Customer Reviews

Serenity Bay

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This one was really tough to put down and I'm glad I didn't have a schedule to follow over the weekend that I was reading it. I had to make myself get to bed!

The authors style is such that you like the likable characters and dislike the dislikable. Once you get over the slow-moving 80 some-odd pages of preliminaries - the introduction to Patricia and her career, the introduction and reintroduction to Russell and his career, their courtship, wedding and honeymoon, it takes off and doesnt let you down - not til the very end, anyway.

Despite Russells loving attentiveness, thoughtfully-planned dates and wonderful gifts during their courtship that would capture the hearts of many women, he undergoes a Dr. Jeckyl - Mr. Hyde personality once he and Patricia marry. Hes cruel and viscious one minute but loving and doting the next when he acts like the ugly side of him never took place.

Patricia is frightened for her life as he usurps control of it more and more. She blames herself for his evil actions and denies them to others.

Patricia literally bumps into Susan at the hardware store and they become fast friends. Susan is the epitome of what a friend should be. It is she who discovers Patricias secret and helps her anyway she is able and that Patricia will allow.

The end was more than a bit disappointing, but dont let that discourage you from this well-written, suspenseful novel. Im hoping after the letdown, there will be a second part to this one.

Wow - what an excellent, quick read. I found myself drawn to the book - it's one of those that when you're not reading it, you're thinking about it and wondering what will happen next. The book flows very well and the author manages to put in some twists and turns that are not expected. I consider myself a woman of great faith, but as one other reviewer mentioned, God is not "pushed down" anyone's throats in this story - only mentioned subtly and when its appropriate. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next book by Ms. Nordberg!

Nordberg tells a haunting story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Handling an important social issue in a sensitive and well-researched manner, she has created an unforgettable family drama. The author's sense of place is one of the most notable things about this novel. I could feel the Pacific breezes and smell the rain through her prose. I will anxiously wait for her next novel.

Serenity Bay is one of the better books I've read in a long while. I couldn't stop reading; I had to finish it to see how it was resolved.

Clearly Bette Nordberg did her research. The situations and characters were real, and I found myself warning Patricia, laughing with her, even scolding her, and finally cheering as she gained strength and resolve.

The story and its characters was skillfully revealed. Bette kept me guessing right down to the end. There was gut-wrenching drama and places I didn't want to go, but I'm glad I kept reading because I now understand better what it's like to live with abuse.

Thanks Bette for this great book. You're a wonderful writer!

Serenity Bay is one of the better books I've read in a long while. I couldn't stop reading; I had to finish it to see how it was resolved.

Clearly Bette Nordberg did her research. The situations and characters were real, and I found myself warning Patricia, laughing with her, even scolding her, and finally cheering as she gained strength and resolve.

The story and its characters was skillfully revealed. Bette kept me guessing right down to the end. There was gut-wrenching drama and places I didn't want to go, but I'm glad I kept reading because I now understand better what it's like to live with abuse.

Thanks Bette for this great book. You're a wonderful writer!

Bette Nordberg steps out on a limb by writing a book about an abusive marital relationship and marketing it in the world of Christian fiction. Remarkably, she achieves a balance between self-reliance and faith as the main character, Patricia, is forced by violence to leave her home and worldly possessions and enter into a new life. I was angered as Patricia's husband manipulated and controlled her, softened by the care and love of Patricia's closest friend Susan, captivated by the drama of clinging to a marriage commitment in the face of violence and threats. Finally, through perseverance Patricia finds a living God to be a foundation for the hope that she had been grasping for. This book was one that kept me eagerly turning pages as it brought tears to my eyes and thrilled me with numerous climaxes.

Have you ever wanted to understand what ties women to abusive men? This gripping novel handles the difficult issue of domestic violence with a seamless skill that will keep your heart pumping as your understanding grows. Move over Koontz and Grisham to make room for one of the best new writers to come along in years.

Nordberg's second book explores the dark subject of abusive relationships, relying on local experts in this field, and building a realistic scenerio while not subjecting readers to the graphic details and language used by the typical abuser. Unlike the above reviewer's allegations, the character has to take steps to change her situation vs remaining in an abusive relationship while dodging coffee cups in a prayerful position. The point of the book is to introduce the subject of abusive marriages into the Christian book genre (while there are others, this one is a fictional account) and stresses that it takes more than a relationship with God to extricate oneself from an abusive relationship - it takes courage and community resources. The author builds tension wonderfully well - it is a good read and I found that unlike some Christian fiction, this was realistic and tolerant of those who don't share the views of the victim. The "G" word wasn't shoved down anyone's throat here, and it would be an excellent book to share with someone whom you might suspect is enduring abuse in a marriage. The characters are believable, the plot twists and turns and is not at all predictable! I enjoyed this a great deal and I don't normally read women's fiction/romance novels. What impressed me most was that the author got her point vividly across without my having to endure vulgar language, which I choose not to use. It also stresses that we need to do the footwork vs relying exclusively on the authorities who are inundated with cases like this.

Northwesterner's will appreciate the local landscape.

Story Description:

A charming island village in the Puget Sound seems like the perfect place to raise their children when Patricia Koehler and her husband move in. And the slow pace of life might be just the thing to bring the peace and quiet Patricia longs for. When she discovers a wonderful friend in Susan - a woman as outgoing as Patricia is shy - she knows she's made a friend for life.

Yet all is not as it seems, and the Koehlers are not a perfect couple. When Patricia shares her secret agony with Susan, she finds the courage to face the problem with the love and support of her friend...but neither woman is prepared for the consequences unleashed by revealing the truth.

This moving story deals with contemporary family issues that come straight from today's headlines.

My Review:

Ms. Nordberg introduces us to the sad subject of abusive relationships. Patricia was so happy and so in love with her doctor husband and he was the guy every girl would want. Taking Patricia on the most beautiful dates, attending to her every need, and lavishing her with flowers and words only endeared her more and more to this wonderful man. However, once married, the good doctor began to change and became an abusive and obnoxious man. I found it so hard to read through the beatings he laid on Patricia.

With the help of God, her good friend Susan and a new community, Patricia is able to begin life anew. There are so many twists and turns in the novel making for a very suspenseful read. People often assume because someone is a Christian and has a relationship with God that they would never be in an abusive relationship and that is just not true. You need more than a relationship with God you need courage and community as well to help you walk back into the light.

This was one book I just couldn't put down and ended up reading it in one sitting!! Don't miss out on this excellent book that provides us with a very important message.

Bette Nordberg is an excellent author. I have read most of her books.
This is a little hard to read, because it hurts to think there are women & children even in our churches who are enduring abuse. But, for those who are fortunate to not have had that experience, it gives us a picture of what women in that situation may be thinking and going through. Hopefully it will make us less judgemental and more understanding. It also shows us how reaching out in love, even if people don't seem to want you to, can make a huge difference in their life.