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A Light in Dark Places
In December, 2009, Susan Cox Powell was reported missing from her home in West Valley City, Utah. As law enforcement tried to piece together what had happened to Susan, her husband, Josh Powell, became the only person of interest in the case.
For Jennifer Graves, Josh’s sister, the nightmare started long before Susan’s disappearance. From her experiences growing up in the Powell family to the terrifying moment when she first started to believe her brother was a killer, she relied on her faith to stay strong. She devoted herself to the safety of Susan’s boys, Charlie and Braden, whom she hoped to be able to raise as her own. When the boys were murdered by their father in February, 2012, Jennifer was more than devastated, but she had to believe there was a reason for it all—including the deaths of her beloved nephews.
In A Light In Dark Places, Jennifer shares her struggles and her triumphs. In coming to terms with such tragedy she finally was able to embrace the truth that we all have the power to choose our own path—and there is always hope, no matter how dark things may seem.
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Praise for A Light in Dark Places
I just finished reading “A Light in Dark Places” By Jennifer Graves and Emily Gray Clawson. I was impressed with how well written the book was. The descriptions are such that I felt I was part of the story. I was grateful that the message was one of hope and peace in tragedy. The book does tell the tale of Susan Powell, her boys and their demise but doesn’t dwell on it. It was nice to see inside the life experiences of someone so close to them and to see things from Jennifer’s perspective rather than what you see on the media. I highly recommend this book. It doesn’t disappoint! – T. Hyde
I love true accounts of people overcoming challenges and helping others with the lessons learned from them. This story of Jennifer’s experiences throughout her abusive childhood, and later the disappearance of Susan and the murder of her two sweet nephews is just that. She shares how she felt God’s hand in her life, guiding her to make better choices than the rest of her family did. Though the book had so many sad details, it ended with hope, courage and love. ~D. Raymond
I had followed the story of Susan Powell very closely so I wasn’t sure if the book was going to tell me something I didn’t already know…but it sure did. Jennifer was very brave in writing this book and all she had done in support for Susan. I highly recommend the book it sheds a light on the whole situation that helps make things more clear. ~ Carolyn
This was a very informative read. I lived in Utah at the time of Susan’s disappearance and followed the news every day. This book answered many questions that the news did not. Although it was very sad and I already knew the outcome it was a good read. I admire Jennifer for her part in the whole story and I am glad she had the fortitude to write this book to honor her sister in law. ~Katie O.
To finally read about details that were never shared brought closure for me about this insidious crime. While the book was an easy read, the message shared about breaking the cycle of abusive relationships is invaluable. It truly does take someone removing themselves from their abusive family’s presence to stop the cycle. Praises to the author for sharing her perspectives. ~Arlene
Jennifer Graves is the mother of 5 beautiful children, 2 girls and 3 boys. She and her husband have been happily married for 19 years and together have been active in their community and church.
Jennifer is the sister of Josh Powell who killed his 2 sons, Charlie and Braden, as well as himself in February of 2012, and is also believed to have killed his wife, Susan Cox Powell, in December of 2009.
She is the recipient of the 2013 ChainBreaker of the year Award, given for breaking the chain of abuse and violence in her family.
She enjoys homeschooling their children and mentoring in classes for the commonwealth school they attend. She also loves reading, playing card and board games, and learning new things. Most of all she loves to spend time with her husband and children. They currently reside in West Jordan, UT.
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Emily Clawson is an author, a mother and a mentor. She traditionally writes inspirational fiction. This book has been a life changing experience for her and she is grateful to have been a part of telling this story. She resides in Taylorsville with her husband and four children where they run their leadership mentoring programs for youth.
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EXCERPT:
This one is from my growing up years.
As a father, he was a boiling teapot and would blow his lid every once in a while. He would be calm for a time, and then all hell would break loose. We never knew which dad we were going to get: the dad who sang songs and told stories or the ranting, terrifying one.
In a supplemental statement during the divorce proceedings, Mom described this behavior:
“Steve also had a pronounced habit of ignoring behaviors in the children that bothered him, sometimes over a period of days or weeks. Of course, they [took] his silence as permission; after all, he was observing them. Then, suddenly, he would become outraged and react far more violently than was necessary or fair. He would yell at them and call them names, and be too physically rough with them, such as spanking them with too much force and far too long, or shaking them or dragging them around.”
This happened frequently with me, Josh, and John. Josh was the most targeted, though. According to Mom, there were years that my dad pointedly attacked Josh on a regular basis, nearly every day. It’s true that Josh was a strong-willed boy, but wasn’t there any positive way to handle him?
My dad didn’t appear interested in trying the softer approach in any area of parenting, though. This was clear in the way that he handled one specific area.
The three of us oldest children all had troubles with wetting the bed. Dad decided he was going to “cure” us of our problems. He would come into my room every morning, early, while I was still sleeping, to check my bed. If it was wet, I would be awakened by my dad picking me up to carry me to the bathroom, where he would fill the tub with icy-cold water.
I remember cowering on the floor while the tub filled, the linoleum cold against my legs. I pulled my damp nightgown down over my legs, trying to stay warm.
“I’m sorry, Daddy. I won’t do it again,” I whimpered. He ignored me, bending down to shut off the water. I clutched the nightgown more closely as he turned back to face me.
“Please.” Then my words were gone, and I cried out as he pulled my nightgown over my head. He tossed it aside, then scooped me up in his arms. The water took my breath away, and I fought him.
But no matter how much I would cry and beg and fight, he wouldn’t relent until I had lain down and let the frigid water cover me up to my neck. Only then could I get out. It was horrid and completely ineffective as a cure for bedwetting. I know he did the same thing to my brothers.
Later, I overheard Mom arguing with him. “It’s not working. And it’s so harsh,” she said. But he didn’t care what she thought. The torment went on for months.
My Review:
I really wanted to read this book. I think Jennifer is very brave to go against her brother and family to try to find the truth about what happened to Susan. I like how she told of the first day when Susan went missing and she felt that something was just not right. How difficult ever day was for her and how it was hard to keep up a happy front for the children. The book told of her strength and her need to know what happened. I wish I could tell you more - but you will need to read A Light in Dark Places.
Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/21/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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I received a Copy of this book from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for the review, and the review is honest and my responsibility.
Spell Fire, The Teen Wytche Saga #3
Author Ariella Moon
