Blog Archives

Shattered

Shattered, Inspired By True Events by Jenell M. Jones, M.ED., is a powerful memoir that delves into the author’s personal journey of accepting the unchangeable and learning to tolerate the harsh realities of life. Jones’s raw and honest account of her experiences resonates deeply with readers, making this more than just one woman’s struggle—it’s a source of inspiration for anyone facing life’s challenges. Through her story, Jones invites readers to reflect on their own paths toward peace and healing, sharing how her decision to adopt a young girl, with the hope of transforming both their lives for the better, led to an unexpected and challenging journey.

The central theme of survival and endurance is poignantly portrayed in Shattered. Jones vividly illustrates the unexpected anguish that life can bring and demonstrates remarkable strength and resilience in the face of trauma. Her journey toward healing and self-discovery is both encouraging and uplifting, leaving readers with a powerful message: if she can overcome these obstacles, so can they. The book’s emphasis on perseverance and courage makes a lasting impact, reminding us all of the importance of endurance in our own lives. Jones’s storytelling is graphic and emotionally resonant, pulling readers into her world and making them feel the weight of her struggles. She skillfully conveys the unwanted efforts and sacrifices she made in her pursuit of inner peace, creating a narrative that is both relatable and deeply moving. The systemic critique woven throughout the book is another notable element. Jones’ experiences highlight the often-ignored flaws in the child welfare system, particularly how it handles children with traumatic backgrounds. Jones’ frustration with the system is palpable, and she effectively uses her personal story to advocate for better practices and more compassionate policies. This book serves as both a memoir and a critical commentary on a system that is in desperate need of reform.

Shattered, Inspired By True Events is a gripping and authentic memoir that will resonate with anyone who has faced life’s unexpected challenges. Jones’s courage in sharing her regrets and her raw emotions is a testament to the human experience, reminding us of our shared vulnerabilities. I highly recommend this book to everyone, as we all, at some point, must navigate the unforeseen changes life throws our way.

Pages: 210 | ASIN : B0C5CPY345

Buy Now From Amazon

Shattered

Jenell M. Jones’ Shattered is a deeply moving and eye-opening account that delves into the complexities of the foster care system through the poignant story of a young girl named Mercy. Jenell, an experienced educator with a profound love for children, is no stranger to the adoption process. When asked to take in Little Nikki, she didn’t hesitate, despite concerns about the child’s troubled past. Renaming her Mercy, Jenell and her husband embarked on a challenging journey to provide the eight-year-old with a stable and loving home. As the narrative unfolds, readers learn that Mercy was separated from her twin brother and other siblings, having cycled through as many as 20 foster homes. This tumultuous background began to manifest in her behavior, with Mercy exhibiting stubbornness, rudeness, and other troubling traits. These signs raised concerns about potential past abuse, which were later confirmed when Mercy was diagnosed with dissociative personality disorder and hospitalized.

Shattered evoked a powerful emotional response in me. The pain of watching a child you love struggle despite your best efforts is heart-wrenching. The book underscores the critical importance of a child’s foundational years and how early instability can have long-lasting, detrimental effects. Mercy’s story is a stark reminder of the failures within our society to protect its most vulnerable members. Jenell and her husband Kyle’s unwavering patience and dedication to Mercy, despite the immense challenges, highlight their remarkable resilience as parents. Mercy’s experiences reflect a broader systemic issue, where children in the foster care system are often neglected and left without the necessary support to thrive.

I sincerely hope that Mercy finds peace and healing in her future. Shattered serves as a crucial call to action, urging us to improve the foster care system to better protect and support children like Mercy. I highly recommend this book to every adult, particularly those considering adoption, as it provides valuable insights into the profound challenges and rewards of caring for a child in need.

Pages: 210 | ASIN : B0C5CPY345

Buy Now From Amazon

Shattered

Shattered: Left Hand Justices Series by [Anne Beck]

Shattered by Anne Beck follows the story of Tessa Miller, a deputy US marshal with a troubled past, which has managed to bleed into her present. Tessa is distant and keeps a wall up at all times, only following orders from herself now that she had to take a leave of absence from work due to injury from a recent altercation. She flees back to her hometown in Oregon where her family still resides. It has been ten years since her last visit, despite her discomfort Tessa knows to move forward she must face the past once more. Perhaps facing her past demons will help her get over her current ones. While rediscovering herself, she finds herself lost in something she could never have imagined with someone she did not expect.

Shattered is an impassioned romantic thriller with a mysterious atmosphere that permeates this entire story. This was certainly a page-turner as author Anne Beck certainly knows how to end a chapter and leave readers wanting more. This is a character driven story that moves at a very fast pace, at times leaving me wanting to explore scenes and people just a bit more with more showing and less telling.

I was all set for a romance novel, but I was pleasantly surprised to find an intriguing mystery at the heart of this romance novel, and one that is as alluring as Logan is. Logan is tall dark and handsome, and the novel plays up the trope of the seductive romantic counterpart with entertaining effect. Both of these characters are intriguing and feel grounded, if not always relatable. What I really enjoyed was how emotive the characters were and how the writing really made their emotions palpable.

Shattered is a rousing romance novel that consistently delivers emotional suspense in every chapter and in some creative ways that kept me glued to the pages.

Pages: 200 | ASIN: B0794R3W7B

Buy Now From B&N.com