When Rena meets Brent, he is a dream come true. He is a real gentleman, funny, caring and even her overly protective father likes him. But then, she discovers a different side of Brent - a violent side that scares her. Promising that this had been a one time slip up, she forgives him. After all, he is the love of her life. She dosn't see the signs -- the controlling, the alienation from her friends and dad, the obsession he has with her. She is like putty in his hands. Over time, she learns about the Cycle of Abuse the hard way and she even tries to break free. But in the end, she only sees one way out and it will likely cost her everything. Best Ranking: #2 in ChickLit Winner of the 1st Corner Booth contest Authors Note: This is a story about domestic violence and can be disturbing at times. Even though the people in this book are fictional, abuse at the hands of a loved one is real. It is something that can happen to any of us, even to teenagers like Rena. Please do not read this book if you find this topic disturbing. It is not designed to upset anyone but to raise awareness. Copyright©2015 by Sally Mason All rights reserved Cover by @lucyface Image "Girl"; courtesy of Rolands Lakis

THIS IS THE SEQUEL OF "LIVING WITH THE CHOICES WE MAKE". THE BLURB BELOW CONTAINS SPOILERS AND I RECOMMEND THAT YOU READ THE BOOKS IN SEQUENCE. The enemy is always just around the corner... After her release from jail, Rena is trying to piece her life back together. Just when things seem to be getting better, old wounds are torn open by none other than Brent's father -- Ryan Parks. He's not only set on putting her behind bars for killing his beloved son but also attempts to take the one thing away from her that has been keeping her sane. Confronted with the nightmares of her past, Rena's battle starts all over again. Yet, on the other side of the country, another woman is fighting her own wars. On the surface, Charlotte Parks is just one of Ryan's many minions but deep down, she holds a secret that could be the key to Rena's redemption. When their two worlds collide in the fight for the one thing they want the most, they have to make a choice; and that choice will alter their lives forever. Authors Note: This story contains topics about child abuse and domestic violence as well as important social issues such as discrimination, dangers of alcohol, drug abuse and date rape. Please do not read this book if you find any of these topic disturbing. It is not designed to upset anyone but to raise awareness. Copyright@2015 by Sally Mason All rights reserved Cover by @Lucyface

My name is Brent Parks and I have just about driven my girlfriend Rena to her limits. In a few days, she will take my life. I can't necessarily blame her because I have abused her on and off during our relationship. Before I met her, I faced my own demons - for years, I suffered violence at the hands of my father. I am not trying to make excuses but I hope you will understand that there is another side to this story, a side I would like to tell you about.... This Novella can be read independently from "Living With The Choices We Make" however, it contains references to the main story and it would be beneficial to read both for completeness. Authors Note: This is a story about child abuse and domestic violence and tells the story from the eyes of an abuser as a reminder what can happen to children who suffer violence at the hands of their parents. Please do not read this book if you find this topic disturbing. It is not designed to upset anyone but to raise awareness. Copyright@2015 by Sally Mason All rights reserved Cover by @Lucyface

Full version of Second Edition available on Amazon and via Kindle Unlimited. Chris Sinclair fades under a dark cloud after losing his mother to cancer. On the cusp of adulthood, he doesn't know where he should go or how to get there. But watching life pass him by was never the plan, and when he is forced to attend a concert in an attempt to coax him out of his shell, he discovers that life might have more to offer. Dante Heron holds the audience between his delicate bow and the tips of his fingers. He plays the violin as if every heart is his to command, but the discipline needed to perfect his skills has left him with nothing to spare. He's a fire that burns too bright or not at all-unpredictable and demanding. When Chris is unexpectedly offered a job to travel around Europe as Dante's assistant, or 'friend', he surprises himself by accepting. Their journey barely starts before Chris realizes he's in over his head. Every step along the way is fraught with tension, and the farther they go, the closer they veer to a breaking point. Invisible strings are at play, stitched into Dante's life by those who should have taught him how to love. Perhaps Chris is right to be afraid, but sometimes, what you fear the most is what you can't afford to lose.