The Calm Before the Storm by Tamaria Soana

The last two years of Erica Bloom’s life have been spent looking over her shoulder. Sawyer Marsh promised the day she filed for divorce and left him, that if he couldn't have her no one would. Even though Sawyer hasn’t contacted her in two years she’s still feared for her life. She remembers all too well the nightmare their marriage was and what it felt to be on the receiving end of his wrath.

The news of Sawyer’s engagement allows Erica to finally let her guard down and enjoy her new life and budding relationship with Brock Maxwell.

While away relaxing at Brock’s vacation home on the Willow Lake, the past comes back to haunt her. Were the past few years just the calm before the storm?


Excerpt:

Erica picked it up and smiled when she saw it was Joann calling.
“Hey, Joann.”
“Hi, Erica. You busy?”
“No, not at all. I was just reading the paper.”
“Did you hear the news about Sawyer?”
Erica stood up. Chills ran down her spine at the mention of his name. “What news?” she replied, just above a whisper.
“He’s getting married.”
The words stunned her.
“Erica, are you still there?” Joann asked.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm down so she could respond.
“How do you know?” she managed to stammer. So many feelings were flowing through her body as she paced the floor. They ranged from fear to relief. Was he truly moving on?
“Tim ran into his cousin at the hardware store. He said they’re getting married in a few months.”
“Wow.” Erica breathed out.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. This is good news. He’s moved on. Maybe I can stop looking over my shoulder every time I go out. Do you know who she is?”
“No. From what I understand, some woman he met while on a business trip and Sawyer’s cousin mentioned that she’s much younger.”
“The poor girl doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into. I feel for her because I know all of his tricks. He’s sexy and charming in the beginning and you’re so over the top in love with him. You marry him and get so caught up in the fairytale you believe is your life, until one day he changes into the man he truly is. A monster,” Erica stoically stated.
“Erica, I know you went through hell with him, but it’s been two years. You have a terrific man in your life. I think it’s time you let go of the past and live again.”
Erica sank down on the couch. She felt like she was hit by a freight train. “I have a lot to think about. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Let’s get together soon.”
“Sounds great.”
“Erica, relax. The nightmare is finally over.” Her friend reassured her.
“Bye, Joann.” Erica ended the call and stared into space. Could it be that easy? Am I honestly free from that man once and for all?

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Note from the Author:
To say it’s surreal to have my short story come light is an understatement. The vision for this story came to me months ago. I wanted to write a short story to raise awareness for Domestic Abuse. This cause is very near to my heart. I also wanted to find away to use my story to raise money for the cause. After a few phone calls I decided I needed to look no further than my own back yard. I live near Buffalo, New York and we have a wonderful woman’s shelter that has helped countess woman and children get back on their feet.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I will donate 100% of the proceeds from The Calm Before the Storm in October to my local woman's shelter, and 50% for the life of the book.


Here are some Domestic Violence Statistics

Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.

Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.

Every day in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.

Those facts alone make you want stand up and do something. One thing you can do if you're in an abusive relationship or know someone that is please get help by calling the hotline.

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224

About the Author
Tamaria Soana is middle aged, but just feels her life has begun. She writes sexy contemporary romance stories that always end with a ‘happily ever after’. Growing up she loved to read and make up new places in her head to escape to. In her late teens she began writing short stories and poetry; it wasn’t until her late thirties before she began to spin a full story.

She’s married and a stay-at-home-mom of two beautiful young girls, they reside in Western New York. Cuddling up with a good book under an electric throw is her way to escape the cold Buffalo nights.

Besides writing, she co-owns Shades of Rose Marketing and hosts a talk show on Talkshoe called Live with Tamaria ~ Giving authors a voice.

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