The Only Gift
A Story of Abuse: A Story of Strength: A Story of Survival
What happens when love goes wrong? She married for love. He married for power. It almost cost Mallie her life. She found strength and safety, along with talent, when least expected. From the cotton fields of the South to the beauty of a Gulf-front paradise to a welcoming institution, Mallie's life was one she never could have imagined.
A Cautionary Note: The Only Gift is a story that formed in my mind and would not let go. I had to write it even with its scenes of spouse abuse. There are two chapters (chapters 5 and 6, pages 46-61) that describe the abuse. If you internalize what you read, you may want to skip those pages, but just know that Mallie’s abuse was extreme and left her no options but those that she took. Also, note that the abuse happened on an isolated farm from 1895-1900, so it differs from the abuse suffered by many ladies of our time. But, abuse is abuse and never acceptable. We should all strive to prevent it.
