The Return of Cassandra Todd by Darrel Nelson ~ Glass Roads Tour with review

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Realms (February 5, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1621360210
• ISBN-13: 978-1621360216

This book is also available as an e-book.

To purchase a copy of "The Return of Cassandra Todd' click here.

Publication Date: February 5, 2013

When the popular girl whose friends bullied him in high school suddenly reenters his life, little son in tow, Turner Caldwell must put the past behind him if they are to survive. Turner Caldwell works at a local motel as a handyman while attending college full-time. On his way to class one day, he is shocked to see Cassandra Todd and her young son in town. The sight of her brings back powerful memories of being bullied in high school—she was the popular head cheerleader and he the target of her friends’ mean-spirited pranks. When Cassandra and her son check into the motel where he works and she asks for his help in eluding her abusive husband, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous drama that will require him to forgive and draw on every skill he has if they are to survive.

My take on this book:

Cassandra Todd finds herself needing to leave her home in the middle of the night, her husband Brad is an abusive man, and while Cassandra was willing to take his beatings when he threatens to turn the abuse on their son Justin she knows it's time to leave. She heads to Lakewood, the town she grew up in hoping to cash in some bonds that her parents left her and then disappear  When the bank transaction takes a bit longer than she anticipates she finds  herself needing to spend a few days in town and checks into The Mountain View Motel. When hired men show up she finds herself needing the help of the motel handyman. 
Turner Caldwell's high school years is something he has tried to put behind him. Bullied unmercifully by the jocks, especially Brad Duncan, who even gave him the nickname "Pancake."  Turner always had a crush on Cassandra Todd, but she was one of the popular crowd, a cheerleader. After being gone for seven years Cassandra shows up with her young son Justin and stays a few nights at the motel where Turner works, causing those old feelings and emotions to bubble to the surface. When she shows up at his door and tells him that she is running from her husband, who just happens to be Brad Duncan,and needs his help Turner finds himself in the midst of something that could possibly change his life forever. 

I found myself intrigued within the first few pages of this story. Cassandra finds herself needing to leave an abusive husband, and winds up going back to her home town. How ironic that the boy that was bullied in high school by her husband is the one she turns to for help. While I could empathize with Cassandra and her plight, I really felt for Turner and the memories that haunted him.I could understand why he was angry with God. In addition to the bullying he had experienced in high school, he had also lost a job he loved, his mother had died, and his father sort of abandoned him.  Cassandra on the other hand held fast to her faith and felt like God was leading her. 

The author tackles two pretty tough subjects within the pages of this story, spousal abuse and bullying. Cassandra was willing to accept the abuse for herself, but refused to allow her husband to abuse her son. I thought the author really shined when it came to showcasing just how bullying can haunt someone for years. Overall I found this to be a very fast paced story laced with suspense, drama, along with  several inspirational, motivational messages as well. Recommended!

A review copy was provided by Glass Roads PR in exchange for an honest review.