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Enshroud
Sumner
Only time can heal your pain.
If I had a dime for every time someone said that to me, I wouldn’t have run away.
Because regardless of what they tell you, time doesn’t heal the pain.
Because what I was doing wasn’t living, it was a constant reminder of the life I’d lost.
Because I couldn’t bear the sadness I saw hiding behind Tatum’s eyes every time he looked at me.
I knew he loved me . . . But for how long?
One day he would’ve woken up and seen the same ugliness that I see every time I look in the mirror.
And that was something I couldn’t let happen.
With some help from an unlikely source, I fled to the one place I believed no one would ever find me . . . Virginia. Mark Dixon and Cole Security Forces helped conceal my past so the boy who holds my heart would never find me.
Until he did.
All I wanted was for the nightmares of that day to stop and to be left alone. I’m not the same girl I used to be, which is why I need to protect my heart from the devastation Tatum’s rejection could inflict.
But he refuses to leave me alone.
Should I take the risk and trust him?
Maybe they’re right.
Maybe time can erase the past and heal the pain.
Or, maybe Tatum will destroy what’s left of my heart forever.
Only time can heal your pain.
If I had a dime for every time someone said that to me, I wouldn’t have run away.
Because regardless of what they tell you, time doesn’t heal the pain.
Because what I was doing wasn’t living, it was a constant reminder of the life I’d lost.
Because I couldn’t bear the sadness I saw hiding behind Tatum’s eyes every time he looked at me.
I knew he loved me . . . But for how long?
One day he would’ve woken up and seen the same ugliness that I see every time I look in the mirror.
And that was something I couldn’t let happen.
With some help from an unlikely source, I fled to the one place I believed no one would ever find me . . . Virginia. Mark Dixon and Cole Security Forces helped conceal my past so the boy who holds my heart would never find me.
Until he did.
All I wanted was for the nightmares of that day to stop and to be left alone. I’m not the same girl I used to be, which is why I need to protect my heart from the devastation Tatum’s rejection could inflict.
But he refuses to leave me alone.
Should I take the risk and trust him?
Maybe they’re right.
Maybe time can erase the past and heal the pain.
Or, maybe Tatum will destroy what’s left of my heart forever.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2021
6 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Johnston
14 books418 followersWhat to tell you about myself??
When I sat down to set about the challenge of what I could say, I found that I didn’t really consider myself to be very interesting at all.
I’ve lived in Western Australia my whole life, only ever leaving the country once. Right now though I reside in a southern suburb close to the beach.
Above everything else I’m a wife and a mother. I’ve been married to a man I believe to be my soul mate for the past nine years. When he came into my life I already had two gorgeous kids, a boy and girl, who he took on as his own without any consideration as to how it would affect his life. During our time together, he has also blessed me with two more gorgeous little girls. My real life also has me working fulltime as an Office Manager for an Audio Visual Company.
I grew up in a home with three aunties, two uncles, my younger brother, my father, and my grandparents!! Wow that was more of mouthful than I expected! As you can imagine life in a large family like that was never boring .
As a child I loved creating stories in my head, it was my escape, a place I could go and hide from the world. As I became older, my stories evolved and every time life challenged me, I slipped back into my imaginary world and hid. This didn’t change as I entered adulthood.
I have always been the kind of person who never made things easy for herself, and I spent many years drifting from family member to family member looking for direction. It wasn’t until I was twenty-one when I met a man who would become, what I thought - my future. Over the next twelve years he was my life, well him, and the two children he blessed me with.
We lost that loving husband, and father to a heart attack when our children were very young, and life as you can imagine became a little rough for a while.
Over the years my stories have given me the sanity to get through many tragic situations. They’ve given me a world to escape into, one where I can be anything I want.
These stories I’ve created over the years, have always been a coping mechanism that worked for me, and I’ve always wanted to share them.
With the support of my family I have ventured out there, and finally put them down on paper. I hope you love them as much as I do.
When I sat down to set about the challenge of what I could say, I found that I didn’t really consider myself to be very interesting at all.
I’ve lived in Western Australia my whole life, only ever leaving the country once. Right now though I reside in a southern suburb close to the beach.
Above everything else I’m a wife and a mother. I’ve been married to a man I believe to be my soul mate for the past nine years. When he came into my life I already had two gorgeous kids, a boy and girl, who he took on as his own without any consideration as to how it would affect his life. During our time together, he has also blessed me with two more gorgeous little girls. My real life also has me working fulltime as an Office Manager for an Audio Visual Company.
I grew up in a home with three aunties, two uncles, my younger brother, my father, and my grandparents!! Wow that was more of mouthful than I expected! As you can imagine life in a large family like that was never boring .
As a child I loved creating stories in my head, it was my escape, a place I could go and hide from the world. As I became older, my stories evolved and every time life challenged me, I slipped back into my imaginary world and hid. This didn’t change as I entered adulthood.
I have always been the kind of person who never made things easy for herself, and I spent many years drifting from family member to family member looking for direction. It wasn’t until I was twenty-one when I met a man who would become, what I thought - my future. Over the next twelve years he was my life, well him, and the two children he blessed me with.
We lost that loving husband, and father to a heart attack when our children were very young, and life as you can imagine became a little rough for a while.
Over the years my stories have given me the sanity to get through many tragic situations. They’ve given me a world to escape into, one where I can be anything I want.
These stories I’ve created over the years, have always been a coping mechanism that worked for me, and I’ve always wanted to share them.
With the support of my family I have ventured out there, and finally put them down on paper. I hope you love them as much as I do.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 8, 2021
Summer is a beautiful soul that went through something horrific with a psycho. She is just trying to get better and move on. She left behind the one man whom she thought she would have forever with. How can someone want her with the way she looks now. Summer has a heart of gold and as a Neonatal Nurse, she challenged that into the love for the babies and their families who need her. She has the team of Cole Security behind her no matter what and she will do what she can to move forward. Sometimes though that is easier said than done. When she comes face-to-face with the man that had her heart things will change. Tatum, God help his soul is a good man and just wants to find the love of his life. He doesn't understand why she left or where she went. When he unexpectantly runs into her he is determined not to let her go. However, someone has other ideas and now she's in danger again. Can Tatum rescue her, save his heart, and be there for his family? Can Summer see Tatum for who he is the man she loves? This book is about love, lust, friendship, and above all survival. It will get you in the feels and leave you wanting more.
June 9, 2021
I have to admit if anyone had the right to feel sorry for themselves, it would be Sumner who has gone through the fire in her short life. It got so bad that she ended up leaving Tatum (the boy she loved deep down) behind because she thought he would be better off without her, but it was really just her fears talking though justified to an extent. She's been under the radar for a cool minute when fate stepped in & she runs into that boy she loves out of the blue, so here comes the second chance. Of course there are a lot of factors that could still keep them apart, so trust me when I say the twists are coming in hot from all directions. In order for them to have an actual shot at happily ever after, they must figure out where the danger is coming from. This story kept me on the edge of my seat going back & forth from crying to dropping f-bombs to crying again. It totally did my head in as I experienced it instead of being a spectator. In order to see how it all pans out, you know what to do because you totally don't want to miss out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
June 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and the world that I was pulled in to. Sumner and Tatum have been friends and then a couple since they were kids and when things happen, it causes a change in Sumner and she moves on to live a different life. I really liked the story, all of the characters kept things interesting and I'm very curious about all of the others that were discussed in the book. This was my first read by this author and it was well written, great details and had me completely pulled in to the suspense, the connections, the emotions, and friendships. A must read and I will be looking in to more from this series.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 7, 2021
Stacey Johnston is a new author to me , but I loved Enshrouded so much , I do not have the words to express what a fabulous job she did with this beautiful story . Enshroud is summers story ,and it is a story of heartbreak and tragedy .my emotions were just all over the place . I truly felt for her , her life has not been easy. Her mother died when she was a child . Summer runs away from home at a young age , unable to deal with all the loss ,she also deals with the heartbreak it losing Tatum her first love due to the fact that she leaves .
Years later when tragedy strikesTatums family , the last person he expected to see is summer . Summers and Tatums love story has all the feels . I adored every single minute of it
Years later when tragedy strikesTatums family , the last person he expected to see is summer . Summers and Tatums love story has all the feels . I adored every single minute of it
June 6, 2021
A trip back to the Salvation Society with Stacey Johnston’s installment, Enshroud.
Sumner's story is of tragedy and heartbreak, her life has not been easy since her mother died when she was a young child. She ran from home and Tatum, her first love.
When a family tragedy strikes Tatum’s family the last person he expects to run into is Sumner.
Their story has all the feels, their love story is one of a kind. And, how great was it to catch up with all the Cole security folks.
Sumner's story is of tragedy and heartbreak, her life has not been easy since her mother died when she was a young child. She ran from home and Tatum, her first love.
When a family tragedy strikes Tatum’s family the last person he expects to run into is Sumner.
Their story has all the feels, their love story is one of a kind. And, how great was it to catch up with all the Cole security folks.
June 7, 2021
"A trip back to the Salvation Society with Stacey Johnston’s installment, Enshroud.
Sumner’s story is of tragedy and heartbreak, her life has not been easy since her mother died when she was a young child. She ran from home and Tatum, her first love.
When a family tragedy strikes Tatum’s family the last person he expects to run into is Sumner.
Their story has all the feels, their love story is one of a kind. And, how great was it to catch up with all the Cole security folks.
"
Sumner’s story is of tragedy and heartbreak, her life has not been easy since her mother died when she was a young child. She ran from home and Tatum, her first love.
When a family tragedy strikes Tatum’s family the last person he expects to run into is Sumner.
Their story has all the feels, their love story is one of a kind. And, how great was it to catch up with all the Cole security folks.
"
May 29, 2021
Sumner's story hits all the buttons; suspenseful, anxious, dangerous, fearful, realization, growth, anticipation, love. She's had a tough life since her mom died and her dad remarried. It takes time, but she gets past the bad and on to the good. As do others in her circle. I really enjoyed this book.
June 7, 2021
This is an emotional story and really got me!
Summer didn't have it easy, so to escape everything and everyone, she just moves and vanishes, with the help of Colt security, also leaving Tatum behind.
When tragedy strikes his family, Tatum also finds the one person he never imagined to see.
I love second chances and this one has all the feels!
Summer didn't have it easy, so to escape everything and everyone, she just moves and vanishes, with the help of Colt security, also leaving Tatum behind.
When tragedy strikes his family, Tatum also finds the one person he never imagined to see.
I love second chances and this one has all the feels!
June 6, 2021
This was emotional and angsty but also sweet and full of second chances and leaving the past behind. Summer and Tatum took my heart and I still feel all their emotions.
June 8, 2021
It is a really good book and It is really interesting.
July 17, 2021
Sumner and Tatum were young and in love until tragedy strikes and she separates herself from everything. lots of twist turns and emotions and Cole Security- yay
August 25, 2025
I've been hooked on this series and I'm so glad Sumner gets her own book. After her attack that left her best friend gone, she has been trying to heal, but its hard when your surrounded by the past. Tatum will wait as long as it takes for his girl to come back, they are end game. When he finds her again, life once again throws a couple curveball.
I loved getting insight on Hawke too. I knew he had a great backstory.
A great series that has you on the edge just waiting for more!!
I loved getting insight on Hawke too. I knew he had a great backstory.
A great series that has you on the edge just waiting for more!!
August 14, 2025
Sumner's story is definitely one heart tugging journey. Filled with tragedy, trauma, intrigue, danger, emotions, chemistry, love, hate, pain, angst, drama, situations, and twists. I am so glad I got to watch Sumner grow, face her fears, believe in herself and others, become a survivor, and find a family who truly loved and supported her.
June 14, 2021
Amazing read! Just the right amount of heat, drama, intrigue and suspense to
Keep you fully engaged!
Sumner is broken, she is no longer the vibrant sassy girl she once was. Not since her attack.
She refuses to believe anyone could love her especially Tatum now that she is scarred.
Tatum has only one love of his life and that’s Sumner. She won his heart many years ago, a long time before she was attacked and disappeared from his life.
Just when Sumner was starting to get some resemblance of her life again she is hit with another twist I didn’t see coming.
Finding out the truth of how her mother died was shattering and learning that she believed her mother died was a lie for so many years pushed her to the very edge but Tatum was always there for her, he never gave up on her and he was the centre of calm and love she desperately needed.
After years apart life came full circle and Tatum and Sumner finally got their HEA and the love and peace they both deserved together.
Merged review:
Amazing read! Just the right amount of heat, drama, intrigue and suspense to
Keep you fully engaged!
Sumner is broken, she is no longer the vibrant sassy girl she once was. Not since her attack.
She refuses to believe anyone could love her especially Tatum now that she is scarred.
Tatum has only one love of his life and that’s Sumner. She won his heart many years ago, a long time before she was attacked and disappeared from his life.
Just when Sumner was starting to get some resemblance of her life again she is hit with another twist I didn’t see coming.
Finding out the truth of how her mother died was shattering and learning that she believed her mother died was a lie for so many years pushed her to the very edge but Tatum was always there for her, he never gave up on her and he was the centre of calm and love she desperately needed.
After years apart life came full circle and Tatum and Sumner finally got their HEA and the love and peace they both deserved together.
Keep you fully engaged!
Sumner is broken, she is no longer the vibrant sassy girl she once was. Not since her attack.
She refuses to believe anyone could love her especially Tatum now that she is scarred.
Tatum has only one love of his life and that’s Sumner. She won his heart many years ago, a long time before she was attacked and disappeared from his life.
Just when Sumner was starting to get some resemblance of her life again she is hit with another twist I didn’t see coming.
Finding out the truth of how her mother died was shattering and learning that she believed her mother died was a lie for so many years pushed her to the very edge but Tatum was always there for her, he never gave up on her and he was the centre of calm and love she desperately needed.
After years apart life came full circle and Tatum and Sumner finally got their HEA and the love and peace they both deserved together.
Merged review:
Amazing read! Just the right amount of heat, drama, intrigue and suspense to
Keep you fully engaged!
Sumner is broken, she is no longer the vibrant sassy girl she once was. Not since her attack.
She refuses to believe anyone could love her especially Tatum now that she is scarred.
Tatum has only one love of his life and that’s Sumner. She won his heart many years ago, a long time before she was attacked and disappeared from his life.
Just when Sumner was starting to get some resemblance of her life again she is hit with another twist I didn’t see coming.
Finding out the truth of how her mother died was shattering and learning that she believed her mother died was a lie for so many years pushed her to the very edge but Tatum was always there for her, he never gave up on her and he was the centre of calm and love she desperately needed.
After years apart life came full circle and Tatum and Sumner finally got their HEA and the love and peace they both deserved together.
September 8, 2023
I had a hard time connecting with this book. The beginning was a little confusing because there were so many characters and a backstory that you have to read another series to know about. This series wasn’t mentioned anywhere until the end of the book in the acknowledgments. It says this story was about Sumner & Tatum, but I really didn’t feel like they got the spotlight so to speak. This was focused on two couples with the major plot of the storyline coming from the secondary character. There were quite a few inconsistencies. The time frame of Sumner leaving would change between one year ago & 5 years ago. Sumner was supposed to be a nurse in the neonatal ward of CHKD. CHKD is a children’s hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. I have quite a bit of experience visiting them, as my 8yr old has several disabilities that have required us to stay there. The whole thing about them meeting again is because Tatum is taking the elevator up to visit his granddad who’s been admitted. At a children’s hospital. This would’ve made more sense if she put Sumner in Norfolk General(they are connected) as an ICU nurse. Then they would’ve had reason to be in the same hospital. I found the author also name dropped quite a few places that were supposedly within walking distance, but they aren’t.
To me, this did not meet what I think I’m going to read when I see a book is part of the Salvation Society novels.
To me, this did not meet what I think I’m going to read when I see a book is part of the Salvation Society novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2021
This is a great addition to this amazing series and is Tatum and Summer’s story. Summer has had a tough and heartbreaking past which has her leaving town and leaving Tatum her first love behind to get the help she needs to conceal her past, and she is merely going through the motions of living. The last person Tatum expects to cross paths with when there is a family tragedy, is Summer, and he is determined that this time he will not let her run. This is a well written emotionally charged story, which is filled with danger, suspense, angst, 2nd chances, healing, and love, which all leads to an addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
June 8, 2021
Sumner has endured a painful past but the tragedy she lived through five years ago forever changed her. She needed to put distance between her and the painful memories even if that meant leaving her best friend and the man she loved behind.
After the tragedy Tatum wanted to be there for her however despite his efforts she left and he had no way of contacting. When destiny brings them back together will he be able to show her that he loves her just the way she is, scars and all?
Your heart will break for everything that Sumner has been through especially since there is still more to calm. Tatum is so strong and supportive as has never stopped loving her and isn’t about to let her walk out of his life a second time.
After the tragedy Tatum wanted to be there for her however despite his efforts she left and he had no way of contacting. When destiny brings them back together will he be able to show her that he loves her just the way she is, scars and all?
Your heart will break for everything that Sumner has been through especially since there is still more to calm. Tatum is so strong and supportive as has never stopped loving her and isn’t about to let her walk out of his life a second time.
September 6, 2025
I love when young love becomes your forever love. That is what we get to see here, Sumner and Tatum have been friends and then a couple since they were kids and when things happen, it causes a change in Sumner and she moves on to live a different life. I really liked the story, all of the characters kept things interesting and I'm very curious about all of the others that were discussed in the book. This was my first read by this author and it was well written, great details and had me completely pulled in to the suspense, the connections, the emotions, and friendships. I would definitely recommend it to all.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews