Justice? Or...Just Me?

The Bite

By: Lorinda Hawkins Smith

Narrated by: Lorinda Hawkins Smith

A rags to riches story in reverse. Dominique is an African American woman who grew up in an upper middle class family. Think The Cosby Show, except her father was a banker and her mother, a teacher. An only child, Dominique fought to at least be able to go to public school because she felt like she was missing out. She was able to spend one year in public school, but then back in private school, she went when her test scores reflected how much she enjoyed that year. Unfortunately, no amount of sheltering could've prepared Dominique for what she was about to experience in life and her relationships. She knew justice wasn't always just but to what degree?

Domestic violence relationships were things that happened to other people. When her life takes a downward turn, she loses faith in her ability to pull herself out alone. Then he walks in, her proverbial knight in shining white armor. He rushes in like the prince she thought she needed to save her. In turn, she thought she could save him from his past wounds. Turns out, she needed to be saved from him and herself. Her true savior instructs her what to do to save her life, and it involves doing something that would have many other consequences.

What if saving your life means losing it? Justice? Or...Just Me? is a book series that takes us on the journey of a Black woman married to a White man, and what happens when she leaves an abusive marriage. When she leaves, she loses so much but what she gains is invaluable. A journey of restoration, Dominique learns what and who true love is. She learns what true grace and mercy is as a recipient of undeserved favor for her life being spared. But even though her life is spared, saved, it does not change the fact there are real consequences for all of her actions. It's just now, she won't be alone. She always knew she was a fighter, now God is teaching her how to fight His way. Is she courageous enough to do so?

©2021 Lorinda Hawkins Smith (P)2021 Lorinda Hawkins Smith

Wow!!!

Thank you for sharing this story. It was difficult at times to hear about Nikki’s physical and emotional abuse. I see the breakthrough coming in this book and I know there will be a healing for Nikki in the future. I can’t wait to listen to book 2!

Poignant, Life Choices

This audiobook centers around a young African American woman named Dominique who is forced to mature and experience a variety of situations that result from bad decisions and abusive relationships. Choices that are made, force Dominique to face severe consequences including possible jail time, losing her children, her home, and herself. This focuses on one woman’s struggle to be self-sufficient, a mother, and a woman of faith.

The author, Lorinda Hawkins Smith writes from the heart revealing emotions, fears, and dreams of what Dominique’s life should be but isn’t. Smith’s writing style keeps the story moving forward in a steady way making the story easy to follow and feel the emotions she wishes her audience to feel.

Smith is also the narrator. She speaks clearly and with enthusiasm and an appropriate tone for each character and situation. Her performance is interesting and consistent. I enjoyed her performance.

Smith’s story is haunting, remaining with the listener long after the end of the story.

I did encounter part way through the book several times where the same sentences were repeated. This was a bit of a distraction and interfered with my listening. Other than this issue, the production and quality of the audiobook was fine.
Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.

To Be Continued..

Nikki's life is complicated and complex to say the least. I found this story to hold my attention and it had me anticipating throughout this book what will happen next. Now, I'm speculating what will happen in the next book of this trilogy.

Expressed with Exemplary...!!!!!

Absolutely enjoyed this book it came alive and it made me appreciate her more!


Having met her in person and having her act out a portion of my life story she was beyond phenomenal.