The Broken

by J.E. Hopkins

Seventeen-year-old Carrie Mathers can't escape the memory of theunspeakable abuse she endured at the hands of her disturbed and brutaluncle. She's tried to commit suicide three times, and the latest attempt haslanded her in a hospital bed in a psychiatric ward. Hope for any sort of brightfuture has long disappeared for Carrie. All she wants is to die and escape thetorment forever.But renowned New York psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Barnes is determined to keepher alive.Dr. Barnes has his own unshakeable history. Years ago, a patient much likeCarrie committed suicide under his care, throwing him into turmoil. Afterspiraling into alcoholism and losing his marriage and nearly his career,Barnes's life has finally stabilized. He swore never to treat any more abusevictims, but something about Carrie compels him to take her case.Barnes tries to put the pieces of Carrie's shattered psyche back together.With every session with Carrie, his confidence wavers, and his faith falters.One young woman has already lost her life due to his mistakes; the risk toCarrie's life and his own may be too great. But it just might be possible thatCarrie is his second chance-and that he is hers.An unforgettable novel of redemption and forgiveness, The Broken showshow our deepest hurts can become our greatest triumphs.

196 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

I have been writing ever since I can remember. It has always been a passion of mine. It's the perfect way to express whatever emotions I'm feeling for which I cannot vocalize. Writing is my true voice. It's also an avenue to let loose the creative juices that are constantly flowing but that have no place in my primary profession.

I am a full-time practicing attorney in New York. My original plan when I began college at New York University was to become a sports reporter. That dream eventually passed (although my interest has not waned) and I went to law school immediately after completing my undergraduate degree. Ever since then I have been practicing law and enjoying every moment of the profession. Although I loved the law, I missed the excitement of creative writing—telling stories and evoking emotions with words. That inspired me to finally realize my dream of writing a novel.

In 2007 I published my first novel, The Broken. It's an emotional story of a young woman's journey to overcome the devastation of years of horrid child abuse at the hands of her uncle. At the time, I had not intended on writing another story, but reawakening my love of writing led me to create Lover's Betrayal. As long as that desire is there, I will continue to write stories I hope others enjoy as much as I enjoy creating them.

Reviews

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book 4.5 stars. It is really good, but a really tough subject matter. I read it because I liked this author's latest book and for .99 on my kindle, it was definitely worth it. It's just a really emotional book dealing with a senstive subject, child abuse. I highly recommend. Just have a box of kleenex handy.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. It was a tear jerker.

[Paula Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book was a good read, has some disturbing parts to it but overall a lesson to be learned in the end.