on her beta team so I’m blessed with an advanced copy! ☺️
I loved this story. I loved the characters and the way they developed. The story evolved so well and the cliffhanger at the end really makes you need to read the next book.
This is just book one and I was hooked from that first meeting in the park and the stolen hot dog…you gotta read to find out all about that 😉
Seriously this is such a great budding second chance romantic suspense.
The story centers around Carla, our FMC, who leaves her estranged alcoholic narcissist ex and flees to a new place and a new life in Boston. Her best friend Jamie is there which can I just take a moment for the sisterhood! There she also meets Jasper, our MMC. An adorable meet cute is their beginning and a terrifying turn of events could be their ending. Even I will have to read more to find out! *shakes fist at cliffhanger*
I am definitely diving into the rest of this completed trilogy as soon as I can! So looking forward to seeing what happens next for Carla and Jasper.
Overall this was a 5 ⭐️ read for me and there was some open door spice so I’ll say 2🌶️. Definitely some potential triggering elements in this book so check your trigger warnings before reading!
A beautiful written story about escaping, healing trauma and having a second chance in life.
This story follows Carla and her journey in escaping a relation in where she had been emotionally , physically, mentally and sexually abused by AJ her alcoholic boyfriend. This may be hard to read for some, but, some stories when they involved healing, unfortunately, there is some kind of trauma involved.
The story has a slow start but quickly turned into a page turner and you quickly become immerse in Carlas's story. The story line was good and although the book touches in hard subject, they author made it easy to read. Through the story, you can see Carlas's growth and all you do is root up for her.
The slow burn romance doesn't really start until the end and this I didn't mind as the author wanted to concentrate more on Carla and her journey after leaving a difficult relationship, leaving her mother, her sister, her job, everything she has known in order to escape.
The book does end on a cliffhanger, so in order to continue reading about Carlas's journey, we will have to follow it through.
Carla the main female character is tired of being abused so she leaves and moves to Boston with a good friend. Her life is going great and she may even be ready to start a relationship but there’s always a dark cloud where there’s a silver lining. Waiting for book 2 to find out what happens.
I could not put Silver Linings: Drawn down. You will immediately hate AJ, trust me on that. And that cliffhanger? It’ll have you picking up book two the second you finish.
The main female character overcomes abuse and starts over in a new place with the help of her friend. I loved reading her journey of healing.
This book is definitely a slow burn romance, with a second chance. The romance doesn’t start until about 60% of the book, but honestly it was okay.
The author definitely had tons of plot and beautifully built you up to the romance as the main female character is on a journey to find support and healing. Plus, the author left this book on a cliff hanger, so it makes you want to know more.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next book.
A sweet, slow burn, suspense novel by breakout author Elisa Pratt. She begins by tearing your heart out, sweeping you off to new offerings and dangles you over a cliff. Definitely not a YA book: trigger warning. First time author comes out swinging at you. She trusted a few of us with a sneak peek at book two, and it only gets better. Silver Linings Secret gives you a release to the end of book one in real time, only to build and burn some more.
The author's captivating writing style immerses you in the narrative, vividly painting each detail. Trigger warnings for domestic violence, sexual assault, and mental abuse are warranted due to the intense themes explored. The slow burn of the story is intricately woven with these elements, setting the stage for a gripping sequel hinted at by the cliffhanger ending. Despite its brevity, the book is a compelling read, undoubtedly worth your time and attention.
"Silver Linings Drawn" captivated me with its story of romance, survival, and healing, leaving me eager for more. I admired Carla’s bravery in leaving her abusive relationship, and I found myself rooting for her to find the happiness she deserves. The slow-burn romance between Carla and Jasper touched my heart, filled with suspense and the hope of second chances. As I read, the portrayal of trauma, recovery, and Carla's friendship with Jamie deeply resonated with me, especially as a survivor. Despite the heavy themes of domestic violence, Elisa Ann Pratt beautifully illustrated resilience and the power of love. The cliffhanger at the end left me eagerly awaiting the sequel.
This was a very interesting tale of a woman who had the courage to escape abuse and begin a whole new life. There is an amazing friendship in here that we should all be blessed enough to experience, and the plot definitely kept my interest.
The good: I LOVED the friendships in this book. Our main character, Carla, finds herself surrounded by supportive, uplifting women. Although the friendships are amazing, the author keeps our main character her own hero (something I can't give you more details on without spoilers), which I both appreciated and found very important to the book's message. THERE IS A GIANT DOG IN THIS BOOK! Listen, I'm a sucker for a dog and this one is a big ol' goofball and a rescue, just like Carla.
The less good: This book is very quick-paced, and therefore, there can be a lot of telling instead of showing in the writing. I almost felt like it was written in more of a conversational style. It's almost like you are sitting at the kitchen counter with your best friend, and she is telling you what is going on in her life. Some people LOVE this form of writing, I'm just not sure I'm one of them.
In Conclusion: Check your trigger warnings and buckle up, this is a whirlwind story of survival and rebuilding that ends in a cliffhanger that will leave you reaching for book two.
This story follows Carla Thomas who summons courage and strength to leave her alcoholic abusive narcissistic bf AJ.She packs a duffel and rents a hotel for the night while awaiting anticipating what to do…She summons the courage and calls her friend Jamie who attends college and resides in Boston.Jamie Carla’s best friend tells her to come stay with her in Boston so she makes the drive to stay with Jamie.Once she arrives they decide to meet a few of Jamie’s friends and go out they next morning she heads to apply for jobs and after applying decides to stop for lunch and spots a hot dog stand where she grabs a hot dog 🌭 she sits on a bench when a Great Dane mix jumps in her lap stealing her hot dog through the encounter she meets Jasper a tragic turn of events happen and it ends on a cliffhanger…This is Book 1 in the Silver Linings Trilogy.This book touched and moved me in such a special way because I was her and she was me and I escaped and survived.If you are Carla you 2 can find your Silver Lining if only you find the courage like so many have.As someone once told me You Were A Diamond 💎Meant To Shine ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Beautifully written story of escape and healing. Yes there is a silver lining after escaping trauma. This novel perfectly captures the struggle of escaping a narcissistic abuser. Trauma bonding that so many others avoid is well represented. The guilty feelings that plague survivors and the power the abuser can still hold is all found in this beautiful story. Building a future and finding real love is possible in this world and Elisa Ann Pratt has created the perfect love story. I was hesitant to pick up Silver Linings but I am so glad I did. As a survivor of narcissistic abuse it took me thirteen years to wake up and escape. I found myself and real love afterwards. This story brought me to tears remembering my own struggle with the trauma bonding and the terror my abuser continues to attempt to bring to my life. But I also laughed and cried happy tears for Carla and Jasper getting to relive my own second chance love. Everyone deserves to be treated like a blessing and a gift. This book ends in a cliffhanger and I look forward to learning what happens with Carla, Jasper, AJ and the rest.
Elisa Ann Pratt wrote a powerful book that immerses you from the first chapter.
Carla was in an abusive relationship. She had enough and finally gained the courage to leave. Your heart follows Carla as she heads to Boston for a new beginning. Her best friend welcomes her with open arms and invites her to live in her apartment until she gets settled.
While Carla is looking for a job she takes a break in a park. She awkwardly meets Jasper who instantly falls in love with her. She realizes that Jasper is her key to healing.
In this book you will feel many emotions: Fear, Anxiety, Sadness, Happiness, Hope, and Love.
Elisa makes you realize that you are in control of your future. Don’t be afraid to make a change to make your life better. You DESERVE to be safe and happy.
The cliffhanger is HUGE! But… you don’t have to wait, as the next book in the series - Silver Linings Secrets is now available to read.
This is an amazing debut novel about healing and starting over! The characters are so relatable and you find yourself immersed in the story! I love watching the growth of the MFC throughout the book! I love the relationships that she builds. That ending though!!!!!!!! Can’t wait for book 2!
Why is it every time I get into a cute little boy meets girl story and really hope they get their HEA the evil freakin ex has to come and ruin everything!!!
Loved this story, Carla deserves to find a man who treats her the way she should be! After a random encounter at the park Carla meets Jasper and from there romance blooms but it can’t ever be that simple and it ends on a massive cliffhanger!!!
Beautiful story about moving on after a terrible relationship. TW has topics of domestic abuse. Author did provide resources for people going through similar situations. Really enjoyed the MC Carla’s friend Jaime for how she is supportive and gets Carla back on her feet. Leaves off in a cliffhanger. Excited for what’s to come !
This book was so good. I’m not typically a romance girly but this drew me in fast and that cliffhanger definitely left me wanting more! The characters are relatable and and the story is both heart wrenching and heartwarming. I cannot wait to read more!
I came across Elisa on TT. I love indie authors and how they tell stories. I went in blind in this book and glad I did. Read your trigger warnings. I can't wait for book 2! Will Jasper get to Carla in time?!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Raw, Real, and Radiant with Hope
Silver Linings: Drawn is a soul-stirring journey of healing, courage, and rediscovering self-worth. From the very first page, I was swept up in Carla Taylor’s story, one of heartbreak, resilience, and ultimately, hope.
Carla is a character that stays with you. Her pain is palpable, her fears deeply rooted, yet she never loses the spark that whispers, you deserve more. The author paints her trauma and escape with unflinching honesty, giving readers an intimate look into the mind of a woman fighting her way back to life. (Truly!)
This isn’t just a romance novel; it’s a testament to survival, strength, and second chances. The potential for love is a thread that weaves through Carla’s story, but it never overshadows her personal growth. That balance is what makes this book so powerful.
I turned the last page with tears in my eyes and hope in my heart. Silver Linings is the kind of book that reminds you no matter how dark things get, there’s always light to be found, even if you have to create it yourself.
An unforgettable start to a promising series. Bravo to the author for tackling hard truths with grace and compassion. I can’t wait to follow Carla’s journey in the next book.
Silver Linings Drawn pulled me in from the very first page. The first-person narration is so well done—Carla’s voice feels honest and immediate, which makes her easy to connect with even as she’s slowly rebuilding her life after severe abuse. The characters around her feel just as real, and I found myself caring about her healing almost immediately.
I especially loved the friendship at the heart of this story. Jamie is the kind of loyal, steady friend everyone wishes they had in their darkest moments—the one who shows up, listens, nudges, and refuses to give up on you. And I adored the way Carla’s new job at the coffee shop becomes part of her healing. Lattes and chocolate croissants are the order of the day, and those small, cozy details make the story feel grounded and comforting, even while it deals with very heavy themes. Add in a mystery man who’s equal parts intrigue and comfort, and you’ve got this warm undercurrent of romance running beneath the suspense and emotional recovery.
Readers who love character-driven stories with trauma recovery, strong female friendships, a touch of mystery, and a slow, gentle romance will love Silver Linings Drawn. If you’ve ever wanted to see a survivor’s journey handled with care, hope, and heart, this book is for you.
Silver Linings: Drawn was such an emotional, heartfelt read. 💔✨ It follows Carla, who’s starting over after leaving an abusive relationship. She finds a new home, a job at a trauma recovery center, and slowly starts piecing her life back together with the help of her best friend and a sweet, patient guy named Jasper. 🖤
This isn’t a fast paced romance it’s a slow, healing journey that feels real and raw. Carla’s growth was powerful, and the way Elisa Ann Pratt handles tough topics (TW: abuse, trauma, mental health) is respectful and honest.
I loved the emotional depth, the hopeful tone, and the way it all built up to that cliffhanger (I need book 2 😭).
📚 Perfect for fans of: ✔️ Slow-burn romance ✔️ Emotional healing arcs ✔️ Real, resilient characters ✔️ Found family & fresh starts
In this emotionally charged story, the protagonist bravely tackles her tumultuous past, bravely stepping away from a toxic relationship. It's a narrative that speaks to the very essence of womanhood. The story skillfully navigates Carla's journey towards self-realization and healing, all under the caring gaze of a loyal friend in the vibrant city of Boston. Carla's resilience and unwavering drive to carve a fresh path are truly inspiring. This book evoked a profound sense of connection in me as a woman, resonating with the common struggles and victories we all encounter in asserting our value. A truly engaging read that underscores the power of the human spirit in overcoming challenges and pursuing happiness. Prepare to ponder long after the final chapter turns.
4.5⭐️ 🌶️🌶️ There is a trigger warning for this book although I feel like the author doesn’t dwell on it which I liked. The beginning was relatable for me so I was immediately attached to the FMC-Carla. The characters I felt were well developed and their backgrounds were believable making the book easy to read. I do wished that the FMC & MMC had a little more “get to know you” time before they ended up in bed together, I think that would have improved their chemistry more. By the end, I wanted to get rid of AJ myself! Now I’m just waiting for the second book because the author left me on a cliffhanger!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Silver Linings Drawn is a beautiful story. Despite the fact that it's about domestic abuse, the story shines a light on resilience and inner strength. It provides hope. As a survivor myself, I found I could fully relate with Carla...the thoughts running through her head...the struggle it caused, the PTSD, the inability to trust, not to mention all the doubt...I understand what she was going through, and rooted for her soooo hard. I loved the character, Jamie, and how she helped Carla to heal, granting her respite, a safe space to find her footing. The slow burn romance between Carla and Jasper is sooo sooo sweet. And that cliffhanger ending? It'll make you ready for book two. :)
This book was so good that I wanted to ignore all my adult duties! Carla is in an abusive relationship that she knows she needs to get out of. She finds the courage to leave AJ and finds herself in Boston staying with her best friend. Carla is trying to start her life over by finding a new job and just so happens to find Jasper in the meantime. Even though Carla is still struggling with nightmares of AJs abuse she keeps moving forward. And just when things are going great a huge curve ball comes in and Carla is left to face the unthinkable. The cliffhanger will leave you gasping. This is a must read and can’t wait to start book 2.
This book captures this like of Carla, a girl who recently broke up with her boyfriend after he mentally, physically and sexual abuses her.
After leaving she moves in with her best friend, trying to make a life for herself in Boston. When she goes to find a job, she finds not just one but two jobs and on top of that meets a man she cannot stop thinking of, Jasper.
This is a slowburn, fast read. The story takes a hold of your mind to the point where you don't wanna stop reading until the last page. Not to mention the cliffhanger Elisa Ann Pratt leaves us with that makes you immediately want to jump into the next book.