Deceptions

This novel was critiqued at Yale's Writers Workshop. Sierra is married to Connor, who is manipulative and emotionally abusive. Sierra slowly realizes Connor has serious mental health issues and refuses to get help. When she finds she can no longer tolerate his abuse, she divorces him. For a couple of years she struggles with single- parenting, loneliness, and trusting men. One day an old friend, Byron, comes back into her life and she enjoys a beautiful functional relationship. That is, until she runs into Connor while out with Byron. When her ex realizes she's happy and has everything he wouldn't give her, he tries to win her back. When she turns him down, he snaps and goes after her with terrifying rage. She fights back with a vengeance before inviting Byron in on the battle to get rid of Connor and protect her and her son's sanity. They leave Connor stranded on the Caribbean Sea, in an unplugged canoe. Connor can't swim.