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Not all abuse leaves bruises. But it leaves scars of battered self-esteem, confusion, doubt, fear, and shame.

Emotional abuse is an epidemic, even among Christians—including ministry leaders who are supposed to be shepherds to their congregations. 

My new novel, House of Wind, launches today, and it couldn’t be more timely. It’s about the wife of a narcissist pastor. 

Too many women have suffered from emotional abuse in their marriages as victims of their husbands—even pastors and worship leaders. This cannot be ignored. 

Spiritual and emotional abuse are more subtle than physical or sexual abuse, so not as readily identified. Wives who live with this often don’t realize it themselves until after it’s gone on far too long. It’s time for people to sit up and take note so they can support victims in these situations.

Church abuse often gets swept under the rug, not seen for what it is. It can be subtle because of the manipulation and control masquerading as Christian mandates. Identifying hypocrisy in the church might be misconstrued as church-bashing, when instead it should be seen as calling out sins to make people accountable, so that the church can genuinely reflect the holiness, truth, and love of Christ.

If a woman has lost her voice and personality, it could be due to the abuse happening behind closed doors. 

You can watch the TRAILER here.

Blurb for House of Wind

Wendi Burkham lives in an emotional prison she unwittingly walked into. Nobody understands and her captor holds the keys.

She thought she knew the man she married when she said, “I do.” She was wrong. Now she must learn to say, “No.”

Wendi lives a life most women would envy—a respected pastor husband, two children, and a home that reflects faith, stability, and love.

Behind closed doors, Wendi is trapped in a cycle of control, manipulation, and emotional abuse no one would believe.

For sixteen years, she has stayed silent. Stayed faithful. Stayed afraid.

Until one night forces her to choose between the life she’s built . . . and the truth she can no longer ignore.

Her husband’s warning echoes: “Planting wind only reaps a harvest of tornadoes.”

But what if the storm is the only way out?

House of Wind exposes the reality of emotional abuse—and the courage it takes to break free. Readers who enjoy thoughtful fiction with emotional depth will appreciate this novel in the vein of Amanda Cox, Katie Powner, Susie Finkbeiner, and Erin Bartels.

Perfect For Readers Who Love:

• Emotionally powerful women’s fiction
• Stories of resilience and personal transformation
• Complex faith journeys
• Real-life relationship struggles

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Please indulge me in some Q & A with myself!

Questions about House of Wind

What was your inspiration for writing House of Wind? What’s your personal connection to the story?

Years ago, I walked alongside a family member who endured over a decade of emotional abuse from her husband. It took great fortitude to disentangle herself from this mess and face the fallout within her family and community.

Since then, I’ve learned of many other women’s stories. Even more alarming was that many of these husbands were respected leaders in their churches! These women had lost their voices, perspective, and purpose. When they did finally speak up, nobody believed their stories. 

I wanted to write a novel that would show one woman’s devastating experience with this. I wanted to bring these kinds of situations to light so that victims can find hope and healing and the women around them know how to support them.

How is your protagonist like you? Different from you? What would she have to say about you?

Wendi and I are very different in that I’ve never been a pastor’s wife or in her predicament. In fact, she plays the role of the perfect pastor’s wife, thoroughly engaged in the life of the church through teaching women’s Bible study, practicing regular hospitality, caring for her children (14 and 11), and serving her husband in many capacities. 

She might be envious of my life now, as an empty nester with time to do what I want and a kind, reasonable husband. She also might think I’m a bit lazy since I don’t cook as much or have as much company over!

What was the biggest challenge of writing this story?

I needed to portray the abuse experience correctly. No one woman’s story is exactly the same, but it had to ring true. Women who have lived with a narcissist and read the manuscript assured me where it did ring true, and helped tweak parts that didn’t. 

Also, the scenes showing the emotional abuse were difficult to write. I’ve offset that with some humorous and lighthearted touches throughout to keep the story from feeling too dark and overwhelming.

What deeper question does your novel explore?

What needs to happen to break free from the abuse? What is at the root? What makes the abuser successful at what he (or she) does? What does the Bible have to say about this, especially in the context of marriage? How can therapy help while still staying within the bounds of Biblical wisdom? 

For understanding how the Bible and therapy work together, I recommend Lysa TerKeurst’s podcast’s Therapy and Theology, sponsored by the American Association of Christian Counselors. Lysa, Dr. Joel Muddamalle (a theologian), and Jim Cress (a licensed professional counselor) discuss topics that include red flags in relationships, how to set boundaries with a narcissist, gaslighting, and dealing with emotional abuse.

How do you want House of Wind to resonate with readers?

My hope is that any victim of abuse reading this will gain understanding and find hope and courage to take the next right steps. I want other women to identify the red flags and know when to come alongside their sister in Christ and listen to her story, as well as support her.

This novel is going to enlighten some and rankle the feathers of others. I hope book club discussion will challenge the way people think about abuse in Christian homes and the church, and the best ways to take a stand against it. 

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Back to Laura . . . On a similar note . . . 

If you like dual timeline fiction about family dynamics in a small town Midwest (Wisconsin) setting, try The Broken Weathervane (launched September 2). Two co-workers seek the same information. One wants to publish it; the other has good reasons to keep it hidden. The timeline alternates between 2015 and the 1950s. Check out the reviews and book trailer here.

If you like historical fiction, you might enjoy A Hundred Magical Reasons (launched January 2025). This story spotlights L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, his friendship with a young girl, and his impact through the decades. Set in Holland, Michigan, this dual timeline novel alternates between 1980 and the early 1900s. Read more and watch the book trailer here. 

If you like Southern fiction and small town/rural stories about family dynamics and secrets, you might enjoy my novel All That Is Hidden. Set near North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains in 1968, the story spotlights the bond of family and the connections of a tight-knit community. Northern exploitation threatens as a father’s hidden past catches up to him and tests family ties. Learn more and watch the trailer here.

All That Is Hidden is now an audiobook! 

I invite you to join my monthly newsletter for writing updates, freebies, and giveaways. Sign up and I’ll send you a prequel and 7 Oz-inspired recipes: StandoutStoriesNewsletter.com  

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Laura DeNooyer bio:

Laura DeNooyer thrives on creativity and encouraging it in others. A Calvin College graduate, she is a teacher, wife, parent of four adult children, and a multi-award-winning author of heartwarming historical and contemporary fiction. She’s an active member in her church and American Christian Fiction Writers. When not writing, you’ll find her reading, walking, drinking tea with friends, or taking a road trip. For updates, freebies, giveaways, recipes, and a free prequel, join Laura’s monthly newsletter  StandoutStoriesNewsletter.com. Learn more at lauradenooyer-author.com.

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Join me next time for a visit with author Anita Klumpers.

Meanwhile, have you read any books that deal with emotional abuse, domestic abuse, or spiritual abuse? 

Answer in the comments below for a chance to win your choice of an ebook or a paperback—USA only.

Ever reading,

Laura

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and receive the 7 free Oz-inspired recipes: StandoutStoriesNewsletter.com