Melanie's Decision

“Trust me on this, Melanie. Your Adam is the real thing.”

Almost a year into her marriage, Melanie would agree that her expectations were not only met but exceeded every single day. Her husband, Adam, lavished her with flowers, good loving, and gifts. And best of all, he loved his mother—a further sign that he was a good man…

...Until the first incident.

Stunned, Melanie fled to a place of refuge, but family members challenged her to live her faith. Yes, her Adam had a few flaws, but who doesn’t? Commitment warring against instinct, Melanie determined to uphold her marriage vows until she reached a point where she had to make a decision—one that would shake her entire community.

This is the story of Melanie but also the story of those who stand alongside to support, badger, advise, and intervene.

"Melanie’s Decision is a disturbingly ugly tale most beautifully told.

"From the novel’s first sentence—'Melanie bolted from the condo'—along her harrowing journey through unspeakable horrors, the reader is hooked and flung to Melanie’s side, cursing her abuser, nursing her wounds, screaming at her to get out!

"Melanie’s Decision is a novel that must be read from the pulpit and the pew, at home and at church, in private and in public, until there is an impatient intolerance for the broken bones and psychological and physical trauma meted out on the women and children in our lives.

"Rodney peers into our churches and unmasks 'the rage they disguise under pious church smiles.' Melanie demands we look at her wounds. We must. The author conscripts us to never have anyone wear the mask in our presence, in church and out. This is a haunting, unavoidable call to stop this monstrous debilitating cycle of spousal abuse now!"

Royson James

Columnist, Toronto Star

Yvonne Rodney is a speaker, counselor, and playwright. She holds a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology, and is president of Inner Change Consulting, providing services to individuals and organizations in career/personal development and spiritual growth. She resides in Toronto, Canada..