The Long Road Home

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Bestselling novelist Danielle Steel takes us on a harrowing journey into the heart of America's hidden shame, exploring forgiveness, the dark side of childhood, and one woman's unbreakable spirit. From her secret perch at the top of the stairs, seven-year-old Gabriella Harrison observes her parents' lavish Manhattan parties, feeling like an intruder in their lives. She anticipates the painful aftermath of her mother’s rage and learns to hide her bruises, believing she is to blame for the turmoil. Gabriella's world is a confusing blend of terror and betrayal, where her parents' wealth offers no protection from abuse. Her only escape is through writing, a refuge from her lonely existence. When her parents' marriage collapses, she is left in a convent, where her battered spirit begins to mend amid the nuns' care. There, she forms a deep bond with Father Joe Connors, who is also haunted by his past. Their friendship evolves into love, forcing Joe to confront his vocation and unresolved guilt. Exiled and nearly destroyed, Gabriella struggles to survive in New York, seeking solace in her writing. Just as she begins to heal, betrayal strikes again, pushing her to the edge. On a pilgrimage to confront her past, she ultimately finds forgiveness and freedom. Steel vividly portrays an abused child's broken world and the courage needed to confront it, creating a tale of healing that inspires and moves the soul.