Review: A Beautiful Story of Brokenness
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 19, 2012
3.5 STARS - See the book synopsis for a full book description.The prologue of this book really pulled me into the story and it was an excellent set up for the remainder of the book.The premise of this book was remarkable and the writing was good.  Throughout the novel, I kept in mind the idea that this book is about someone who is broken.  Further along in the story, I began to truly understand real brokenness and exactly the extent of that brokenness endured by the characters, which included loss, devastation and heartbreak, but so much more.Beautifully Broken, to me, was a story of being so broken you become numb to life and feel deserving of all the pain it hands you.I loved the characters in this book, although I felt their development wasn't complete, I needed time for their stories to be told and the connections to be made.  Bennett is a woman struggling with losses which ultimately affects her relationship with her best friend, Gray as circumstances filled with angst, sorrow and hurt breaks their friendship.Parts of this story seemed slightly disconnected from the flow of the story and the timelines confused me a bit.  I almost need it pointed out to me where I am in the story.  I get nervous when a tale becomes jumpy and I'm not sure where I am.  The book had gaps and it didn't flow well in places, but the storyline and writing was emotional and heart wrenching.  These points aside, this was a quick and engaging read, the gaps were mostly felt for me because I wanted to know more of the story and have more explained to me.I wanted the author to slow down  and take her time with me on this journey and let me get really connected and invested in these characters.  From a psychological perspective I wanted to know Gray's story and see his perspective.  Being that this book was written from Bennett's perspective I would have liked to know her more and for her story to build more thoroughly page by page.  I did feel emotional reading this book and I know had I known these characters better, I would have been a complete wreck.Beautifully Broken is a good effort by author Amanda Bennett.  The story has intrigued me to want to see more as it develops into the next book due out in February 2013.  Give it a try!