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A Rose Blooms Among the Thorns
After finally receiving the divorce that LaRae believed would finally set her free from domestic violence, she ends up staying on the run from her abusive ex-husband, James, who stalks her across the country. When she finds herself really free of James, LaRae struggles through the up and downs of trying to make a peaceful life for herself. A life free of the violence that left scars of fear and pain, not only physically, but mentally as well. LaRae finds a friend that helps point her on a path that leads to hope, healing, and a new life.
185 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 7, 2017
A Rose Blooms Among the Thorns is a powerful story. It brought me to tears several times. The main character, LaRae, escapes an abusive husband only to spend her life running for her life, escaping from him repeatedly. He is never far away, and his words ring in her ears; "You can run but you can’t hide. I will always find you, no matter where you go."
A gut-wrenching story of abuse and redemption, hatred and love, A Rose will grip you in a way that few stories do. At various times I found myself hating her husband and wanting him dead, or terrified for her safety and screaming at her to get out now!
And that's just the first half of the book. The rest will warm your heart, anger you to the core, and fill you with thankfulness for our loving God. Bet you can't put this one down.
A gut-wrenching story of abuse and redemption, hatred and love, A Rose will grip you in a way that few stories do. At various times I found myself hating her husband and wanting him dead, or terrified for her safety and screaming at her to get out now!
And that's just the first half of the book. The rest will warm your heart, anger you to the core, and fill you with thankfulness for our loving God. Bet you can't put this one down.
July 7, 2017
OMG this book made me cry so hard. An absolutely wonderful tale and an absolute bargain
October 21, 2017
Cissy asked me to proofread this book before she published it. So, I wasn't reading it as a normal reader would. However, I found myself completely engrossed in Tilly's life (the main character), and concerned about her well-being and future.
As with Cissy's other books, this one is engaging, well-written, and thoroughly enjoyable. The story holds together well, and I found myself wanting to know more each step of the journey. Cissy's books have a strong Christian theme, which I thoroughly enjoy. When I'm reading them, I feel like I'm at home with the characters, their lives, and their language. Their lifestyles are familiar to me, as well as their manner of speaking and thinking.
As with Cissy's other books, this one is engaging, well-written, and thoroughly enjoyable. The story holds together well, and I found myself wanting to know more each step of the journey. Cissy's books have a strong Christian theme, which I thoroughly enjoy. When I'm reading them, I feel like I'm at home with the characters, their lives, and their language. Their lifestyles are familiar to me, as well as their manner of speaking and thinking.
May 18, 2016
As a domestic violence survivor, this story really hit home for me. His obsession to find her and teach her a lesson, her determination to escape him forever and try to become a survivor – it is unfortunately a story that is true for so many women. Cissy Hunt has captured LaRae’s terrifying perspective quite accurately, while also bringing to life the thoughts of a madman who thinks of LaRae as his possession, making the divorce irrelevant in his eyes. While the text in A Rose Blooms Among the Thorns could benefit with some editing, the story itself is an important one, showing the true struggle that battered women fight every single day. Although victims never think they will make it, the ones that do become survivors, determined to help other victims live through their ordeal and restore peace and hope where there had been none for so long. A Rose Blooms Among the Thorns is gripping, heart-wrenching, terrifying and realistic, and shows that sometimes you can find strength in a much greater power than your own. I recommend this book to all readers over the age of 15 years and feel it would do well stocked in women’s shelters worldwide.
- Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
- Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
April 23, 2010
Review by BK Walker Books : Cissy Hunt's "A Rose Blooms Among The Thorns" is suspenseful and exhilarating. The plot starts out introducing you to LaRae Jones, a woman who is fear driven to constantly go into hiding. As the story unfolds, Hunt leaves you constantly guessing what will happen next, while consuming you into an emotional roller coaster ride.
With the help of her new found friend Shirley and God, LaRae learns how to love life and herself again. Following the road to recovery and healing, she also learns to trust again.
If you didn't understand Spiritual Warfare, A Rose Blooms Among The Thorns will definitely give you a greater understanding as Cissy Hunt leads you through LaRae Jones' journey of fear, pain, forgiveness and love.
This story is surely going to captivate you. I laughed, I was angered, I cried, and I was drawn in so I too, felt what LaRae was experiencing. I give it (4)**** stars. ~B.K. Walker, author/reviewer of BK Walker Books - http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com
(Copyright B.K. Walker Books - 2009)
With the help of her new found friend Shirley and God, LaRae learns how to love life and herself again. Following the road to recovery and healing, she also learns to trust again.
If you didn't understand Spiritual Warfare, A Rose Blooms Among The Thorns will definitely give you a greater understanding as Cissy Hunt leads you through LaRae Jones' journey of fear, pain, forgiveness and love.
This story is surely going to captivate you. I laughed, I was angered, I cried, and I was drawn in so I too, felt what LaRae was experiencing. I give it (4)**** stars. ~B.K. Walker, author/reviewer of BK Walker Books - http://bkwalkerbooks.weebly.com
(Copyright B.K. Walker Books - 2009)
April 17, 2018
The mystical cover imagery of the book, Spirit Dancer by Cissy Hunt, perfectly represents this tale of spiritual reliance. This is a straightforward story of pioneers. Set in the early nineteenth century, we follow the protagonist, Hannah, through her life. Beginning with her marriage to Caswell and their move from Alabama to Nebraska in a covered wagon caravan, we anxiously track their progress while cringing with dread at the hardships they endure. A strong theme throughout this land-rush narrative is hope, despite the trouble and pain, tribulation and adversity.
Classified correctly under Religion and Spirituality, Teen & Young Adult and Faith based books, this story weaves its own religious tapestry. It melds Christianity with Animism of the early Native American Indians. While Hannah engages in a ‘spirit dance’ to connect with the ‘Great spirit’, she prays to her Christian God—often quoting scripture. Occasionally, her prayers smack more of deal-making with the Lord whereas her husband is more fundamentally Christian and acknowledges Jesus.
There is also a combined belief effort used in healing the sick; Christian prayers and a sweat lodge, for instance. Painted Hands, an American Indian informs us, “The purpose of the sweat lodge goes beyond getting the body clean. The sweat lodge serves to cleanse the mind, body, spirit and soul. Its ceremony is a means of prayer and connecting with your spirit and the spirits of the grandfathers.”
Author, Cissy Hunt uses simple language and tone matching the book’s early setting. It begins with the end as Hannah reflects on her life—much like the way the movie, Titanic, starts. Throughout the book we time jump with her to specific memories until we experience the full emotional circle with Hannah.
Written in third person, this story could have been just as easily written in first person diary form as it felt autobiographical at times—and long—at 345 pages. However, anyone desiring a decent, clean historical fiction will likely find Spirit Dancer a good read. I rate this book 3.5 out of five stars.
Classified correctly under Religion and Spirituality, Teen & Young Adult and Faith based books, this story weaves its own religious tapestry. It melds Christianity with Animism of the early Native American Indians. While Hannah engages in a ‘spirit dance’ to connect with the ‘Great spirit’, she prays to her Christian God—often quoting scripture. Occasionally, her prayers smack more of deal-making with the Lord whereas her husband is more fundamentally Christian and acknowledges Jesus.
There is also a combined belief effort used in healing the sick; Christian prayers and a sweat lodge, for instance. Painted Hands, an American Indian informs us, “The purpose of the sweat lodge goes beyond getting the body clean. The sweat lodge serves to cleanse the mind, body, spirit and soul. Its ceremony is a means of prayer and connecting with your spirit and the spirits of the grandfathers.”
Author, Cissy Hunt uses simple language and tone matching the book’s early setting. It begins with the end as Hannah reflects on her life—much like the way the movie, Titanic, starts. Throughout the book we time jump with her to specific memories until we experience the full emotional circle with Hannah.
Written in third person, this story could have been just as easily written in first person diary form as it felt autobiographical at times—and long—at 345 pages. However, anyone desiring a decent, clean historical fiction will likely find Spirit Dancer a good read. I rate this book 3.5 out of five stars.
July 28, 2017
A Rose Blooms Among the Thorns is a beautifully written story. The author, Cissy Hunt, takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster from the very first page until the very last. The story focuses around LaRae, who is a woman on the run. At first, she is running from her abusive ex-husband, running from herself and running from God. The reader follows along with LaRae as she experiences fear, flashbacks of traumatic experiences, learning to trust others, and finding her strength in the Lord which allows her to find her purpose.
Hunt’s portrayal of LaRae is fantastic. LaRae comes to life for the reader feels what she is feeling. There were many times when my heart was racing alongside LaRae’s and when I was crying with her. Hunt also writes through the eyes of LaRae’s abusive ex-husband beautifully, and is able to capture some of the darkest thoughts of an abuser (for example, seeing LaRae as his possession rather than a life mate). Hunt brought the supporting characters to life as well, especially Shirley, Cindy, and Jason.
The ending is heartbreaking, but necessary, as it shows just how far LaRae has grown in her own journey of healing and finding purpose.
I highly recommend this book for other Christian readers. The book will captivate you from the moment you begin reading, and will hold your attention until the very end! Be prepared to cry, to feel the suspense, and also to have your heart bursting with pride and joy as you see LaRae grow from a frightened and battered woman, to a strong, independent woman of God.
Hunt’s portrayal of LaRae is fantastic. LaRae comes to life for the reader feels what she is feeling. There were many times when my heart was racing alongside LaRae’s and when I was crying with her. Hunt also writes through the eyes of LaRae’s abusive ex-husband beautifully, and is able to capture some of the darkest thoughts of an abuser (for example, seeing LaRae as his possession rather than a life mate). Hunt brought the supporting characters to life as well, especially Shirley, Cindy, and Jason.
The ending is heartbreaking, but necessary, as it shows just how far LaRae has grown in her own journey of healing and finding purpose.
I highly recommend this book for other Christian readers. The book will captivate you from the moment you begin reading, and will hold your attention until the very end! Be prepared to cry, to feel the suspense, and also to have your heart bursting with pride and joy as you see LaRae grow from a frightened and battered woman, to a strong, independent woman of God.
August 3, 2017
Spirit Dancer is the second book by Cissy Hunt that I have reviewed. The first was A Rose Blooms Among The Thorns. I don't even know where to begin with this book.
It's a story about a young woman who marries and follows her husband across the country in a Conestoga wagon in the early 1880s. The story is filled with pathos and tragedy and celebration that will stir your emotions deeply. Cissy's writing style is evocative and descriptive and puts you in the moment. You feel every pain, experience every fear, celebrate every triumph
The story speaks of a simpler time, when people had a faith in God that is all too lacking in our modern culture. Beset by storms, and troubles aplenty, Hannah and Caswell suffer more than their share of tragedy. Yet through it all, their faith in God remains a central core of their lives.
If you're a practicing Christian, you will enjoy this book immensely. If you're not, perhaps this book will cause you to question your priorities in life.
It's a story about a young woman who marries and follows her husband across the country in a Conestoga wagon in the early 1880s. The story is filled with pathos and tragedy and celebration that will stir your emotions deeply. Cissy's writing style is evocative and descriptive and puts you in the moment. You feel every pain, experience every fear, celebrate every triumph
The story speaks of a simpler time, when people had a faith in God that is all too lacking in our modern culture. Beset by storms, and troubles aplenty, Hannah and Caswell suffer more than their share of tragedy. Yet through it all, their faith in God remains a central core of their lives.
If you're a practicing Christian, you will enjoy this book immensely. If you're not, perhaps this book will cause you to question your priorities in life.
August 22, 2017
If you enjoy Oregon Trail stories, this is made for you. If romance books with a heavy based faith undertones are something you enjoy, then read this book.
Every history book I've read describes a lot of what happens to Hannah and her new husband Caswell and their wagon train. Disease, spoiled food, attacks by scoundrels dressed as natives are all in here along with many other struggles on the wagon train. Traveling in a covered wagon was tough, no doubt about it. I couldn't imagine how frightening it was for women.
Hannah surprises herself with how strong she is and the trials and tribulations she endures. While I've only read one other book set in this era, this one seems very accurate. If you're looking for a sweet story without all the usual contemporary romance drama, this is one to read for sure.
Every history book I've read describes a lot of what happens to Hannah and her new husband Caswell and their wagon train. Disease, spoiled food, attacks by scoundrels dressed as natives are all in here along with many other struggles on the wagon train. Traveling in a covered wagon was tough, no doubt about it. I couldn't imagine how frightening it was for women.
Hannah surprises herself with how strong she is and the trials and tribulations she endures. While I've only read one other book set in this era, this one seems very accurate. If you're looking for a sweet story without all the usual contemporary romance drama, this is one to read for sure.
October 11, 2017
I received this book as an ARC in return for honest review. Lizzy grew up with loving family and being taught morals from her Christian mother and father. She loved fishing with her best friend Daniel. She met a man named Winston and told her parents that she wanted to marry him. Her mother begged her to pray for guidance. She married this man without praying for guidance. Several years later after supporting him while he got his degree, he announced he'd met someone else and wanted divorce. Lizzy is heart broken and decides to go to childhood home. While settling in she reconnects with her best friend Daniel. He's always had feelings for Lizzy. After divorce Lizzy feels like she's unlovable. Will she realize God's love? Will she ever realize how she feels about Daniel? This is amazing book about God's love and second chances.
August 25, 2017
This book was right out of my comfort zone, but I grew to love the characters and the way they overcome adversity following in gods will.
Hannah as a young woman wanted to leave the town she had lived all of her life but her mother was not happy about the decision but her mother wasn't happy about it so she stayed. Now as the wife of Caswell she was to follow him out west under gods will. They were to stop when God told them it was the right place.
They set of with others and this is when their courage and strengths were tested. They met some new firm friends and had some catastrophic happenings.
This book made me think about how strong Hannah and her little group were to do what they did at the time that they did it.
An interesting read from start to finish.
Hannah as a young woman wanted to leave the town she had lived all of her life but her mother was not happy about the decision but her mother wasn't happy about it so she stayed. Now as the wife of Caswell she was to follow him out west under gods will. They were to stop when God told them it was the right place.
They set of with others and this is when their courage and strengths were tested. They met some new firm friends and had some catastrophic happenings.
This book made me think about how strong Hannah and her little group were to do what they did at the time that they did it.
An interesting read from start to finish.
August 6, 2017
This book is definitely far outside of my "normal," but I really enjoyed the story.
Hannah is a 17 year old newlywed married to Caswell. This story follows their journey west and all of the trials and tribulations they face while traveling and then buying and setting up their home in Nebraska. It's a good read and it was kind of nice to read something out of my comfort zone. The biggest downside of the book was that it seemed to have ended very suddenly. I wanted more story, but other than that it's definitely worth a read!
Hannah is a 17 year old newlywed married to Caswell. This story follows their journey west and all of the trials and tribulations they face while traveling and then buying and setting up their home in Nebraska. It's a good read and it was kind of nice to read something out of my comfort zone. The biggest downside of the book was that it seemed to have ended very suddenly. I wanted more story, but other than that it's definitely worth a read!
October 24, 2017
Matilda was planning a surprise for husband Winston. When Winston come home that evening Matilda's life as she knew it changed. Matilda than found her self going back to her childhood home. To a life she no longer knew. She has lost her faith in herself and more importantly in God.
This is an inspiring story of a woman who has lost her way. The love of family and friends helps her find her way again. Once she allows her heart to open and allows God to fill it she begins to live again.
A very inspiring book.
October 20, 2017
First time reading any of this authors work and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a well thought out and interesting story. I found myself looking forward in anticipation to the next scene. The story flowed very well and at the end I wanted more. There are many twists and turns. I did not want to put it down
This book can be enjoyed time and time again.I highly recommend it and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Will definitely recommend to all friends and family
This book can be enjoyed time and time again.I highly recommend it and I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Will definitely recommend to all friends and family
August 18, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised reading this novel. While there are a few exceptions I'm generally not a huge fan of historical books but this one I can say I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters were ordinary people who set off on a journey to new beginnings and a new way of life. The writing flowed, painting a picture of an earlier time that took me as the reader on a grand adventure.
August 25, 2017
This was my first Cissy Hunt read and I am so glad that I was able to enjoy this wonderful christian read. Hannah is a young woman that was able to overcome the hardships that came her and her husbands way. It was nice to see that even tho she questioned her faith she never gave up. I will be letting everyone know about this book.
August 13, 2017
A sweet story about the bravery and perils of leaving everything behind to travel west and the unknown.
September 14, 2017
A nice and easy read that is stunningly written. This book is one of those little hidden gems. You'll be glad you gave it a chance
August 18, 2017
Spirit Dancer is the first book I have read by Cissy. It was an ok book for me. I would give it 3.5 stars. I have a hard time reading books from 1800's but if you enjoy old fashion books then you might be interested in reading Spirit Dancer. Hannah is a strong character. I really liked her. There is alot of emotions throughout the book. I liked Cissy's writing style.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC for this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC for this book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews