Stronger Than You Know

Joy spent the first fifteen years of her life living in unspeakable circumstances. After CPS stepped in and she was moved to the home of her aunt and uncle, Joy is only now beginning to understand just how terrible her old life was. As she struggles with anxiety and the fears caused by years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, Joy also struggles with how to function in even the most mundane of relationships: that of daughter, sister, or even friend. Further complicating things is her slowly-developing friendship with Justin, who she is attracted to but unsure of how to proceed with. Will Joy ever be able to put her past behind her and find a new normal?

Stronger Than You Know by Jolene Perry is equal parts despondency and hope, anxiety and exhilaration; this is a novel that is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes on multiple occasions. Watching Joy muddle through her feelings and struggle in relationships is painful to watch, but it is also extremely uplifting to see her move forward. Readers will cry for her setbacks and rejoice in her leaps forward. This novel is not to be missed.