EXCERPT: “Leaving Eva”

“Leaving Eva” by Jennifer Sivec

Blurb:

There is a secret pain lurking within all of us, waiting to consume us if we allow it.

On the outside, Brynn Michael seems to be living the perfect life. She’s a successful businesswoman married to a handsome and devoted husband. But nobody, not even her husband and childhood sweetheart, Adam, knows the true depth of Brynn’s horror. Abandoned on the side of the road by her young drug addicted mother, then abused by her adoptive father, teenage Brynn turns to the only solace she can find in the sharp end of a razor. She spends her lifetime hiding the scars, both physical and emotional, until she has no choice but to face what she has been running from her entire life.

Brynn must figure out a way to confront her past or risk losing Adam, the only true love she’s ever known, forever. But in spite of it all, Brynn may not have the ultimate choice, as the past eventually seeks her out.

Leaving Eva is the heartrending story of one woman’s battle to overcome her tragic childhood and the abandonment and abuse that haunt her. Caution: Eva’s story is contains graphic violence, strong language, drug abuse, domestic abuse, and child abuse.

In this dramatically dark novel, Jennifer Sivec, author of women’s fiction, delves into the selfishness and depravity of human nature, and begs you to question whether happiness can ever truly be attained once you have been deeply scarred.

EXCERPT

Happy Anniversary

Adam just knew that he needed to make her happy. He surprised even himself at times, with what he was capable of doing just for that smile. It was as though he could reach into himself and pull out something completely unexpected, just to make her laugh.

Adam was as inventive and creative as he needed to be, and his reward was when she smiled at him, her big brown eyes sparkling, her beautiful white teeth shining. He swore at one point that was all he needed in life. He could never explain why, he just knew that’s how it was for him.

But making her smile and laugh became increasing more difficult, and she stopped appreciating his efforts. So he stopped trying. She was still so beautiful to him, but he was angry with her.

“Where have you been?” he said stiffly when she got to the table.

“I’m sorry. I had a problem to deal with.” She was afraid to meet his glance so she looked down as she always did. I should have texted him or called.

There is always a problem! He thought bitterly. “Let’s just order. I’m starving.”

She eyed his scotch in disapproval, but he didn’t care. He knew how much she hated alcohol, but he needed it. He took a big swig of it, making his enjoyment obvious as he did so.

After they ordered, they sat in an uncomfortable silence, neither of them willing or able to break the ice.

This isn’t how it’s supposed to be. He thought angrily. It’s supposed to be easier than this. Better than this. She doesn’t even care about me. Happy Fucking Anniversary.

* * * * *

**About author, Jennifer Sivec:

Women’s fiction writer, Jennifer Sivec, has always found an escape in books and beautiful stories. In writing, she has discovered refuge and sanctity her entire life, which quiets the chaos while giving her perspective and peace of mind. She finds inspiration in the balance of beauty and tragedy, which is something she has experienced personally.

Jennifer was born in Seoul, Korea and then abandoned at a very young age. At the age of three, she was adopted and has lived in Ohio for most of her life. She is married to her best friend, Jeff, and together they share two incredible, funny boys.

Jennifer is the author of The Eva Series and the standalone novel, I Run to You. Leaving Eva is her first complete work and was originally released in April of 2013. Losing Eva is the sequel and continuation of Eva’s heartbreakingly beautiful story. The Eva series is an intense journey into abandonment, abuse, alcoholism, and cutting, with numerous twists and turns that will keep the reader holding their breath until the very end.

You can stay up to date with Jennifer by visiting and signing into her website, http://www.jennifersivec.com/apps/guestbook/.

**Contact Jennifer: Website Blog Facebook Author Page Facebook Profile Street team group Twitter Instagram Amazon Author Page Goodreads Linkedin Google TSU Pinterest Spotify