Hidden In The Shadows

By Patricia Day

Priscilla is thrust into a life beyond her wildest dreams, but at an unimaginable cost. She was stunning beyond words in that red dress, and seeing her for the first time Adrian vowed she would be his.

Her naiveté and her vulnerability attracted him. They were character traits that empowered him. They gave him the thrill of the chase.
Priscilla’s idyll was solitude not attention, certainly not a relationship. That was the last thing she expected, but in the game of love boundaries can change, and eventually remaining hidden in the shadows became vital to her wellbeing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Patricia Day
• Release date: Mar 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9780991971626

Patricia Day

I have loved writing my entire life. A Stolen Childhood, Eleanor's Story, was my first full-length book. It takes the reader on a personal journey with Eleanor, as she travels from her painful childhood into her inspiring adult life. Having been subjected to many traumas, such as abuse, rejection, divorce, and others that you will discover along her journey, she found the strength to persevere. Determined to never give up, I hope her strength and resourcefulness will inspire you, no matter your circumstances, to live your own life to the fullest. You never know where that journey might take you. Over the years, I have had poetry and devotionals published. I write book reviews for major publishing companies, as well as for Readers' Favorites, where you can choose from a wide variety of genres. They have annual contests for writers too, so there are many worthwhile benefits. Whether you are a new writer, or a seasoned one - all are welcome to enter. Readers' Favorite Book Award Contest - Enter Today! https://readersfavorite.com/ref/11737 Married, with four children and twelve grandchildren, I love family-time; reading, gardening and photography. Hidden in the Shadows, Never Give Up E-bookhttps://www.smashwords.com/books/view/708253 https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B06XDV6P5F https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/708253 Softcover $10 + shipping By Email Request Print version of A Stolen Childhood is available by request by email. [e-mail] A Stolen Childhood, Eleanor's Story Softcover: $15 Cdn. + shipping by request from Author E-book: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/308936 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHQI39U Book for children - Tabitha and The Forbidden Forest - A Lesson Learned. E-book http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016L3NZD8 Softcover: Email Request $10 + shipping Blog: http://patriciaeday.wordpress.com I do hope to hear from you. Meantime, happy reading.

Book preview

HIDDEN IN THE SHADOWS

Never Give Up!

PATRICIA E DAY

Copyrighted

Unless otherwise stated, all writing in this publication is the copyrighted work of the author, Patricia Day.

The names of characters, other than those in the public domain, have been changed, where applicable, to protect identities.

The novel is part memoir, and a good portion fiction.

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be resold. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form, by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author and publisher.

Formattting by Rik – Wild Seas Formatting

ISBN: 978-0-9919716-2-6

Patricia is also the author of A Stolen Childhood, Eleanor’s Story and Tabitha and the Forbidden Forest – A Lesson Learned

Patricia writes book reviews for publishers and major retailers.

Email: [e-mail]

http://patriciaeday.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/#!/skyscapes

PROLOGUE

Monsters are a figment of the imagination, aren’t they? Yet I feel compelled to live silently lest I awaken one.

While I have nothing to hide, I elect to tiptoe physically and mentally through each day for fear of attracting the attention of one more beast into my life. I long to be free of this survival technique, but it has become a part of me and I find it is a difficult habit to break.

Attention? That is the last thing I desire. I want to remain hidden in the shadows. If I show myself, I become a magnet, drawing the attention of the monster, whose ultimate goal is to destroy me, Priscilla, the woman he once loved. My naiveté and my vulnerability drew him to me. These character traits empowered him. They gave him the thrill of the chase, even as he schemed to annihilate all trace of me from his life, but first, he needed to catch me.

I realize I can be seen and heard but it is from evil ones that I hide. Each day is a tortuous journey for me as I endeavor to release myself from his imposed prison of fear.

Good music is a balm to me. It sets me free to transcend all things worldly. I withdraw into my shell and in that state look at myself, as if with another person’s eyes. I see a person who thinks she is nobody, but that is a fallacy. My talents, even in their finite infancy, touch hearts and spirits. Yet, I do not recognize this myself. After all, I am told I am worthless, fat, ugly and of no use to anybody.

Who am I? I am a female named Priscilla. I am damaged goods. So damaged that if I were on display in a store shoppers would pass by without stopping to look. My previous perfection is marred by the traumas of life.

CHAPTER 1

HELLO PRISCILLA

Adam and Eleanor were overjoyed to hear that one lady from the community women’s shelter agreed to speak with them. Finally someone was willing to share her story. This was a new venture for them. In coming alongside Priscilla, their hope was to help change her life in tangible ways. They wanted to give her a new beginning. They were successful in their own right. He was a director in the movie industry, and she an author of international fame. Successful careers provided them a magnificent lifestyle; one they willingly shared with family and friends alike.

The first meeting was nerve-racking for Priscilla. She wished she could cancel it altogether. It put her nerves into overdrive. In addition, her sons Mark and Simon questioned her relentlessly.

Priscilla took a deep breath and mustered up more steely courage. She would not back out. She was drawn to Eleanor’s quiet demeanor and felt comfortable in her presence. She could not let her down. Eleanor and Adam had shown her immeasurable compassion and concern, anyway Priscilla needed all the help she could get.

Thinking back, she had often been angry at herself for not trying