Book Review: Holding on to Nothing By Elizabeth Chiles Shelburne

One mistake can change your life!

This is one of those situations in which I needed something unique to read after a slump of thrillers that weren't so appealing.

This gem was a diamond in the rough at the local library as it's not something I'd normally gravitate to yet it was so worth the wait.

As a non drinker I don't know the 'hangover' feeling or the 'buzz' that many speak but I do know that not everyone drinks with the intensity seen here.

With that said, alcoholism is a 'disease' and is not easily cured and my heart breaks for those suffering.

This case was so tragic in so many ways but when lives are in jeopardy that's when one must rethink their own ways and get the help they need before tragedy strikes.

I don't want to give too much away, but suffice to say, this one moved me in so many ways beyond the norm.

That hope for a cure, for a change, for the light of self worth and respect....It's a hope that cannot be given but must be earned.

It's often said sometimes you must watch from afar because words alone are not enough to break the cycle.

I know in abuse it's much the same with a perpetrator that is loved by many yet so few know that deep hurt, that yearning to be free, that cycle that's vicious.

You cannot own another's actions or behaviors and far too often we see this in abuse in which the Stockholm Syndrome is which the captive identifies with the captor.
In counseling others it's important to note that we are only responsible for our own actions and in this situation it's wise to acknowledge those actions and protect oneself rather than try to be the catalyst for change.

Change can only begin with acknowledgement, accountability, responsibility, and an action to want change.

This story was beyond powerful as a young woman finds herself in a predicament in which 'all it takes is one time' to get impregnated with 'second thoughts' about the father.

It appears he comes from a long family history of 'trouble' and nobody has truly given him a chance to change because he seems to always fall back on his word.

One of the reasons many stay in abuse is because of the 'promise to change' that appeal, that hope, that dream that everything can be flipped like a switch with love at the helm.
Sadly, that's why many get killed! It's a recipe for disaster in playing with fire which always leads to someone getting burned.

I truly hope everyone reads this and follows the warning signs because plenty of red flags were ignored here.

A powerhouse hitter of a debut in which I look forward to more by this amazing new author.