LETTING GO into PERFECT LOVE
Discovering the Extraordinary After Abuse
By Gwendolyn M. Plano
Author Gwendolyn Plano, in this extraordinary memoir, “invites
you into my journey, replete with childhood stories and adult meanderings.” Yet
this book is so much more, encompassing all elements of life’s struggles,
dreams, and heartache which so many readers will latch onto, sharing Plano’s
feelings and experiences. I was hooked from the first page until the ending, causing
me so many mixed emotions; closing the book with a feeling of love and peace
which stayed with me.
Gwen’s first marriage seems heaven sent and produces a
wonderful son, Matt. But her husband Bruce develops psychiatric problems so
severe that he must be committed, “for his good and yours” says the psychiatrist—leaving
Gwendolyn a single Mom, and little Matt on their own.
She gets a second chance with Ron, who seems the perfect man
and father figure. Falling deeply in love, she misses some of Ron’s flaws,
serious flaws, and marries him. The
bliss of romance soon fades as Ron shows a severe abusive side, unnoticed before-
and it grows worse. There is no easy way
to escape a brutal husband, physically, mentally and emotionally. Over the next 25 years she bears two more sons
and a daughter, and Gwen tries heroically to maintain an atmosphere of
normalcy.
Abused women are often criticized for tolerating marital
torture and not leaving. The situation is complex and author Plano depicts the
plethora of reasons in this heart rending story of a woman trapped. It takes
increasing and serious abuse of her children to awaken in her a newly found and
deeply held faith in God giving her the determination and courage to sever the
destructive relationship. Help from angel visitations guide her from an
existence in terror to a life of joy and peace.
The second half of the book is written in breathtaking and
beautiful verbiage that comes directly from the author’s heart and soul – so deeply
embraced by love that I re-read many parts and was left with a sense of peace
upon finishing it. This is one story which needs to be read by every woman . .
. and man as well. This book is one of the most touching, honest memoirs that I
have ever read.
Highly recommended for those searching for their true selves,
love and companionship with God and others— “Perfect Love.”
Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang
Wow, what a review! I am now so enchanted I must read it. Thank you, Micki, for your enthusiasm, something every author would love in a review.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic review and great book, Micki. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lori, it was. Thanks for coming.
DeleteSharing your great review of Gwen's book. Already have it on my kindle; now I'm moving it up on my TBR. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Bette, I know you will love it!!
DeleteThanks, Deirdre,this was quite a book both to read and review.
ReplyDelete