Bestselling novelist Danielle Steel takes us on a harrowing journey into theheart of Americas hidden shame in a novel that explores the power offorgiveness the ... » 

Bestselling novelist Danielle Steel takes us on a harrowing journey into theheart of Americas hidden shame in a novel that explores the power offorgiveness the dark side of childhood and one womans unbreakable spirit.From her secret perch at the top of the stairs Gabriella Harrison watchesthe guests arrive at her parents lavish Manhattan townhouse. At seven sheknows she is an intruder in her parents party in her parents life. But shecant resist the magic. Later she waits for the click click click of hermothers high heels the angry words and the pain that will follow. Gabriellaalready knows to hide her bruises certain she is to blame for her mothersrageand her fathers failure to protect her. Her world is a confusing blendof terror betrayal and pain. Her parents aristocratic world is no safeguardagainst the abuse that knows no boundaries respects no person no economiclines. Gabriella knows that try as she might there is no safe place for herto hide. Even as a child her only escape is through the stories shewrites. Only writing can dull the pain of her lonely world. And when herparents marriage collapses Gabriella is given her first reprieve as herfather disappears and then her mother abandons her to a convent. ThereGabriellas battered body and soul begin to mend. Amid the quiet safety andhushed rituals of the nuns Gabriella grows into womanhood in a safe peacefulworld. Then a young priest comes into her life. Father Joe Connors neverquestioned his vocation until Gabriella entered the confessional and shared hersoul. Confession leads to friendship. And friendship grows dangerously intolove. Like Gabriella Joe ishaunted by the pain of his childhood consumed byguilt over a family tragedy for which he blames himself. With Gabriella Joetakes the first steps toward healing. But their relationship leads to tragedyas Joe must choose between the priesthood and Gabriella and life in the «