In a world where innocence is shattered, in the darkest corners of her young life, a twelve-year-old girl named Penelope Reed endures a heart-wrenching journey of abuse inflicted by those closest to her.
Trapped within her own home, she faces
unimaginable challenges and trauma as she navigates a toxic relationship with her controlling mother. With her new homeschool teacher and her mother unleashing cruelty upon her fragile spirit, and her alcoholic father casting shadows of despair, she is trapped in a suffocating existence and a broken home.
This moving story will transport you to a world where hope, love, and courage flicker like a fragile flame, urging you to witness a child's fearless spirit, as Penelope battles against the odds, seeking peace amidst the chaos.
#1 in family dysfunction (17/7/23) (8/6/24)
#1 in emotional journey (20/7/23)
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Trigger Warning
This story contains mentions to the following themes:
- domestic violence
- child abuse
- self-harm
- sexual assault
- substance abuse
- alcoholism
- mental illness
- suicide attempts
It is not suitable for readers who are under 18 years old or are easily disturbed.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the issues that are in this book, please reach out to the following organizations, which can provide you with free, confidential assistance.
www.crisistextline.org
www.childhelphotline.org
www.thetrevorproject.org
www.samhsa.gov
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention can be reached at 1-800-273-8255
When Jane Madarang's neighbor Natalie kills herself and leaves behind cryptic instructions, it's up to Jane and her classmates to unearth deadly secrets.
*****
Natalie Driscoll is dead.
She threw herself out a window and left her neighbor Jane to unravel their town's darkest secrets. Following Natalie's instructions leads Jane to three other high school students who all have something to hide. The four of them must carry out Natalie's final errand while solving the mysteries written in her diary. But the secrets they unearth may be far more dangerous than what they ever imagined.
Content and/or trigger warning: This story contains scenes of suicide, violence and murder that may be triggering for some readers.
[[word count: 100,000-150,000 words]]