Abalone

Winner of Online Book Club 2018 Book of the Year Award for 'Other Fiction'.

A provocative psychological drama for readers who loved Black & Blue, Gone Girl, The Lucky One, and Safe Haven.

Read Abalone to discover why reviewers are calling it both a "coming-of age story" (Quinto) and a "searing tale that will scorch the reader" (Red Butler)

Author A.L. Norton described it as "very well written and held my attention from beginning to the end".

Why are broken boys so attractive to some girls? How can young girls recognize the signs of abuse? Is there hope for recovery and healing after experiencing trauma?

Eighteen-year-old Liz is in her final year of high school when she meets James Macewan, an older student who is struggling academically and wrestling with his own demons. What begins as a simple tutoring assignment soon grows into her first dating relationship. Liz initially enjoys the excitement of being with James, but it does not take long before she cannot recognize who she is as an individual anymore. As James's own life begins to unravel he compensates by attempting to control every aspect of Liz's existence. The situation eventually dissolves into a tale of violence and dehumanization that affects the characters' lives forever.

Red Butler (Amazon.com reviewer) described James Macewan as "one of the most pathetic and unsympathetic villains" he has seen in a while.

J.G. MacLeod describes the fear and uncertainty that often come with the cycle of violence and allows readers to journey alongside Liz as she attempts to confront her abuser and heal from trauma.

Sharon Lopez (Amazon.com reviewer) said, "The writer did fantastic with pulling the reader into the book's world to feel everything the characters did."

Travel to the isolated town of Abalone Lake & experience the rush of first love, the pain of domestic violence, and the gravity of a decision that could change everyone's lives forever. 18+ advised. Reviews always appreciated.