Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Leave Before He Kills You

Rate this book
When his face grew angry, I knew he could murder…

That face drove me and my three young daughters to flee across Australia.

I doubted he’d ever touch the girls, but if I wanted to live and see them grow, I had to do something.

The plan my friend had proposed was daring and bold, but it also gave me hope.

My heart thumped. What if he followed?


Radical, honest and real, this Christian romantic suspense is one woman’s journey to freedom you won’t put down…get your copy and read it now.

159 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2018

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Juliette Duncan

98 books340 followers
Juliette Duncan is a USA Today bestselling author of Christian romance stories that ‘touch the heart and soul’. She lives in Brisbane, Australia and writes Christian fiction that encourages a deeper faith in a world that seems to have lost its way. Most of her stories include an element of romance, but the main love story in each of her books is always God's amazing, unconditional love for His wayward children.

Juliette and her husband enjoy spending time with their five adult children and eleven grandchildren, When not writing, Juliette and her husband I love exploring the wonderful world we live in.

Please feel free to contact Juliette by email (author@julietteduncan.com) or via Facebook.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
117 (68%)
4 stars
36 (21%)
3 stars
11 (6%)
2 stars
5 (2%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
960 reviews21 followers
August 6, 2018
If you’ve ever wondered why a woman would stay with an addicted and abusive spouse, read Leave Before He Kills You. If you’re just looking for a good story, read this book. Juliette Duncan lays her heart bare in these pages for her readers. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Julia.
2,669 reviews81 followers
September 1, 2018
Leave Before He Kills You by Juliette Duncan is a powerful Christian story surrounding alcohol and drug dependency and the faithfulness of God. Based on truth, this is a story that will rock the reader's heart. It is a gritty read with lessons for us all.
Alcohol and drug dependency destroys lives - no one is immune. The family and friends of the addict will all be affected. Promises of change are no good unless backed up by action. The addict must want to change more than they want the next drink or fix.
We all have a God-shaped hole in our lives. "God filled a void I didn't even know I had." It is only when we find God that we realise what was missing. Knowing God fulfils us.
Life deals us blows. We may get angry at God for His seeming inactivity or silence. The truth is that God is always working on our behalf. He never leaves us alone. We can trust Him when all else looks bleak. "I needed to trust God to lead and guide me."
Community is important. In the novel the Christian community rallies round offering support - emotional and practical - when needed.
A powerful read from Juliette Duncan. Please if this story resonates with you, seek help and support. Do not suffer alone.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,024 reviews36 followers
November 3, 2018
This book was very well-done in every aspect.
It is real!
It is emotional!
It is interesting!
It is gripping!
It is clean!
It is motivating!
Once you start reading this story, you will find it very difficult to put down. The cover grips you and, as you read, the story will draw you into the intriguing and heart-breaking life of young Julie and her family.
Here is a quote that particularly caught my attention and summarizes the story somewhat:
"I now understand that God only works in people’s lives when they allow Him to. He doesn’t force Himself onto anyone, but He longs for all to repent and turn to Him, and it breaks His heart when they shun Him and choose to live life without Him. He only wants the best for them, but so often people consider what they might have to give up to follow Him, and choose not to. They’re deceived and don’t know what they’re missing out on. ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,"
Juliette Duncan. Leave Before He Kills You ARC (Kindle Locations 1771-1774). Kindle Edition.
Thank you to the author for sharing this story.
821 reviews7 followers
August 10, 2018
The author has written an in-depth, emotional story about a young woman living with an abusive husband with addiction(s). Choices needed to be made in view of her 3 young daughters' safety, God's point of view, and many other factors. Loneliness, isolation, fear, provision all played factors in the decision making. I must admit I approached this book with some hesitation, having grown up as a child in a similar household of domestic violence and alcoholism, but once I started the book I was instantly drawn into the story that became very real to me. I rejoiced in the h's victories and was saddened by her continuing marital strife. The book also helped me to better understand a woman's challenges in caring for her family in crisis mode. Only God is able to deliver, heal, provide and guide in such a way. Tenderly and delicately written. I especially enjoyed the "twist" at the end of the story! I highly recommend this book for everyone. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!
242 reviews
August 30, 2018
This is an amazingly powerful story of a young Christian woman's struggles. Through a series of choices she finds herself in a marriage with a alcohol and drug addicted husband. As the years pass, they struggle, he tries, he reverts, they move and the cycle starts over. Three kids later, she's finally done. After leaving and returning four times, she's finally ready to leave for good.
This book clearly explains why a woman might stay in an abusive relationship. It is an emotional read and draws you in so it's almost like you're living this nightmare. The story also shows how relying on God and putting a relationship with Him first can change your life for good.
This book style is a departure for Juliette Duncan. But she has done an excellent job with the subject matter. The ending of the book is a bit of a surprise! It's a highly enjoyable and extremely well done book.
I graciously received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
363 reviews4 followers
August 11, 2018
This is a somewhat different book based on a true story. It is more or less written as a diary of an abused wife. …..Julie is the mother of three children and loves the Lord and wants her family together. She does everything she can to help her addictive husband to receive help and become the husband and father that she knows he could be. He constantly falls back into being gone for days and her not knowing where he is. When he does return, he promises to never do it again. She loves him but is afraid of him, for he told her if she ever left him he would kill her. Finally with her newborn and the other two children, she gets enough courage to leave. She had friends to help her for she could never escape on her own ……Will he find her, he swore he would? Can she be free and begin a new life?……….I received a copy from the author and I am pleased to leave a review.
Profile Image for Lois Martinez.
13 reviews
August 2, 2018
I received this book for an honest review. Juliette Duncan has written a story that you won’t want to put down. Julie had fallen in love with Greg who was studying to be a minister, but his mother disapproved of her even though Julie was a Christian. Later she fell in love with Joe and they quickly married. Together they have three daughters even though Julie suffers through the ups and downs of Joe’s alcoholism. Julie is a devout Christian and believes her marriage vows are sacred, so can Julie really leave Joe safely and begin a new life for her daughters and herself? The ending will surprise you.
Profile Image for Margaret Lawton.
128 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2018
Juliette tells us through story once again about the faithfulness of God to those who choose to follow Him. This is a story that is all too true for many people today. The Jekyll and Hyde of people who struggle with addiction and the effect it has on those who love them. Throughout this story is woven the incredible ways that God protects and provides for Julie as she struggles through issues from the choices she has made and as she struggles to try to change someone who chooses his addiction over family. I received a complimentary copy of this story, but have chosen to voluntarily review it 100% honestly.
48 reviews
August 14, 2018
Intriguing story!!

I was lost in this intriguing story of love, and sadden by the constant change in the husbands way of addiction to alcohol! It made me angry and upset to read how he promised over and over to change and how he was sorry! In the end Gods love over cane all promises this is a must read story where forgiveness takes place in the story in my heart for my father who also struggled with alcoholism! Thank you to the author for an intriguing story for me and my heart!! Will continue to read your books!! Thank you again for this new look into this problem of addiction!!
Profile Image for Becky.
176 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2018
A compelling story, that is next to impossible to put down!
The author pulls you into the story, from the beginning, and it is very hard to put it down. The circumstances are so well told, and as a reader, you find yourself riveted to the action, hoping for the best outcome! You will feel drawn into the character’s lives, and will hurry to find out how the story ends. You won’t be disappointed! This is a different type of book from Juliette Duncan, but it is a really good story, showing God’s protection and care, and His goodness! I highly recommended reading it!!
35 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Leave Before He Kills You. Julia met and married Joe. After they were married for awhile, Julia had their first child, a baby girl. Joe returned to his old ways of drinking. Julia gave Joe many chances to change. She would leave, but always seem to keep giving him chances. She became pregnant and gave birth to another baby girl. Joe would seemingly change and not drink for a little while. Then things just got worse and she decided she either had to leave or put her and their girls in danger. She left and went several thousand miles away. To find out all the details you must read the book. I will read other books by Juliette.
1,301 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2018
This is truly a amazing heartfelt story. Julie is trying everything possible to help Joe. The people and organizations that help them are all truly amazing. When Julie stops trying to solve her problems and turns to God her life will change. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. This book deserves a higher rating than a five star review.
Profile Image for Tabatha Robinson.
155 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2018
Amazing story

I have read several of Mrs. Duncan's stories before, and they never disappoint. This one was different as it was a true story...her story...her triumph...her hope. Thank you so much for sharing this with us and giving us all hope. Knowing we arent condemned for our mistakes and bad choices, but that our God is the God of second, third and fourth (and many more) chances.
68 reviews
August 22, 2018
A must read!

As I was reading the story, a thought kept crossing my mind: This reads like a true crime novel. It felt so real, as if Ms. Duncan was telling the plot of a Lifetime movie. I believe, without the Christian component, this would have been a very horrific story with a very different ending. I love how so many people banded together to show their love and support to the main characters. Truly a must read for anyone in a relationship they are beginning to doubt!
Profile Image for Joan Arning.
1,569 reviews24 followers
August 24, 2018
Author Juliette Duncan shares her personal emotional story of marrying a drug addict and alcoholic. Juliette did not believe in divorce so stayed with her husband until she felt she needed to leave or he would kill her and their three children. God gave Juliette strength to endure and provided for her when she decided she must leave. The story is not a happily ever after but does have a great ending! I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
44 reviews
September 13, 2018
A slow death for one that has an alcoholic husband or wife.

Sounded very familiar. It sounded like you new my story. Hard to leave but I also knew if I stayed no doubt he would have killed me. God cares...I stayed faithful in my faith in God and plans for me and my children. Like you a new start with a minister......Love is wonderful when you walk and wait on God.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Belinda .....Mississippi
Profile Image for Martha.
1,860 reviews51 followers
September 30, 2018
This book was a really important topic. I had expected a fiction story, which it was set up like one, but told to the reader like non-fiction and based on a true story as far as I understand.

It gives insight into the life of someone that did not want her marriage to fail, and yet, for the safety of herself and her children was forced to flee and maintain safety above maintaining a marriage status. It was something I related to.
387 reviews
November 6, 2019
Domestic violence and loving the abuser

This book covers the anguish, the hopes and the fears of the victim domestic violence. Add into that, the love that she feels toward her husband. Then there are always the well meaning people who think you should stay and honor your boss regardless of the abuse. Follow her as she goes from one end of Australia to the other to escape! Will she find happiness? Step into the heart and mind of one woman to see.
Profile Image for Michaela.
3,086 reviews33 followers
March 24, 2020
I picked this book up sight unseen. I didn’t read the cover blurb. All I knew was the author and the genre. I didn’t know what to expect. It was different from any other romantic suspense that I’ve read. When I came to the end and found out that this was all a read and true story, and the author’s no less, I was stunned. It definitely gave me a new perspective on the story.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Mary Stalnaker.
203 reviews7 followers
August 6, 2018
I received a complementary copy of this book but the review is all mine.
This book is wonderful. I could hardly put it down. It really explains the hardships that some women have to endure in their lives. I could really feel the pain that Julie was feeling and what she must be thinking. It's a great book for everyone to read. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Andrea Mcclain.
36 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2018
Wow! I love Juliette Duncan’s books and although this one was written differently then her other books it was not a disappointment!! Great book and truly shows how faithful God is. Other reviews talked about a surprise at the end and as I read the last chapter I was confused, the the epilogue! Wow!! Wonderful read!
Profile Image for Karen Mcnicol.
696 reviews20 followers
May 15, 2019
This book is written like an autobiography. I hope woman who read it will take strength from it and learn from it. Everyone should read it and realize what happens to the other person when you abuse them, verbally as well as physically! Eye opening is what this books is. Well written, I could not stop reading it once I started.
983 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2019
Very interesting book

I have avoided reading this book for a while. The title frightened me. Finally I decided to read this book. I feared for Julie's life and remained on edge as I read this book. There are so many lessons learned from reading this book. All in all,this is a very good book.
Profile Image for Edwina Cowgill.
303 reviews47 followers
June 19, 2020
A Must Read!

An amazing story based on truth! This book demonstrates the pain, anguish and sorrow that the addictions of a love one causes, not just for the immediate family, but extended family members and friends. A must read for everyone who has a friend or family member living with addictions!
1,287 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2022
Loving this writers stories, I was immediately drawn to this one. The newer name is Never going back. It’s inspiring and an eye opener. Anyone who has or is in an abusive marriage will know that God can and will be with you to guide you when you truly follow his leads. I praise God for Him leading this author to share this story
558 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2018
This is a very suspenseful book. I enjoyed reading it but it is also very frightening in some spots. I received an ARC of this book so I am reviewing it to let other people know what I think about this book.
Profile Image for Jana.
541 reviews
August 4, 2018
What a poignant story of reality for so many women in broken marriages be it with drugs, alcohol, or controlling abuse! Through this heart wrenching story, Juliette Duncan has shown the reader there’s always hope if one puts their trust completely in Him.
Profile Image for Gina.
2,071 reviews23 followers
August 10, 2018
If you or someone you know is fighting an addiction you must read this story. A journey of a young married woman and the effects of an addicted spouse are followed and will touch your heart. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Marta Aldrighetti.
471 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2018
This story is a real story. it is so incredible, you can feel what the woman think and feel in the heart: so much pain and need help, but also a strong love, taith and trust in God and good.
when you start reading it, you cannot put down the book, it is so intens.
2,227 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2018
Ebook

She’s a young woman with a broken heart that then marries a young man that’s unstable. He becomes an alcoholic and after years of try to make their marriage work, she takes her 3 daughters and leaves him
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.