Reading This Broke My Heart...But Gave Me Strength & Joy
581157
I'm a pretty tough guy and have seen a lot around the world. But, I gotta tell you, this one damn near brought me to tears. It's the real life story of this smart, hard working young lady who finds true love, works by the rules who gets absolutely crushed by scammers and thieves. But the real problem becomes one of mental weakness - she becomes obsessed and ADDICTED to these Ponzie schemes. I won't spoil the story with the details, but it is a page turner!

Regardless of the type of addiction (alcohol, gambling, sex) the solution is spelled out loud and clear in this excellent book. A must read for anyone dealing with or trying to help another with addiction problems.

We are all rooting for Kristina and anxious to learn of her progress.
168170
Kayla Aimee has a way of connecting with her readers and relating to them like Ive never seen before. Even though her personal stories, some hard to read and others laughing my way through the chapter, may not have been word for word like my experiences, she conveys the emotions that followed so well that I automatically associated a memory or feeling to match hers. This book is heartbreakingly encouraging in a sense that it forced me personally to take a look back at previous years and evaluate them. It helped me look forward and pull those insecurities to a place of light where I can recognize them when they occur and choose a different path, rather than to wallow in them.  It so importantly reminded me that I am not alone in my fears or my shortcomings or in circumstances that were beyond my control.  After reading, I feel as though I can be a better more insightful mother to my daughter and hopefully help her to see herself as God sees her.  I was continuously amazed at how Kayla put herself and her experiences out there with such a raw honesty. You could see that her heart is for God and to break these feelings of loneliness and needing to be loved off not only her readers but every woman.

With her honesty came these hilarious, laugh out loud, until you are crying moments as well that kept the book light and readable. There were many moments I didn't want to put it down!  There were even more moments that I just wanted to be her friend and let our little ones have a play date!  This is a beautiful book that I honestly think every woman needs to read. I cant wait to pass it on to another woman and get this book moving through my generation.  Kayla truly has a gift and it was a privilege to read her truths.
444661
I don't even know what to say.  This book broke me. Manning.....poor, broken, tortured Manning.  Even though this was a dual POV book, I felt like it was really Manning's story.  My heart totally broke for him.  He tried to do everything right, but so much bad happened to him and he just didn't feel deserving of goodness.  The story and decisions are so relatable - I feel like Manning could be somebody I know.....a true testament to Jessica Hawkins and her writing b/c I don't REALLY know anybody like him.  I just got it.....all of the decisions he made, his thought process, protecting Lake, helping people, wanting to do the right thing.  I got it all.

Lake was a little tougher for me in this one.  I remember being that age.  I remember the rose-colored glasses and hope.  I was surprised by her unwavering belief.  We got Lake's POV, which was good, but Lake wasn't in control of anything...she was impacted by the actions and decisions of everyone else.

The beach scene was my undoing.  I need book 3 to put my back together.  I feel like I have spent the last few days on the edge of my seat and it's tearing me up, but I guess I am like Lake - all hope and rose-colored glasses.
2034087
I bought this book at a Christian bookstore. I've been waiting for decades for something and every year my heart has been broken more and I've been disappointed by hope deferred.  I've heard just about every sermon on waiting, I've done extensive Bible Studies, so because the titles of the chapter intrigued me, such as, "When waiting feels offensive," I had to read it.  I kept reading this book, assuming that at the end, the author would have victory over her "suffering."  I have to say, I don't know if she did.  My question is, did she learn to find happiness while still coping with the disease?  Did she learn to find last peace while living with unmet prayer request?  Does she love life, her life? I think she does.  So, here is where I part with the author. I cried at the end of the book, because I felt like I had to give up hope for my situation and learn to cope with the truth that I may ALWAYS be in this condition.  My condition is a broken heart.  So, now I think it's possible that my heart will never be healed. It's been broken now pretty much near all my life. I study the Word cover to cover all day long. I love the LORD with all my heart, all my strength and all my soul, and for near three decades, He has carried me and picked me up at every juncture when I think I can't pick myself up again. He does it because He is faithful, but this didn't book did not give me hope that my broken heart will some day be healed.  There are too many extenuating circumstances to go into detail about how many people are involved with my broken heart, but like Ann, I too am a writer.  I've written several books.  Like Ann, I've written them "From the Valley; Looking UP!"  My hope is that someday, GOD will give me victory over despair and that my last few years will be years on the mountain top, not life in the valley. I've lived here all my life by GOD's will.  Otherwise, how can I help others with my writing if I didn't live out Malachi 4:2  But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.  I need at least a few years to frolic so I can give the next person who has lived a life as a "Job's Princess" hope that some day, they may frolic, also. I have to say, I didn't find this hope in this book, BUT, she did speak to my heart as far as waiting is. She nailed it. It helped me a lot for the most part.
36160
My expectations were that this book would leave me in stitches from laughing so hard. That happened, but this book was also deep. It punched me right in the spiritual gut and caused me to reflect on my own life. I paused to question my lack of joy during perilous and good times, and boy did I feel convicted, sad even. So sad that I didn't take the opportunity to choose joy despite my circumstances. Candace is more than a viral sensation, her joy is contagious. I'm so thankful she has been given a platform to show so many of us that are stuck in a dry, rut or even people that don't know God at all that there's always to choice to go with joy. Candace isn't pretending to be something that she is not, her book has inspired me to live with abandonment when it comes to joy. It's a battle to choose to live in contentment at times, but Candace is a role model and testament to what where faith filled obedience takes you when you say yes. This is a book I'll be reading over and over to remind me of why I am God's and how I can have a spirit of thanksgiving even during the famine.
2127836
Initial Thoughts: This book almost destroyed me. Heartbreaking.

Full Review:
Forbidden was very thought-provoking and I found myself, at times, both disgusted and sympathetic in equal measure. Having reflected on it for a few days, it is hard to look at the love between Lochan and Maya as wrong even if that is how society categorizes it.

Their family situation is completely dysfunctional. They were quasi-parents to their younger siblings, and they never really had a traditional brother and sister relationship. I couldn't help wondering if they'd had a normal upbringing would they have fallen in love or were they always destined for one another irrespective of their environment and their circumstances? It's an interesting question and one that's had me thinking about this book several days after I finished it.

Modern society has a genuine reason for saying no to incest - proven birth defects in any children born of incestuous relationships. And I get that, but my mind was contemplating all kinds of scenarios whereby it could be permitted - what if it was allowed and both parties agreed to sterilization, then the risk is eliminated. Of course, that wouldn't solve the stigma or the myriad of other issues, and I'm not saying every government should rush out and change their laws because it's a hugely sensitive complex issue, but I would genuinely feel for any couple like Lochie and Maya and believe it's wrong that society says they can't be together.

Characterization was superb in this book, with emotional depth and plenty of substance. I felt both of their pain as they struggled with their feelings for one another - as they tried valiantly to fight their attraction and burning need for one another. The irony is that the family unit was actually stronger when they were together - it made sense.

Their parents should be strung up for their neglect and I wanted to hurl my Kindle a few times, such was my loathing for both mum and dad.

I knew this wasn't going to end well but that finale still KILLED me - I was sobbing my heart out for ages and I felt an actual pain in my heart. It was horrific but compelling.

I applaud the author for her ability to tackle such a complex subject with sensitivity and grit. It was never glorified or ridiculed.

The writing was breathtaking if a little over descriptive at times - I did skim a bit.

In summary, this book had a deep impact on me and I love books that challenge my thinking and challenge social norms. This one will definitely stay with me for a long time.
2580630
I stayed up ALL night sobbing as Jeff Olsen's words flowed through me. I don't even have the words to eloquently give him the gratitude and respect this book deserves. It made me look at my own life and remind me of all I have to be grateful for. The darkest times in my life have always been the seedlings of the joy of my tomorrow. I know that may sound silly, but what I mean is good and beauty and most definitely love has always come from a trial or hardship in my life, even if it takes years for me to realize the blessings of that hardship. I don't learn and grow from my joyful experiences, I learn and grow from my hardships. That is what Jeff's book meant for me. That is the best I can do with words after literally sobbing all night. Though, there were moments where I was crying so much I wanted to take a moment to be present in my reality and I put my iPad down and held my 4 year old sleeping son who had fallen asleep right beside me and take in his smell one more time, as I do every single day and also to appreciate my 13 year old daughter for the hard time she constantly gives me! Because you know what? I am so blessed I have her beautiful spirit to drive me absolutely crazy and I don't ever thank her for it. I am going to be sure I do that today. Thank you Jeff for letting me in to the inner depths of your being and giving to me the knowing that what I once believed to be true, now I feel it as truth. Thank you.
3394235
I finished reading this several days ago. I have not recovered from reading it. I'm still thinking about Baz and Elijah. They pop up in my head at home, at work and while reading other stories. That's an incredibly talented author to make me think about a story long after it's finished. Right now as I'm trying to write this review, I feel inadequate in saying I don't have the words to tell you just how gutted I continue to be. This was not a light happy read for me. It was painful. It was heart shattering. It brought back college memories that made me uncomfortable. I didn't have a lot of friends. I understand Elijah in this regard. I yearned for them. I didn't know how to get them or keep them. I didn't know how to share myself with others. Then there was Baz. Baz caught me off guard. I didn't see his story coming. I naively thought I had an idea, but omg, Heidi took me down a road that messed with my head and my heart. It made me anxious and angry. It made me sad. Heidi made me feel for these 2 lost and damaged boys in a way I wasn't prepared for.  2 boys who found each other in their darkest moments. I'm going to re-read this story. I need to re-read this story. Thank you Heidi for another incredible story. For bringing back Ed and Laurie (my first Heidi read), and showing me how strong and supportive Baz and Elijah's friends are, old ones and new ones. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, the one that still hasn't recovered.
1022674
OMG....this was heart wrenching!  There are no words to describe it.  You need to read this in one sitting because there are no good stopping points.  After reading some reviews about how sad this was, I almost didn't get it.  But this was so beautifully devastating, I'm glad I read it, although I will probably have puffy eyes tomorrow.
841398
I really like this book. It's heart-wrenching & angering & I had to take a break from it every now & then but it was awesome to read how she triumphed & overcame! I loved reading about how she pushed through & preseved & how God reached down & saved her. How He blessed her time & time again & surrounded her w/an encouraging group of ppl that wouldn't let her give up! Her relationship with God grew & in Him she found freedom. It's difficult to read what she went through but her testimony is so very worth it!
2072052
I just finished reading this book & I have to say it really touched me. The story is very beautiful & at moments very dark but it truly speaks to anyone that has gone through the extreme ups & downs life can throw at you both over time or in an instant. As someone who has personally dealt with some of the thoughts & feelings expressed in these pages I can say it with certainty that it speaks the truth of those times & really makes you think..... not in a way to make you dwell but in my opinion to make you truly reflect upon those moments & see how things came together or how they can/will come together in there time.

It was a very smooth read & I recommend it wholeheartedly. I hope to ready many more works from this gentleman in the future.
1792165
I really didn't know what to expect going into reading Stages of Grace.

Grace lives with her boyfriend of 3 years, and she's stuck. We go on a trip through the stages along with Grace.

  Denial
  Anger
  Bargaining
  Depression
  Acceptance

Being that I am generally not a person who enjoys lots of monologue in a story I was surprised that this didn't bother me in this one. It was necessary to get an inside look at what goes on in Grace's mind. It helps create that connection to her. I was also engaging & help suck me into her world.

It's healing to see what Grace is like at the beginning of the book & the person she become at the end of the book.

Stages of Grace is an emotionally charged book. Leveling out at just under 300 pages, as your reading it, it feels like 500. However, you are so engaged in the emotional roller coaster you're on that it shocks you to realize just how far into the book you are. This book can touch everyone in one way or another.

The Denial at knowing that a relationship is over, but holding onto hope that it can be saved.

The Anger we have all felt when we found we were wronged.

The Bargaining at which we decide - do we give it one last shot or move on?

The Depression over making the choices & questioning whether they are the right ones or not.

The Acceptance of realizing the decisions you have made were the right ones for you to give yourself what you deserve - happiness.

Carey Heywood - WOW! Just wow. Props for an amazing story! This book affected me so deeply, as I have been through each of these stages in my own life.
2577898
This was a heartbreaking and beautifully written story.  Truth be told, this book hurt to read.  It was raw, powerful, and very honest.  It took me a while to warm up to Kami, but once parts of her past were revealed everything about her made perfect sense.  She was a runner and honestly, after what she has been through in her life, I wasn't surprised that was her first instinct.  The things she endured in her childhood were unspeakable.  There were times when I was so overwhelmed with Kami's pain that I had to put my Kindle down and take deep breaths before I could continue.  Her agony and absolute belief that she was unlovable were so palpable.  My heart broke for this beautiful girl who deserved to know real love and happiness.

Sweet, patient Blaine stole my heart from the very beginning.  The chemistry between he and Kami was undeniable, but it was his love and complete adoration for her shone through every page.  He had so much hope for Kami and their future together, and I just loved how nurturing and gentle he was with her.  Blaine knew deep in his heart that Kami was worth everything, and aside from one moment when he let his pain get the best of him, fought incredibly hard to make their relationship work.  Unfortunately, no matter how much he loved or fought for her, ultimately it was Kami who had make the decision to save herself.  She had to make the choice to live and accept his love, and it hurt so much to watch her continuously push him away while she struggled with making those choices.

My heart felt like it split in two for Kami and Blaine so many times in this book.  These were two people I desperately wanted to see find a way to be together, and some parts of this book were pure agony.  I loved that the book was dual POV.  Blaine's chapters always seemed to come at just the right time and definitely heightened my reading experience.  I was constantly in awe while reading both Kami and Blaine's thoughts and feelings how they became so deeply embedded in my own mind and heart.  I can't imagine how difficult this book must have been to write, and I applaud S.L. Jennings for creating such a emotional and beautifully heartbreaking story of love, friendship, and hope.  Fear of Falling truly touched my heart, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
2608899
WHEN I READ WHAT THE STORY WAS GOING TO BE ABOUT MY HEART HURT FROM THE START. I WAS WEARY TO READ IT SINCE I HAD A CHILD DIE WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES AND SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF TIME TEACHING PEOPLE THAT CEREBRAL PALSY WAS NOT WHO HE WAS BUT A LITTLE CAPABLE BOY LIKE ANY OTHER BOY SO  PLEASE SEE HIM FIRST .....BUT WOW RELATABLE....LOVED IT.. LOVED HER.... LOVED HIM... I HAD EVERY EMOTION RUNNING THROUGH ME AND COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN....A REAL FEEL GOOD BOOK ...I HAD TEARS RUNNING DOWN MY FACE WHEN HE PICKED HER UP AND CARRIED HER THROUGH THE TON.. ONLY KNOWING WHAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN LIKE ... THEY DIDN'T EVEN FLINCH... SHE WAS AMAZING....AND WHERE WERE MEN LIKE HIM WHEN I WAS GROWING UP?
3041472
What a gut wrencher!

This is the first story I've read from this author and it completely ripped me apart. I was gutted from the prologue and every few pages something would happen and it'd rip me back open again.
First, we have Elizabeth and her husband Grady; you can feel the love between them and the love they have for their four children. They were proud of their family and life was great.... then, Grady gets sick and leaves Elizabeth all alone to raise her four kids without the love of her life. And that just isn't fair,is it? To think you get a lifetime with someone, wanting that so much and then finding out that just isn't true.... my heart broke for her and my heart broke for her children. I can't even imagine and I dread the day I may have to find out what it may be like to live without my dad or my husband. How will I cope?
I thought Ms. Higginson done a beautiful job navigating through the grief process; I mean everyone experiences it in a different way and although sometimes it felt like she couldn't get through it, she did... Especially when she had Ben's help.

Ben moved in next door. Not married, no kids and seemed to be okay as a workoholic but was changing it more and more. At first he becomes the friend that Elizabeth needs; he waits patiently until she feels comfortable around him, then until she can trust him, then trusts him with her children which, is a scary thing for a mother. She doesn't rush him or bring him around until she trusts him and I liked seeing that; the kids had already lost their daddy, they didn't need someone else coming and going after they got attached. I loved how slow they both took it and how okay Ben was with that. I loved Emma and how she was there for her sister but also good friends with Ben; I loved that Liz also kept in touch with Grady's mom and brother even if she felt like an outsider sometimes, there was no bad blood and very little awkwardness, but hey, that's to be expected, isn't it?
This whole story was just beautifully depicted and I loved reading through the process of losing a great love and learning to find it again. Learning to find oneself again and learning how to go on living even though you feel like the biggest piece of you is missing. It was such a fantastic story and I was so glad that I got a chance to read it.

If you like slow-burn, low angst, heartbreaking and hopeful reads, don't pass this one up. You'll get through it and be glad you did in the end. I wouldn't mind reading more about this family :)
764810
Just wow.......I don't think i have read anything that moved me like this in a long time. Heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful. XX
2358192
This book surprised me, I'm not sure what even drew me to read it, but after reading & feeling all that it contains, I feel blessed to be a part of something that seemed so real.

Clayton Reed, where do you start.  This poor boy and all he has endured throughout his life.  The daily battles he has in his own mind, I know some of these & could feel the turmoil as it was eating away at him.  Such pure love that Maggie Young gave him, just shows all of us that love isn't always enough.  The mind is a tricky battle field & we are our own worst enemies.

Love should no be this hard, especially when you are only 17.  The anger his family brings out in me of the way his parents go about their way of helping.  Also cutting yourself off from your support network for someone so young, was never going to work for them.

I haven't cried this much throughout a book for ages.  Very emotional story that brought up some old feelings from my own past.  Mental health issues are exhausting, not only for the person with it but for all around & especially for those who love you.

Beautifully researched, the author was able to bring me into their heads at times, feeling what they were going through.

Their love should be beautiful, but this story shows true life issues that sometimes make it hard for love to win.

My advice for people who wish to read this is, read it with an open mind, it's not a fairytale, it is exhausting at times, frustrating & very accurate to what mental health issues can do to people & how they react to it on all levels.

You will cry, so get the tissues.  But it is a must read story & I just want to reach into the book & show both Clay & Maggie that people do care & give them both a big hug.  There is hope.