Mazie Reynolds has moxie from the top of her bruised face to the tip of her broken wrist. She married a man she adored, and who adored her in return. But over fourteen years, her happy marriage soured with each new beating. When his attentions shift to their twelve-year-old daughter, Mazie knows it’s time to get the hell out. She hatches a plan to escape. But can she outwit the man she vowed to obey until death do they part?
Targeted Age Group:: 18+
What Inspired You to Write Your Book?
There are too many people who are subject to violence and abuse in their own home. I know many of them, including a woman murdered by her estranged husband. This book is like a victim’s manifesto.
How Did You Come up With Your Characters?
The main character, Mazie, is an amalgam of many women I know, and a bit of me. She has spunk and drive, but that is quashed by abuse. I used the strength I see in victims to push her to emancipation. Her husband, Cullen, is also based on many men I know. From emotional abuse to manipulation and control, to physical violence – he is too many men. Men like him make it hard to find the good ones, because victims struggle to trust.
Book Sample
His breath was heavy and laboured, his chest rose and fell in fast rhythm with each inhale and bourbon-scented exhale.
“Mazie.” His voice was gravelly. A hoarse whisper. “Baby.”
She used to love it when he called her that. Mazie Baby. It spoke of his love for her, his desire to take care of her, protect her. Like a mother is supposed to keep a child safe from harm. It morphed into a taunt, like a schoolyard bully mocking a weak kid crying for his mommy. What’s the matter, baby? You gonna cry, baby?
“Come on, baby. Untie me. You’ve made your point.” He smiled one of his fake smiles. “You know I love you, right?”
How many times had he said that? After he hurt her. After the apologies that used to mean something but now rang as hollow and untrue as most every word he spewed.
About the Author:
Julie Frayn pens award-winning novels and short stories that pack a punch. And a few stabs. She has published three novels and one short, short story collection. Her work has won two gold medals in the 2013 Authorsdb cover contest, and the Books and Pals 2014 Readers’ Choice award for women’s fiction.
A bean counter by day, Julie revels in the written word. When she is not working or writing, she spends as much time as possible with her two children (grown adults, really), while they still think she’s cool.
Author Home Page Link
Links to Purchase Print Books
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Links to Purchase eBooks
Link To Buy Mazie Baby On Amazon
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Book Sample:
