Out Of The Shadows

by Theresa Sederholt

This is a journey into one man’s hell, with the hope that it will help others find the strength to be able to say, “I need help.”

Dane Johnson was like every other man in his thirties except for one very big secret. One that, for him, was so horrific, he was determined to keep it hidden. He thought it would never see the light of day—that is until today. His fragile world has crumbled around him. The past exposed for the world to see. Now the boy he tried so hard to keep safe might be gone forever.

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2020

About the author

If you love Nutella… we’re already friends.

I'm Theresa Sederholt, and I like writing. More than that, I love to tell stories. I write in multiple genres, but my heart, my passion, lies in writing stories that connect to those that have withstood dramatic, personal experiences. I want to bring awareness and understanding by dealing with subject matter that is intimidating to navigate.

On the flip side, I also like to whip up a steamy romance filled with suspense and sprinkled with mystery. Keeping you guessing with a twist here and there makes me happy.
When I’m not writing, I’m cooking with my amazing husband, spoiling my dogs, or enjoying the rolling hills of North Carolina that are my backyard.
If you would like to contact me, you can find me on any of the following social media platforms or feel free to email me at: ttnewyork007@gmail.com
Website: http://bit.ly/2JOBg9TAuthorWebsite
Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/2LO66knAmazonAuthorPage
Twitter: http://bit.ly/2sWKHO1Twitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2JYrSn4Instagram
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2JD0GGeFacebookAuthorPage

Reviews

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like there are very few books a person will read that will change their lives, or at least their way of thinking. Out of the Shadows is definitely one I consider that makes you sit back and really think. Think about we as a society still are sexist in some aspects, think about how we are so quick to judge someone but never really try to put ourselves in someone else's shoes.
Out of the Shadows really brings to light how quick we are to believe that only women can be victims of domestic abuse, when (and I believe this statistic is correct) 1 in 7 men are reportedly in an abusive relationship...now keep in mind this is what's only reported because most men are shamed when they do report them being abused.
This book shifts from Dane's perspective on the abuse he suffers at the hands of his wife and his son's Brady's perspective on having to listen and at times hear the abuse his father is going through as well as how he deals with the occasional beatings he takes from his mother as well. My heart broke for the pain Dane suffered but at the same time the amount of love he had for his son because he was willing to stay and suffer just to ensure his son was never the focal point. But poor Brady, for a teenage boy who's worries should've only been school, girls, and baseball.

I've read plenty of other books from this author, but Out of the Shadows may just be my favorite one. The emotions the author is able to bring out in readers is just mind blowing!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt
5+ of 5 Stars
Firstly if I could give this more stars I would! Wow, just Wow.
“This is a journey into one man’s hell, with the hope that it will help others find the strength to be able to say, I need help”.
Out of the Shadows by Theresa Sederholt is a story about Dane Johnson and his teenage son Brady, they both share a secret and that is that they are both victims of domestic violence at the hands of Julie, Dane’s teenage sweetheart and Brady’s mother. Sederholt takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster as we are given a glimpse into Dane and Brady’s life. Told from their point of views it is so well written that I felt I was there with them, I felt what they were feeling. I was there as Brady cowers in his closet with his noise cancelling headphones on and when Dane has a glass or a mug thrown at him from across the room which only misses him because he has got so used to dodging flying objects that his wife has thrown.
This novel is not only a great read but it also has such a powerful message about domestic violence in particular when the victim is the man in the relationship rather than the ‘normal’ scenario in books which focuses on the women as the victim. Everything that happens has such a ring of truth to it that I was overcome with emotions reading this gripping domestic drama. I won’t give away any spoilers but things do come to a dramatic head and Dane and Brady’s secrets have to come out. Along with a selection of other great characters all of whom have their own detailed backstory the plot moves along at a fast pace.
With the help of Brady’s best friend Danni and guidance counsellor Abby who is battling her own demons as a victim of her husbands violence towards her in the past and lawyer Josh, father and son realise they are not alone and that for anything to change they need to ask for help.
A clever twist near the end is how Sederholt suddenly gives us a chapter from Julie’s point of view and suddenly we see the situation not from victims Dane and Brady’s view point but from the women causing the violence.
I literally could not put this book down, full of twists and turns it was an unpredictable read, the drama builds with each chapter and leads to a dramatic outcome. I feel the book is very sympathetically written by the author and that she has done her research into domestic violence.
I hope this book does what the author obviously intended and that is not just to give us a brilliant novel to read but also to raise awareness of domestic violence in all forms. Information is given at the end of the book of organisations who can help those experiencing domestic violence and also alcohol addiction.
I can not recommend this book highly enough.

[Melissa Kulis PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read everyone of Theresa Sederholt's books and this by far is one of the best. It captures you from the very beginning and doesn't release you until the last page. I have never read a book quiet like this one, it takes you through all of your emotions. You will laugh, you will cry but most of all you will walk away with a new understanding of what some people have to put up with in their lives to survive. An absolute must read , would give it more than 5 stars if they allowed. Theresa you truly out did yourself... BRAVO !!!!

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I honestly can't remember the last time a book has touched me the way Out of the Shadows has. Tears were literally rolling down my face as I read Dane and Brady's struggles with domestic abuse. Dane's story of survival is compelling, disconcerting and one that will be in my heart for a long time. I highly recommend it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is not for the feint of heart. Dane and Brady are dealing with a very difficult home life. What can they do to escape? Can they escape unscathed? Thank goodness for people who want and can help!

[Ronda Brimeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facing the fear!!!

What an amazing story about facing your fears. Fears of not being good enough for your self or your family. Living thru domestic abuse at the hands of your wife. Dane has been living this life because he wants to protect his son. He is lost and doesn't know where to go to get help!!!! Julie is Dane's wife and all she wants in their relationship is to hurt them both. Then finally help is given and the cycle us broken. Theresa has give her readers a wonderfully written story about taking abuse to save someone you love. This story is so different because it was about abuse on the man. He was just taking it on. Until he knew help was there. The ending you cheer them on giving men/or anyone a safe place to go for help. You are never alone!!!!!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane Johnson is hiding a horrible secret , one that he is ashamed of . Until the day that his and his son's world changed forever . Now the world will know what is happening every night when he is at home . With one action Dane might never see his boy again all because of one too many hits . Will they ever get out of the hell that they find themselves in and will people believe that the hell is coming from his wife .

Ok I am going to say this right now , I cried so hard all the way through this book . I felt such sadness for Dane and his son. Dane is a strong man in his 30's and he will do anything to keep his son safe. You will want to hug him and tell him that things will be ok and you will survive . Brady is his son who at thirteen has been through so much in his young life . I would love to have him as my son . He is brave and strong and he is an awkward teen ager wondering why his best friend is all of a sudden asking him to the sadie hawkins dance and trying out for cheerleading . Abby is the guidance counselor that is a big help to both Dane and Brady . Now Julie well lets say she is just unhinged when you meet her you will hate her as much as i did .

So let me tell you I know that this author can write a book that will bring out all the feels for a person . This book hit my heart so hard from the very first page the author had my eyes welling up with tears . I so couldn't put this book down , The subject of abuse is taboo for most authors cause I feel that they can't or won't do the research on it . Well this author wrote this sad story with a love for the characters that came off the page . You just wanted to help out the two main characters and tell them that all will be all right . It shows that even men can be on the recieving end of the abuse and how they hide it even more then women . This is so much more then a story on abuse it is also a story of redemption and living your life with out being scared . This author will make you cry your eyes out and then give you a big hug at the end of the book . So if you want a book that will have you hugging your loved ones just a little harder tonight this is the book for you . Give it a chance I promise you will not be disappointed .

[Gail Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt - Review by Gail Guerrero

Five Stars

My jaw is on the floor. Omg I can’t believe what I just read. Its unimaginable but so real. To think that someone finally got the courage to say me too for men. It’s so sad that men do get the same benefit of belief that women do when they cry out for help. This story was too real. I felt like the author did an amazing job writing this story. It wasn’t too much and had the right amount of background. It would be nice to know what Julie was truly thinking and feeling. I am truly at a loss for words though. The trauma Brady experienced at the hands of his own mother. The one person meant to love him unconditionally. I cried because its unimaginable to me as a mother to do these things to my child. To physically harm them to the point that they could possibly die. Its unfathomable. I know they author heart broke with every word of this story. I see this as an eye opener for me. That we can’t take everything at face value. If the father hadn’t reacted the way he did. The outcome of this story wouldn’t be the one needed.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt. This book was OMG amazing. It was so emotional and heartbreaking I caught myself bawling thru a lot of it. Its the story of Dane Johnson a man in his 30s who is living in literal hell. His wife Julie is a horrible, self centered, witch and she does nothing but use their 13 year old son Brady to hurt Dane even more. Dane's main goal in life is to protect Brady from this horrific nightmare they are living. Brady is a strong, sweet, brave alas awkward teenage boy who has experienced way more than he should at 13 years old. Dane has tried to keep his world secret but it has come to light and now he has to live with that. Abby the guidance counselor at Brady's school is trying to help them both but until Dane leaves the situation it won't get better. I have never read a book about this subject and this one left me drained. I loved it but it is very emotional and once you start reading you won't want to put it down! Do yourself a favor and read this book!

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star
Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt

Wow just Wow. I’m at a loss for words. I can’t say I loved this book because I feel like that’s wrong. Every book I’ve ever read by this Author I’ve loved. This one shattered my heart and played with my emotions. I can’t say I know or even understand how or what they went through because I don’t, but I was pretty much holding my breath and praying so hard it didn’t end badly . My heart hurt for Dane and Brady. Dane has a secret one that’s about to come to out. The way he handled it was all he could do. He was trying to keep Brady safe. This story may be a trigger for some so be aware that does have domestic violence. I never really gave it much thought that it could happen to men,but it definitely can and probably does more than we realize. I highly recommend reading this Book. Its definitely an eye opener and will take you on a emotional rollercoaster ride that will have you on the edge of your seat. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

[Michelle King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that everyone should read. I am a victim of domestic violence and I honestly never thought about it from the perspective of the male being the victim. This book really made me think about how that would look. Where would they go? Do they have the resources that are available to women? Who would believe them? And having children in that situation is a million times worse! I made it through this story unscathed…or so I thought. As soon as I read the last sentence and closed the book it all hit me. I balled like a baby! Getting to know Dane’s story deeply touched my soul.

This is a quick read that will not only make you think but will have you wanting to reach out and find ways to help. To see what your communities are lacking and what you can do about it. It will open your mind and touch your heart. Domestic violence and mental illness are more common than you know. This story touches on some very serious scenarios that are at times difficult to read about but it is well worth it to read every word. Grab this one up. You will be glad you did!

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Breaking!
WOW!
This book grabbed me and did not let go. Had to finish it before I went to bed.
Dane is living such a horrible life/secret until the inevitable happens and his wife Julie totally looses it in the carpool lane while picking up Brady. Obviously, Abby the guidance counselor has to call CPS (child protective services) because Julie was putting Bradys life in danger.
Things spiraled out of control at home then.
Julie blamed Dane for everything. Never thinking that she was the problem.
My heart broke for Dane and Brady knowing what they were going thru by themselves.
Thankfully Abby got them in touch with a lawyer to help them since she knows what it is like to believe you are by yourself in these rough times.
I cried while reading this...the physical abuse is bad enough as that will heal, but the emotional and mental abuse that lives with you forever and even years or decades later you can not out run it.
Just have to remember that there is help out there for anyone willing to take the first step.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

First of all- you will definitely need a box of tissues and glass(es) of wine as you embark on this journey. It is full of heart-aching and heartbreaking details, which really flung my emotions all over the place.
Out of the Shadows by Theresa Sederholt is definitely not what I was expecting- it caught me by surprise, then hit me with a few emotional punches. It is a powerful story full of secrets, heartache, emotion, and dramatic developments that had me flipping the pages and reading along through tear soaked eyes, becoming completely invested in the story.
The story takes an unexpected look at a sensitive subject- giving an original and unusual perspective on the subject- in a very honest, yet sensitive way. But be prepared to have your emotions wrung out- because Ms. Sederholt doesn’t hold back.
This may not be what I was expecting- and I mean that in a good way- it has definitely touched me and left its mark.
Well done!

Thank you, Ms. Sederholt!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known that the works of Theresa Sederholt are emotional reads up until now but this book sincerely threw me for the hills of tears. I was probably bawling through this majority of this book, like ugly cry tears. Dane and his son will swallow you up with their tragic story of bearing the brunt of an awful and abusive situation. The twist? His wife is the bad guy. Abuse is a topic that is difficult to read on any level but to see it from a male perspective was just absolutely eye opening. I have seen a friend of mine go through something similar and I just wanted to find him and hug him the moment I finished this novel since I couldn't reach out to Dane in real life. This book is a taboo topic but it is done perfectly. You can tell that Sederholt really put her blood sweat and tears into this novel. It shows with the way you feel the characters as they do and you find yourself so completely wrapped up in Dane’s world. I can't find enough good things to say about this novel and I so look forward to seeing what else will come next from the ever talented Theresa Sederholt!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Shadows by Theresa Sederholt is a book that will stay with you for a while. It rips you apart and leaves you laying in pieces. It will also give you hope. From the first book I picked up by this writer, I have gone back each time another of her books pops up on my radar. She has her way with words, the images she paints in your mind are powerful and they stay with you. She is not afraid to tackle sensitive subjects and when she does, she takes such care that you feel cared for.
Out of the Shadows is another one of those subjects that are not so much talked about. She grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. You are there, with Brady and Dane, and you are confused first and once you realized what you have ‘walked into’, you are stuck … you cry, you laugh, you hope and you have a deeper understanding of what so many struggle with and what it takes to survive! I wish I could give more than 5 stars …

[Michelle Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out Of The Shadows was an emotional 5 star read.
I was pulled in right from the beginning.

My heart broke right from the beginning with what Dane was going through. Dane is in an abusive relationship and things take a tragic twist and Dane and his son Brady’s lives are turned upside down. Dane was trying to protect his son but now that their secret is out things have changed.

Will Dane get out of his situation before it’s too late?

Overall I really enjoyed this read. My emotions were all over the place. This is a story that had the abuse victim as the husband in the marriage and it really makes you think and realize that this is a reality for some. This author has done a great job of pulling you in with her writing. All of the secondary characters were great. I had a few ugly cry moments as well. I will warn that there may be triggers for some. If you're looking for a great emotional read, 1-click and get started today. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you hear domestic violence you think a woman and child have been abused. You never think it could be a man being abused by his wife/girlfriend. Lets face it, we tend to think men are stronger than woman and that could possible never happen.
Theresa shows in this book that it can happen and it has.
Dane set out to try and better himself to take care of his family, things happen and however he worked his butt off. Julie, she wanted Dane to herself so when their son entered the picture she felt like Dane's world was just Brady. Julie really needed help and she didn't want it, so she took her aggression out on them. It was hard to read because it close to home, however it wasn't my mother it was my step dad. The stereotypes we place in today's society is sad.
Dane never hurt his wife or son, he did everything to make their life comfortable.
Get tissues ready because I did shed a tear or more.
Theresa writes such touching stories!!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out Of The Shadows
By Theresa Sederholt
☆☆☆☆☆
This story has many avenues. It is a thriller, family, and domestic violence.

Dane Johnson is married and has one child. He has a secret that is about to come back and haunt his life. His most important plan is to get him and his son out alive. This story is very much about Domestic violence, and how to ask for help. This book is all about fighting for what is right.

Theresa Sederholt had written a very clear story. She went in with one thing, to show Men just like Women fear Domestic Violence. It is not always the women that get hurt. I fell in love with the bravery Dan and Brady showed. How they took control of their lives and did what needed to be done. They ASK FOR HELP! Theresa Sederholt touches on many aspects of domestic violence and how things change in the blink of an eye. Well done!

[Jenni Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt was an emotional story that was so heartfelt that it broke my heart. It is a story of pain and violence and being broken by what happens to those suffering through it. I applaud Theresa who has done a wonderful job on the writing of this subject and she has done such a great job of painting the picture which stands out and is so vivid. It is a very touching and thought-provoking story that you can’t help but want to reach out and help. Even though the story is fiction, as Theresa writes there is very little for those in the world who go through this and being too scared to own up to being less than what they perceive as being. It is a real-world problem and hopefully stories like these will help. Even after reading it I am still thinking about the story. Well done Theresa.

[Lyndsey Fairley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, let me dry my face first so I can see what i am writing here.
Don't be filled by the page count, this may be a little over 100 pages, but the story in this book is so much more than the page count. I have NEVER felt like this after a book and to be told in mostly the male pov. Bravo to this author, seriously, this has so many things going on and done so seamlessly.
Male POV, child POV, domestic violence, just to name a couple. While this touches and walks you through the tough battles it is done so as to be an eye opener, bringing these situations to light and shows that anyone can be going through this at any time.
Dane and Brady are living day to day until Julie makes the same threat twice and Dane must take action. I didn't expect the actions of Brady but what courage!
I will read anything by this author shes got a gift!

[Lianne Probert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading anything by Theresa Sederholt, but I would definitely choose more books by this author in the future.
The book delves into the sensitive and heartbreaking topic of domestic abuse, and does a fantastic job of highlighting the fact that men are often victims of this too.
The book was mostly written from the perspective of husband Dane and son Brady, and to be honest I would have loved even more time to get to know these characters. Though the book is harrowing at times you can always feel the love that Dane has for his son.
At the start of the book the author warns of the story containing triggers for victims of domestic violence, so this book isn’t suitable for everyone. Of course this book is difficult to read at times, but the author handles it with extreme care, and throughout the story the message for me is that you are not alone.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Shadows is the first book I have read by Theresa Sederholt, but it won't be the last. This book needs a strong disclaimer/warning because it has some graphic descriptions of abuse. However, as long as you are not triggered by that, then you should read it! It is terrifying and heartbreaking to read, but at the same time I couldn't put it down. The book is wonderfully written, alternating views as well as present time and past story. The book follows Dane Johnson in his fight to escape an abusive wife. He has dealt with it for years, and strives to protect their son from it, but it has reached a point that enough is enough. He fears the stigma attached to male victims and worries he won't be believed or the story will be twisted against him. But sometimes all you need is one person to stand by you and help you through it. This is that story.

[Rebecca LaMadrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ!!!

Theresa Sederholt brings the conversation right to the table, where most avoid it. Domestic violence can happen to Men. However it is seriously under-reported and rarely taken seriously.

The life that Dane Johnson and his Son Brady endure is orchestrated dangerously by his wife. Dane adores his son and just wants to make his wife happy. He has offered her many outs - as they both know she hates being connected to Husband and Son. She is selfish and reckless, highly abusive.

It shows perfectly and devastatingly what can and often does happen in a domestic violence environment. I was in tears most of this book but kept reading because it is a hard but good read. We as a society, need more books that bring this conversation to the table. We need to take these situations more seriously.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying I LOVE the quote on the last page. It’s by Ralph Waldo Emerson. He summed up the reason for this book perfectly. Sadly, domestic violence is a problem. This story tells an unusual tale of the male being the victim. It shows his shame and embarrassment as well his loss of what to do. He seems to flounder a lot just trying to survive every day. Luckily there are people out there to help it’s just getting the courage before it’s too late.

This is well written and it makes me think. It drew me in from the beginning and I was hooked until that last sentence. The characters seemed real and I was concerned for them. I have read others by this author and she seems to never disappoint me.

[Rachel Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt was absolutely incredible. There are several triggers in this book if you have experienced or been a victim of domestic violence or assault. This book captured me from the first page. I couldn't put it down. This was one of the most heartfelt and broken hearted stories I've read in a while. There are so many people that can relate to this novel, but also for the ones who can't Sederholt does an incredible job painting that picture. This story I think was meant to spread a message, and what a message it is. 5/5 stars from me, I highly recommend this novel for not only the ones who have been through abuse before, but especially for the ones who haven't. You never know what is going on until you're moving through it in your own life.

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt

5 +++++ Stars

I'll start with how excited I was to grab this book, I will read anything and everything this author writes, and holy moly did she write this one… I live in my safe little world not totally ignorant because I know stuff happens out there that I just can't wrap my head around, but this story totally blew my mind. This gave me a whole different perspective that I'd never truly even thought about.

I read this literally in under an hour, and I have to appreciate that this couldn't have been an easy story to write but was done beautifully. This had my emotions all messed up and I sat and thought for a bit after I was finished and still really dont have the words needed to do this story justice.

I love this author!

[Katie Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out Of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt. This review will do this book nothing of the justice it deserves but I’ll give it a try. I knew this story could be a bit of an emotional journey but I don’t think I was really prepared for all the emotions I went through. It’s been a while since I’ve felt so much reading a story and this author wrote it all so well. It’s full of not only heartache and emotions but secrets and raw story telling. I felt The author wanted readers to become emotionally invested, and I can honestly say I definitely felt it. I loved everything about this story and the characters that I’ll never forget. It’s a shorter read but it packs a punch so go get it and get ready to be wowed. Five stars all the way and highly recommended.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Shadows by Theresa Sederholt is an emotionally charged, incredible story that will complete devour you. I didn’t really know anything about this book before I started reading it. I have read a few books by this author before so know enough to assume it would be good. I was not prepared for the emotions that would be thrown at me and how much I would be captivated by them.
This is a fantastic story, and one that I am glad we are being told. It has a uniqueness that isn’t often found in books of this genre. It has been so well written. You cannot help but connect with the MC and his son. My heart bled for them throughout this book and all o wanted was for them to find their way.
This is an amazing book and easily my favourite by this author so far.

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of the Shadows by Theresa Sederholt a fulfilling five-star read. Considering this is such a short read, my emotions feel like I have read a huge saga I can’t believe the author managed to fill so much emotional power in these few pages, it shows us what a talented author we have here. This is a powerful story about secrets, emotions and Dane. Get ready to read this story with tissues and something to comfort you, wine or chocolate and possibly an animal if you have one to hand to snuggle up to as they will help (and if you get desperate the are useful to wipe on). This will leave you with a great sense for other people and what they may face in life, it will open you up and leave you raw, but don’t despair as its so worth reading.

[Krystal Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of The Shadows by Theresa Sederholt
5 out of 5 Stars
Dane Johnson, a man so broken by the secret he is holding that it is tearing him apart. Warning that this book may trigger some people who are sensitive to acts of violence, both mentally and on some base, physically, so If you are more tenderhearted than others, this book may be a bit much for you, so tread carefully.
Having said all of that, this book is beautifully written from Dane’s point of view. While not wanting to give you too much of what happens, this story is so heartbreaking, so emotionally charged, and so devastating that you are both crying and cheering for Dane at the same time. I feel that I am a better person for reading this book. I highly recommend this book for lovers of all book genres.