Black and Blue Hearts: The Ties That Blind

Annalee marries Ned with a need in her heart to rescue, a personal sense of unworthiness, and a desperate need to be loved. Ned comes to his second marriage grieving for his young children who were kidnapped by a family member and abused before being placed in foster care. Annalee uses her background in legal work to negotiate the return of Ned's children to his custody. While working on her plans to adopt the children, Ned has a tragic accident leaving him with brain trauma. His emotional abuse escalates to outbursts of rage. Their home becomes a place of violence and terror. Although Annalee still loves Ned, she realizes the devastating effects of Ned's abuse on both her and the children. She feels trapped, terrified of the children being returned to foster care--or worse-- returned to the abusive family member. Since the adoption is incomplete, Annalee has no legal right to take the children to safety, so she chooses to stay herself. While remaining married, Annalee and her children learn to break the cycle of abuse, reclaim their dignity, and hope for a future. This story is a testament to the overcoming power of faith, family, and forgiveness.