How do you move forward after the unthinkable happens, and life as you know it is gone? That's the question Celine and Alex are forced to answer when their son Gage is abducted one rainy spring day. Before the abduction, Celine and Alex are best friends, childhood sweethearts, and parents to three tireless children. They are a unified team. But When Gage is taken, Alex breaks down while Celine pushes forward. And struggling to heal in different directions breaks their bond. Then, after spending years drowning in depression, Alex finds the drive to reconnect with his daughters, to heal enough to be in their lives. But seeing Celine again reignites a familiar spark. An inconvenient spark, since Celine has moved on. And then the unthinkable happens again: Gage is found, he is alive, and he is coming home to a broken family. Though a long-awaited miracle, it means everything Celine and Alex thought they'd figured out must shift again.
As an Aries, Rachel is always dashing toward her next passion project, often tripping over her own feet. After working as a licensed therapist since 2008, she decided to write books about characters who are flawed, but trying. People that make toxic decisions but realize it and course-correct. Her debut novel BROKEN STRINGS is the first published work from a family saga that follows the Tempest and Bennett families. When not writing, Rachel is probably playing on the floor with her kids or wiping cat hair off her clothes.
I probably would have enjoyed this book if it wasn’t so long and drawn out. It became tedious for me. The subject matter was good and the author did a great job developing the main characters. But again, a shorter version would have worked better.
"Broken Strings" by Rachel Lane is a breathtaking debut that will undoubtedly leave readers completely entranced. Diving deep into the anguish of loss and the bittersweet joy of rediscovery, this novel presents a poignant tale that's both gut-wrenching and beautifully hopeful.
The character development in "Broken Strings" is stellar. Celine and Alex stand out as compelling protagonists, driving the narrative with their emotional depth, making readers root for them every step of the way. The story is conceptually brilliant and unfolds seamlessly with tight writing and a rhythmic flow that captures the heart's palpitations.
For those who appreciate a tale brimming with raw emotions, and especially for fans of new adult fiction with a touch of romance and unexpected twists, "Broken Strings" is a must-read. Lane's expertise as a therapist adds layers of authenticity, making this book an unforgettable experience. ____________________
You can also read this review on my Book Blog, The Reading Bud: www.thereadingbud.com
‘Broken Strings’ is a fictional tale about a couple who have their son abducted and are forced to deal with the loss, grief, questions and emotional trauma. Celine and Alex are proud parents of three beautiful children. When Gage is taken, they both struggle to deal with the situation, but above all, Alex breaks down. The literature is written well, and the storyline is told in such a way that you are instantly connected with the characters. As a parent, you will feel the pain; as a reader, you are bound to understand the situation.
There are parts where you want the story’s pace to go faster only because you don’t want to wait any longer to find out what will happen next. This is a very well-thought-out and written story.
Matters of depression and post-trauma are discussed in the story. Relationships, love, and reconnecting are all parts of the written story. I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it to those who like to read fictional stories with drama.
This was a great book to read, with likable and relatable characters. There is also an incredibly hate-able character, like a super d-bag. I did struggle to follow some of the "extra" characters, but not enough to ruin the story. I do feel like the climax was rushed and more unrealistic than the rest of the book. Overall, I really did enjoy it and am looking forward to reading more from Rachel Lane.
Broken Strings by Rachel Lane is an emotionally powerful novel that explores the devastating impact of child abduction on a family. The story follows Celine and Alex, childhood sweethearts and parents to three children, as they navigate the aftermath of their son Gage's abduction. Lane's writing is raw and visceral, drawing the reader into the depths of Celine and Alex's grief as they struggle to cope with the loss of their son. The novel allows us to see how each member of the family is affected by the trauma. One of the strengths of this novel is the nuanced portrayal of Celine and Alex's relationship. Lane does an excellent job of showing how the trauma fractures their once unbreakable bond, and how they both struggle to find their way back to each other. The characters are complex and flawed, making them feel like real people grappling with unimaginable circumstances. The novel also delves into the complexities of grief and healing. Lane shows how different people cope in different ways, and how healing is a long and often nonlinear process. Sometimes trauma can make a person crave independence and distance from others, while for others, reconnecting with loved ones can help in finding hope and healing. Overall, Broken Strings is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking long after you've turned the last page. Rachel Lane is a talented writer who deftly explores themes of loss, love, and resilience in this book. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an emotional and impactful read.