Women of Strength Blog Tour

Thank you Anne for having me here on the 2nd day of my Women of Strength Blog Tour.

For me, a woman of strength is one who inspires others to face life's adversities with their heads held high. I have launched my series with three previously published stories; Juliana - Rosa - Shani

Today we will look into Juliana's story. This is the first story I ever had published back in 2006 with a publisher that is no longer in business. 

Blurb:

Juliana spent the entire duration of her marriage a prisoner in her own home. Subject to unspeakable abuse, her escape came in the form of her husbands' sudden death. She must now step into a world, she had almost forgotten existed....

Join Juliana on her healing journey where she learns. Love IS Good.

I'm sure you've either known or read about a woman in an abusive relationship. Juliana is one of thousands of women who find themselves in this situation. For those who find the courage to get out of an abusive situation, I consider you a Woman of Strength. If Juliana's story inspires even one woman to get out, what a blessing that would be.

Here is a short excerpt from Juliana.

Enough of this lollygagging.

If dinner was late, she deserved whatever he dished out. Over the next hour, Juliana took the cold supper from the table and reheated it at least a dozen times. At this rate, supper would be ruined and she’d end up wearing it. Finally, a knock came to the door, and she smoothed back her hair before scurrying over to answer it.

To her surprise, it wasn't Gary she looked up at. The expression on the officer’s face erased any doubt whatsoever her husband was gone for good.

“Juliana Anderson? I’m Officer O’Leary. I’m sorry to bother you, but I was a little concerned when you didn't reply to my phone call.” 

Juliana stood behind the door, only her face revealed to him. Her body trembled uncontrollably as she took the small bag from him. Gary’s badly charred watch, along with his wedding band—the only clear indicator the officer spoke the truth.

The officer touched her shoulder, and she flinched. She knew he merely intended to comfort her, but it didn't stop the reaction. He gave her his card.

“Call me if I can help in any way.”

Juliana closed the door without speaking and shuffled across the room to sit at the table. Quite some time later, she stood and walked from room to room, reveling in her new found freedom. Outside of his office, she froze in place.

Do I dare go in? Laughter bubbled up and spilled out. She gasped at the foreign sound. When was the last time I laughed? Juliana couldn't remember. Cautiously, she turned the handle, careful not to make a sound.

Juliana let out a rush of air and laughed yet again, flinging the door open. During the seven years she’d lived here with Gary, she’d never set foot inside this room. The door had never been locked; she could have walked in any time she wanted. Fear was a bigger deterrent than any lock.

The room was cold, as cold as the man who had sat behind the simple wooden desk. Steel-grey eyes from a picture of Gary above the desk followed her around the room. At one time she thought he’d been so handsome with his premature salt-and-pepper hair. A shiver ran up her spine, and she darted from the room, mindfully shutting the door behind her. Like a mouse being stalked by a big old alley cat, Juliana shifted her gaze in every direction.

He can’t hurt me anymore. What am I supposed to do now? Maybe I should call someone like the officer suggested…but who?

At the next stop of my Blog Tour we will look into Rosa's story.

 Please leave a comment and I will randomly pick one winner to receive  this calendar magnet for 2013 and this lovely steampunk pewter symbol for woman charm. All names will go in a draw to win your choice of one of these three stories.
Please feel free to visit me on the next stop of my blog tour. You will find the schedule HERE

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