All they ever wanted was somewhere to call home… carpenter Craig has fallen head over heels for Jenny, and he offers her a place to stay. Happy at last, Jenny begins a new life with him, but when tragedy strikes, she’s left to pick up the pieces of both her broken home – and her broken heart.
Bereft
Desperately trying to make ends meet, Jenny is alone and working round the clock. Will she ever be able to give her siblings the happy home they deserve? Or is the worst yet to come…?
The Sunday Times bestseller is back in a gritty family drama, perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries and Dilly Court.
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This book immediately captures your attention and holds it throughout. It truly transports you back to the time of the book and is written splendidly. A first read by this author for me but won’t be the last.
A Family’s Heartbreak is a heartrending tale. It is an emotional story that deals with the tough topic of domestic violence. There are some sections that are difficult to read that will have you reaching for a tissue. The story is so much more than that though. We see how Jenny struggles to improve the life for herself and her siblings. She does not want them to grow up being terrified. Jenny wants the kids to know a loving, safe home which is what she is trying to provide with the help of her grandmother and Craig. I thought the story was well-written with a good flow and steady pacing. I could picture the various characters from the author’s descriptions along with the setting. The situations are realistic and characteristic of the time period. A Family’s Heartbreak is about overcoming a difficult situation. There is hope, love, offering second chances and forgiveness. We see them find joy in simple outing and being together as they struggle to overcome adversity. They are a dysfunctional family with complicated relationships and plenty of family drama. A Family’s Heartbreak will have you staying up late as you quickly turn the pages to learn what happens next to the Lombard family.
The title of this book is spot on! This story is about a very dysfunctional family. Jenny is the eldest daughter of 2 very selfish parents. Her mother Lizzie, leaves the family of 5 children to run off with another man. Her father, Henry, drinks to excess and has anger issues that he takes out on Jenny, leaving her battered and bruised. Jenny is the only adult in the family taking care of her siblings. Will Jenny ever find happiness for herself? Will Henry continue to lose his temper and hurt Jenny? Will Jenny be forced to leave her fathers house? Who will take care of the children?
This is very heartbreaking story that will stay with you long after you finished the story!
Here we find an emotional story of a dysfunctional family that the 23-year-old daughter tries to keep together. As the peacemaker, Jenny, takes abuse but forgives the abuser. During this turmoil, she finds love but loses it. She loves wholeheartedly. Neither of her parents are able to parent so she steps up to take care of her siblings. Lizzie is too selfish to bother with her children. Henry offers a place to live but takes out his frustration over his wife leaving him on Jenny. Only her Gran is there for Jenny until she meets Craig who is willing to take on the job of raising the children with Jenny.
The characters in this book are strong, especially Jenny. The reader gets so caught up in them that the background descriptions are lost. Locations such as the house, apartment or the factory are fully developed but only contribute minimally to the story. This is not to say that the author did not show scenery. It is just that the characters ring true and are unforgettable.
Highly recommended read. This book contains love, tragedy, historical accuracy, hardships, domestic violence, and invincible spirit. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I intend to read more of her books.
I received an ARC from Avon Books through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or ratings of this book. I am voluntarily giving feedback.