by Freya Barker
I’d like to think that may have been in part what made Nina decide to follow in Pam’s footsteps, and study psychology, in hopes of becoming a social worker or a therapist.
I smile at my beautiful, headstrong girl. “Okay, cariño. You know where they are—run in and get them,” I reply, watching her skip across the grass and dart inside before I turn my eyes to my smiling husband. “Where did Mike go?”
“Went to grab his camera from the car. Apparently he came prepared.” I lean my ear against Tim’s chest, loving the way I can feel the vibration of his words.
“Thank you,” I say, as I slip my arms around his middle.
“For what, baby?”
I watch the sliding doors open back up and Nina step out, waving both the Certificate of Citizenship I received in the mail just two weeks ago, as well as her own brand-new, high school diploma. I tilt my head back and look my beautiful husband in his warm blue eyes.
“For filling my life so that all that remains are memories I built with you.”
THE END
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:
My Portland, ME, novels all have something in common aside from the location. They tell the stories of women who have dealt with trauma, tragedy and devastation in their lives, but who manage to fight their way through to a better, brighter future.
THROUGH FIRE is such a story. Like the other two novels before, THROUGH FIRE is loosely based on a real life story of a young, Mexican woman I once read about in a newspaper article. A story that haunted me because I could not begin to imagine what this woman had gone through. But more than that I was at a loss as to how one would overcome such incredible events? This woman was lucky in that she managed to find a way out, but countless more like her may never have had an opportunity to break free.
Human trafficking is not a thing of the past. It happens today, where predominantly children and women are taken from their perceived safety and traded like nothing more than cattle. Without identity, without power and without dignity, they are bought and sold for the singular purpose of serving someone else’s needs and wants. A sickening concept for most of us, but a brutal reality for those unfortunates.
I believe in hope.
I don’t know if I have been able to adequately portray the emotional (and physical) trauma a woman like my Ruby has endured, but I hope I have at least shown the amazing fortitude and adaptability of women in the face of adversity of any kind.
Thank you all, for reading THROUGH FIRE. My heart is in this book and if it touched you only a fraction of how it has touched me writing it, I have done my job.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
As always I have a list of people to thank.
First and foremost a massive thank you to my readers. You are the inspiration that drives me to write—to write better. I am still in awe of the support I have and continue to receive for my books. You have no idea how much it means to me—how much it has done to build my confidence, both in writing as well as life in general. I may not be a big name, but you make me feel like a winner each and every day.
Of course the amazing Barks & Bites group that is always ready to support, guide and lift me up. These women are a constant source of strength and inspiration and have my love and appreciation for all they mean to me.
My wonderful beta-readers who are always ready at a moment’s notice to pick apart my often disjointed scribbles and help me create a better, more coherent story. You amaze me with your enthusiasm, sharp eyes and generosity. I love you all.
To my editor, Karen Hrdlicka, who has become a close friend and respected guide in my literary endeavors. Thank you, my friend, with all my heart. You are an absolute rock in my existence and I keep hoping your confidence and wisdom rubs off on me. I love you lots.
Francessca Webster, my absolutely fantastic assistant who keeps my brain organized. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You are my touchstone.... Xox
I also want to thank my agent, Stephanie DeLamater Phillips, who works hard behind the scenes, always looking for creative ways to bring my books to a bigger audience. I adore you, you lift a heavy weight off my shoulders.
Thank you to all the amazing blogs who are always ready to help promote and/or review. The time you invest in this industry—in these books and us authors—is invaluable. Not one of us would be able to sustain without your ongoing support. If I don’t say it enough, please hear me now: You are SO appreciated!!
As always, I need to thank my family. Everyone of them is supportive in their own way, making me feel so proud. I am blessed and I damn well know it! No need to express my love for all of them: they know it.
Mom, you have been my rock, my example, my inspiration throughout the years. Thank you...just, thank you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Freya Barker craved reading about 'real' people, those who are perhaps less than perfect, but just as deserving of romance, hot monkey sex and some thrills and chills in their lives – So she decided to write about them.
Always creative, from an early age on she danced and sang, doodled, created, cooked, baked, quilted and crafted. Her latest creative outlets were influenced by an ever-present love for reading. First through blogging, then cover art and design, and finally writing.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, she packed her two toddlers, and eight suitcases filled with toys to move to Canada. No stranger to new beginnings, she thrives on them.
With the kids grown and out in the world, Freya is at the ‘prime’ of her life. The body might be a bit ramshackle, but the spirit is high and as adventurous as ever. Something you may see reflected here and there in some of her heroines ... none of who will likely be wilting flowers.
Freya
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ALSO BY FREYA BARKER
PORTLAND, ME, NOVELS:
Book #1
FROM DUST
Book #2
CRUEL WATER
CEDAR TREE SERIES
Book #1
SLIM TO NONE
Book #2
HUNDRED TO ONE
Book #3
AGAINST ME
Book #4
CLEAN LINES
Book #5
UPPER HAND
Book #6
LIKE ARROWS
Book #7
HEAD START