Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Nelumbo Nucifera” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Nelumbo Nucifera

Cristina Slough (Goodreads Author)

4.30 · Rating details · 200 ratings · 94 reviews

On the surface, Gaby Parker has it all; however, behind closed doors, is a woman who lives in constant fear of the man who was supposed to love her: her husband, Kyle. Beaten, desperate, and broken, Gaby realizes the only way to escape from her violent husband is to kill herself — on paper. Gaby is dead, and Riley Locklin is born, residing in the tranquil coastal town of C ...more

Get A Copy

ebook, 358 pages

Published January 24th 2017 by Bella Tulip Publishing

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Nelumbo Nucifera, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about Nelumbo Nucifera

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.30 ·

Rating details

· 200 ratings · 94 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Nelumbo Nucifera

Mar 15, 2017 Jennifer Kyle rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3.5 Stars

flag 28 likes · Like · see review

Dec 31, 2016 Elle's Book Blog rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: standalones, top-favorites, thriller-suspense, womens-fiction

Release Date: January 24, 2017
Genre: Mixture of Psychological Thriller and Romance

Nelumbo Nucifera is a cleverly crafted book that will keep readers hanging on the edge of their seat and FEELING some very powerful emotions. It is not necessarily a romance rather, a psychological thriller with a romance added in making it the PEFRECT read for fans of either genre. Having read quite a few amazing books in my time, I will tell you this… This book is jumping up to my top 10 FAVORITE reads of ALL Release Date: January 24, 2017
Genre: Mixture of Psychological Thriller and Romance

Nelumbo Nucifera is a cleverly crafted book that will keep readers hanging on the edge of their seat and FEELING some very powerful emotions. It is not necessarily a romance rather, a psychological thriller with a romance added in making it the PEFRECT read for fans of either genre. Having read quite a few amazing books in my time, I will tell you this… This book is jumping up to my top 10 FAVORITE reads of ALL TIME. Why? Because it is powerful. The message behind the story is emotional and raw, but told with such beauty and poise that readers will be unable to stop reading it. Additionally, readers will likely feel an instant connection with the characters- mainly Riley – but also the secondary ones. Perhaps even the villain? There were moments that I did… But in the end I knew who the “good guy” was. Yikes! What an amazing story. It’s a definite must read, one that I have a hard time describing with words because it is so good. And that cover? Gah, I am in LOVE!!!

Now, I don’t want to give away any spoilers for this book because honestly, it’s just the type of book that you need to read for yourself. I will however, tell you what it reminds me of so you can get an idea as to what it is like. So, it reminds me of two of my favorite books- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. Why Gone Girl? Because readers will not be able to figure out which narrator is unreliable and which is not. Yes, you will go back and forth so much with this but I promise, you will feel satisfied when everything is tossed out in the open. In addition to this, the story is clearly a psychological thriller and is so twisty that your mind with spin. I loved this as it is not only UNIQUE, but clever as well. Finally, why does it remind me of Safe Haven? Because the plot follows a woman on the run from the man that was supposed to keep her safe, but hurt her instead. But does he really? Or is she just another crazy broad who lies to get her way? Hehe! You’ll have to see for yourself.

Overall, I highly (and I mean very highly) recommend this book. I also recommend the authors first book (which is a romance). Her writing style is flawless and both books are very unique. ...more

flag 8 likes · Like · see review

Dec 16, 2018 Coco.V marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: freebie

💝FREE on Amazon today (12/16/2018)!💝

Blurb:
On the surface, Gaby Parker has it all; however, behind closed doors, is a woman who lives in constant fear of the man who was supposed to love her: her husband, Kyle. Beaten, desperate, and broken, Gaby realizes the only way to escape from her violent husband is to kill herself — on paper. Gaby is dead, and Riley Locklin is born, residing in the tranquil coastal town of Chesswick Bay Montauk where she hopes to start over and meets a man who shows her br ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Mar 12, 2017 Big Joe Rossi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

OUTSTANDING!!!!

On the day Gaby Parker disappears and is presumed dead in a burned out car, Riley Locklin is born. Escaping her abusive husband is a must cause if she doesn't she will surely end up dead by his hand. She runs and ends up in NY in Montauk living in the run down but fixable house her grandmother left her. A house Kyle, her husband, knows nothing about.

This story is riveting from page 1 till the last word. Told in three POVs...Gaby/Riley, Kyle's and the lead detective investigating t ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Oct 06, 2017 Elena Love rated it liked it · review of another edition

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Gabby has had enough of her husband's abusive behavior and when things go too far, she decides to fake her own death and escape him once and for all. But Kyle is a clever bastard - excuse my language - and clever bastards are willing to do whatever it takes in order to get what they want. Gabby has a new identity (which mind you, she paid a lot of money for) a house that her grandmother left her and a n *I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Gabby has had enough of her husband's abusive behavior and when things go too far, she decides to fake her own death and escape him once and for all. But Kyle is a clever bastard - excuse my language - and clever bastards are willing to do whatever it takes in order to get what they want. Gabby has a new identity (which mind you, she paid a lot of money for) a house that her grandmother left her and a new beginning ahead of her. The future seems quite bright for Gabby but, will she be able to leave her demons behind and move on with her life? And will Kyle manage to catch up with her after all?

I was really intrigued by the synopsis of Nelumbo Nucifera and the title fascinated me because of its unusual nature. The cover is also gorgeous and I couldn't help but go for it. It's definitely my cup of it and I was pretty excited about it! The beginning was quite promising actually, but we got lost somewhere in the middle of the story. We are introduced to Gabby through a third person's perspective and her background is made crystal clear from the first couple of pages.

The writing was pretty enjoyable and the author managed to create likable characters and an enjoyable story line that kept you on edge. For the most part, at least. The pace was a bit slow for my liking and I found my self skipping a couple of paragraphs at times because I felt like the same things were repeated in different ways. But, I really enjoyed the multiple points of view that were used in the story. It made the experience of reading it even more vivid and enjoyable than it would have normally been. If only one POV was used throughout the book, for example.

Gabby and Ben's love story was also something that I found quite fascinating and wanted to indulge in more than I was allowed to. I'm not gonna stand on their relationship because, it's not the focus of the book and I don't want it to be the focus of my review either. Gabby is a very tortured soul, whose bravery and spirit I really admired. Ben is also such a likable character and their meeting is definitely a turning point for Gabby.

Lastly, what I mostly enjoyed about the book and immensely admired, was the fact that the author gave us a glimpse into Kyle's mind. He's a narcissist, a control freak and probably a psycho path. Seeing things from his perspective was actually a very unique experienced which I don't remember ever encountering in other books of the same - or another - genre. Moreover, we also got a glimpse inside the mind of the detective investigating the case of the missing wife and the abusive husband. So, we have the victim, the perpetrator and the woman trying to piece things together in order to save Gabby and put Kyle where he belongs.

Overall, the premise itself was very interesting and it had a lot potential, but I feel like we got a bit lost in the middle. There were some inconsistencies and the timing didn't really add up in some cases, which really confused me and made me take a couple of minutes to look back and get my bearings in order, before I kept on reading. The story ended very abruptly which, truthfully, I was not expecting at all and it kind of threw me off. I wanted something to blow my mind but, unfortunately, it never came my way.

Nelumbo Nucifera didn't blow my mind but, it was definitely a story worth reading and a story worth telling. If you enjoy dark New Adult novels, you'll definitely find the story of Gabby and her survival to your liking! ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 28, 2016 terena rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

There are no words. I can't say much without giving spoilers. This book kept me on edge throughout. The details and emotions entrap you. I highly recommend this book. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Oct 26, 2017 Angela rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4 Stars

“A lotus flower starts its life as a tiny seed, embedded deeply in thick muck. It slowly grows in caliginous water. Its journey is dark and bleak, yet it continues to become greater over a period of time. Finally, it rises above the water. The buds open, one by one, into beautiful fragrant petals. Miraculously, the lotus flower is unsoiled, even though it was born and grown in such a hostile environment. Nelumbo Nucifera- Sacred Lotus.”

Nelumbo Nucifera is a suspenseful, gripping and capti 4 Stars

“A lotus flower starts its life as a tiny seed, embedded deeply in thick muck. It slowly grows in caliginous water. Its journey is dark and bleak, yet it continues to become greater over a period of time. Finally, it rises above the water. The buds open, one by one, into beautiful fragrant petals. Miraculously, the lotus flower is unsoiled, even though it was born and grown in such a hostile environment. Nelumbo Nucifera- Sacred Lotus.”

Nelumbo Nucifera is a suspenseful, gripping and captivating story by Cristina Slough.
We meet Gaby Parker who has lived for far too long with fear, intimidation, domination, terror, brutality and savage abuse- at the hands of her husband, Kyle. She has endured a situation that no one should ever have to experience and has finally come to the conclusion that if she remains living with him, there is every chance that he will kill her. So, Gaby decides to ‘kill’ herself before he gets the opportunity to do so himself. Staging her death, Gaby escapes to a small coastal town to start over.
With everything she has experienced, she is just grateful to be now living life on her own terms for once, to find the person she was before her marriage- so the last thing she expects to find is romance with a sexy Australian surfer, Ben.
But, her ‘loving’ husband doesn’t believe that she is truly dead and will go to great lengths to find her. Will Gaby finally find the peace and freedom she has been yearning for? Is there any chance for a future with Ben, or will finding out about her past be enough to scare him away? What happens if her husband is able to track her down? Will she survive?
This story was quite intense at times and kept me completely absorbed, reading avidly to find out what would happen next. The author kept the tension and suspense flowing through the whole story, I couldn’t help but have my heart in my mouth at times wondering what would happen. The connection between Gaby and Ben was wonderful, I was rooting for them to find happiness together. Ben was everything Gaby needed, patient, understanding, loving, supportive, kind and considerate. Gaby was so brave, to have endured what she did broke my heart. I couldn’t help but invest in her and the outcome of her story. Through the story we hear several POV’s which adds some excitement to the whole feel of the book- I loved getting Isla’s (the Police Detective) perspective, finding out about her and following her through her investigation of Gaby’s ‘death’. The characters are really well developed, interesting and endearing- except for Kyle who was written so well that I despised him- and I’m sure that was the authors intent.
I really enjoyed the story, but there were a few small things that I feel were missed in the proofreading/editing phase, that have slightly let the story down. There was a bit of a timeline issue where Isla produced evidence and was discussing it with Kyle, then a few chapters later we read where that evidence had only just been discovered? Hardy (the character) gets referred to as Hardly. There a few times where the wrong word is used or misspelled- as an example, sonner instead of sooner, noise instead of nose, Matryosha Dolls instead of Matryoshka Dolls…. and there were more of this type of thing. These were minor issues and didn’t detract from the overall story, but they did jolt me out of the story when I came across them, which was a little distracting.
This was my first book from this author, but I would definitely read more of her work.

Thank you, Ms. Slough!
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 22, 2017 Jules rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera is a well-written story of a woman escaping an abusive relationship. While it is not a new premise (Sleeping With The Enemy, 1991), it is a compelling, emotional read that I couldn’t put down. Who could not be completely affected by the topic of spousal abuse!

Ms. Slough made me care deeply not only for the main character, Gaby/Riley, but also for Isla, the detective who grew up witnessing her father abusing her mother. Both these women are strong, and both struggle to live their Nelumbo Nucifera is a well-written story of a woman escaping an abusive relationship. While it is not a new premise (Sleeping With The Enemy, 1991), it is a compelling, emotional read that I couldn’t put down. Who could not be completely affected by the topic of spousal abuse!

Ms. Slough made me care deeply not only for the main character, Gaby/Riley, but also for Isla, the detective who grew up witnessing her father abusing her mother. Both these women are strong, and both struggle to live their lives in the shadow of this horrible memory. Through Isla’s investigation of Gaby’s disappearance, both women are set free from their past.

The story is evenly paced, and not terribly suspenseful until the culmination of the book. Gaby’s estranged husband, Kyle, is despicable. The extent of his evilness knows no end. From start to finish, he is entitled, self-absorbed and too well connected.

Nelumbo Nucifera is told from multiple perspectives (Gaby/Riley, Isla, and Kyle)—two people affected by abuse and one abuser. Gaby/Riley’s narration should be the most emotional, but after her escape, her narration is mostly about her new life and her (entirely too soon) new love. No one could be unhappy about someone moving on from this sort of trauma, but it felt unrealistic for an abused woman to so easily fall into another romantic relationship. The abusive relationship Isla witnessed in her youth, influences her tenacity in following up on the case of Gaby’s disappearance. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Isla and her partner and boss. Kyle’s narration is merely a continuation of his deranged, extreme, violent behavior.

Ms. Slough’s emotional read is made more meaningful by her forward explaining her very personal link to this story. Her message that women in abusive relationships usually suffer alone is poignant and disturbing. While women generally try to hide their abuse, if there is the slightest possibility that a friend, acquaintance or co-worker might be in an abusive relationship, reach out and offer sympathy and assistance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

May 13, 2017 Mayu rated it really liked it · review of another edition

For a long time I had not been able to put my thoughts together, because I was feeling a lot of emotions at once. I even thought of not reviewing then again I had to share with you people, what I felt about this highly intense book.

I have to admit that Gaby is a really strong woman because she got the courage to leave that husband who not only hit her body, but also her soul. He stripped her of her self esteem, made her hollow. I agree she suffered abuse for a long time, NO, she didn’t walk out For a long time I had not been able to put my thoughts together, because I was feeling a lot of emotions at once. I even thought of not reviewing then again I had to share with you people, what I felt about this highly intense book.

I have to admit that Gaby is a really strong woman because she got the courage to leave that husband who not only hit her body, but also her soul. He stripped her of her self esteem, made her hollow. I agree she suffered abuse for a long time, NO, she didn’t walk out the first time it happened, but at least she was brave enough to do it, she loved herself enough to finally move out, even though she knew if she got caught then her husband would probably kill her.

Kyle, hmmm…., there were so many instances when I felt like holding this man and throwing him out of the window and then again picking him up to repeat. He never saw anything wrong with his actions, he thought that he was saving Gaby from disappointment by crushing her dream of becoming an artist, he thought by dictating her every move, by stealing her freedom, and in return giving her materialistic pleasure of clothes, house, cars, etc he was giving her a perfect life. I agree that Kyle had a bad childhood, but nothing accounts for the monster he was, the pain that he caused Gaby.

There were many instances in this story where l felt my eyes pooling with tears. There were many emotional moments in this book especially when Gaby thought about all the humiliations she suffered.

Another thing that l loved about the novel was the sweet love story between Ben and Gaby. Even though I felt that Gaby fell in love with Ben little too quickly for a woman who just came out of a bad marriage, but still the love story was sweet and a heartwarming.

Apart from the main story of Gaby, there is also a side story of the detective in charge, Isla. In the process of saving Gaby, she saved herself. Isla’s story is like a short story, in the novel, where she finally shredded the shakles of the past holding her.

Nelumbo Nucifera will always hold a very special place in my heart.

I highly recommend this book. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 03, 2017 Nikki Cook rated it liked it · review of another edition

Gabby is an abused spouse who knows that death is the only way out. Knowing this, she decides to take that death in her own hands with the help of a few "friends". Once she is dead, Gabby, now Riley, must return to her past to claim her new future.

Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough is the tale of Gabby, and how she had to die to before she could have a life. The characters are what one would typically expect in a story such as this. I cannot say that there was anything exceptional about this b ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 26, 2017 Kim Shofner rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This is a book that'll grab you by the seat of your pants and take you for a ride. The characters are so detailed you could almost believe they're real. Well not Kyle... no one wants to meet him in real life. I liked how the story is told from all three sides. It puts an interesting twist on this story. This book shows the true power women have to overcome and adapt to what life throws at them. No matter what we'll figure a way out of every situation and stick to our guns. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 20, 2018 Pamela rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, reviewed

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Spoiler Alert!

I guess I'm in the minority here. What can I say except the novel started off well but very soon began sliding down and for me, it never went back up. I actually found it to be quite boring. I kept waiting for something major to happen but nothing. I couldn't get a feel for any of the characters, in fact, I didn't like any of them. I get that Gaby wanted to get away from the man she married who abused her mentally and physically. I just had a problem with how it was executed; t ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 30, 2017 Jennifer Pierson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Gaby Parker is abused by her husband, and is living in constant fear for her life. So she decides to take her life, on paper that is, and finally disappears. But her husband doesn't believe she's dead, so he's looking for her to bring her back home. That's all I can literally describe as that's a push after the ride I just experienced. Nelumbo Nucifera kept me on the edge of my seat the entire duration, and my heart threatened to pound out of my chest. The twists and turns are diabolical, which ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 14, 2017 Lilly James rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera is a physiological thriller that had me flipping the pages so fast, yet not wanting to finish it at the same time.

The story is told from a couple of POV'S which I loved!

Gabby/Riley's POV - Cristina had me cheering for this character from the very beginning. Her story is real, raw and emotional, and I was so happy when she found Ben!

It is also told from Kyle's POV. I hated this character with a passion. Cristina did a great job of making him deceitful, cruel and malicious.

Dete ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 30, 2017 Julie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3 1/2 - 3 3/4 stars. Ah this book had such potential. The premise was great. There was so much the author could have done with it. But for me it just fell short and was sort of meh. On top of that there was a timeline inconsistency that her editor and betas missed and the ending just tied up too pat for my liking. I felt like I read a poorer version of Sleeping with the Enemy. Remember that movie?

Ok @@@@@@ Spoilers Don't Read if you haven't read the book. You've been warned@@@@@@@@
Things that bu 3 1/2 - 3 3/4 stars. Ah this book had such potential. The premise was great. There was so much the author could have done with it. But for me it just fell short and was sort of meh. On top of that there was a timeline inconsistency that her editor and betas missed and the ending just tied up too pat for my liking. I felt like I read a poorer version of Sleeping with the Enemy. Remember that movie?

Ok @@@@@@ Spoilers Don't Read if you haven't read the book. You've been warned@@@@@@@@
Things that bugged me
..
.
.
.
.
.
So timeline inconsistency: The teeth! The detective shows up at the husbands house with the teeth that "prove" Gaby is dead. Later in the book. The police find the teeth. Evidence Gaby is dead. How did everyone miss this timeline issue? My reading buddies and I did not.

Gaby fakes her death but goes and stays at her Grandmas house. Granted she never told her husband about this grandma but come on! Worst idea ever.

2nd worst idea: let's spend 160,000 to fake our death and not change the way we look. I mean did you think no one would recognize you?

3rd worst idea ever: let's spend 160,000 to fake death but not make sure you have enough to live on. And somehow you get by on 11.25.

4th worst idea ever: have one key to house. I'm starting to think this chick is stupid. You have one key and you lose it. SMH

Now shall I get on to the ending because I'm starting to rethink my stars as I'm typing this. I feel like 4 stars was too generous. I feel I might have rated it too high. Abusive husband finds runaway wife suddenly becomes creepy husband with his "Hello Angel" greeting which would have been actually awesome if he had always been creepy husband but just didn't fit his profile. He's had easily a 4 hour head start on the police if not longer. Then Somehow he cuts Ben although I read it and I still wasn't sure he did but were are lead to assume he did. Then apparently he ties Gaby up for what we don't know. But the police make record time there and find accomplice who supposedly isn't afraid to kill Sleeping in the truck????? And Isla the detective gets in and finds Gaby and just when it all looks bad because it looks like Gaby husband might win he's shot from somewhere outside. And really that's all we got out of that. I'm like wait where did the shot come from. I mean at the end its addressed but I think how pat everything happened. It just was not done well.

This book could have been amazing but it just wasn't. I wanted it to be amazing. I'm sad it wasn't. ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 12, 2017 Bobbi Wagner rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough is a story that will take you on a journey about an abused woman but it will show you there is hope and healing. This is my first story by this author and I loved it and can't wait to see what she will have next for us. I loved her writing style. She pulled me in from the first word and kept me engaged until the end. Her attention to details were awesome. They were so real that it made it difficult for me to read at times because I am a survivor of domestic ab Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough is a story that will take you on a journey about an abused woman but it will show you there is hope and healing. This is my first story by this author and I loved it and can't wait to see what she will have next for us. I loved her writing style. She pulled me in from the first word and kept me engaged until the end. Her attention to details were awesome. They were so real that it made it difficult for me to read at times because I am a survivor of domestic abuse. Her characters were connectable, lovable and true to life. You will feel like you are right there with them and they will keep you wanting more. I couldn't put this story down until the last page. This is the story about Gaby. Gaby had the perfect marriage to those on the outside but really on the inside it was a tragic waiting to happen. Her husband is controlling and wants things his way or there is a price to pay. After the last incident, Gaby decides it is time to get out and she knows there is only one way of getting out, dying at least on paper. When her husband is notified that Gaby is dead, he doesn't believe that she is. When the investigator starts digging, will she find more then a loving couple? What will happen when he finds her? Will Gaby finally stand up for herself and tell the whole world what life was really like? Will Gaby be able to finally start her life over or will fate have something else in store for her? This story is told in all three characters version. You get to see the perceptive of everyone's view. Sometimes, as a reader, I can get lost in stories told like this but this author did an awesome job of keeping the story flowing and switching back and forth between characters smoothly. Gaby is really torn down to nothing with self worth but honestly who wouldn't be. She is a survivor and fighter that grows throughout this story. Kyle her husband, is a character that is not likable at all. The story wouldn't be the same without him. In my opinion he is a coward and thinks he has something to prove. The investigator, Isla is a strong character and has determination. She has good instincts that you will see in this book. All three of these characters plus more are what make up this story and it wouldn't be the same without them. This story has some triggers that may not be acceptable for everyone but the story plot is awesome. This story is compassion that you won't want to miss. I highly recommend this story as I know you will want to see if Gaby finds healing and a new life. ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 12, 2017 Laura Furuta rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera
By: Cristina Slough
5 out of 5 stars

The story Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough is a thrilling/suspense book. This is a powerful story about domestic abuse and the lengths one woman has to go to in order to stay alive. It is told from the POV of Gaby Parker, her husband Kyle, and the female detective that is assigned to find out what has happened to Gaby. It is a story that had me on the edge of my seat during many scenes and also always hoping that Gaby will be able to lead a h Nelumbo Nucifera
By: Cristina Slough
5 out of 5 stars

The story Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough is a thrilling/suspense book. This is a powerful story about domestic abuse and the lengths one woman has to go to in order to stay alive. It is told from the POV of Gaby Parker, her husband Kyle, and the female detective that is assigned to find out what has happened to Gaby. It is a story that had me on the edge of my seat during many scenes and also always hoping that Gaby will be able to lead a happy life free of the fear that was always a constant in her marriage. It is so heartbreaking to read about what Gaby has gone through and even though she has taken steps to leave Kyle she still is plagued by nightmares. She has set a plan in motion that will have her starting a new life with a new name. This involves making everyone believe she is dead. Will the plan work? Kyle is a man that wants total control. He is someone who is not used to hearing the word no and uses his wealth to get what he wants. He is angered that his reputation is being tarnished during the investigation into what has happened to Gaby. He believes that Gaby is still alive and sets out to prove it any way he can. Is it possible that he will find her? The detective that is assigned to find out what has happened to Gaby is someone who is determined to be the one to get justice for the abused. The past is a large part of why she does this. She is certain that Kyle is the guilty party in his wife’s death and goes about gathering evidence to prove it. While the story is suspenseful it also has a softer side. Gaby finds that there is a couple that is supportive of her and also a man that she finds herself beginning to have feelings for. This is an author that has done a wonderful job writing a book on a very sensitive subject. This is the first book that I have read by her and it will not be the last. As this book does have scenes that are disturbing and also contains possible triggers I would recommend this book for those 18 years of age or older.
...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 12, 2017 Carrie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough is a non stop page turner, and an excellent book! 5 out of 5 stars!

This book is so heart wrenching, most of the time when the chapter was based on Kyle’s point of view, I legitimately wanted to punch him in the face. He such a scum bag and I applaud the author for the way she wrote his character. He is abusive verbally and physically towards his wife Gaby, and one day finally she has enough and decides to die.

Except she doesn’t really die, Gaby is tired of a ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 23, 2017 Michelle Austin rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: itsy-bitsy-book-bits

Title: Nelumbo Nucifera
Author:Cristina Slough

Nelumbo Nucifera was a great 5 star read.
What did I just read? Wow

We meet Gaby who is escaping from an abusive marriage by faking her death. She no longer recognizes the woman she was in NY before she met Kyle. She knew that if she stayed she would end up dead by his hands. She has gone to her grandmother's home with a new identity as Riley Locklin.

We also have her husband Kyle who refuses to believe she is dead. She was the only woman he wanted ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 26, 2017 Lisa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera is a sacred lotus flower; it starts its life as a seed planted in the soil of a pond or river growing over time from the sludge into a beautiful flower. This story by Cristina Slough tells the story of a different type of growth from the same type of beginning, a growth that shows the strength of the human spirit and its will to live and become something equally strong and beautiful.
Gaby is a woman who has been both verbally and physically abused by the person who was supposed t ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 05, 2017 Shannon rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

These are my Happily Ever After Novel Thoughts...

This book is awesomely intricate and entertaining. I loved that you got multiple POVs. You have Gaby's, Kyle's, and Isla's. Gaby is scared for her life. The only death that scares her, is the death that could be at her husband, Kyle's hands. Kyle thinks he is the perfect husband in his egotistical, self-centered, manically abusive mind. He has no idea why Gaby, with her perfect life, would want to leave. Detective Isla Mornay Osmund and determine ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 20, 2017 Renee rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Gabby Parker seems to have it all. However behind closed doors is a woman who lives in constant fear of the man she is married too and is suppose to love her. Realizing the only way to escape from her violent husband is to kill herself ---on paper. From her "death" comes the life of Riley Locklin who resides in the coastal town of Cheeswick Bay Montauk where she hopes to start over and meets a man who s ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 22, 2017 Misty Ziegler rated it liked it · review of another edition

***3 stars***
Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough

I found Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough to be a 3 star book about a woman who desperately chose to fake her own death as a last option to flee her abusive and controlling husband. After years suffering emotional and physical abuse, the time finally comes where things come together and Gaby is able to run away and try to start a new life. Abuse is not a light issue at all, and I respect the author for delving into how it could impact not only th ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 25, 2017 Candida Hopper rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough is an emotional and captivating read. The author drew me in from the beginning and I couldn't put this story down once I started. This book is very emotional and traumatic, but also full of hope and strength. I absolutely loved reading this story and the strong characters in it. Gaby who is in an abusive marriage finally reaches her breaking point and makes the decision to leave, but she knows she has to die to do that, on paper at least. Gaby is a strong woma ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 25, 2017 Amanda Taylor rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera
Cristina Slough
5 out of 5 stars
Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough is a thriller / suspense story. This story had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened and the feelings it brings out of you will put you on a rollercoaster. This book is about domestic abuse and the lengths Gaby Parker will go to escape it to stay alive. Gaby might seem like she has everything if you are outside looking in but in reality this is a broken woman who was stripped of everything that ma ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 26, 2017 Francis rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough tells the story of a young woman, Gaby Parker, who fakes her own death to escape from her abusive husband. It includes graphic descriptions of violent abuse and psychological manipulation but this is handled sensitively and in small doses.
I found Nelumbo Nucifera a gripping read from start to finish. Gaby is a loveable character and from start to finish I found myself rooting for her and really hoping things were going to turn out alright in the end. Along the ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 24, 2017 Nicole rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera is a new beginning. It opens your eyes on domestic abuse, cause I know a lot of us if it's not happening to us don't exactly put much thought into it. For Gaby Parker it was her everyday life. You shouldn't have to walk on egg shells around your spouse, in fear that they'll hurt you. No matter what she did though, she couldn't escape it. So she did the only thing she could think of...kill herself. She faked her own death and attempted to start over as Riley. Meanwhile her "death ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 26, 2017 Kerry Baker rated it really liked it · review of another edition

What would you do if the one person you were meant to be able to trust with your life is the one person who is the biggest threat? Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough delves deep into this issue, asking the questions we don’t want to think about.

When Gaby Parker finds herself in this situation, living a lie, fearing for her life daily, she knows that she has to do something about it. She simply cannot go on the way she has been.
Faking her own death seems like the only way to escape the life she ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 23, 2017 Morgan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough is absolutely amazing! It's one of the best books I've read this year. Cristina Slough as able to deliver a powerhouse story. This will literally leave you on the edge of your seat, I honestly couldn't sleep until I finished this story. At times when I thought I knew what was going to happen, there was another twist thrown into the story line. This was an amazing 5 star read!

From the outside looking in, Gaby Parker had everything, but on the inside, behind cl ...more

flag Like · see review

Oct 26, 2017 Lisette Gonzalez rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Nelumbo Nucifera
By Cristina Slough
4 Stars

Nelumbo Nucifera by Cristina Slough is a Psychological Thriller with a bit of romance. This story touches on a sensitive subject, domestic abuse and what one woman has to go through in order to stay alive. This story had me hooked and on the edge of my seat and praying that Gaby would no longer have to endure anymore abuse. She decides to move on and to live under a fictitious name. Onto what lengths will Gaby go to live under another name? Will her husba ...more

flag Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Fiction

3 users

Mystery

3 users

Thriller

2 users

See top shelves…

About Cristina Slough

Cristina Slough

179 followers

Cristina Slough is a Women's Fiction author.
Her debut: Till Death Us Do Part was released in December 2015.

Her second novel: The Life She Left Behind is available for purchase now.

Cristina writes about raw human emotions, and subject matters that are very real to women. ...more