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Safe House
True, home was their prison, but it was also their sanctuary.
In a small town on the Oregon Coast, Amber and Kelly know the deadliest people sleep down the hall. Why don't they just leave? Why don't they fight back? Amber knows, but she's not telling.
Grace James, an advocate, works with handsome Officer Joe Hart to help them find their way safely out of intimate partner violence. When Amber and Kelly feel there’s nowhere to turn, will they choose faith and accept a little help from Grace?
Where do you go when home is the most dangerous place of all?
2017 Whitney Nominee
In a small town on the Oregon Coast, Amber and Kelly know the deadliest people sleep down the hall. Why don't they just leave? Why don't they fight back? Amber knows, but she's not telling.
Grace James, an advocate, works with handsome Officer Joe Hart to help them find their way safely out of intimate partner violence. When Amber and Kelly feel there’s nowhere to turn, will they choose faith and accept a little help from Grace?
Where do you go when home is the most dangerous place of all?
2017 Whitney Nominee
292 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2017
16 people are currently reading
1014 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Symonds
15 books359 followersShannon Symonds writes in an old house by the sea and in the Utah desert. She is the proud mother of six children and Nana to 18. She loves her Savior, time with her family, laughter, a good mystery, walking the beach, clamming, and bonfires.
Shannon began writing to share her lived experience and unique perspective as a witness of the strength of survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence. Shannon believes that if we could see the world through her eyes, we would share her deep love and respect for survivors and recognize their strength, resilience, and capacity.
Shannon worked for over 15 years as a certified advocate, serving survivors alongside law enforcement. Currently, she is a full-time author and loves volunteering for other causes she is ridiculously passionate about.
Shannon has been an author since 2014. She has written 9 books, 263 articles for Deseret Digital Media (which were periodically syndicated), and blogged for Hilary Weeks’ Billion Clicks project.
Shannon published her first book, “Safe House,” with Cedar Fort Publishing in 2017. In 2023, she was nominated for the Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media & the Arts Praiseworthy Award. In 2021, she was awarded the Author to Watch Award for her “By the Sea” Cozy Mystery YA series. In addition, her debut novel was a Whitney Award nominee in 2017.
Her first cozy mystery, “Murder Takes a Selfie,” was sold at Costco (who knew having one’s book in a big-box store would be the mark of success?). Her books continue to be available at Deseret Book, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Cedar For, Spotify, and her favorite beach town bookstores.
Shannon received the Davis County Child Abuse Prevention Award, the Oregon Trial Lawyers Public Justice Award 2002 for the Tiffany Alvera case that changed housing for victims nationally, and the 2002 Star Advocate Commendation from the Oregon Department of Justice.
Shannon began writing to share her lived experience and unique perspective as a witness of the strength of survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence. Shannon believes that if we could see the world through her eyes, we would share her deep love and respect for survivors and recognize their strength, resilience, and capacity.
Shannon worked for over 15 years as a certified advocate, serving survivors alongside law enforcement. Currently, she is a full-time author and loves volunteering for other causes she is ridiculously passionate about.
Shannon has been an author since 2014. She has written 9 books, 263 articles for Deseret Digital Media (which were periodically syndicated), and blogged for Hilary Weeks’ Billion Clicks project.
Shannon published her first book, “Safe House,” with Cedar Fort Publishing in 2017. In 2023, she was nominated for the Latter-day Saints in Publishing, Media & the Arts Praiseworthy Award. In 2021, she was awarded the Author to Watch Award for her “By the Sea” Cozy Mystery YA series. In addition, her debut novel was a Whitney Award nominee in 2017.
Her first cozy mystery, “Murder Takes a Selfie,” was sold at Costco (who knew having one’s book in a big-box store would be the mark of success?). Her books continue to be available at Deseret Book, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Cedar For, Spotify, and her favorite beach town bookstores.
Shannon received the Davis County Child Abuse Prevention Award, the Oregon Trial Lawyers Public Justice Award 2002 for the Tiffany Alvera case that changed housing for victims nationally, and the 2002 Star Advocate Commendation from the Oregon Department of Justice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
August 29, 2017
When this book was presented to me for review, I hesitated. I like the fluffy stuff. A good story that doesn't make me think too hard, that doesn't have uncomfortable subjects.
Safe House deals with domestic violence. Not even close to fluffy. I had to think about reading this one. I am glad that I picked it up. Shannon Symonds has taken on a tough issue and presented a story with intelligence and compassion. It is a good thing for me to read uncomfortable things to learn a little empathy and understanding for others.
This book is written from several points of view. It take a little time to get know the characters and transition alternating stories. The characters have connections with each other. It provides a sense of unity to the story.
The book does contain violence. The characters belong to the same religion (LDS) so there are references to church and beliefs. I do think this was a great book to pick up, and I'm glad that I did.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Safe House deals with domestic violence. Not even close to fluffy. I had to think about reading this one. I am glad that I picked it up. Shannon Symonds has taken on a tough issue and presented a story with intelligence and compassion. It is a good thing for me to read uncomfortable things to learn a little empathy and understanding for others.
This book is written from several points of view. It take a little time to get know the characters and transition alternating stories. The characters have connections with each other. It provides a sense of unity to the story.
The book does contain violence. The characters belong to the same religion (LDS) so there are references to church and beliefs. I do think this was a great book to pick up, and I'm glad that I did.
Source: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
October 26, 2017
3 1/2 stars. The author does a great job of portraying the horrors of abuse. This is definitely a book that I would not normally pick up because of the subject matter, but the author wrote it well. Grace was a fantastic character, who truly wanted to help people. I felt there was too much jumping around between so many characters. That being said, it was interesting to see the POV of the abusers and the different types of abuse caused from drinking and viewing pornographic images but again, too many POV jumps between every character. The LDS church is referenced and it was a definite help for the characters but I thought the many references of CTR was overdone.
I received a copy from the author/publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own.
I received a copy from the author/publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own.
August 24, 2017
Author Shannon Symonds brings to life the bitter and devastating truths of domestic violence in her novel Safe House. Her story is heart throbbing and gut wrenching. It hurts so much to read these truths, but powerful at the same time. It teaches readers of the hardships of the people in these situations and about how hard it can be to get out, but that it is possible. The story is a little hard to follow at first due to the way it switches between characters and their stories, but once that is sorted out, readers will not want to put this novel down. It is a captivating and powerful read!
Genre: thriller, mystery, fiction, domestic violence
Publisher: Bonneville an imprint of Cedar Fort
Publication date: July 11, 2017
Number of pages: 292
A review copy of the book provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: thriller, mystery, fiction, domestic violence
Publisher: Bonneville an imprint of Cedar Fort
Publication date: July 11, 2017
Number of pages: 292
A review copy of the book provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
August 26, 2017
I first have to say that I think the information and overall message of this book is so important. I haven't had a lot of experience with domestic violence and knowing there are so many women and children (and men) in the world suffering through this is heartbreaking. The author of this book works as a victim's advocate so her personal, first hand knowledge and experience go a long way in making this novel valid and real. And honestly? Thank goodness for Shannon and people like her to help, support and love to people when they need it the most.
As for the book itself, I had a hard time settling into it. The scenes jump around a lot and it made it hard for me to connect on an emotional level to the characters. Just when I would start getting a feel for a person and their situation, their personality, I would be shifted to a different person in a different place. It just made it hard to keep people straight in the beginning and connect to them. By the end I had all the characters down but the emotional connection to them was still missing.
I did feel the build of intensity in the story though. Things escalate steadily to provide an end to this book that is dramatic and intense. I loved the feeling of community and faith among the characters. This book gave me insight to the lives of those who suffer from domestic abuse and I'm always grateful when I read a book and walk away feeling like I know more than I did before.
Content: Some violence, domestic abuse. Mentions of pornography, infidelity and a hint of an attempted rape. Characters are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints so there is talk about religion, God and praying.
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Cedar Fort. All opinions expressed are my own.
As for the book itself, I had a hard time settling into it. The scenes jump around a lot and it made it hard for me to connect on an emotional level to the characters. Just when I would start getting a feel for a person and their situation, their personality, I would be shifted to a different person in a different place. It just made it hard to keep people straight in the beginning and connect to them. By the end I had all the characters down but the emotional connection to them was still missing.
I did feel the build of intensity in the story though. Things escalate steadily to provide an end to this book that is dramatic and intense. I loved the feeling of community and faith among the characters. This book gave me insight to the lives of those who suffer from domestic abuse and I'm always grateful when I read a book and walk away feeling like I know more than I did before.
Content: Some violence, domestic abuse. Mentions of pornography, infidelity and a hint of an attempted rape. Characters are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints so there is talk about religion, God and praying.
- I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Cedar Fort. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 8, 2017
Safe House paints a poignant portrait of domestic violence centered in a close, coastal community. Multiple stories and perspectives weave together to showcase the ways abuse affects a victim along with their children, parents, other family members, neighbors, and the abusers themselves. The author's vivid, detailed writing style uses multi-sensory descriptions to transport the reader inside a character's physical and emotional experiences; for example, a climatic confrontation between victim and abuser set in a backyard garden. As a longtime victim advocate, Symonds is able to draw inspiration from her own intimate interactions with survivors, providing another layer of depth and meaning to Safe House. While tackling a hard and heartbreaking topic, Symonds has crafted a book that is easy to read and infused with messages of hope and resiliency.
August 30, 2017
I have to admit that reading books about abuse of any kind is very hard for me. I like to read books to escape reality and not read about it. Having said that, this book ended up being such a great book to read.
I loved this story. I am saying this will all love behind it. My sisters and I love these kinds of books. We call them "Mormon Smut Books"....hehe. I really do mean that as the best compliment. I love to read books that have to do with my religion and love. Or any religion for that matter. I know that when I read it, it will be clean.
I loved that this book covered a hard topic, and showed how people could get out and move on to bigger and better things. I am a HUGE advocate for Sexual Abuse, and the author of this book is a HUGE advocate for Domestic Violence. I think that's why I liked the book so much. Hard topics are hard to read, so they have to be done well. The author definitely did well with this book.
We all take the chance when we marry someone, that they are not all they say they are. We may not know what their demons are until after marriage. Then sometimes they have groomed you so well, that it's impossible to leave. Amber and Kelly realize this after they have gotten married and are both faced with the challenge of what to do now.
As they navigate their lives with the help of Grace, they realize that there is a possibility of life outside of an abusive marriage. They find their faith in God again, and the power to fight for what is missing in their lives.
This is such a good book about love, life, faith, religion and suspense. Their stories are heartbreaking, and life changing all at the same time. I hope that you take the time to read this book. It is so wonderful.
I loved this story. I am saying this will all love behind it. My sisters and I love these kinds of books. We call them "Mormon Smut Books"....hehe. I really do mean that as the best compliment. I love to read books that have to do with my religion and love. Or any religion for that matter. I know that when I read it, it will be clean.
I loved that this book covered a hard topic, and showed how people could get out and move on to bigger and better things. I am a HUGE advocate for Sexual Abuse, and the author of this book is a HUGE advocate for Domestic Violence. I think that's why I liked the book so much. Hard topics are hard to read, so they have to be done well. The author definitely did well with this book.
We all take the chance when we marry someone, that they are not all they say they are. We may not know what their demons are until after marriage. Then sometimes they have groomed you so well, that it's impossible to leave. Amber and Kelly realize this after they have gotten married and are both faced with the challenge of what to do now.
As they navigate their lives with the help of Grace, they realize that there is a possibility of life outside of an abusive marriage. They find their faith in God again, and the power to fight for what is missing in their lives.
This is such a good book about love, life, faith, religion and suspense. Their stories are heartbreaking, and life changing all at the same time. I hope that you take the time to read this book. It is so wonderful.
October 26, 2017
Wow, I'm not quite sure what I expected from this book, but I didn't expect to be drawn in as fast as I was. This book is intense from the very first page until the very last page. I loved every minute I spent reading it!
I like the way this book has so many different view points. You get such a great picture of exactly what is happening. You even get viewpoints from the bad guys in this one. That really made the picture of everything going on so clear.
I'm not sure I can tell you just who the main character is, there are several. I'd have to say Amber, Grace and Kelly would kind of be the three main ones. There characters are so well-written, I almost felt as though I knew them and there were certain times during the story that I was terrified for what was going to happen to them. I thought the author did a great job portraying the way things are for victims of domestic abuse. It really made me grateful that I personally haven't had to deal with that in my own life, although I do know people who have and it helped me appreciate a little more what they have gone through.
I loved the plot of this one, it really drew me in and it didn't let go until the very last word! I love that this one is intense, but at the same time completely clean, such a great book!
Make sure you get this great book, it would be great if you did it this month, the author of this book is donating her profits this month to survivors of domestic abuse. What a great cause!
I like the way this book has so many different view points. You get such a great picture of exactly what is happening. You even get viewpoints from the bad guys in this one. That really made the picture of everything going on so clear.
I'm not sure I can tell you just who the main character is, there are several. I'd have to say Amber, Grace and Kelly would kind of be the three main ones. There characters are so well-written, I almost felt as though I knew them and there were certain times during the story that I was terrified for what was going to happen to them. I thought the author did a great job portraying the way things are for victims of domestic abuse. It really made me grateful that I personally haven't had to deal with that in my own life, although I do know people who have and it helped me appreciate a little more what they have gone through.
I loved the plot of this one, it really drew me in and it didn't let go until the very last word! I love that this one is intense, but at the same time completely clean, such a great book!
Make sure you get this great book, it would be great if you did it this month, the author of this book is donating her profits this month to survivors of domestic abuse. What a great cause!
February 5, 2018
Met her at a book signing last November at the store I work in and had my copy of her book autographed. Excited to finally have a chance to read it.
INTENSE! Oh man, this whole book was just intense from the first chapter! I had a semi-difficult time keeping characters straight because it kept shifting gears to what was happening in about four different places, but it was SO well written and easy to read (and a little hard to read because of the abuse and heartache in the book). I appreciated the way Shannon Symonds approached domestic violence from different angles that opened up my eyes to some things about both the victim and those who try to help them that I hadn't thought about before. I also liked the LDS community who wrapped their arms around several of the characters in their town.
INTENSE! Oh man, this whole book was just intense from the first chapter! I had a semi-difficult time keeping characters straight because it kept shifting gears to what was happening in about four different places, but it was SO well written and easy to read (and a little hard to read because of the abuse and heartache in the book). I appreciated the way Shannon Symonds approached domestic violence from different angles that opened up my eyes to some things about both the victim and those who try to help them that I hadn't thought about before. I also liked the LDS community who wrapped their arms around several of the characters in their town.
December 29, 2017
The book was ok except for the switching of characters back and forth. It made it a little hard to read.
It was also a hard read because of the topic of the book but here again the author has done a wonderful job in writing this.
It's truly an emotional book and especially when children are involved it really makes me want to kick the man's pants and give him a taste of his own medicine!!! It's NOT ok to abuse people of any sort because they are different or maybe women. Each one of us has feelings. I don't much care for the excuses that some make to cover up wrong.
It's why I admired Grace who loves helping people that need it.
This wasn't my cup of tea but there are people who do like to read this.
I still recommend this book.
I received this book for free. This is my honest opinion and compensations are not required
It was also a hard read because of the topic of the book but here again the author has done a wonderful job in writing this.
It's truly an emotional book and especially when children are involved it really makes me want to kick the man's pants and give him a taste of his own medicine!!! It's NOT ok to abuse people of any sort because they are different or maybe women. Each one of us has feelings. I don't much care for the excuses that some make to cover up wrong.
It's why I admired Grace who loves helping people that need it.
This wasn't my cup of tea but there are people who do like to read this.
I still recommend this book.
I received this book for free. This is my honest opinion and compensations are not required
August 9, 2017
Normally I struggle with getting absorbed in a book. But as busy as I was, I kept looking forward to picking this book up again. I truly cared about the characters and wanted to know if they were going to be okay. We don't talk about this topic enough. So glad I read this book!
August 10, 2017
I really wanted to rate this book five stars, but the ending was a little weak.
December 24, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was asked in return for an honest review...
When I first read the synopsis for this book online I liked it, so I entered the giveaway. It didn't say anything about it being about people who are of the Mormon faith, so when I started reading it I was a little surprised by how much it talked about the faith and the church. I'm a Catholic so I know nothing about Mormons or their faith, but the book seemed interesting... And both religions believe in God right? So I decided to continue reading.
This book is powerful, the message it sends out about domestic violence is very strong. I've never been in that kind of situation and honestly I hope I never am. But to be able to read this book helped me see the signs of how it can start. And yes this book talked about the Mormon faith but it wasn't too much and I learned some things about it. They have a strong relationship with God just like many religions. And seeing how powerful their faith touched them & others in itself is amazing. They get a feeling & the go with it as do many people.
This was a really good book.
When I first read the synopsis for this book online I liked it, so I entered the giveaway. It didn't say anything about it being about people who are of the Mormon faith, so when I started reading it I was a little surprised by how much it talked about the faith and the church. I'm a Catholic so I know nothing about Mormons or their faith, but the book seemed interesting... And both religions believe in God right? So I decided to continue reading.
This book is powerful, the message it sends out about domestic violence is very strong. I've never been in that kind of situation and honestly I hope I never am. But to be able to read this book helped me see the signs of how it can start. And yes this book talked about the Mormon faith but it wasn't too much and I learned some things about it. They have a strong relationship with God just like many religions. And seeing how powerful their faith touched them & others in itself is amazing. They get a feeling & the go with it as do many people.
This was a really good book.
September 19, 2017
*I received this book from Goodreads giveaways* This is a really great book that dives into domestic abuse and everything that happens after. The story moves at a fast pace and kept me turning the page. I couldn't stop reading until I knew the abusers had lost. You really feel for the characters and it's sad to think how many people this story is reality for. The first half of the book was a bit choppy and jumped a round but by the end I could see how everyone was tied together. The message about asking for help from others and God was also a good one. This book can help you realize that you are not alone and that every abuse situation is different. You just have to realize when enough is enough like the characters in the book. Great read!
July 1, 2017
Great! Fast moving and I could visualize it like a movie. I loved it. The first chapter grabbed me and it was hard to put it down and have , since reading it in its entirety, begun reading it out loud on a road trip. Besides being a great read, it is informative for women who need help in an abusive relationship. The storm was so real I felt cold in 97 degree weather. Am enjoying reading it second time.
September 1, 2017
This book was a mystery/thriller suitable for teens and adults. The author has worked as an advocate for victims of abuse and/or assault. She has taken her first-hand knowledge of what she had learned in real life to write fiction that is believable and reflects some the actual difficulties with which people can find themselves dealing.
At first I experienced anger directed not only at the abusers, but in the ineffectual response on the part of the victims. The author gently leads a reader to understand how people can find themselves being gradually led into situations that open them up to abuse without realizing the position they are in until it is too late. Her goal, besides telling an excellent and exciting story, is to guide the readers to see how victims who blame themselves for the abuse they receive can work to become survivors who put the blame where it belongs, but sometimes they must accept help from others to do so. The story highlighted not only the issues of spousal abuse, but how much abuse of a spouse can have a negative impact on the children in the family and leave them living in constant fear and uncertainty.
In addition to the social issues and the tensions they provided the characters, this was an exciting adventure as the characters in the town find themselves dealing with a force of nature that threatens to overpower them all, including the modern technology we take so much for granted in this day and age. The action kept me reading.
This is a novel with many L.D.S. (Mormon to much of the world) characters. I believe the novel can be enjoyed by readers who are not L.D.S. since the author depicts people of faith, and some of L.D.S. practices, without getting much into doctrine.
The focus of the book was not romance, but the romance elements present were sweet and clean. Not all romances were resolved, which leads me to hope the author may have a sequel to this novel. It was an enjoyable and enlightening read, and I recommend it.
At first I experienced anger directed not only at the abusers, but in the ineffectual response on the part of the victims. The author gently leads a reader to understand how people can find themselves being gradually led into situations that open them up to abuse without realizing the position they are in until it is too late. Her goal, besides telling an excellent and exciting story, is to guide the readers to see how victims who blame themselves for the abuse they receive can work to become survivors who put the blame where it belongs, but sometimes they must accept help from others to do so. The story highlighted not only the issues of spousal abuse, but how much abuse of a spouse can have a negative impact on the children in the family and leave them living in constant fear and uncertainty.
In addition to the social issues and the tensions they provided the characters, this was an exciting adventure as the characters in the town find themselves dealing with a force of nature that threatens to overpower them all, including the modern technology we take so much for granted in this day and age. The action kept me reading.
This is a novel with many L.D.S. (Mormon to much of the world) characters. I believe the novel can be enjoyed by readers who are not L.D.S. since the author depicts people of faith, and some of L.D.S. practices, without getting much into doctrine.
The focus of the book was not romance, but the romance elements present were sweet and clean. Not all romances were resolved, which leads me to hope the author may have a sequel to this novel. It was an enjoyable and enlightening read, and I recommend it.
August 23, 2017
I won this book through a GoodReads Giveaway and it was a great book regarding a topic I've never read before. I just wonder what happened to one of the fathers; that side of the story seemed unresolved and the description of the storm was a little bit overkill but I loved the characters and the story flowed nicely. I would definitely read this author again.
November 20, 2017
Thanks to Goodreads for another great win!
I loved this book, couldn't put it down!
The story of violences, domestic and sexual, that tear families apart and turn strangers into friends.
Grace James is an advocate serving domestic and sexual assault survivors. In a small coastal Oregon town, comprised mostly of Mormons, one would think her job would be pretty easy. Not so. In the midst of a middle-class, religious population there are below the surface abusers. And it is her job to bring them to justice and to help those in crisis.
I loved this book, couldn't put it down!
The story of violences, domestic and sexual, that tear families apart and turn strangers into friends.
Grace James is an advocate serving domestic and sexual assault survivors. In a small coastal Oregon town, comprised mostly of Mormons, one would think her job would be pretty easy. Not so. In the midst of a middle-class, religious population there are below the surface abusers. And it is her job to bring them to justice and to help those in crisis.
January 22, 2018
Grace works with Domestic Sexual Assault Team in Necanicum, Oregon where she is helping Kelly with a controlling husband Sam, and Emily with her drinking and abusive husband Berk. Both men have started to go beyond being safe, but neither wife wants to, or has the means to leave their husband. Grace offers emotional shelter and means to find a way to leave.
January 30, 2018
I normally don’t read books that are based on such a heavy topic. The characters in this book dealt with domestic abuse and the effects of alcohol. At first I had a hard time keeping track of all the perspectives as it jumps around a lot, but eventually I figured it all out and really enjoyed that. The characters felt real and the storyline was believable.
August 26, 2017
This book had mystery and suspense and took me into what a survivors life is like through abuse. Not only could I see through the women's eyes but the children as well. My heart was lifted and I am excited to read another book by Shannon someday.
September 20, 2017
Quite the interesting read. It brought back sad childhood memories of encountered physical and mental abuse by controlling men (and women in my adulthood). It happens more often than people are aware of or want to believe. I'm truly glad there are people and organizations willing to help.
April 8, 2019
So well written and on a sensitive subject this book is extremely intriguing. Each page captured me and held my attention from the story of the abused to the story of those trying to rescue them. I have better understanding now and am so grateful the author shared this book.
May 31, 2018
I stayed up WAY too late the past two nights reading this book. I had to know what happened with the families! My only issue is that Berk’s story is unfinished. I can assume what happened, but I want to know for sure. Other than that, it was a great book!
October 2, 2017
I randomly found this book on Amazon’s Kindle listings, and absolutely loved it! There were parts where I laughed, sighed with relief, held my breath, and cried. I hope this author continues with these characters, I grew attached to them. There was a religious thread that ran throughout, but I learned a lot and found it reassuring and comforting at all the right times.
August 27, 2017
I connected with this book. It reeled me in and kept me there with an intense and fast-moving plot. The emotional intensity was a unique aspect of this book for me. I had never read a book addressing domestic violence and abuse, and I found myself incapable of putting it down because I just couldn't leave these characters in the unjust and demoralizing circumstances.
In addition to the captivating and entertaining plot, Safe House was an educational experience. Part of what was both enthralling and alarming as I read was knowing that the author has personal experience as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and abuse, so I could count on there being truth to the events and to the actions and reactions of the characters. I came away with better understanding of what victims are faced with and the complexity of their difficulties. I gained greater sympathy for their suffering, and more respect for their strength. The picture presented of victims and abusers led me to wonder who of my family and friends could silently be experiencing such heartache. I appreciated the subtle revelations of the abusers' pasts that explain a lot of why they act in violence and abuse. It doesn't justify or minimize the atrociousness of their actions, but it is enlightening to see what influenced them.
I also felt gratitude for those like the character Grace and like the author who sacrifice their time and comfort to help these victims. I was motivated to want to help too, even if it's just by helping others gain the same understanding that Safe House brought me.
While the subject matter is serious, difficult, and true to life, I also connected with the uplifting nature of the book. It's not just about abuse and pain. It's a story of healing, particularly healing with the help of family, friends, and professionals. Most importantly and most effectively, our Savior and Redeemer is part of the healing process. I thank my Heavenly Father that I don't experience domestic violence or abuse, but I certainly have my own difficulties at times, and I use the same resources for help and healing. I felt like the author gave me an intimate look at a truly sacred process, one that is part of her reality as an advocate, so I felt I got a close look into her mind and heart as well. What I saw was so good, kind, and courageous. It was a privilege to work with her and get to know her better, particularly as she took the time to answer some interview questions. Check out my interview with her here: https://thereaderssalon.wordpress.com...
I was also drawn in by the book's setting. We recently moved to the Seattle area, so a book set in the Pacific Northwest was intriguing. Then we actually got to visit the area where the book takes place while was right in the middle of reading. Shannon Symond's descriptions of the Seaside, Oregon area painted pictures of majestic and peaceful beauty. When I saw it all with my own eyes my thought was that she nailed the descriptions. See my trip report at https://thereaderssalon.wordpress.com... to read more details about visiting the setting of Safe House.
I was emotionally and personally invested in the book, but I do have to say that intellectually the ending was not completely satisfying. Throughout the book you see some of the residents in a small coastal town become connected through good, bad, and ugly. They face an ultimate test at the end when mother nature adds her ferocity to their struggles; as a result, they become more closely connected. However, after it was all over I felt like I didn't get enough insight into how the storm really affected or changed them or their relationships. I would have liked to be given a glimpse of them all a month or two down the road to really see what lasting effect the events and their connections had. The end climax didn't have much meaning for me other than just excitement without more of an epilogue.
I also wanted more time to celebrate with these characters I had come to care about. I felt I had come to know them as victims and also in the thick of the turning point. I wanted to be able to see them down the path of change a bit further.
I especially felt there was a lot missing from Grace's, the advocate, story. I was curious about her past that was really only hinted at. I expected when I started the book to read more about her than I did. But as I got further into the book I realized that it made sense that Grace's story took more of a backseat to the other characters. While Grace is such an influential character, her job is to play a supporting role. I think her full story is probably the most interesting of all, but the book isn't really about her except for her role as an advocate, just as a real domestic violence situation would not be about the advocate, no matter how heroic they are. It's really about the victim(s) and making them safe. That oh-so-important-but-behind-the-scenes role of an advocate is clear through the character focuses in the book.
I was happy to find out in my interview with Shannon Symonds that she has plans for another book with these characters!
There were a few small bumps in character development. There were a few times I was distracted from the story as I pondered whether a character's actions or thoughts made sense based on my feel for them, but it was the excitement, uplifting experience, and learning opportunities of Safe House that shined forth to make it a good read.
Age Recommendation: With the adult subject matter I recommend this book for 17 and older.
Appropriateness: Domestic violence and sexual abuse are the main conflicts in the book so there is depiction of these horrid crimes. However, it's all described tastefully without too much gore or graphic detail. But it is enough to evoke an emotional response. The message of overcoming such terrors makes the book a positive and happy one.
Book Club Suggestions: Safe House would provide great discussion material for a book club. Discussion topics could include
1. If you were put in a position where you were suddenly on your own to support yourself and family how would you do it? Would you be prepared right now?
2. What stigmas have you heard attributed to victims of domestic violence? Has your opinion changed at all after reading the book?
3. How would you deal with a job as stressful and emotional as Grace's? What would you do to keep your work from taking over?
4. What support do you turn to in your times of need?
5. What do you think the future holds for these characters?
6. Do you feel any sympathy for the abusers? Why or Why not?
Other book recommendations: If you are interested in Safe House then you might also like Charly by Jack Weyland, Jennie by Susan Evans McCloud, Cash Valley by Ryan K. Nelson, Eruption and Reclamation by Adrienne Quintana, Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins, An Uncommon Blue by R.C. Hancock, So Far From the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins, My Story by Elizabeth Smart, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, and These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner.
See more of my reviews at thereaderssalon.com
In addition to the captivating and entertaining plot, Safe House was an educational experience. Part of what was both enthralling and alarming as I read was knowing that the author has personal experience as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and abuse, so I could count on there being truth to the events and to the actions and reactions of the characters. I came away with better understanding of what victims are faced with and the complexity of their difficulties. I gained greater sympathy for their suffering, and more respect for their strength. The picture presented of victims and abusers led me to wonder who of my family and friends could silently be experiencing such heartache. I appreciated the subtle revelations of the abusers' pasts that explain a lot of why they act in violence and abuse. It doesn't justify or minimize the atrociousness of their actions, but it is enlightening to see what influenced them.
I also felt gratitude for those like the character Grace and like the author who sacrifice their time and comfort to help these victims. I was motivated to want to help too, even if it's just by helping others gain the same understanding that Safe House brought me.
While the subject matter is serious, difficult, and true to life, I also connected with the uplifting nature of the book. It's not just about abuse and pain. It's a story of healing, particularly healing with the help of family, friends, and professionals. Most importantly and most effectively, our Savior and Redeemer is part of the healing process. I thank my Heavenly Father that I don't experience domestic violence or abuse, but I certainly have my own difficulties at times, and I use the same resources for help and healing. I felt like the author gave me an intimate look at a truly sacred process, one that is part of her reality as an advocate, so I felt I got a close look into her mind and heart as well. What I saw was so good, kind, and courageous. It was a privilege to work with her and get to know her better, particularly as she took the time to answer some interview questions. Check out my interview with her here: https://thereaderssalon.wordpress.com...
I was also drawn in by the book's setting. We recently moved to the Seattle area, so a book set in the Pacific Northwest was intriguing. Then we actually got to visit the area where the book takes place while was right in the middle of reading. Shannon Symond's descriptions of the Seaside, Oregon area painted pictures of majestic and peaceful beauty. When I saw it all with my own eyes my thought was that she nailed the descriptions. See my trip report at https://thereaderssalon.wordpress.com... to read more details about visiting the setting of Safe House.
I was emotionally and personally invested in the book, but I do have to say that intellectually the ending was not completely satisfying. Throughout the book you see some of the residents in a small coastal town become connected through good, bad, and ugly. They face an ultimate test at the end when mother nature adds her ferocity to their struggles; as a result, they become more closely connected. However, after it was all over I felt like I didn't get enough insight into how the storm really affected or changed them or their relationships. I would have liked to be given a glimpse of them all a month or two down the road to really see what lasting effect the events and their connections had. The end climax didn't have much meaning for me other than just excitement without more of an epilogue.
I also wanted more time to celebrate with these characters I had come to care about. I felt I had come to know them as victims and also in the thick of the turning point. I wanted to be able to see them down the path of change a bit further.
I especially felt there was a lot missing from Grace's, the advocate, story. I was curious about her past that was really only hinted at. I expected when I started the book to read more about her than I did. But as I got further into the book I realized that it made sense that Grace's story took more of a backseat to the other characters. While Grace is such an influential character, her job is to play a supporting role. I think her full story is probably the most interesting of all, but the book isn't really about her except for her role as an advocate, just as a real domestic violence situation would not be about the advocate, no matter how heroic they are. It's really about the victim(s) and making them safe. That oh-so-important-but-behind-the-scenes role of an advocate is clear through the character focuses in the book.
I was happy to find out in my interview with Shannon Symonds that she has plans for another book with these characters!
There were a few small bumps in character development. There were a few times I was distracted from the story as I pondered whether a character's actions or thoughts made sense based on my feel for them, but it was the excitement, uplifting experience, and learning opportunities of Safe House that shined forth to make it a good read.
Age Recommendation: With the adult subject matter I recommend this book for 17 and older.
Appropriateness: Domestic violence and sexual abuse are the main conflicts in the book so there is depiction of these horrid crimes. However, it's all described tastefully without too much gore or graphic detail. But it is enough to evoke an emotional response. The message of overcoming such terrors makes the book a positive and happy one.
Book Club Suggestions: Safe House would provide great discussion material for a book club. Discussion topics could include
1. If you were put in a position where you were suddenly on your own to support yourself and family how would you do it? Would you be prepared right now?
2. What stigmas have you heard attributed to victims of domestic violence? Has your opinion changed at all after reading the book?
3. How would you deal with a job as stressful and emotional as Grace's? What would you do to keep your work from taking over?
4. What support do you turn to in your times of need?
5. What do you think the future holds for these characters?
6. Do you feel any sympathy for the abusers? Why or Why not?
Other book recommendations: If you are interested in Safe House then you might also like Charly by Jack Weyland, Jennie by Susan Evans McCloud, Cash Valley by Ryan K. Nelson, Eruption and Reclamation by Adrienne Quintana, Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins, An Uncommon Blue by R.C. Hancock, So Far From the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins, My Story by Elizabeth Smart, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, and These is My Words by Nancy E. Turner.
See more of my reviews at thereaderssalon.com
November 5, 2019
There are so many things I like about this book. The story is compelling and sucked me in from the beginning, the characters are lovable and relatable, and I got to peek into the life of a domestic violence counselor and the battered women she helps. Ms. Symonds knows her topic and gives you real understanding for why these women stay in violent relationships and how hard it is for them to get out. I wasn't just entertained by the fictional story, I was educated. I highly recommend it. 4.5 stars
October 4, 2017
I opened this book not intending to read it, but as I got into the first chapter, I couldn't stop. It sucked me in and wouldn't let go. The author's passion for the issues laid out in the book shows through in the way she treats the victims' stories. I also loved the way members of the LDS Church are portrayed.
July 4, 2017
I just finished her book, and hope the story will continue. Grace, the main character, was inspiring and strong. The visualization of the writing made me picture each character, and the area where everything took place. This was a great read, and hope she writes another real life adventure.
June 26, 2017
I read this book in one evening. Domestic abuse is a topic that was tackled with empathy. No longer will you say,"Why doesn't she just LEAVE?"
July 3, 2017
Safe House is a great book that gives you a better understanding of domestic abuse. I laughed, cried, felt anger and joy while reading this book! I couldn't put it down, and I can't wait for more!
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