Hush by Nicole Braddock Bromley

Reviewed by Dale Lewis

"...a must read, especially if you are a victim who wants to become a survivor."

Sexual abuse is a difficult topic: a secret which has remained hidden in the background for too long. Bromley’s HUSH is a courageous and honest account of her horrific childhood abuse and the grace-filled path to recovery. Denial is not an option — the silence must be broken.

Courage is used to describe any act of heroism (also often overused) but Nicole, in coming forward about her childhood abuse, wears this label well. Nicole’s journey blends her clear understanding of the feelings of utter desperation and other emotions with a heartfelt message of recovery. “It wasn’t your fault,” is her transparent heart’s cry for the victim. Replacing the lies with God’s truth is an integral step in the early stages of healing.

At times, this was not an easy read. Throughout the chapters, Nicole weaves glimpses of other victim’s stories which shouldn’t surprise or shock the reader, but they do. A spirit of compassion welled up within my wife and I as we read of their painful experiences.

It is more than a clinical glimpse. It is a call for empowerment . . . to speak up and begin the healing process. HUSH does not operate from a sensationalistic mindset. It dispels the erroneous belief that abuse would never happen in "respectable, loving Christian families." At the same time, Nicole does not discount the much needed spiritual help churches can have in a survivor’s recovery.

This book is a must read, especially if you are a victim who wants to become a survivor. Her story gives hope to people who’ve experienced abuse . . . to know that there is help and support through their darkest days. We’d also recommend HUSH if you, like my wife and I, know a survivor or if you believe sexual abuse isn't as big of a problem as others make it out to be.

Dale Lewis now mans the front desk at the EFCA (The Evangelical Free Church of America) National Office in Minneapolis, MN. He was the graphic designer/pre-press production artist for over twelve years before being asked to step into this new role. Prior to that, he was the publications manager at his alma mater, Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN in the public relations office as well as the adviser to the college’s yearbook. He's a director/actor/writer for the Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) adult drama worship team and was the senior editor of the church newsletter. He's also written two collections of poetry, “Whispers of Assurance” and “On Life: Constant Communion Without Ceasing” as well as a devotional entitled “Eternal Education.” He and his family live in Oakdale, Minnesota.