Old Baggage

by Toni Kief

It took most of her life, but Elizabeth Donovan has finally had enough. Years of a difficult marriage, she has finally fought back. She had no choice but to leave the life behind and face the secret from her youth. The old life doesn’t want to let go, as she stumbles into the mystery that involves her deeper than she ever could imagine. Old Baggage is the overdue coming of age for a woman learning to stand on her own.

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2016

About the author

Toni Kief, a small town Midwestern nomad from a family of high spirits and laughter. Presently in the Northwest, she plans to stay for the view, trees and friends. Her life story includes years in Insurance as an adjuster in Florida and Washington state. A longtime civil rights activist, she shares stories about lunches with politicians, leaders, and artists. Toni’s defines her genre as OA –older adult. She continues to gathers stories prime for embellishment in unlikely situations. Toni is one of the founding directors of The Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest. Sharing more information and short stories at www.tonikief.com.

Reviews

[Julia Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author. I went into it blind, it being an impulse buy based on the title and cover, and I had no idea whether it would be to my liking or even what it was about. From the very first line, I was hooked though, thrown headlong into the world of Elizabeth Donovan, a middle-aged victim of a violent and unpleasant marriage to a man who cares nothing for her well being or happiness. But Elizabeth has a plan, a plan that has been years in the making and is finally forced into fruition when she experiences the straw that breaks the camels back - or in this case the jar of pickles that cracks her husband's skull - and runs away from the sham that her life is.

The beginning of the book is an exciting one, with the reader really rooting for Elizabeth, egging her on to one new destination after another, desperately trying to put as many miles as possible between her and her old life and bully of a husband. As the brilliance of her long-term plan is gradually revealed and we learn the full extent of the meticulous squirrelling away of funds and emergency supplies that Elizabeth has practised over the years, our admiration of her grows.

It is a very well-written book, and the author has a nice turn of phrase and a knack of creating characters that really make you care about them. I found myself worrying about Elizabeth as if she was a friend or family member caught in a terrifying and difficult situation. I wanted her to succeed, to find somewhere safe to be able to stop running.

A book of three parts, the beginning chronicles her flight to freedom and is very fast-paced and exciting, the middle part of the book deals with Elizabeth's search for the home and with her attempts to create a new existence for herself. Then the final part is her coming to terms with her new life and resolution of the past, as secrets and skeletons come tumbling out of the closet and Elizabeth learns that you can't run forever and sometimes demons have to be faced in order to finally escape from them.

In a sea of books about young and beautiful heroines falling for handsome, toned heroes it was refreshing to read a story with an older character as its main protagonist, and maybe that's one reason why I related so completely to Elizabeth.

As her story unfolds, we learn more about her tragic past and begin to understand why she settled for less than she deserved, why she didn't search harder for her fairytale ending when she was young but instead accepted the cards life dealt her.

The supporting characters were three dimensional and believable, especially her best friend who comes immediately to her aid, although in the beginning, her character was so abrasive I was a little wary of this friend, wondering if she would betray Elizabeth.

The last third of the novel went in a direction I was totally not expecting and wasn't sure I completely liked at first, although it did fit nicely in with the plot and Elizabeth's developing character. As that story arc played out I realised why the author had moved the novel in that direction but I'm not going to say too much because of spoilers.

In all, this was a wonderful, heartwarming book which I would thoroughly recommend and I will definitely be reading more by this author.

[Eva Pasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bag-and-Baggage Good!

My kind of book!

A story filled with realism; a plausible flesh-and-bones protagonist in her mid-sixties; adventure—both tentative and bold; self-deprecating humor.

The book cover and multi-meaning title are spot-on for what the reader encounters inside:
Elizabeth Donovan (Libby) has just left her abusive, two-timing, drunk of a husband—and it took a pickle jar to do it after 49 years of contemplating and planning to make a run for it. Other than switching out ill-fitting, ‘80s clothes in her pink and plaid suitcase, grabbed for the escape, I’ve no further criticisms for a character. At all times, Libby comes across as a genuine victim of marital abuse thanks to the author’s ability to portray its mindset. You see, at times, Libby feels sorry for Brad, causing her to regret her decision—surely, one telltale sign of being victimized.

The reader soon befriends Libby, rooting for her new beginning on her terms: righting her past and embarking on an archaeological venture which capitalizes on her “psychic” side.

I highly recommend this book which has potential to empower a woman in similar circumstances to pack her bags and walk out the door, never looking back.

[Pamela Allegretto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This distinctively engaging and well-written novel exposes expertly the innermost thoughts and mental struggles of protagonist, Elizabeth Donovan. Author Toni Kief provides the reader with a unique character study, which allows the reader to care deeply about Elizabeth’s life choices and to root for a happy outcome. An easy 5 stars.

[J. Schlenker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could relate to this book in so many ways, and to the character of Elizabeth Donovon. I brought my own "old baggage" to the book. I was delighted to see the direction the main character's life took. the book was hard to put down.

[Karen Inkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

] Brilliant read!

After years of verbal and physical abuse, Libby finds the strength to leave her husband. She has planned this for years, squirreling money away, but when the time comes she has no idea where she is going. A secret she has kept for years eventually comes out and her dreams are realised. A fantastic and moving story with lots of emotion. The author also brings a touch of humour into each chapter to lighten the serious undertones of the story. Keeping you focused right to the end this is a fantastic book and must be an addition to anyone's library.

[Janice Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every woman who has left an abusive relationship and not looked back, the author has captured the emotional turmoil, the fears, the excitement of what could lie ahead, the freedom, the uncertainty. For every woman who is thinking of leaving, it may offer encouragement. Insight, humour, honesty and redemption wash through these pages of this beautiful story as we follow 65-year-old Libby. She is all of us and she is easy to love. The ending brings a satisfactory resolution, it is fiction after all. The first 2/3's of the book grabbed me the most. I highly recommend it.

[Bobbie Kaald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enthralling tale of escape and new life. An unexpected twist made me rush to finish the book.
Bobbie Kaald

[Andy Loch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the story I expected, but it kept me turning page after page. It is a coming of age story for a woman approaching senior-hood. Crisp clear writing. It allowed me to revisit some of my own life challenges and how believing it will be better kept me going just like Libby DeDonovan. One is never too old or too late to believe in oneself owned determination. The story is full of enthusiasm that seems unstoppable. When it feels like it can't go on it finds another gear and lurches forward. A great read and nicely written by Toni Kief. Thanks for the memories!

[Linda Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Baggage is a coming of age story for older women. Libby’s been abused most of her adult life, but she’s planned her escape well. The story takes us through her recovery from abuse and the stages she goes through on her journey towards wholeness.

It’s an auspicious debut novel from a new writer. I look forward to seeing Ms. Kief’s other books as well. She had a strong, passionate voice and a vast understanding of the human condition.

[Joni Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review

Basic Details:
Book Title: Old Baggage
Subtitle:
Author: Toni Kief
Genre: Adult Fiction
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
This is a very believable book and the author appears to have done her research.
Meet Libby (Elizabeth), a sixty-five year old woman, who finally takes control of her own life. She has lived with her abusive and alcoholic husband her entire adult life and has planned her escape for most of that time. All through her adult life she has saved her money and stacked the evidence in a trusty old pink suitcase.
When she finally makes her escape she goes through all the insecurities, scares and tries to build a new life for herself. Will she be successful or will her husband find her and drag her back?
What I liked about the book:
The book was very believable and I believe many women who have a history of domestic abuse will be able to relate to Libby on many levels.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
When Libby continues to fight her insecurities.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I believe she has written lots of other books too.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This book tackles the important issue of domestic abuse and offers hope for a way out. It’s never too late to try. I have not read any book like this before.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children No
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes

If you like stories about emotive issues that feel like they are based in reality, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
It took most of her life, but Elizabeth Donovan has finally had enough. Years of a difficult marriage, she has finally fought back. She had no choice but to leave the life behind and face the secret from her youth. The old life doesn’t want to let go, as she stumbles into the mystery that involves her deeper than she ever could imagine. Old Baggage is the overdue coming of age for a woman learning to stand on her own.
About the Author:
Toni Kief, a small town Midwestern nomad from a family of high spirits and laughter. Presently in the Northwest, she plans to stay for the view, trees and friends. Her life story includes years in Insurance as an adjuster in Florida and Washington state. A longtime civil rights activist, she shares stories about lunches with politicians, leaders, and artists. Toni’s defines her genre as OA –older adult. She continues to gathers stories prime for embellishment in unlikely situations. Toni is one of the founding directors of The Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest. Sharing more information and short stories at www.tonikief.com.

[Elizabeth Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Old Baggage’ by Toni Kief is an interesting change from the usual domestic abuse storyline; we don’t often see a case where the victim is of a mature age. All too often, this age of sufferer is at a stage in their lives where they may be afraid to leave for many reasons, therefore, they might find the alternative of starting anew too daunting, or, having taken the abuse as part of their relationship for so long, find themselves settling for what they may have accepted as their ‘norm.’
Elizabeth, or Libby, (good choice for liberation) as she now has renamed her-self, came across as a feisty survivor who had managed to squirrel away funds and have a suitcase packed and ready for her escape. It made me wonder if she would have had the courage to make that move if not for the altercation and a readymade weapon in the shape of a heavy jar of pickles. I liked the image of this, possibly greying pensioner, marching off in her pyjamas and hair unkempt, dragging an old pink suitcase, but, only after she had, dutifully, called an ambulance to attend the bully lying in a pool of blood.
The start of this tale appeared to run alongside a novel I had written; the abuse, the ready, secret, bank account, and heading to catch a coach to safety while fleeing a bloody scene. The difference being that my victim was a young mum with 2 young babies in tow. I liked the contrast in the age of the women, one so young and the other heading into old age, just how would they act and feel while making their escape.
I don’t know if it was because of her age, but I found Libby sometimes appeared a little too calm for the situation she was in. Having said that, I loved the language and phrasing that Toni used in her writing.
Customer image

[Trisha Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of abuse survival

I've never read a book quite like this one. When you see abuse it wasn't the cliche you expect. Not at all. Old Baggage hooks you in from the first page and the author tells the story in such a way it appears fact. Imagine you are sitting in a room and an elder relative is holding court. Drawing you in so you continually want to know what will happen next. So when 65 year old Elizabeth whacks her drunk, abusive, two timing husband after 49 years of oppression, what's next? She walks out leaving him on the floor. After a phone call to emergency services she flees. Is he dead or alive? Is she concerned she is wearing pyjamas and has no plans? Nope. Dragging her case this lady is heading for a bus and a new life. I knocked a star off due to technical- a few too many bits in need of an edit, however, I totally recommend this read.

[Martha Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Baggage
It's never too late for new beginnings
A broken marriage can give many years of unhappiness and abuse. You say how long can this go on for Elizabeth Donovan this went on for many years, her husband was mean didn't treat her with no respect belittled her what gives him the right to treat his wife this way Elizabeth always walking an eggshell's it's horrible to live that way.

Forever waiting for the moment to run out that door and be free, of course, this was a dysfunctional relationship when will it be enough. However, she couldn't leave like many women feeling they're not good enough until one day something as small as a pickle jar.

She packed her suitcase and Hasta la vista baby. I will not say anymore. You have to buy the book. It's a fantastic story. Five Stars *****

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good but problematic at times

This is written vividly. You can see what the author describes. My only issues come from the fact that, maybe thanks to switching to kindle format, there were some editing errors and that some of the writing comes off as victim blaming. I thought it would set up for realizing the main characters weren't at fault for their abuse and that the supposed "love" between the victim and abuser was not that, but it never managed to hit that point and I'm worried how some who are struggling may view these beliefs as true. It may be more okay if we weren't supposed to idolize these women, but we are.

[JT · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of an older woman who decides she's had enough of her current life of misery and decides to take off and find a new life for herself. The writing is easy to read. The character is well-developed and sympathetic. I found many of the insights of an older person and the way the world views them surprising and true....that along with a good storyline makes this a good book for when you have an hour or so of 'me' time and want to curl up with a good book to read.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will bring hope to many people who read it. It is never too late to start over and live the life you really want. Yes, it will take some work. No, not everyone will want you to be happy, but as long as you stay focused on what you want it can happen. I saw some parts of me in this book. I brought back memories, both good and bad, but I too made it. I enjoyed this book and voluntarily reviewed a copy of it.

[Anna Casamento Arrigo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enough!! How much can one woman take before she musters strength to say it is, indeed, enough! A horribly abusive husband and years come and go. And, one wonders why someone would stay. The author takes this troubling all too familiar circumstance, and, unfolds one woman’s journey and the proverbial last straw that enabled her to take control of her life. It’s never to late. Aside from some grammatical errors and such, it was a timely and well scripted story.

[Deborah McClatchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting Tale

I couldn’t put down this intriguing book by author Toni Kief, about Elizabeth, a sixty-six-year-old woman who has experienced terrible domestic abuse over the years. She’s finally on her way to freedom - and it’s either freedom or remaining a hostage at this point. She ends up with her best friend, who gives her a place to stay as they assess her situation. Eventually, she reveals a heartbreaking secret from her past. But will she return to her life of hell with Brad?

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written book that goes into the soul of an abused woman and her journey. Her strength and determination are amazing and it was an inspiring read. Her choice to seek freedom from her abusive situation was so positive and a great read. I received an advance copy from the writers coop and voluntarily chose to review.

[Linda Haug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasant ride

Having Elizabeth tell her story, with you by her side, makes for a pleasant ride. A little unrealistic, to be honest. Nobody’s life ever ties up in such a nice bow. But that is what afternoons books are for. The author definitely needs a new proof reader, though. There were many errors, and these became distracting.

[Jane Tims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure of a woman as she flees an abusive relationship and discovers a new life. Reader wants to see what is in store for this independent strong woman. Good characters and immediacy to action!)

[Rhonda Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I enjoyed reading this book so much. I love the humorous parts as well as the adventuresome parts. Can't wait to read another book by Toni.

[Bonnye Reed]

TheFussyLibrarian

[A.B. Shepherd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. I hate books written in a stream of consciousness type of narrative, and the punctuation was lacking, causing distraction.

[Shelley Husby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read a book about a woman in my age group. I loved how she was able to leave her husband and find a better future for herself! And cool she found her son she gave up so long ago.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice read.

I am happy with the message. It is never too late! I was pleased with the eNding. Found a few repetitive parts but easy reading overall.

[Lynne Spreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts out with a horrific event and moves on powerfully from there. The heroine, 65, is a long-time victim of domestic abuse (brutality to the point of her husband choking her and leaving her unconscious on the floor). Yet for all her codependence, she is strong. She works as an accountant with the same firm for forty years, and in that time has hidden away small sums of her paycheck and her grocery allowance for the day she finally leaves, if she lives that long. This is the story of her living that long, and triumphing. It's more than the usual domestic abuse getaway story, because there are two plot twists that make it even more enjoyable. I also found her description of her codependency profoundly compelling. Here's an example:

"The conversation brought back all of the years not only of the pain and shame, but also his fragility and my need to protect him."

HIS fragility? Only those of us who've lived this life would understand, perhaps. I have to point out that this book is in serious need of copy-editing. Its many punctuation and grammatical errors are a disservice to the story. The author - who I contacted to ask about this issue - says she is working on that. I hope readers will look beyond that, because this is an authentic story of rebirth later in life.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't that great. Kinda dragged and was written in the present tense, which just kinda sounded weird. Forgettable.

[Debbi Reed-montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

This book pulls you into the life of the main character. It is as if you are living your life through her. It leaves you wanting to know what the next chapter brings. Please consider a sequel, I think we all need more happy endings. I didn't want this to end, it left me wanting more. It's excellent. Reminds me of a Debbie Macomber series.

[Susan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-realized story of an older woman who finally "comes of age" when she seizes back her life from an abusive husband. Her journey of self-discovery was fresh and interesting.