When Kate and her children step onto a bus early one Tuesday morning, she knows this is their only chance: their only chance at freedom and at a life of their own. But can she ensure their safety? Can she ensure they will never be found?

This feeling haunts Kate as she and her children begin a new life far from New York, far from their troubled past.

Little does she know that their new life will bring her closer to a different past, a life she had long given up, making her already fragile world more complicated than she could have ever imagined.

Want to read it in other formats?

A Life of Their Own is now available on Amazon Kindle.

Pauline Tait is a multi-genre author living and writing in Perthshire, Scotland. After working as a Pharmaceutical Technician for just over twenty years and then in Primary Pupil Support, Pauline is now writing and promoting her books full time. With manuscripts secretly piling up in a drawer for over twenty years, the dust was eventually wiped off her first picture book, The Fairy in the Kettle, and it was published in 2016. The series has since earned Pauline five star reviews.

Married with two grown up children, Pauline is also enjoying writing adult fiction and her novel, A Life of Their Own, shows Pauline is not afraid to tackle a difficult subject. With another novel under way and the final instalment to The Fairy in the Kettle to come Pauline is looking forward to continuing her writing career.

"The journey Kate takes is such a heartwarming one. I adored the community that rallied around her to help and support and this made me feel so happy she was safe and secure in their arms. Colorado Springs sounds so beautiful and a perfect place to heal and I loved the description of the little town and then endless countryside. At times I felt as though I was there. A Life of Their Own is such a triumphant and uplifting story and focusses on the resilience of Kate and her children. I definitely recommend this book."

– Herding Cats via Twitter @cats_herding

"A Life of their Own is about Kate who was physically and emotionally abused by her husband, Adam and her children, Jake and Lucy, who were verbally abused by their father. Kate breaks free of Adam and her life in New York and takes her children to Colorado Springs where she had visited a long time ago… The book is a truly heartfelt piece of writing. It explores what it means to put your love for your children above all else, knowing that because of your actions you might not survive, yet their wellbeing is worth the risk. It is a lovely short read yet tear jerking in parts. It shows true resilience and that love, kindness and respect will conquer evil when we’re determined to succeed. A Life of Their Own is a book about hope and the healing power of love."

– Bookish Dreamer 58

"It’s been a while since I’ve read such a moving novel. This felt a little bit close to home but one that was emotionally fulfilling. There’s a bit of a trigger warning for anyone who has experienced domestic abuse. The feeling of what I would do if I was Kate really captured me. It was easy to relate to having two children of my own. The emotion allows this to progress at its own individual pace and how the reader processes the words."

– Twilight Reader via Instagram @twighlight_reader

"This was a charming read and I really enjoyed this book, if you like 'Hallmark' this book is most definitely for you. This is a wonderful story of life and love after domestic abuse."

– Calm Stitch Read via Instagram @calmstitchread

"This novel is a great read, it explores love, mother’s love, what being in a family means and also deals with more difficult issues such as coercive and bullying behaviour. I’m so happy that for the main character there is love and happiness after so much heartache. I really liked how strong the main character was, her strength and courage shone through throughout. What a mother wouldn’t do for her children."

– One Creative Artist via Instagram @onecreativeartist

"Such a wonderful story that is written beautifully in my opinion, i thoroughly enjoyed it. The author writes smoothly, so you can read this novel in one sitting."

– Layla Penfold via Instagram @penfoldlayla

"I enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters. Would recommend. Once I started I didn't want to put it down."

– Faith Wilson, NetGalley reviewer, 5 Stars.

"This book, A Life of Their Own, by Pauline Tait, was a truly heartfelt piece of writing. It explored what it means to put your love for your children above all else, knowing that because of your actions you might not survive, yet their wellbeing is worth the risk. Fearing for her life she flees New York leaving her abusive past behind her. She reaches Colorado and begins a new life, experiencing the first acts of kindness that she has experienced in a very long time showing that second chances are within everybody's reach. Her past hasn't totally disappeared however and does come back to haunt her, however Matthew, her former love, who she never truly forgot about defends her. This is a lovely short read yet tear jerking in parts. It shows true resilience and that love, kindness and respect will conquer evil when we're determined to succeed. It's an excellent emotional read.”

– Clara Carter, NetGalley reviewer, 5 Stars

"A mother’s love knows no bounds. Kate literally risks her life to save the lives of her two children, Jake and Lucy. Little does she know it at the time, but she will end up saving herself. This little book is big on love, trust and forgiveness. Great read. Thank you NetGalley for introducing me to my new favorite author!”

– Sabrina, NetGalley reviewer, 5 Stars

"This novel was hard-hitting and a great book if you want something that will hit you hard. We follow and mother and daughter trying to flee from domestic abuse. Very captivating."

– Amber Villanueva, NetGalley reviewer, 5 Stars

"Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in."

– Cristie Underwood, NetGalley, 5 Stars

"The writing style is very good and very pleasant and fluent to read. The book has been very clearly structured and the plot is traceable and very interesting. The characters look very authentic and traceable to me. The author succeeds in writing in a very detailed way about the scenery, characters, surroundings and emotions. This story is fascinating and consistent at the same time and keeps the tension until the end."

– Annemarie Seeger, NetGalley, 5 Stars

" I love the blurry cover of this book where I see the heroine almost in profile. It features Kate running away from home with her two children. Will she be able to keep them safe and ensure that they are never found? She wants to start a new life away from New York, starting from scratch. What she didn't know when she arrived in her new environment was that she would find herself in a life that she had abandoned long ago. A book read in one go, so much so that I hung on to the story, so moving at certain passages, captivating, full of suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters. I love the author's writing so addictive."

– Myreadbooks Reviewer, 4 Stars

"It was a beautifully written novel by an extremely talented writer. Excellent character depiction, plus an exciting storyline make for a roaring success. Highly recommended."

– Julia Shkolnik, NetGalley, 4 Stars

"I loved this heartwarming story of love and trust, kindness and patience. I would recommend this book."

– Shirley McAllister, NetGalley, 5 Stars

‘I absolutely devoured this book – Kate and her children grab a bus and run from an abusive husband and father. Can Kate leave her horrible past and begin again?’

– Dawn Byers, NetGalley, 4 Stars

'Unfortunately there is a large number of women that can relate to the storyline here...escaping an abusive situation is NEVER easy.

This story was beautifully and accurately written– it touched my heart that's for sure.'

– Kade Gulluscio, NetGalley, 5 Stars

'A wonderful suspense story with a few interesting twists. HIGHLY recommend!'

– Janice Lombardo, NetGalley

'The most dangerous time in a domestic violence situation is upon leaving!

Kate wants out with her two children; fleeing Adam and leaving everything she's ever known in NYC for Colorado.

I absolutely enjoyed this on many levels especially in regards to the ending and using those wings to fly. As a survivor of abuse I've never felt comfortable with the term 'victim' because you can always seek hope, healing, and love. Love always wins over hate! A-L-W-A-Y-S!'

– D.H., NetGalley, 5 Stars

'I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you for the chance to read it.'

– Annette Herbst, NetGalley

'Well written, interesting, captivating. The kind of story that stays with you! It happens in real life and not many people know about it.'

– Maryline D, NetGalley

"I especially want to thank SilverWood books and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read this book. I love the blurry cover of this book where I see the heroine almost in profile. It features Kate running away from home with her two young children. Will she be able to keep them safe and ensure that they are never found? She wants to start a new life away from New York, starting from scratch. What she didn't know when she arrived in her new environment is that she would find herself in a life that she had abandoned long ago. A book read in one go, so much so that I hung on to the story, so moving at certain passages, captivating, full of suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters. I love the author's writing so addictive."

– Anthony C, NetGalley, 4 Stars

"A life of their own is a story about domestic abuse survivors and finding eventual happiness. It’s short. It packs quite the punch. It’s the type of book that lingers even after you’ve read it months prior and you’ll likely continue to think about it."

– Kadija Ares, NetGalley, 3 Stars

Read this in-depth review by Books by Bindu.

Handwritten girl has reviewed A Life of Their Own here.

Check out The Library Door for longer review of the book.

Read the Advance Information sheet for A Life of Their Own here.

Take a look at this article from The Perthshire Advertiser about the book.

Read this article in The Blairgowrie Advertiser about Pauline's book.

See what readers are saying about the book on NetGalley.

A Life of Their Own was Book of the Week in The Courier: read their review here.

A Life of Their Own will be incorporated into the curriculum at a US college.

Read an interview with the author with Book After Book here.

Check out an extract of the first chapter of A Life of Their Own.