Indebted

by Braxton DeGarmo

“Indebted” is a story of redemption that begins in the backwoods of western North Carolina in the late 1960’s. Alice Cummings, raised by an abusive, alcoholic father, longs to leave her home and have a real family of her own, a desire that contributes to an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. But when she returns home with her baby, her father makes good on an earlier threat and sells the infant boy. Driven to find her son, she sets out to leave, find the baby, and start a new life together. Her plans go awry from the start when she witnesses a murder outside her home, and injures herself as she attempts to retrieve her suitcase from the shed. She escapes with the help of a neighbor, and circumstances force her to move on, unaware that his kindness will bring retribution by her father and the murderer.

Myra Mitchell is the mega-bestselling author known as the “Diva of Disaster.” Yet, calamity is about to befall her this time, as her hard-partying lifestyle catches up with her. After passing out, she wakes up in the hospital ICU to learn she has little time left, unless she gets a liver transplant. The Catch-22: she must remain alcohol-free for six months to qualify, but she might not live that long. It’s a race against time to write her last book. With an assistant imposed upon her by her agent, she sets her sights on the story of her favorite cartoonist, Betsy Weston. Betsy appeared out of nowhere in Asheville, North Carolina in 1969, arose to develop the wildly popular cartoon strip – “Sweetie … and George,” made millions, and at the summit of her success, disappeared from the face of the earth. Myra puts everything on the line to uncover the rest of that story.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Southern

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2012

About the author

Braxton can't lay claim to wanting to be a writer all his life, although his mother and seventh grade English teacher were convinced he had what it would take. A bachelor's degree in Bio-Medical Engineering led to medical school and a residency in Emergency Medicine. He served for a decade in the U.S. Army Medical Corps with tours such as the Chief, Emergency Medical Services at Fort Campbell, KY, and as a research Flight Surgeon at Fort Rucker, AL. Who had time to write?

By the 1990s, as a civilian, his professional and family life had settled down, somewhat, and his mother once again took up her mantra, "Write a book. You're a good writer." In 1997, a Valentine's Day writing contest convinced him that maybe he could write fiction. He spent the next fifteen years learning the craft of writing.
Now, twenty-plus years after that first hesitant start, he has sixteen novels published, as well as non-fiction books and a children’s book, and can't find enough time to write.

As a Christian, he writes "true-life" Christian fiction (suspense and thrillers) that many call "cutting edge," as he's not afraid to take on such issues as human trafficking, racism, and more. His characters are real-life as well, with all the flaws and blemishes real people have. As such, his books are never likely to gain acceptance by the Christian Bookseller Association. But then, he never intended to tell stories just to the choir.

Reviews

[Donna Mcginnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Indebted. Loved the characters. Also liked how the story went back and forth between time frames.
Read this book.

I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

Donna McGinnis

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite Scene:

Alexia looked off toward the mountains and then back to Myra. "Christianity is my key to living. I grew up with two alcoholic parents and my mom died of liver cancer when I was in my early teens. That's what I meant when I said I was no stranger to liver failure. My dad abandoned me and without any other family, I went into the foster system. The parents who just recently passed away were actually my adoptive parents. They saw something in me I never saw in myself and with a life centered on Christ, they offered me a home, gave me my education. Personally, I wasn't sure about all that religion stuff. I withdrew, looking for answers in books. In college, I had a course that required reading the Bible as a literary source. I found more than that there. I saw the source of my new parents' love. Something in Christ's teachings just clicked for me and I found a vibrant church with a young pastor who showed us that living for God was not the stuffy, "Thou shall not" kind of lifestyle portrayed by so many. After that, the bond between my parents and me just grew and grew. That's why their deaths this past year hit me so hard."

She paused and Myra caught her watching, waiting for Myra's reaction, which was one of subtle resistance outwardly while inside she wondered what she had done to Samuel to make him inflict this girl on her. Never mind. She knew what she had done, repeatedly. Still, something in Alexia's story touched her. Alexia had been given something special. Few people, including Myra, ever experienced such love.

"Sorry, I know alot of people hate preachy Christians, so I'll stop. I don't want to overstep my bounds here, but I do want you to know I'm praying for you, for you to have peace and for God's gift of healing for you. There, I'm done. What can I do for you?"

Myra, too, had read the Bible as a literary source but certainly had not come away from the experience with anything more than a collection of stories and allegorical phrases that all writers needed to connect with Western culture. Nevertheless, Alexia's statement filled her with hope that God, if He existed as described by Judeo-Christian tradition, offered healing as a gift. Myra wanted to know more, but hesitated to ask in fear of being overwhelmed by zealotry.

"I'd like a little time to myself, please."

Alexia nodded and returned inside. A few minutes later, Myra watched her new assistant walk toward the office. She remained outside until sunset and the nocturnal chill of the desert forced her inside to the kiva fireplace. She held a vague recollection of Alexsia returning, helping her to bed, tucking her in as a mother would a child, and kneeling silently at her bedside.



Synopsis:

Alice Cummings, a teenager living in the hills of western North Carolina in the 1960's, had had nothing but a life of heartache. Her mother died when she was a child, her father was an alcoholic, her boyfriend, JT, was killed in Viet Nam one month after joining the service and the local "thug" was trying to take unwanted liberties. The only bright spot in Alice's life was her son, Jimmy Bob, conceived out of wedlock. That is, until she wakes up to find him gone, stolen in the night and "sold" by her very own father. Alice knew she had to get away, had to escape the alcoholic rages of her father. The first thing on her agenda was to get to safety, the second, to find her son. Alice makes her escape but finding her son proves to be more difficult than even she had imagined. She again comes face to face with more tragedy in her life and soon after Alice disappears, falls of the radar to never be heard from again. But is there someone that knows the wherabouts of Alice Cummings? Who holds the key to the past that everyone has been looking for?

In present day, Myra Mitchell is a multi-million dollar, best-selling author of crime novels and her reputation precedes her. She loves the drinking and partying lifestyle she has come to know but soon discovers she has to change her ways when her doctor gives her a devastating diagnosis. With her publisher hounding her for her next novel, Myra knows of only one story she wants to write about. A mystery that was left untold and unsolved for decades. The story of her favorite comic strip creator Betsy Weston. It's a race against time and an unwanted pursuer but with the help of her new assistant, Alexia Hamilton, Myra sets off on a journey of discovery. A journey of enlightenment. A journey that finally has an ending.

There are so many aspects of this book that I truly loved. The western North Carolina setting drew me in from the beginning as I have been a native my entire life, but that's just the beginning. The hardships faced by Alice brought out such emotion in me that I found the tears falling freely throughout the story. The characters formed such close friendships brought about by their mutual hardships and I fell in love with several of them. The plot was so full of twists and turns that several times I thought I had it all figured out just to soon find myself second guessing my theory and rethinking all over again. I was sucked in from the very first page and remained in a vice-like grip until the very end, which was the proverbial "icing on the cake". It was a story of tragedy and celebration, hate and love, loneliness and friendship.

From the attention to details it's obvious alot of research went into the writing of this book. The author really did his homework and, from the caliber of the writing, it's hard to believe it's only his second book. Indebted thoroughly satisfies the reader without too many sexual overtones and heavy profanity. Braxton DeGarmo is a master storyteller and Indebted is storytelling at it's BEST! I HIGLY recommend it!

**The book was provided by the publisher through Bookfun.org for my honest opinion.**

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have some mixed thoughts on this book. I was impressed with the authors writing skill and the story line is intriguing and will draw you in quickly. It's a very catchy mystery with lots of twists and turns to the plot.
Personally I chose not to finish reading the book because I do not enjoy reading books with language that is I feel is questionable, as a born-again believer. I understand better, after reading the author's point of view on why he uses this type of language in his book; but I can't say I agree. Considering the audience he is trying to reach - that is his perogative. I just would prefer not to read it. If you are a mystery lover, and can handle the crude language then you may enjoy it.

If you are interested in knowing more you can read my full review on my blog:
http://myseasonsofopportunities.blogs...

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of young Alice/Betsy was very interesting, but the constant jump between times made it difficult to connect to the characters and the twists in the end weren't much of a surprise.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a long book, much detail is memorable, such as the dog who loved Elvis music. The characters are so real. I loved that the ladies go on a road trip. I loved that the protagonist is an artist and a writer. The book showcases the depth of human emotion. I had my child stolen too, and I'm holding my breath for a happy ending. Braxton bravely tells true stories that need to be told. He acknowledges our Creator, our hope in troubled times. That's why I give this book 5 stars. Can't wait to read more of my new friend's work. This story is part of "Killer Reads: A Collection of the Best in Inspirational Suspense."

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the opening chapter of a poor Alice escaping from her abusive father, her baby missing and she being destitute. The story is well written, but after this enticing beginning I missed the emotional depth I needed to really care about the characters. Myra appears to be so different from Alice that even after a full character arc I do not see the two being the same person. And what happened to the baby? The ending is plain too convenient. And what is ist about the cliches constantly being mentioned? When big story questions are laid out in a beginning chapter, I want to know. In places the story went on fast-forward, Alice, aka Betsy getting rich seemingly overnight. Well written, yes, but it left too many questions and at times felt rushed.

[Diane Skewes]

This book started with the pain and suffering of an abused young woman, but quickly transforms into a story of a life transformed. There was suspense and drama as the story evolved. Life happens and a person can give up or persevere. The characters were well developed and I felt akin to some of them. As the story continued, it become more of a "page-turner". The story brings in a Christian element that is telling, but not obtrusive. I recommend this book as an interesting tale of survival and discovery.

[Cathie Ochoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great stand-alone story. A young woman takes her life into her own hands and finds wonderful success, with some devastating consequences along the way. Ends very positively, and too soon! Could have gone on for at least another chapter.

[Marcia Banas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What surprises

I enjoy reading books by DeGarmo. There are always unexpected twists & surprise endings. This book did not disappoint me. While I was reluctant at first to read about a baby stolen & sold, I quickly became enthralled with the story.

[Frances Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story

This is a quirky novel with a lot of twists and turns that is kinda hard to follow at times but it's still a good read.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an epic kind of "rags to riches" story. It has an underlying element of suspense/ tension as danger seems to dog the main character at nearly every turn.

[S.campbell8655yahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprises

I didn't think I was going to finish this story a third of the way through but it didn't go "badz"

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Indebted” by Braxton Degarmo is a 5 star novel from beginning to end! I will have to be honest and stay there are a few curse words but they are words that the characters would use. These words are not the F" bomb, taking God's name in vain and any explicit sexual content.

This book goes back and forth describing the life of Alice Cummings and the modern day life of the mega-selling author Myra Mitchell.

Alice Cumming is a daughter of an an an abusive, alcoholic father who sells her baby in the middle of the night. Alice runs away from home and tries to find him.I couldn’t put this book down because I wanted to get to the end to see if she would find her baby and if she and the child would live happily ever after!

Myra Mitchell liked to party and after receiving a life-changing diagnosis, wants to write a final book. She wants this book to be about her favorite cartoonist , Betsy Weston, who has disappeared from society.

I also wanted to finish this book to see if Myra Mitchell could finished this book!

This book is not your typical everything is happy and fairytale endings! But, I must say that I am happy with the ending!

This book is a mystery that I didn’t see coming together the way it did!


I was given a copy of this book by Bookfun for review purposes.
“Indebted” by Braxton Degarmo is a 5 star novel from beginning to end! I will have to be honest and stay there are a few curse words but they are words that the characters would use. These words are not the F" bomb, taking God's name in vain and any explicit sexual content.

This book goes back and forth describing the life of Alice Cummings and the modern day life of the mega-selling author Myra Mitchell.

Alice Cumming is a daughter of an an an abusive, alcoholic father who sells her
baby in the middle of the night. Alice runs away from home and tries to find him.I couldn’t put this book down because I wanted to get to the end to see if she would find her baby and if she and the child would live happily ever after!

Myra Mitchell liked to party and after receiving a life-changing diagnosis, wants to write a final book. She wants this book to be about her favorite cartoonist , Betsy Weston, who has disappeared from society.

I also wanted to finish this book to see if Myra Mitchell could finished this book!

This book is not your typical everything is happy and fairytale endings! But, I must say that I am happy with the ending!

This book is a mystery that I didn’t see coming together the way it did!

I was given a copy of this book by Bookfun for review purposes.

“Indebted” by Braxton Degarmo is a 5 star novel from beginning to end! I will have to be honest and stay there are a few curse words but they are words that the characters would use. These words are not the F" bomb, taking God's name in vain and any explicit sexual content.

This book goes back and forth describing the life of Alice Cummings and the modern day life of the mega-selling author Myra Mitchell.

Alice Cumming is a daughter of an an an abusive, alcoholic father who sells her
baby in the middle of the night. Alice runs away from home and tries to find him.I couldn’t put this book down because I wanted to get to the end to see if she would find her baby and if she and the child would live happily ever after!

Myra Mitchell liked to party and after receiving a life-changing diagnosis, wants to write a final book. She wants this book to be about her favorite cartoonist , Betsy Weston, who has disappeared from society.

I also wanted to finish this book to see if Myra Mitchell could finished this book!

This book is not your typical everything is happy and fairytale endings! But, I must say that I am happy with the ending!

This book is a mystery that I didn’t see coming together the way it did!

I was given a copy of this book by Bookfun for review purposes.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Braxton DeGarmo was a new author to me when I won a copy of his book, Indebted. I was excited to start reading because the description promised adventure, adversity, and an engaging plot. I was not disappointed.

Young Alice Cummings faces one of the deepest heartbreaks a mother can face, the loss of her son in the cruelest of ways when the child is stolen from her by her alcoholic father and sold. Alice escapes her abusive home and goes in search of her missing child, but with little resources, faces hardship and heartache along a journey that leads her to confrontation with reality and spawns maturity.

A parallel plot unfolds with Myra Mitchell, who, at the peak of success, learns she has a disease that threatens to bring her hard earned writing career to a halt. Myra sets out in pursuit of Betsy Weston, the cartoonist she has always admired, focusing on the goal to compete her last book. Little does she know her quest will place her in danger from an unknown assailant.

This was one of those books with enough plot twists and turns within its pages to keep me reading long past my bedtime. I just had to find out what was going to happen next. The intricate intertwining of the lives of the characters can only come from the imagination of a master storyteller.

The author takes his readers into the heart and soul of his story by creating realistic characters who deal with challenging circumstances. From the innocent and victimized young Alice Cummings to the crusty and hardened world renowned author Myra Mitchell, DeGarmo portrays people who have brushed our own lives.

Even though this is a Christian book, there is language that some readers may find offensive. I personally did not feel this element detracted from the quality or message of the story.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy suspense with great character development and an intricate plot.

[Cherie Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I wanted to read this book the minute I read the synopsis of the story. I love a good mystery, suspense story, and I wasn’t disappointed with this book at all.
From the first page to the very last sentence I was captivated by the character of Alice and her story. So many things happened to Alice in such a short time in her life; her mother had died, she got pregnant and her boyfriend was killed in the war, her father sells her baby boy, she witnesses two killings, she cuts her arm badly while trying to run away from her abusive alcoholic father, and she inadvertantly changes the life of a man and his family as they try to help her get away. Alice does get away, but tragedy seems to follow her so she has to disappear.
I could not put this book down once I started reading it, of course I had to for personal reasons, but one night I did read through the night to finish it. It was that captivating to me.
Myra Mitchell is an author who will go to any lengths to get her books recognized, especially in movies. She has lived her life hard and she pays for it as she ends up in the hospital one day, not even knowing if she’s going to live or not. She can, if she has a liver transplant, but can’t drink for 6 month to be eligible for the transplant. Myra wants to write that one last book, she has it all planned out, but will the plans go according to her schedule? What is it that Myra has to say that is so important she has to get it written before the six months are up?
I received Indebted from BookFun to read and review with my honest opinion.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first paragraph this story hooked me with the fate of Alice and her newborn baby boy Jimmy Bob. Her very abusive, moon shiner, of a father sells, yes sells, her baby boy. She decides she will run away and find her son. That is the first turning point for Alice. This story is told from alternating timelines, starting at the year 1969 and than the present. There is a lot going on in both time periods,(murder, greed, politics) but what happened in the past is affecting the present. We are introduced to several supporting characters that help make this story stand out. What really stands out to me in regards to this story is how our decisions do not just affect us but others as well. This is not a short novel and a lot takes place. I do not want to spoil the story by giving away too many details. You will need to read the book yourself and have the adventure and secrets unfold for you. I enjoyed this book very much and the last several chapters had to be read in one sitting as I was unable to put the story down. The ending was beautiful. That is all I will say. I received my copy from bookfun.org and my opinions are my own.

[Jeanne Felfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story had many twists and turns, yet there was never a time when I couldn't keep up or remember the characters and their roles. For me, one mark of a good character is that I continue to think about them even when not reading. That's the case with the characters in this story. A mark of a good story is that is grabs my emotions and this one didn't disappoint. I shed a few tears at the end; I was so happy for how it turned out.

There's nothing about it I would change, and as a writer myself, that's saying a lot. The characters were very well-developed although I'm still trying to figure out what actress should play the deva in the movie version. :)

I met Braxton at a local author's event. I asked which book was his favorite and like any father, he couldn't say. However, his wife chimed in and said "Indebted." I picked it up and began to read the back cover and realized that I already owned, but hadn't read, it. I went home and began it on my Kindle that very night and have never regretted it. I can't wait to read another of his books.

[Rebecca "Rebaka" Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can the past catch up with the present? If and when it does what will become of Alice?
That is what you will find out in the latest novel, Indebted by Braxton DeGarmo.
This is a story about Alice Cummings who grew up in the “60’s with a father that was abusive and impossible to live with. After she came home with a beautiful newborn son and her father made good on a threat Alice finds herself in a place that she had never expected to be.
Meet Alice, Myra, Alexia, and many others in this suspenseful story. It switches back and forth from two different time periods but I found it to be a very easy read. It was a gripping novel from the first page to the last. If you like a fast paced mystery you need to read this book.
I received an eBook copy of this by the author and bookfun in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you to both Braxton and Fred for letting me read such a wonderful novel.

[ChrisGA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a strange reaction to this book. I disliked that our heroine, or anyone, had to crawl through miserable life circumstances populated by extremely loathsome people-and their language, but I was absolutely unable to put the book down. I HAD to know what would happen next to Alice and whether this Cinderella would ever find her way out of the mess she had been born into and make a better life for herself. She was such a strong and innately self-sufficient young woman. I enjoyed the way the author managed to sprinkle good and caring people in her way, just when she needed them the most. I also enjoyed reading a novel that was not a romance with Prince Charming solving all the problems but had suspense and mystery to drive the story. Very memorable characters in a delightfully intricate and twisted plot.
I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, suspence, drama, it's got it all! The story jumps back and forth between the life of a young girl beginning in 1969 & the life of a famous author in the present. It caught me right at the beginning and kept me hooked until the end. Well written with great character development & story, I really enjoyed my introduction to Braxton DeGarmo as a great author. It is definitely a book for adults due to some sensitive subjects, but they are handled well. It feels so real I kept thinking of it as an true life story. I would highly recommend Indebted & Braxton DeGarmo.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the Readers Only Group at BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received as a result of my review. Thank you to Fred St Laurent, BookFun.org.

[Peggy Azallion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that have stories within stories and that keep you intrigued, as you try to figure out each twist and turn. Indebted is a fabulous read! The main character has been born into a rough family situation that only worsens when her mother dies. As a teen she has tough choices to make, and as the story unwinds you are kept guessing as to what is going to happen to her next and how she'll handle it. At one point, I shut the book because I was so afraid of what I was sure was about to happen ( I was wrong!). The book goes back and forth between her story and the story of a celebrity author. Braxton DeGarmo has done a great job of weaving each story into a complete tale that ends with a surprise and left me wanting to read more. I promise you that you will get caught up in this story and not be ready for it to end!!

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to request this book to review, but am so glad that I did.


This is a story that brings with it a mixture of fervor. It’s packed full of suspense, mystery, heartache, and even murder. How one person was able to survive some of what Alice Cummings did is difficult to imagine. You can’t help but cheer her on.


The author has a writing style that grabs hold of you from the beginning and doesn’t let go. I’m a fairly slow reader but I finished this book quickly because I couldn’t put it down.


The raw emotion of each character is portrayed extremely well. Incredible storytelling! I look forward to reading more by Braxton DeGarmo.


I received a copy of Indebted from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

[Diana Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indebted, by Braxton DeGarmo
This is a book that will hold your attention from the very first page. I loved the main character Alice. What a life she lived. The story had a twist in it that I just loved. Alice grows up her Mother dies at a early age left to live with a alcoholic father. Alice ends up pregnant and something happens to the baby that involves her father. She searches out help from a neighbor and runs away. Then there is a dead body who is it? Little town with a lot of corruption. This book is like two books in one with the story line. Braxton did a wonderful job looking forward to his next book.

[Mona Grant-Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Alice Cummings escapes from her North Carolina home after her alcoholic father steals her infant son one night while she is sleeping and gives him away. (The baby's father died in Vietnam, a month after he shipped out.) Her father convinces the local sheriff that she is delusional. She receives help escaping from the Umfleets,neighbors that live up the mountain. Alice leaves Frampton Corners, vowing not to return. Only eighteen, with no friends, Alice sets out to make a life for herself and to find her son.

[Lori Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I initially was unsure if I was going to enjoy this book. The going back and forth between two different time periods was frustrating. But after several chapters, I was hooked and I couldn't put the book down. The twists and turns keep you on your toes.And the desire to make sure everything turned out for the good was strong. The character descriptions were brilliant. Overall, kudos to Braxton De Garmo.
I received this from Bookfun to read for my honest opinion

[Janine Bland · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out interesting. Girl on the run, trying to make it on her own after leaving an abusive home. But, the switching back and forth between time frames and the bad guys was tiresome. Then, finally at the end the switching back and forth stopped and suddenly the story was over.

[Lkp30 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read.

[Aj French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Highly recommend it, although it caused me to miss many a bedtime...