The Crystal Fishbowl

Anna Westover had no idea at seventeen, still grief-stricken
from the loss of her grandmother, and back living with her horrible family,
that Victor Spofford, a young charismatic Baptist preacher, would be the wrong choice, the worst choice. On her
grandmother's insistence she'd refused to even date the boy she'd
always loved, simply because he wasn't Baptist.

Anna's wedding was a dream; her new life in western Massachusetts a wondrous
challenge-until mysterious letters began to arrive. Then Victor changed . . .
or was it that he finally revealed his true nature? No one would believe that
he abused her. He never hit-at least not intentionally. And as the preacher's
wife, she could confide in no one.

To others, he was gorgeous, enlightened and dynamic. He knew
the perfect words to give comfort or guidance. He brought scores of sinners to
the Lord with his woeful childhood tales. Who was she but his meek wife, lovely
yet subdued, who sat in her accustomed front-row pew each Sunday morning,
gazing up at him in adoration?

He was always sorry later: crying, begging forgiveness. And
she wanted to believe him. He was so pitiful in his sorrow. But after he lost
his job and they returned to New
Hampshire, her hopes are firmly and completely
crushed when another letter arrives, and she uncovers his lies. Desperate for
comfort, she turns to another man. Then the violence escalates and she must
take a stand.