When Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in hospital from a coma, the first thing she says is that her husband must be arrested.
He’s the reason she’s in here. She knows it. She remembers what he did. Clearly as anything.
But there are things Shelley has forgotten too, including parts of her childhood. And as those start to come back to her, so do other memories. Ones with the power to change everything.
But can she trust these new memories, or what anyone around her is telling her? And who is the mysterious hospital volunteer who brings her food and keeps making her smile? Is it possible to find your future when you’re confused about your past?
Book Info: Print length: 305 pages. Publisher: Boldwood Books. Publication Date: 6 April 2024
My Thoughts:
If you are looking for a well written, emotional story, then look no further than The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up. I must warn you now that this story is about domestic abuse and whilst the author does portray the victims and the unspeakable acts of violence in a sensitive and compassionate way, it’s still not an easy topic to read about.
Shelley Woodhouse has just woken up in hospital. She’s been in a coma and the last thing she remembers is her violent and abusive husband pushing her down the stairs. The story is told over a dual timeframe and the reader is taken back to Shelley’s early childhood and then back to the present time as we follow her life and see how and why she has ended up in a coma.
Shelley’s father did a runner almost as soon as she was born and she was brought up by her single mother and beloved Grandma. Her mum worked as a bar maid and Shelley idolised her throughout her early childhood. However, life takes a vicious turn when her mum becomes involved with a man who doesn’t think twice about beating her black and blue.
It’s not unusual for children to follow their parents behaviour and we soon find out how Shelley has found herself in an almost identical situation as her mother, but can she finally break the cycle and escape the violence?
This book is full of warmth and hope despite the subject matter. Shelley’s relationship with her best friend Dee is a joy to read and her courage to face up to her past and her present is inspiring and brave. There were a few little twists sprinkled throughout the book and whilst I guessed one (I am a professional armchair detective obviously), I was pleasantly surprised with others.
I think this book covers a very important topic and delivers a very important message and would 100% recommend it to anyone and everyone.
It’s FREE on Kindle Unlimited so grab a copy now.
