
Shadow of Joy
A Woman's Journey from Coercive Control and Abuse to Courage, Freedom, and Rebuilding Identity
Jennifer Dean(Author)
Reflek Publishing
Published on 20. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
326 pages
978-1-968164-28-7 (ISBN)
Description
When control disguises itself as love, courage becomes survival.
Shadow of Joy is a gripping, emotionally powerful novel about a woman slowly losing herself inside an abusive relationship-and the strength it takes to reclaim her life. What begins as romance quietly reshapes into a prison without walls, where fear replaces safety and silence becomes a means of survival.
¿¿¿¿¿¿¿Through Joy's journey, the story reveals the hidden dynamics of coercive control and multiple forms of intimate partner abuse, including emotional, psychological, and physical harm. It explores the slow erosion of identity, the cost of staying, and the long road back to rediscovering self, reclaiming freedom, and embracing clarity, hope and truth. As she steadfastly endures to shield her children and survive what is breaking her, Joy must decide whether freedom is worth the risk-and whether joy can ever return after it has been stolen.
This is a story of resilience, truth, and rebirth. A reminder that even after years in the shadows, healing is possible, courage can be chosen, and joy can be restored.
This is a story for every woman who refuses to remain a shadow.
More details
Language
English
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
531 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-968164-28-7 (9781968164287)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jennifer Dean is an educator and lifelong lover of literature whose storytelling is shaped by decades of lived experience and a deep understanding of resilience, growth, and human connection. She holds a Bachelor of Education and has worked as a substitute teacher and volleyball coach-roles that have deepened her interest in mentorship, fostering empowerment, and supporting others in discovering their own strength.A mother of five daughters and Gigi to two granddaughters, Jennifer lives in Maryland with her husband, her daughters, four cats, and an endlessly energetic yellow lab. Shadow of Joy is her debut novel and reflects her commitment to using the power of story to illuminate the realities of coercive control and intimate partner abuse, foster healing, and inspire meaningful change.