Title: She Cries in the Dark
Author: Debi DeSantis
Published in January 2007 by Lulu.com
Genre: Contemporary
ISBN: 978-1-4303-1998-6
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As a daughter, wife and mother, the trials in being a woman test ones strength and weaknesses. Her abiding love doesn’t waver as it bears against any threat. However, her resolve trembles when loosing a child, and then soon afterwards a husband. This woman must gather all that has happened, forming a spirit of inner strength that surpasses even her own self-beliefs.
After high school, Maci intended to attend Medical school, but her love for Steve overshadows those plans. Shifting her dreams, she takes a job working in her mother’s gift shop as Steve finishes college, while working for a financial firm. Maci creates a loving home where their future children may grow up happy and healthy. All has gone well, celebrating their first year of marriage and the pending arrival of their first baby…actually twins. From this moment forward unending emotional and physical hardships plague her family, leaving Maci baffled.
When Dr. Tad Russell loses his wife and daughter in a car accident, a ceaseless grief overtakes him. Finding no relief from those who give counsel, after recovering he decides to become a grief counselor and psychologist. Intent on giving the kind of counseling he wished was available during his time of need. Its while in this capacity that he meets Maci for the first time, helping her to piece together what is left of her devastated family.
She Cries in the Dark opens with Maci struggling with alcoholism and depression, digging a path for a highly emotional, compelling story. At first the reader is uncertain what brings this woman to such a lowly despair, but Ms. DeSantis quickly sheds light on the challenges and tragedies leading up to current day. Even with a loving family support system, Maci’s gradual decline is eminent. Her first pregnancy is difficult, suffering daylong morning sickness only compounded by her carrying twins. A stint in the hospital clearly shows her pregnancy is high risk, spending those last months confined to a bed; of course, going crazy with boredom. During her confinement, Steve suffers a head injury after falling in the bathroom. His amnesia puts more stress on their already strained relationship, but in a matter of weeks he regains most of his memories.
The characters are true, giving a touching, honest portrayal of Maci and Steve’s difficulties. Although natural problems, Ms. DeSantis makes them seem unique to this couple. Still their matrimonial happiness and parenthood anxiety hands over a tranquil though sweet story, amid the trials and tribulations. A severe snowstorm welcomes Maci and Steve’s twins into the world, having delivered them at home since not able to travel to the hospital. Soon after, she begins to experience post partum depression. She fights the stigma of depression more than the symptoms of depression and its cause. The behavioral change clearly apparent Maci sees her doctor who stresses some quiet time away from babies and home. Even enduring these hormone highs and lows, adapting to the dynamics of caring for twins, including the threat of an affair, Maci remains resilient, holding steadfast to an inner power fueled by her husband and family’s unassuming support. It’s obvious that through it all Steve and Maci are strengthen by the experiences, ensuring a strong relationship foundation.
The following events are what makes this story wholly unique, turning this charming romance to a poignant tale. Those never experiencing it can only imagine the loss of loved ones, but Ms. DeSantis’ shines as she allows the reader to deeply feel Maci’s emotional and physical pain. Her strong resolve greatly tested as those dreams of a perfect suburbia life is shattered. An insensible act though innocent enough causes her to loose two of the most important people in her life. Unable to cope any longer, Maci plummets into hopelessness, wondering how her life got so out of control. All the bad that could possibly happen seems to occur all at once in her life. However, her choice of solace, alcohol and self-pity, may very well cause her to loose that last spark of hope that could pull her out of the dismal darkness…her daughter, Regan. Although, standing just off to the side is a man who literally knows her pain, and the paths she may take when desperate for relief. Some are good, but some are not so good. With Dr. Tad’s guidance, Maci can climb out of the dark emotional abyss - but she must at least try.
A dramatic, at times sad story, She Cries in the Dark, self-published through Lulu, beautifully portrays the living sequence of a young woman’s existence, facing life’s moments of harmony and anguish, that eventually leads up to the horror that every parent fears. Stout characters support this smooth, tangible plot, providing a fantastic and engaging read. Grab tissues and a carton of your favorite ice cream as this genuine contemporary will tug at your emotions, making your eyes water.
Ms. DeSantis has another story due out this fall, The Other Side of You. She also writes poetry where she has received awards for outstanding achievement, Poet of the Year, and inducted in the International Poet of Merit by the International Society of Poets. She was also the Poetry Ambassador for 2006, receiving a Commemorative U.S. Poetry Ambassador Medal. Obviously, we can expect wonderful stories from Ms. DeSantis, so had better keep a close eye on her. Or you will miss out on a fantastic story teller.
A Dedicated Reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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