The Broken Road Home: A True Story

by Evie Gallagher

This is Evie’s sad tale of surviving sexual abuse, as well as domestic abuse as a young child, and she also became a survivor Domestic Violence, as a young wife and mother within her first marriage. Melvin, a family friend, and sexual predator carved a path for himself using Evie’s young innocence, by showing her kindness in a place of cruelty, and loneliness. Evie had no one to turn to, her mother an alcoholic, and her step-father a cruel, and vicious man. Evie through the years was placed in several different foster homes, and she ran away from them all, even living on the cold streets of London at eleven years old. A homeless traveler took Evie under their wing, kept her safe, and eventually helped to guide her home. All she had to cling to was her biological father, also an alcoholic, her Nan, and her great love of horses. Evie would later marry Andrew, yet another man in her life who deceived her in every heartbreaking way imaginable. Andrew viciously beat Evie many times, and he had numerous affairs with prostitutes. Evie had nowhere to run to, that Andrew would not find her, and bring her back. She felt broken in mind, body, and spirit, with no one to protect her. Evie sometimes felt like giving up her very existence, though it was her deep bond, and love for her children that she found the strength to keep going. Evie’s great fondness for books eventually led her on a spiritual pathway, and through spirituality, she met two amazing women, and with their help she found the strength to take back her life, and then she met Steve, and Steve gave Evie a love story, which she would never, ever forget. Evie wanted to keep her readers in mind, and so her re- account of her childhood memories of being sexually abused is written in such a way, as to not to be too upsetting or offensive. Her story may appear very harrowing, though it has it does have it’s up’s and down’s, as well it's funny and sad moments. Evie does however eventually experience a beautiful love, and she does have her happy ever after, by walking a broken road…home.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Abuse

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2019

Reviews

[Kayla (kaylareads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sad but inspiring story of Evie’s bravery. I felt anger at the injustice she suffered throughout her life but ended with a warm feeling when she finally got her happy ending with Steve and the kids. It was nice to read that she came to Whitehaven which is where I live, and like Steve I too have gotten used to the pretty scenery! Best of luck to Evie in her writing career.

[Anna Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all of this book even though it had many grammar errors, and spelling. I have reported it, and I am sure that it was not Evies fault. It was a very well told story.

People wonder how people who go through abuse of any kind, manage to get through it. Basically like Evie you do, and in doing so it can make one of 2 things happen. You survive and go on to live, and not repeat the abuse you suffered. The other side is unfortunately some cannot survive. They will either repeat abuse again sometimes worse on their kids, or become addits, or commit suicide. Evie chose to survive I admire her for that.

Unfortunately she marries Andrew who treated her appallingly. Luckily he was ok with his kids. There was something seriously wrong going on in Andrew's home life. His mother continued to make excuses for him, so he never learned there were consequences for his dreadful behaviour. I firmly believe he was well aware what he was doing to Evie to keep her under his control. I loved when Evie got the inner strength to stop forgiving him (She was a loving, forgiving person because of her abuse). Andrew stopped hitting her, he still tried to control her from leaving.

Evie started working around her children going to school, she got a part-time job, and made friends. She had a good friend who checked up on her morning, and night. When the police were called because Andrew refused to bring back his children. He returned when the police spoke to him. Eventually Evie gets into meditation and spiritualism. She meets her future, kind, loving husband to be. He is everything that Andrew is not. She moves from the South of UK, to the Lake District which she loves.

They have their ups and downs like normal people. I will not ruin the whole book. I will end by writing that I would recommend this book 100%. I can understand why she had to change names to write this book. I wish Evie, her husband, and family a very long, and very happy life.

[Kirstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome page turner

This book was amazing! And a real comfort to someone who has also been through the horror of a narcissistic abusive relationship only to be helped at the other end by the strength and love of a true knight in shining armour! I too am now blissfully happy with my new husband and our combined family of 5 soon to be 6 children! My ex still tries to manipulate and threaten me but the children and my husband are my strength and courage! Thank you for this wonderful book! Peace love and light to you and all you hold dear! Xx

[Bethany Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and inspiring

This book is so inspiring! As I read this I was made to feel all the pain, anger, hurt, and sadness (although only a smidgen of what she actually felt living through it herself). As she writes her feelings and fears it lets the reader in on reasons why some don’t come forward about their abuse. I am so happy she wrote her story for I know this will help someone somewhere. Thank you Evie for sharing your beautifully heartbreaking story. You are brave and beautiful and deserve all the love you get and more!!

[Marie MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book so sad in places I think I went through all emotions while reading it. It was so difficult to put my kindle/book down. What a moving story, I personally would recommend it to everyone and have already done to some of my friends.
Thank you for letting us into your life and reading and feeling all aspects of your emotions.
Congratulations for writing something so special and personal.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book errors

There are way too many typos/grammatical errors as if no one proofread the book.

I found it hard to sympathize with the author because she kept going back after leaving and establishing a new place for herself and then getting married after years of abuse. I don't know what that's like though so I tried to keep an open mind. I'm glad she met Steve and lived a happier life!

[Anne Otiepka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that needs to be shared. A sincere thank you to Evie for letting the world know that this horrific behavior is out there. We all need to know and be aware of those around us who may be suffering.

I must include though that the book did not seem to have an editor. The grammar and punctuation were terrible. The use of “soo” became annoying.

I hope the other writes better in the future especially as a lawyer.

[jacqui turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

So brave

I've just finished reading the broken road home, I feel you are so brave for being able to write about all of the bad as well as the good things that have happened throughout your life, I can relate to so much of your story except I had 6 children before I got the courage to leave.
You are an inspiration and proof that you can leave and have a better life .

[Pauline White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken

And eve truly was broken first by her mothers alcoholism then but child abuse physically by Derek who if he had touched a child of mine like that would have been six foot under shortly afterwards and then by the narcissistic Andrew. Proofreader was needed but the story still stands and eve is a survivor

[mandy mileham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Evie suffered terribly like many do , I spent the book willing her to leave in glad you finally came out the other side and had the courage to tell others . If you save 1 person from a life like yours with this book you can be immensely proud of yourself . Thank you for taking us on your journey it can't have been easy

[NATALIE NOONAN]

Well written, empowering, with strength and courage

Well written, empowering, with strength and courage. The way that this writer encourages forgiveness and helpfulness or a person's inner circle makes the reader think deeply about how we all go through life 1 way of another and to be free and forgiving makes us stronger people.

[Kay Burachynsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

You and Your story

I live across the pond; but feel a spiritual thread connects us. So many similarities in our stories. You described so well the feelings of a Survivor Mom, the healing from caring for the elderly and the choice to forgive the unforgivable.
Thankyou for being a positive role model, and for reaching me through your book.
Blessings to you and your family.
Kay

[Annette M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another."

This book reminds us not to judge from a distance. Not to assume. Someone might have a smile on their face but are facing life and death at home. Fear paralyzes and can cause us to compromise. Never give up, press into Our Heavenly Father and He will help set you free.

[Becky Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hang in here...

My fellow readers, get through the grammar errors and read the message. This book had me angry, sad, happy and it is needed because there are many quiet sufferers out there who need to know it can get better. This book is like a flower to me that blooms at the end.

[Nate Korb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read I didn't Put It Down

This is a great read and I didn't put it down for 7 hours! Yes there are spelling and grammar errors but the story is inspirational and amazing and I'm so proud of you Evie and the life you gave you and your kids! Steve is an amazing man and luckily he found you all and you all him!

[liz hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beating the unforseen obstacles that scarred this marvellous woman.this story was inspiring

This book was very inspiring and insight to someone who's life was ruined from very young age. Grew up with very little respect for herself due to the behaviour from adults who were to protect.
Admiration for writing the book with view a to help others.

[ARLENE STURROCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

Lots of people find themselves in these situations ,so happy for her it all worked out the way it did, shows that with help you can escapes these horrible situated .Very well written book .

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie

Edie you are a fantastic lady how you have coped with what life has thrown at you from being a small child to bring a great mother and you are an ambassador for telling your story to help others in your situation you have come through it God bless you.5 STARS .

[celene irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

This was a great story and I wasn't expecting the way it turned out. It is not often that you read a story that has a really happy ending. I am very glad for the author that she found happiness and peace in her life while she was still young

[CLAIR Withers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Broken Road Home

Evie is an amazingly brave strong woman. Thank you for sharing your story. Evie has endured a tough life. But come out the other side. Fantastic story really makes you think.

[sue Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

A fantastic book cryed when reading this book will tell everyone to read this fantastic book and wil read more book buy this person who did this book best book I have read in a few mths. I could not put the book down took me 4 days to read this book 😌

[Jane Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Kept me intrigued every page and writin honestly,couldt,put it down.marvellous description,of the characters,made a very good parent mother,from start to finish,it must of been hard to forgive her mother.

[susan stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

Brilliant book couldn’t put it down Evie is an inspirational person who has made some good and bad choices in her life but she got there in the end with her children she never left her kids

[Sandra K. Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly interesting book

I very much enjoyed the book; however , it needs an editor. All the grammatic errors are distracting. The book is way too important to be ruined by the errors.

[Julie Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

I couldn't stop reading. I had to know in the end that Evie would thrive regardless of all she had been through! Very sad, but grateful she is a survivor and could tell her story and help others in the process ❤

[Betty Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart breaking

I can not imagine going through all this child did. I did not have a perfect childhood, but I was never physically abused. I am sorry that anyone has to go through all she did, before finding true love.

[Grace Richesin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I love true stories about good and hard relationships. Though this one was tough, I enjoyed this women’s strength and her ability to reach out and find her ability to fight back. Of course, her finding her true love was excellent.

[Jenna Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was interesting and rather chilling in parts, but it told the true story. I only gave it four stars as the number of errors where too numerous to mention. Perhaps the author could have the book edited because I found all the mistakes in it very distracting.

[Jules Cake Pops · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional read

Wow, a very emotional read, a real page turner, about a young woman / girl , abused all through life, a must read

[Mrs G Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the story