Acclaim for Something To Be Brave For

If you couldn’t get enough of ‘Big Little Lies’, either the series or the book, then you should get your hands on ‘Something To Be Brave For’. Ms. Bennett has put a unique spin on the age-old story of a woman trapped in an abusive marriage. She creates a world of privilege that becomes a gilded prison for her protagonist, and that traps the reader into turning page after absorbing page to see how she’ll manage to escape. This is absorbing reading at its unputdownable best.

— Luther L., Amazon Review

I just finished reading Something to be Brave For. The book was very intense and shocking as it centres around domestic abuse. It was very heartfelt and sad to know that there are many people out there that are suffering in silence and just because of your families social status it does not mean that you are immune to it. The book was very well written and realistic.

— Dr. Stars, Goodreads Review

This book handles the emotional subject of Domestic Violence, a subject I’m passionate about through my paid work and previous volunteer work with Victim Support. The Author delicately handles the subject and shows how a couple on the outside can be the envy of everyone who meets them; outwardly seen as being a happily married and successful couple, but behind closed doors the story couldn’t be more different.

— Lisa Hardy, Bookalicious Travel Addict Review

Hit straight to the gut. Kate suffered horrific abuse from her husband but it started way before him. She was groomed for it. I identified with all of which she was subjected to. The only difference, I had thought was her privileged background.I was mistaken because clearly Kate demonstrated how unimportant that was. Beautifully and precisely spoken, the book is a tremendous encouragement to me. Abuse is not our legacy! A story of hope. Shows me a vast horizon of Possibility. Thank you…Priscilla…Thank you Kate.

— Marianna Golick, Amazon Review

I really enjoyed this book! It is a story of abuse and redemption. Katie Giraud, daughter of Dr. Jack Callahan and wife of Dr. Claud Giraud lives in a world where trust and hope turn into terror and denial. Priscilla Bennett skillfully brings the reader along with Katie as her cries for help go unheeded by family and even by the police. Power protects power and that goes for everyone who does not want to risk losing it, whether it is Katie`s parents or Claude`s privileged patients. Through wonderfully descriptive dialogue, Priscilla takes us into the rarefied world of Boston Society. We also get an intriguing glimpse into specialized surgery. There is a portrait of a procedure done to save a cancer patient that I won`t soon forget. It is an incredible journey and I am sure the author, a nurse, has seen more of this than we can imagine. Unfortunately, we read to little too late about this type of victim, Kathleen Durst comes to mind. This is a small book with a very large message.

— Mary A, Amazon Review

Even though it’s in the title, the word “brave” doesn’t even begin to describe the harrowing ordeal Katie endures. It will answer a lot of questions to anyone who’s wondered, “why do people stay in abusive relationships?” While each situation is different, the truth here is that our protagonist did try to leave, and her husband was a masterful psychopath to blocked his accuser’s attempts through power, charm, and violent intimidation.

— MoreBikes, Amazon Review

“The novel, Something To Be Brave For is a unique—yet still universal—story of domestic violence. Katie lives in an Architectural Digest home with her husband, a surgeon whose skill is known to the world and whose brutality is known only to his wife. This story of a women trapped in a gilded cage, living with a monster, transcends race, color and class: Katie is a sister to every battered woman. She’s also a survivor and as she turns her life of horror into one of hope, the reader will want to stand up and cheer!”

— Rosemary Rogers, author of eight books including the bestseller Saints Preserve Us! and numerous magazine and newspaper articles.

“Well-written story beautifully told that will help those who are suffering from mental and physical abuse.”

— Fred Mermelstein, Ph.D. Healthcare Entrepreneur and Former CEO and President of Javelin Pharmaceuticals — Cambridge MA

“A gripping novel portraying domestic violence in today’s society.”

— US Senator Christopher Dodd (CT)

“The book is a compelling, graphic and brutally honest account of domestic violence in high society. The novel reminds us that family violence is not confined to any class or group of people. It also strongly supports treating domestic abuse as a crime not a disease or pathology. It’s a must read for anyone confronted by or aware of violence in the home. Katie, the central character, comes alive with all her strengths and weaknesses, wishes and desires. Many readers will certainly identify with her.”

— Oliver Koppell, former Attorney General, New York State and sponsor in the New York Legislature of laws making domestic violence a crime.

“An inspiration to all the women, and people, who have struggled against the domestic violence in their life. You will lose yourself in this well written page turner full of youthful optimism and a luxurious lifestyle that ultimately becomes filled with terror, pain and isolation. As people face verbal and physical abuse, I hope they find the strength and wisdom within this book and themselves to overcome the darkest moments in their lives and break free.”

— Ben Kallos, New York City Council Member serving on the Women’s Issues Committee

“Unlike Faust, in Priscilla Bennett’s spellbinding novel, Katie Callahan Giraud doesn’t make a deal with Mephistopheles, she actually falls in love with Mephistopheles and marries him. Set in Beacon Hill and Nantucket in the 1990’s, ‘Something To Be Brave For’ captures the world of high society; the elegant homes, political and sexual alliances, the affairs, dalliances and even the world of cosmetic surgery that often attends this glamorous-and frequently dangerous-lifestyle. Bennett’s novel takes you into a privileged sometimes painful universe that so many of us envy and lust after and asks the question, ‘Are we really willing to pay the price to live it?’ In the end, only Katie knows for sure.”

— Lewis Burke Frumkes, Author, “Advice for Young Writers” and Host of the Lewis Burke Frumkes Show