When tranquility shatters, broken pieces are all that remain.On a cold, snowy night, Helen and Ernest leave the hospital deliriously happy with their new baby girl. But when the weather turns ominous, their exhilaration is shattered. In the stillness after the storm, the family has one mission: to repair their broken pieces. Broken Pieces is a biographical novel based on real life events.
Broken Pieces by Judith Pinkard was a beautiful and raw story. When I saw the cover I knew I had to pick up this book, but I wasn’t prepared for what I was about to read. This is a biographical book not about tragedy but about the perseverance of a young woman as the course of her whole life is changed by one moment in life at 3 months old. The story felt like I was sitting with a life long friend conversating. It was smooth and real. The story brought me to tears but at the same time made me feel strong. As a woman who has endured much in her life I could relate to this story, it reminded me that we are never alone, that there is always someone who has felt what we felt. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. My favorite quote in the book summed it all up for me “It’s like this. God has a blackboard, some chalk, and an eraser. Everything you say, think, or do that is bad, God writes it on the blackboard. But if you’re sorry for those things written on the blackboard, and you tell God that you’re sorry and that you’ll try not to do it again, then He’ll erase it. That way, you start clean every day.” Thank you to Ms. Pinkard for sharing your story with us.
Broken Pieces was an emotional four star read.
This is my first read by Judith B. Pinkard and her debut as well.
This is a heartbreaking biographical novel.
This is a story that really makes you think about life choices. Helen and Ernest are in a life altering accident with there friends and baby Judy. This is where Helen’s life spiraled out of control with addiction and coping.
We all have a story to tell, and we all suffer in various ways. However, the ability to use pain to help others is our duty-a transcendent obligation.
Judy’s story was familiar in some ways that I could relate slightly. There were other times my heart went out to her. There are some shocking twist and turns. It took a lot of courage to write this story and I hope it also gave some peace to Judith as well.This is not my normal genre to read but I really enjoyed reading Judith’s story. Thank you!
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard is a biographical story. This story tells a tale of love, broken pieces, and piecing the pieces back together. The story had me on a roller coaster of emotions. The story is raw at points and tender at others. I am glad that Judith Pinkard put her story out there for everyone. There are inspiration and faith she has put out there for the masses. The story had me thankful for my family and loved ones. I am so glad I had the opportunity to come across this book and read this story.
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard
Four Stars
My jaw is unhinged. I’m stunned into silence. This story will move you in so many ways. Judy’s life is beautiful and tragic. I could not think of what I would have done in her shoes. She was a child with adult responsibilities. Helena must have been in so much pain. To know that she wasn’t there for her daughter. As a mother we pride ourselves on raising our children and being there for their needs. So it’s hard to believe Helen didn’t die in that accident. Or maybe she did and what was left couldn’t get it all worked out. I hurt for Helen and Judy. For the time they lost together and the times they were together. Mental health is something that we need to start taking more serious.
I really love stumbling upon books that end up taking your breath away completely unexpectedly. Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard was truly one of the most breathtaking reads I have had the pleasure of devouring this year. I was hesitant to pick it up because I have a super long TBR list and with biographical novels I tend to push them to the back of the slate for the more traditional love story or thriller. I am so happy that I didn’t wait, this is one I will have on my shelves at home and reread many times over. I think this will be one I will share with my daughter as well.
“Choices. Life is all about choices. Some are other people’s and some yours, but a choice is always involved. The wrong choice can change the course of your life forever Like tornadoes, the wrong choice may occur unexpectedly and be devastating.”
This quote truly rung true with me and struck a chord. We have all been there, maybe we haven’t all experienced the major life destroying ones yet, but at some point in time we will all be in a moment where either your choice or someone else’s is the catalyst of how the rest of your future will look from that choice on. Broken Pieces really tells the story of the author’s journey from the life altering choice to where she is today. I found myself experiencing the array of emotions while reading and one even being tears streaming down my face, so I would recommend a box of tissues too. I truly hope this is the beginning of many amazing novels to come from Judith B. Pinkard.
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard was based on true events.I found it to be very interesting and very sad. It really made me think about how any one decision could affect my whole life.This family went through a lot. The accident that her family survived not only caused physical damage but psychological damage as well. Her mother’s mental illness although stigmatized heavily during that time should not have been frowned upon and more help should have been made available. This really makes me feel lucky for living in a time where people are more aware and more help is offered. I can only think what a strong amazing woman Judith grew up to be. Luckily she ended up with a great support system with her Aunt and Uncle. This is a book about faith and hope.I enjoyed it a lot. And am grateful for Judith sharing her story. 4 star rating.
Broken Pieces by Judith Pinkard
4 Stars!!!!
This was a very good find. I really like reading new authors. This book was a very refreshing read. I don’t normally read this type of book but I really found that it drew me in and kept my full attention.
I really liked the fact that this book was biographical. The way that the author brings her own story to life really draws the reader in. The way that her life was shaped by all that happened to her as she grew up. I found myself feeling the same heart wrenching feelings she did as her childhood unfolded and her life played out. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would definitely like to read more from this author in the future.
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard
4 Stars
This is a story based on true events. It shows how one decision can change the course of your life. Helen and Ernest were newlyweds that had recently become parents. On the way home from the hospital, during a storm, they had an accident. All the occupants of the car were severely injured, except baby Judy. Everyone called Judy, the miracle baby.
Accidents cause not only physical damage but emotional and psychological damage as well. Helen was the most severely injured and her psychological scars ran deep. Judy’s life started out perfect, growing up with two loving parents but Helen’s broken pieces never quite mended. This took a toll on her marriage and eventually it crumbled. Judy’s life spiralled down from that point on but luckily she never lacked love. She was forced to grow up fast because of her circumstances. My heart hurt for that little girl.
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
This is a biography of events and life growing up for Judy, who deals with a multitude of trials throughout her young life. This story had my heart aching and I was crying for poor little Judy and her family. It is crazy how one accident can change your whole life and the lives of those around you.
Helen and Ernest, Judy’s parents, along with their two friends are in a car accident after picking up newborn Judy up from the hospital to take home. The four are all in the hospital for serious and life altering damages to their bodies. Helen takes the accident the hardest, as she is the one with the most damage done. She lives her life addicted to pain medicines and alcohol and trying to cope with the demons she has inside.
It really breaks my heart to see how Judy has to grow up. It sounds as though her life was not terrible, and for that I am relieved. I could tell by her writing that her mother did indeed love her very much, but was wrestling with herself to get her life back on track after this accident.
The 50’s seriously sounds like such a great era to me, people were more friendly and willing to help where needed. I also loved seeing how Judy had so much faith in not only people but God as well to help her get through any hardships. I do feel for Helen, especially during this era, with her mental illness, doctors didn’t have the knowledge that they have now to be able to thoroughly treat or help the situation. I am thankful the medical world has evolved since then but also saddened that so many had to suffer through these issues. Thank you Judy for sharing your story, it was beautiful!
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard is a biographical novel based on real life events. I was so drawn into this book, I couldn’t put it down. While it was heartbreaking (even more so because it’s based on real life events), it had some heartwarming moments that gave you hope.
This book really gives you hope and makes you realize you can overcome just about any obstacle with a little faith, love and determination to push through. I felt like I couldn’t keep my feelings in check because they were all over the place reading this book. I was glad I chose to read this book. It is such an inspiring book that was really great to read!
5 Star
Broken Pieces By Judith B. Pinkard is an Amazingly written biographical story about the Author’s life.This story is based on Faith and miracles and real life events she’s been through .I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, while we might not ever understand that reason. We have to believe that someone with higher power will in time help us to understand. This story tugged at my heartstrings and had my eyes watery throughout. I felt like I was on a emotional rollercoaster ride at times.This is definitely a book I see myself reading again. I highly recommend reading this Book.
“Why does bad weather usually occur at night when it is dark out and difficult to see what’s happening?” Why indeed?
This is one of those stories that holds such value just in the way it is told. It’s a true story that fills the pages with wonder and tragedy. I’m sure there are certain aspects that everyone can relate to. The way this author writes is as if it’s a diary entry to herself. Sometimes fantastical and sometimes heavy, but it seems to always be told with the honesty of the writer’s knowledge of events.
One of the things I most enjoyed in the story were the quotes. They were all very telling and poignant to the events as they unfolded.
I image this was difficult yet cathartic for the author to publish and I hope it healed her as much as it appears to have done.
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard was a raw emotional read, that not only pulled at the heart strings, it brought tears to my eyes.
I always find non-ficiton books are hard to review, especially ones like these, that depicted a moment in life that is both devastating and real. The writing was hooking, well articulated, and it conveyed the authors emotions in such a way that you couldn’t help but be carried away by them. This isn’t an overly long book, but it packs a mean punch to the heart and soul. I can’t even get all my thoughts together right now. This book is more than about loss, it’s about recovery, about going on. Faith, and hope are highlighted. The message is strong and this book fires up all the feels.
Overall this book is more than a must read, it’s a book you need to take a hard chance on. On that note, I’ll leave you with my super high recommendation and my golden stamp of approval.
Happy Reading
-E.A. Walsh
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard is a deeply emotional book that is based on true events. This book will leave you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what might happen. You will find yourself turning the pages quicker and quicker to see what is to come, to learn more about the characters in the pages.
For me, the fact that this was based on true events just made it so much better. It really helped to conceptualise the whole story and made it feel as real as what it is.
This is a new author for me and I loved the way she developed the story. Not only is the story a good one but I feel she did the story justice. A great read and one everyone should try.
Broken Pieces by Judith Pinkard is a story based on real life events. When stories are based on real events, I find myself more interested in the story as I can see the description more vividly in my mind’s eye. This story is an emotional roller coaster. There are so many choices we make in our life that may not affect us this minute but may in the near future and sometime in the far out future. This story reflects a journey of choices. I would read this book with a box of kleenex by you and read the story.
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard is her debut novel which is a biographical story that is heartbreaking and thought provoking. This is her journey as she sees it and what her family went through. Judith is honest in her telling and leaves nothing unsaid and it is brave of her to share it with us. It is almost clinical in the way it is written as if it is someone on the outside looking in but it packs a very emotional punch.
Judith was considered a miracle baby her parents were so happy and in love until a horrific tragedy left them all broken in one way or another. It is full of pain and suffering, turmoil and insecurities as they try to find their way back to a new ‘normal’.
Broken Pieces is a very apt name for this story.
Broken Pieces
by Judith B. Pinkard
This was a very emotional story. I couldn’t put this book down, as soon as I started reading it pulled me in and grabbed my heart and held on throughout the entire story. There is heartbreaking moments but it is also very inspirational. This book had me shedding a few tears but it also reminded me of how strong faith can be. The author did an excellent job in how she wrote her story and I found it commendable and courageous. I highly recommend this book.
Broken Pieces by Judith B. Pinkard
4 stars
I have to say, I went into this book blind so I had no idea what I was in for. And I must say, while this is not my normal genre type to read, I really enjoyed this.
This is a biographical novel of real life events. I couldn’t imagine all these people went through during what should have been the happiest time of their life. And through the years of no stability was hard to read but also showed of a different time in America as things were done so differently than compared to now.
Very touching and eye opening to say the least.
Broken Pieces
By Judith B Pinkard
4 stars
Broken Pieces is the debut novel by Judith B Pinkard and was such a thought-provoking read. I think because it is biographical I went into knowing that it was based on real life and I kind of felt a more of a connection to what I was reading. Everything that this author went through I felt like I was right there with her. It was a very emotional journey and I can only applaud someone who has the strength to put it out there for everybody to read. I thought that the way the author had put quotes at the beginning of each chapter was really clever as it kind of set the tone for what was to come. These quotes also made me think at times too. I would definitely recommend this book to others, it isn’t my usual kind of read but it is one that will stay with me for a while.
Books like these tend to stick with you and resound deeply. Emotional, gripping, raw, real. This story of faith, of healing, of pure emotion, just drew me in immediately. Then when I put it through the lens of actual life experience – wow. This is a beautifully written workby the author. Definitely recommended.