Wishing It All Away

Karli's Story

By: Jenay Balderas

Narrated by: Alexis Stewart

Karli is a woman who is both reckless and careless. It seemed as if she had absolutely no moral compass and no regard for anyone other than herself. Her entire life was based on destroying the marriages of women who hadn't done a thing to her. If you had a husband, they were sure to fall victim to her devious ways. It was a game for her, and she played it well.

Believe it or not, she wasn’t always this way. She was once an innocent child who was just trying to survive. But you will soon find out what happens to a child who is used and abused in the worst of ways. Robert Johnson was Karli’s downfall. He came into her life like a whirlwind and flipped it completely upside down. What happens to a child when they are molested by a man that they have grown to love? A man that she looked at as her savior and her hero.

What happens when that child tells their mother of the horrid things that she has been going through, only for her mother to turn her back on her? Listen as Karli tells her story.

This story is not for the faint of heart. Understand her. Sympathize with her. But try not to judge her.

©2019 Dyniqua Jenay Balderas (P)2023 Dyniqua Jenay Balderas

Tough subject

This was tough for me to get through. The author did a great job with Karli’s story. Starting with a 13 year old Karli we see the events that made her who she is. Jenay Balderas took her time with character development, plot development and just penning a story that deals with an issue that is unfortunately still relevant.

Alexis Stewart was phenomenal in portraying the characters and delivering a performance that pulled you in. She was the right narrator for this story.

My heart broke for Karli

This was very emotional for me. I felt so bad for Karli. Her mom and Robert had me soo mad throughout this entire story. I’m glad that Karli found happiness with Donte in the end. The narrator did an amazing job conveying the emotions of the characters as well.

Raw and emotional

The story was raw and very emotional. Pay attention to the trigger warning. The performance of the narrator enhanced the story. The story would have benefited from more character development and scene detail. Overall a good listen.

it's deep

Honestly my title says it all. This is deep, and you'll have a world wind of emotions. I truly enjoyed the details of what Karli experienced. The back story helps you understand why Karli made her decisions. She could have taken another path.... but, it dependant on the person. I would recommend this to anyone!!! You all need to get this

The narrator was amazing !

This was my introduction to narrator Alexis Stewart and as we know the narrator can make or break the audible listening experience even when it’s a good book. Alexis did not disappoint . She honestly for me made this book enjoyable even though it’s a heavy trigger filled book! The story itself was well written and contained a lot of emotions that Alexis was able to communicate effectively ! And I keep saying this but some of my fav parts is when the book called for singing and Alexis was sanggging !! Great listen !

Whew!!

This book was too good to put down!

Karli's tale is raw, deeply felt, and brutally honest. Karli's character complexity and the tragedy she experienced are expertly portrayed by the author.

It's an incredibly painful and thought-provoking book that will force you to consider the effects of abuse and the value of compassion and understanding. For anyone searching for an engaging and thought-provoking book to read, I heartily recommend this one.


It is deserving of ten stars!

Wishing it Away

It’s been a long time since I’ve read something so dark. These stories of sexual assault need to be told however. I was very struck by how the effects trickled down from mother to daughter and manifested in all her relationships with family, friends, lovers , etc. The narration was on point, definitely emoting in layers how the main characters felt and giving a good depiction of the events. I felt I could see clearly what was happening like I was there. I didn’t necessarily care for the ending, but Karli did get the closure she was seeking.

Great story and narration

This story was so good, and sad at that the same time. Alexis did a great job bringing the emotion to this character, I was glad there was a happy ending.

Karli went through it!! POINT BLANK

This was my first listen to an audiobook by this author, and first time hearing the narrator, Alexis. So, please allow me to first address this narrating. Oh my goodness, this young lady did amazing with the different characters, beautiful singing voice, and emotions exactly how it show have delivered. Bravo! I look forward to the next audiobook she narrates. Now, the storyline, this right here is movie material. I can see this on the BIG SCREEN. It’s real, and the experience of Karli is not an easy situation to get through. It makes someone out to be who they really are not. Unfortunately, not many people feel that when you hurt and you reciprocate that hurt, it makes it all better. It doesn’t. Some finally come to that realization, such as in Karli’s instance. It’s sad, but it is the life of some. This was an excellent reflection of the reaction when someone is hurt and useless, not realizing it was trait that was passed on. It also is based on decisions made; that’s where we all must be accountable. Glad Karli realized that, but after some time got to her happy place.

OH My Goodness

This Story Really Took Me Through It….Although, I Enjoyed The Process…This story made you feel all of the emotions ….The Narration Was Stellar.