Shelf Candy Saturday (25): Cheryl Rainfield

Shelf Candy Saturday is hosted by A Night's Dream of Books.

Scars by Cheryl Rainfield

Kendra, fifteen, hasn't felt safe since she began to recall devastating memories of childhood sexual abuse, especially because she still can't remember the most important detail - her abuser's identity. Frightened, Kendra believes someone is always watching and following her, leaving menacing messages only she understands. If she lets her guard down even for a minute, it could cost Kendra her life. To relieve the pressure, Kendra cuts; aside from her brilliantly expressive artwork, it's her only way of coping. Since her own mother is too self-absorbed to hear her cries for help, Kendra finds support in others instead: from her therapist and her art teacher, from Sandy, the close family friend who encourages her artwork, and from mMeghan, the classmate who's becoming a friend and maybe more. But the truth about Kendra's abuse is just waiting to explode, with startling unforeseen consequences. Scars is the unforgettable story of one girl's frightening path to the truth.

Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield

Caitlyn is a telepath in a world where having any Paranormal power is illegal. Caitlyn is on the fun from the government troopers, who can enslave , torture, or even kill her, or make her hunt other Paranormals. When Caitlyn settles down in a city, she falls for Alex, a Normal (someone without Paranormal powers), which is dangerous because he can turn her in. And she discovers renegade Paranormals who want to destroy all Normals. Caitlyn must decide whether she's going to stay in hiding to protect herself, or take a stand to save the world.

Cheryl Rainfield on Amazon & Barnes and Noble

Cheryl Rainfield on Goodreads

Cheryl Rainfield's Website

I really like these covers, they both grab your attention and then stick with you. I came across Scars because of all of the 'drama' surrounding it a while ago. Some people thought it shouldn't be on YA shelves because of the cover and content. Sure it's a dark book about sexual abuse and self mutilation but at the same time I have read many many comments about how this book has helped people. Abuse and cutting are both things that teens sometimes deal with in their lives and I think it's amazing that Cheryl Rainfield was brave enough to broach both subjects. Back to the covers, Scars cover is so powerful and it's expecially powerful because I've read that it's actually a picture of Cheryl's arms. Maybe that's why the book was so memorable for me...knowing the author experienced the same things (or something similar) to what Kendra experiences in the book. But I'm off topic again, I think the cover background is also fitting, it's dark and the texture looks like it could be slashes or cuts. The texture of Hunted is also eye catching along with the shadow of an arm. I haven't read Hunted yet but it's definitely on my to be read list!