Beyond the Broken

by Sharisse Kimbro

It seems like only yesterday when five friends with separate dreams stood together at their graduation ceremony at Stanford, turned their tassels, and looked forward with optimism. But two decades later, Neva, Annette, Lauren, Tamara, and Heather have all experienced a reality much different than the dreams they once envisioned. A troubled marriage and unexpected motherhood threatens to still Neva's voice forever. Annette's inability to conceive a child is challenging everything she knows to be true about herself. Lauren is weary from juggling her career, motherhood, and marriage. Tamara has abandoned the hope of a loving relationship in favor of an all-consuming career. But it is Heather who is in the worst trouble of all. A heartbreaking job loss sends her spiraling downward into darkness, and she attempts suicide. As she slips into a coma, the friends reunite at her bedside, forge a stronger friendship, and finally face hard truths about themselves. In this poignant tale, the secret of each woman's shattered dream is finally revealed, forcing each to embark on a unique journey to discover what beauty lies beyond the broken.

252 pages, Hardcover

First published February 27, 2013

Reviews

[Karen Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised how much I was immediately drawn into these characters. I finished this in a day. Quick and easy escape read.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could have been friends with any/all of these women in college and beyond. They were all relatable in one way or another.

[Robert Menafee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Beyond the Broken, Ms. Kimbro tells the story of five women, close college friends that come together to support one another through a major tribulation. They soon learn that while seemingly successful in their respective paths - career and/or family - they have traded away that which is most precious, their identity. Ms. Kimbro weaves together a vibrant story rich in emotional poignancy as well as comedy; her style is crisp and engaging, reminiscent of Bebe Moore Campbell. Beyond the Broken is a real page-turner! I highly recommend this book, especially for men as a gift to their wives, mothers, sisters, aunts, etc; they will greatly appreciate the kind gesture.

[Quintina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a first novel, Kimbro was very adept at creating realistic characters that spoke to me and made me think about my own life as well as those of my friends. I could literally find someone to match everyone of them. It also caused me to do some self intro-introspection. However, as a first novel there were moments that I wished it had developed the charcters more or had taken us on a new journey instead of dealing solely on their past decisions and present day situations, but overall I gave it five because it was still able to keep me engaged until the very end. A great start for a new author.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Broken is a poignant novel that tells the stories of five close friends trying to get through this thing called life. Each woman's story is important to the development of the story and gets the deserved attention. We go with the characters through their emotional ups and downs that accompany growing up and trying to make life work. The story is gripping and realistic (no sugar coating here.) It's a great summer read.

[Tamandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down so I finished it in a day. I felt myself relating to the characters SO much!! To the point where I would read a line and think to myself "this sounds just like me!" Favorite quote: "you have to know when to loosen the grip on what you want and open your hands to receive what God wants to give you."

[D.craan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book speaks so much to the life of women, specifically the victories and challenges we face in our lives due to choices we make, the goals we set for ourselves, and fear. This book takes one into the lives of five friends and unfolds how these friends deal with the triumphs and the challenges of their lives.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was hard for me to put down this book about friendship and dreams. Friends come together to support one of their own who is in a coma. But as they come to her side to support her, they also draw support from one another and open up about the realities of their own lives.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt book about friendship, loss, love and life. Looking forward to the sequel!

[Jilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story, but terrible ending.