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New Beginnings #6
Broken
This is an alternate cover edition for asin B00B2TF8PU
This story is a contemporary romance in the New Adult genre.
When twenty-four year old Bella Clay experiences yet another major loss in her life, she is forced to come home and become a young, single mother to her seven year old nephew. No one in the small town of Madison Falls knows just how damaged she is, and they certainly don't know her dirty little secret about where's she been for the last two years.
Grant Brady is the local hunk who works as the elementary school PE and history teacher. When he takes an interest in helping Bella start over in Madison Falls, she tries to push him away afraid that he will find out her dark secrets. What she doesn't know is that Grant has a secret of his own.
Will love prevail or will one or both of them run for the hills out of fear?
This book is a novella, so you can enjoy it in just one day! :)
This story is a contemporary romance in the New Adult genre.
When twenty-four year old Bella Clay experiences yet another major loss in her life, she is forced to come home and become a young, single mother to her seven year old nephew. No one in the small town of Madison Falls knows just how damaged she is, and they certainly don't know her dirty little secret about where's she been for the last two years.
Grant Brady is the local hunk who works as the elementary school PE and history teacher. When he takes an interest in helping Bella start over in Madison Falls, she tries to push him away afraid that he will find out her dark secrets. What she doesn't know is that Grant has a secret of his own.
Will love prevail or will one or both of them run for the hills out of fear?
This book is a novella, so you can enjoy it in just one day! :)
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2013
41 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Hanna
101 books2,896 followersHey there! Before I tell you all about myself, can I invite you to join my private Rachel's Readers Facebook group? That's where my readers hang out, discuss my books, participate in giveaways and learn about new releases.
You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rache...
So who am I? My name is Rachel Hanna, and I am a wife, mother of three incredible kids (maybe I am a BIT biased?), two lovable doggies and one cat that lives outside and thinks he owns the world. Okay, I also have a gecko now too. Don't judge me.
I started writing as a young child, and I went into the field of Journalism for many years as an adult. Now, as a romantic fiction writer, I get to live out my own daydreams every single day and share them with readers around the world!
I'm a Southern chick living near Atlanta, so I say "yes, ma'm" and "ya'll", but I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rache...
So who am I? My name is Rachel Hanna, and I am a wife, mother of three incredible kids (maybe I am a BIT biased?), two lovable doggies and one cat that lives outside and thinks he owns the world. Okay, I also have a gecko now too. Don't judge me.
I started writing as a young child, and I went into the field of Journalism for many years as an adult. Now, as a romantic fiction writer, I get to live out my own daydreams every single day and share them with readers around the world!
I'm a Southern chick living near Atlanta, so I say "yes, ma'm" and "ya'll", but I wouldn't have it any other way. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 13, 2013
This was a good book, but I was slightly disturbed, so I took away a star. I did not base my rating on how well it was written.
A porn star, Bella, moves back to a small town following her sisters death by garbage truck car accident to raise her nephew. She ditched out on a contact, so the guy she was working for wants her to finish the movie... That's the suspense part.
PE teacher, Grant, meets woman because her nephew got in a fist fight over another kid calling his mom trash because she was killed by a garbage truck... Low and behold he is her neighbor & she just happens to work at a coffee shop for his grandma.
Bella & her sister were raised in foster care for the majority of their lives, where Bella was abused and protected her sister. She started working in the porn industry & sending $$ to her sister when her Hollywood carreer didn't pan out.
I was bothered by the... abuse & then going to porn & while she was there she also felt abused, but it was her choice. Then sending all her money to help her sister raise her son. Just something like the rational of doing that & feeling that way still... came across wrong.
Don't get me wrong... it isn't the sadistic behavior that bothered me. It was her doing that by choice & feeling that way. Oh well.
A porn star, Bella, moves back to a small town following her sisters death by garbage truck car accident to raise her nephew. She ditched out on a contact, so the guy she was working for wants her to finish the movie... That's the suspense part.
PE teacher, Grant, meets woman because her nephew got in a fist fight over another kid calling his mom trash because she was killed by a garbage truck... Low and behold he is her neighbor & she just happens to work at a coffee shop for his grandma.
Bella & her sister were raised in foster care for the majority of their lives, where Bella was abused and protected her sister. She started working in the porn industry & sending $$ to her sister when her Hollywood carreer didn't pan out.
I was bothered by the... abuse & then going to porn & while she was there she also felt abused, but it was her choice. Then sending all her money to help her sister raise her son. Just something like the rational of doing that & feeling that way still... came across wrong.
Don't get me wrong... it isn't the sadistic behavior that bothered me. It was her doing that by choice & feeling that way. Oh well.
March 29, 2013
4.5 to 5 stars
It seems that lately I have had the best reading experiences and have been quite generous with my ratings, but that's not altogether true. I really have had the best reading experiences lately, but I haven't given a rating that wasn't deserved. Such is the case with Broken: Secrets in Madison Falls by Rachel Hanna. This book may be short, but it is well deserving of all the stars given. I can't remember reading a novella that had my eyes stinging and tearing in the first chapter and again in the last, but Broken did. It isn't a hormonal imbalance, folks....it's all thanks to the story for bringing those emotions to the surface.
Broken depicts the story of loss and fresh starts. For Bella Clay, things were never easy. Abused physically and sexually since the age of eight when she and her sister, Lori, were thrust into foster care after the sudden death of her mother, she has always been the strong one...the protector. She purposefully did things to take the physical abuse away from her younger sister. When Lori became pregnant at the age of fourteen, Bella took a job and helped care for her sister and nephew. When money became tight, Bella moved from the small town in Georgia to California to pursue a modeling career. When that turned out to be a scam, she had to do something to help provide financially for Lori and her young son, so she entered into a different world just to earn enough money to provide a decent life for her sister and nephew, which took this already broken woman and shattered her soul even more. Bella's experiences made her strong, but they also put walls up around her heart; those walls were her only protection from life's injustices.
Bella didn't let people in, because when she did, they hurt her. As far as she was concerned, if you never loved, you never lost.
Then she receives the worst phone call of her life and the devastating news that will force her to move back to Madison Falls in Georgia. It's there that she meets Grant Brady, her nephew's elementary school teacher.
Grant Brady is so swoon worthy, he has me wanting to leave my job as a high school teacher, move to Mayberry USA and seek a job in his elementary school just to stalk him. He is beautiful inside and out. He's experienced his own heartbreak in the past and is a little shy when it comes to opening his heart again. But when he sees the beautiful Bella, he is smitten. When he gets to know Bella, he just wants to take care of her; he doesn't pity her, but he genuinely wants to help her work through her past. Against her wants, Bella opens up to Grant and learns to trust him, afraid the entire time that he will uncover the secrets to her recent past. Grant is forgiving, but he also harbors his own secrets that are tied to Bella's childhood and isn't so sure that Bella can forgive him. What makes Grant so beautiful is that he does learn of Bella's recent past, but he loves the real Bella, the strong Bella who protected her sister at all costs to herself. He is a romancer - plain and simple, slow and steady.
He was sexy, and he made her feel things that she'd never felt in her life. Wanted. Safe. Secure. Worthy.
Rachel Hanna has written a sweet story with a broken woman who experiences healing and forgiveness through love. Bella learns to not only forgive others, but also to forgive herself. She is wise beyond her twenty-four years and it is that wisdom and willingness to forgive so easily that has Grant consumed by her. Rachel Hanna has done an excellent job at developing the characters in the story and detailing the events for the reader to actually visualize the story as it unfolds. To watch the development of the relationship between Grant and Bella was so refreshing. By refreshing, I mean that it wasn't rushed and there wasn't a sudden lusting with the "quick to jump into sex" scenes. There was actual romance...the casualness of the small town romance that grows from two people actually getting to know each other and spend time with one another - taking the good with the bad and loving the person from the inside-out, not the outside-in. That was refreshing and lovely. Although it is a short novella, I received the experience I would receive in a full blown novel. This is my first reading of a book by Rachel Hanna, but it won't be my last. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It seems that lately I have had the best reading experiences and have been quite generous with my ratings, but that's not altogether true. I really have had the best reading experiences lately, but I haven't given a rating that wasn't deserved. Such is the case with Broken: Secrets in Madison Falls by Rachel Hanna. This book may be short, but it is well deserving of all the stars given. I can't remember reading a novella that had my eyes stinging and tearing in the first chapter and again in the last, but Broken did. It isn't a hormonal imbalance, folks....it's all thanks to the story for bringing those emotions to the surface.
Broken depicts the story of loss and fresh starts. For Bella Clay, things were never easy. Abused physically and sexually since the age of eight when she and her sister, Lori, were thrust into foster care after the sudden death of her mother, she has always been the strong one...the protector. She purposefully did things to take the physical abuse away from her younger sister. When Lori became pregnant at the age of fourteen, Bella took a job and helped care for her sister and nephew. When money became tight, Bella moved from the small town in Georgia to California to pursue a modeling career. When that turned out to be a scam, she had to do something to help provide financially for Lori and her young son, so she entered into a different world just to earn enough money to provide a decent life for her sister and nephew, which took this already broken woman and shattered her soul even more. Bella's experiences made her strong, but they also put walls up around her heart; those walls were her only protection from life's injustices.
Bella didn't let people in, because when she did, they hurt her. As far as she was concerned, if you never loved, you never lost.
Then she receives the worst phone call of her life and the devastating news that will force her to move back to Madison Falls in Georgia. It's there that she meets Grant Brady, her nephew's elementary school teacher.
Grant Brady is so swoon worthy, he has me wanting to leave my job as a high school teacher, move to Mayberry USA and seek a job in his elementary school just to stalk him. He is beautiful inside and out. He's experienced his own heartbreak in the past and is a little shy when it comes to opening his heart again. But when he sees the beautiful Bella, he is smitten. When he gets to know Bella, he just wants to take care of her; he doesn't pity her, but he genuinely wants to help her work through her past. Against her wants, Bella opens up to Grant and learns to trust him, afraid the entire time that he will uncover the secrets to her recent past. Grant is forgiving, but he also harbors his own secrets that are tied to Bella's childhood and isn't so sure that Bella can forgive him. What makes Grant so beautiful is that he does learn of Bella's recent past, but he loves the real Bella, the strong Bella who protected her sister at all costs to herself. He is a romancer - plain and simple, slow and steady.
He was sexy, and he made her feel things that she'd never felt in her life. Wanted. Safe. Secure. Worthy.
Rachel Hanna has written a sweet story with a broken woman who experiences healing and forgiveness through love. Bella learns to not only forgive others, but also to forgive herself. She is wise beyond her twenty-four years and it is that wisdom and willingness to forgive so easily that has Grant consumed by her. Rachel Hanna has done an excellent job at developing the characters in the story and detailing the events for the reader to actually visualize the story as it unfolds. To watch the development of the relationship between Grant and Bella was so refreshing. By refreshing, I mean that it wasn't rushed and there wasn't a sudden lusting with the "quick to jump into sex" scenes. There was actual romance...the casualness of the small town romance that grows from two people actually getting to know each other and spend time with one another - taking the good with the bad and loving the person from the inside-out, not the outside-in. That was refreshing and lovely. Although it is a short novella, I received the experience I would receive in a full blown novel. This is my first reading of a book by Rachel Hanna, but it won't be my last. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
Thank you to the author for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2013
MY REVIEW
I received this e-book from the Author Rachel Hanna via Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for my honest review and posting it as part of the blog tour.
So the blurb on Goodreads actually states that "This story is a contemporary romance in the New Adult genre." which I agree with to a point, that yes it would fit into that genre but I think maybe labeling as New Adult may put off some older generation readers, which would be such a shame as I believe this book is a brilliant read for a wide age range.
Now the cover has a scenic view of what according to the book must be Madison Falls, it also has a male and female which fit the description of what I would imagine Grant Brady and Bella Clay to look like. So the cover fits the book in that way. However to me the cover suggests the book to be a contemporary romance for an older reader rather than one aimed at the New Adult age group. Would I pick this book up from a book store shelf? Yes but honestly I would be picking it up with a view to buying it for my mum rather than myself or a younger relative. To sum up I'd say I think perhaps the cover could do with a slightly more modern, younger vibe cover to appeal to the NA market.
The blurb gives a great outline to the book and yes definitely made me want to read the book. It's basically the story of two sisters, the eldest Bella, and Lori. When their mother is killed by a drink driver they are put into care where they are passed from unsuitable home to unsuitable home. Naturally as the eldest Bella assumes the role of protector and takes it upon herself to draw the unwanted attentions from Lori to herself so ends up taking the brunt of the abuse. Years later to make ends meet and to help her sister Lori financially as she is now a single mother, Bella ends up taking a less than desirable job to make decent money, something she regrets everyday. Just as Bella is thinking her life cannot get any worse she receives a telephone call saying her sister has been killed in a car accident. Of course Bella is Lori's only relative and so now the sole guardian of little Ethan. Bella has a tearful journey to Madison Falls and the heartbreaking job of explaining to young Ethan what has happened to his mother. The rest of the book tells how Bella copes with this latest change in her life, how she takes this opportunity to escape from her past degrading job and become a mum to Ethan. There's so much more in this book but I believe you really should read it for yourselves, for me to say anymore would truly spoil the special, emotional experience of reading this book. The book has you smiling, sighing, scowling and sniffling into a tissue's too.
I love the main characters of Bella, and Ethan and their relationship, the way fate has thrown them together and how they make a little family and life of their own. I also love the character of the honest, hard working, and non judgmental Grant.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes, even more than I expected to. Would I recommend this book? I have already recommended it to my mum. Would I read a Bk#2? I think I would if there was one, though this one sort of wrapped up all the loose ends quite nicely so I doubt there will be. Would I read more by Rachel Hanna? I think I will yes, and I know I have discovered an Author my mum will love too, so I'm sure to be reading more titles by Rachel.
I received this e-book from the Author Rachel Hanna via Goddess Fish Promotions in exchange for my honest review and posting it as part of the blog tour.
So the blurb on Goodreads actually states that "This story is a contemporary romance in the New Adult genre." which I agree with to a point, that yes it would fit into that genre but I think maybe labeling as New Adult may put off some older generation readers, which would be such a shame as I believe this book is a brilliant read for a wide age range.
Now the cover has a scenic view of what according to the book must be Madison Falls, it also has a male and female which fit the description of what I would imagine Grant Brady and Bella Clay to look like. So the cover fits the book in that way. However to me the cover suggests the book to be a contemporary romance for an older reader rather than one aimed at the New Adult age group. Would I pick this book up from a book store shelf? Yes but honestly I would be picking it up with a view to buying it for my mum rather than myself or a younger relative. To sum up I'd say I think perhaps the cover could do with a slightly more modern, younger vibe cover to appeal to the NA market.
The blurb gives a great outline to the book and yes definitely made me want to read the book. It's basically the story of two sisters, the eldest Bella, and Lori. When their mother is killed by a drink driver they are put into care where they are passed from unsuitable home to unsuitable home. Naturally as the eldest Bella assumes the role of protector and takes it upon herself to draw the unwanted attentions from Lori to herself so ends up taking the brunt of the abuse. Years later to make ends meet and to help her sister Lori financially as she is now a single mother, Bella ends up taking a less than desirable job to make decent money, something she regrets everyday. Just as Bella is thinking her life cannot get any worse she receives a telephone call saying her sister has been killed in a car accident. Of course Bella is Lori's only relative and so now the sole guardian of little Ethan. Bella has a tearful journey to Madison Falls and the heartbreaking job of explaining to young Ethan what has happened to his mother. The rest of the book tells how Bella copes with this latest change in her life, how she takes this opportunity to escape from her past degrading job and become a mum to Ethan. There's so much more in this book but I believe you really should read it for yourselves, for me to say anymore would truly spoil the special, emotional experience of reading this book. The book has you smiling, sighing, scowling and sniffling into a tissue's too.
I love the main characters of Bella, and Ethan and their relationship, the way fate has thrown them together and how they make a little family and life of their own. I also love the character of the honest, hard working, and non judgmental Grant.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes, even more than I expected to. Would I recommend this book? I have already recommended it to my mum. Would I read a Bk#2? I think I would if there was one, though this one sort of wrapped up all the loose ends quite nicely so I doubt there will be. Would I read more by Rachel Hanna? I think I will yes, and I know I have discovered an Author my mum will love too, so I'm sure to be reading more titles by Rachel.
April 20, 2013
4 stars
A quick read. It's a new adult fiction but I think it felt like adult fiction. Still, whatever.
UPDATED
I liked the story because the message it carries. You see, Bella has unpleasant pasts and they are her nightmares. And those pasts, if they were told to someone who doesn't understand and quick to judge, it might leave bad impact to her life. Hence, the reason Bella shut herself out from people. And I clearly understood that. Gladly, she decided to open up, thanks to ever-loving and caring Grant Brady. I loved him so much for being understanding. He doesn't judge too. But even if he did he seemed to kill it and think about the best of people instead of the worst.
There is one part about her is that she could actually pick another path though. Despite the dire situation she was in. However still, it is all the matter of choice. She picked the road and she delved in deep, there was no turning back but to move forward only thank goodness, light somehow came although in a bad way but it helped her to crawl out, save herself from eternal torment life.
People like Bella deserves another chance to be happy, start over with life and move forward. Story of life experiences is the reason why I was hooked with this book. Only if it wasn't a quick read, I'd like to learn about Bella and Grant in slow pace, tried to get connected with both of them and experience the romance between them in much, much deeper. Overall, the book is good.
I said the book feels like an adult fiction because it felt like it. The main character thinks and acts like a mature person despite she is just 24 years old. I suppose at that age, we should act mature yeah?
Read on your own peril.
A quick read. It's a new adult fiction but I think it felt like adult fiction. Still, whatever.
UPDATED
I liked the story because the message it carries. You see, Bella has unpleasant pasts and they are her nightmares. And those pasts, if they were told to someone who doesn't understand and quick to judge, it might leave bad impact to her life. Hence, the reason Bella shut herself out from people. And I clearly understood that. Gladly, she decided to open up, thanks to ever-loving and caring Grant Brady. I loved him so much for being understanding. He doesn't judge too. But even if he did he seemed to kill it and think about the best of people instead of the worst.
There is one part about her is that she could actually pick another path though. Despite the dire situation she was in. However still, it is all the matter of choice. She picked the road and she delved in deep, there was no turning back but to move forward only thank goodness, light somehow came although in a bad way but it helped her to crawl out, save herself from eternal torment life.
People like Bella deserves another chance to be happy, start over with life and move forward. Story of life experiences is the reason why I was hooked with this book. Only if it wasn't a quick read, I'd like to learn about Bella and Grant in slow pace, tried to get connected with both of them and experience the romance between them in much, much deeper. Overall, the book is good.
I said the book feels like an adult fiction because it felt like it. The main character thinks and acts like a mature person despite she is just 24 years old. I suppose at that age, we should act mature yeah?
Read on your own peril.
February 18, 2015
Growing up in the foster care system wasn't easy for Bella and her sister after their mother was killed by a drunk drive, especially when they were sent from one home to another and some of their experiences were pretty nasty with sexual abuse and violence. Her younger sister Lori managed to settle into the small town community of Madison Falls where she stayed to raise her son and Bella went off to LA and became an actress, but not in the sense most of us are thinking - she became a porn actress under the name Desiree. Work that she didn't want, but it paid the bills. I guess in one way it made sense having her as a porn star as due to her upbringing she believed her body was already broken, so why not use it to advantage and the money was good. Tragedy occurs though when Lori's son forgets his lunch and she is on her way back to school to drop it off for him, a rubbish truck of all things -hits her and she dies immediately. Bella being the only surviving relative is contacted and now she is back in Madison Falls trying to discover how to become a mother and also hide her past from the people around her as she see's the move to Madison Falls as a New Beginning. Enter Grant Brady, he is the PE Teacher at her nephew's school and has a dark secret of his own that he doesn't want Bella to find out as he is falling for her and her nephew and if the truth was revealed it could damage his relationship with Bella. Broken by Rachel Hanna is also a novella, so if you are wanting a quick read with a bit of heart and suspense to it and a hint of tragic moments, then this is the read for you
January 22, 2013
Sometimes we feel the need to keep secrets from people because of what we are afraid they will think of us. That is what happens when Bella is forced to move back to Madison Falls from California when her sister Lori is killed in an automobile accident. Bella is now her nephew Ethan's guardian. Bella and her sister had a rough life after their mother was killed in an auto accident when Bella was 8 and Lori was 6. Having no relatives to take them in they were forced into foster care. Abuse while in foster care has made Bella afraid to let people get to close to her emotionally because of the chance of getting hurt. Once in Madison Falls, Bella is befriended by Roslyn and Grant and this is the story of how those relationships helped change Bella.
I have read and loved all of the books by Rachel Hanna. I hope she keeps writing more and more stories.
I have read and loved all of the books by Rachel Hanna. I hope she keeps writing more and more stories.
June 12, 2013
This romance novel takes so many twists and turns...
Okay, now I am not exactly a softy...but this book literally had me SOBBING in the beginning! It was just so unexpected and sad!
But, it gets...worse...and then, it gets better.
Saying just about ANYTHING about this book can ruin it...so I will just say this. Read it. If you like romance novels and imperfect heroine's, this book is just about perfect.
Okay, now I am not exactly a softy...but this book literally had me SOBBING in the beginning! It was just so unexpected and sad!
But, it gets...worse...and then, it gets better.
Saying just about ANYTHING about this book can ruin it...so I will just say this. Read it. If you like romance novels and imperfect heroine's, this book is just about perfect.
March 22, 2013
Prepare to be deeply involved with Bella from the start. Sometimes life keeps throwing challenges at you and only through faith and tenacity can you overcome and succeed. Wonderful plot line, characters well defined, easy writing style are a few of the accolades I can use to describe Rachel Hanna's writing style. Highly recommended reading!
July 19, 2013
This was quite a predictable story and it was like a lot of other romance stories. I didn’t expect bella to be a porn star and knew that she would get found out. There was quite a lot of stuff happening to bella, and her history of sexual abuse was bad. I liked that it all worked out well in the end though.
September 8, 2015
This one was ok, nothing special and pretty predictable. I wish that we could have seen more fall out from the PTA meeting. With how things ended it would have been nice to see people stand up for Bella and for her to see it.
January 30, 2013
good - average romance. quick read.
February 5, 2013
A short romance story!
May 5, 2020
So much torment in one human!How can people be cruel?
Poor Bella had been through so much in her and her sister's life. People that agree to n Foster system should be thorough ly investigated before being allowed to take in children!
Grant Brady was an incredible human being who knows how to treat a person with so many problems.
Poor Bella had been through so much in her and her sister's life. People that agree to n Foster system should be thorough ly investigated before being allowed to take in children!
Grant Brady was an incredible human being who knows how to treat a person with so many problems.
September 21, 2018
Wonderful book
What a sweet story about finding forgiveness for your past and for learning that your past does not define your present. I really enjoyed this book and the characters.
What a sweet story about finding forgiveness for your past and for learning that your past does not define your present. I really enjoyed this book and the characters.
May 7, 2017
I loved this book. couldn't put it down.
May 12, 2017
Tee love
A wonderful story about two people that learned their past did not have to ruin their future and true love could make them while again
A wonderful story about two people that learned their past did not have to ruin their future and true love could make them while again
July 24, 2021
A Heartwarming Story
A quick and easy read yet covering many real and deeply emotional issues. A reminder that so many people come with baggage into our lives but love can heal.
A quick and easy read yet covering many real and deeply emotional issues. A reminder that so many people come with baggage into our lives but love can heal.
March 8, 2017
Found it hard to accept this story. I have lived long enough to realize how mean people can be. Therefore did not enjoy this plot line as much as some of her other books.
May 16, 2013
Though this is a novella, Broken: Secrets in Madison Falls, is a story full of emotional highs and lows with a fully fleshed-out romance amidst the healing power of love and redemption. The author realistically displays the sense of family that comes from small town living and the ability to start over that it provides.
Bella's life has been one of emotional pain ever since the death of her mother when she was young and she and her sister were sent from one foster home to the next. As the older sister she set herself up as the protector, the one to take the pain so her sister would be kept safe. Years of untold physical, sexual, and emotional abuse has created an adult afraid to love, unwilling to open her heart for fear of being hurt yet again. It's made her a bit cold and guarded with her true feelings only surfacing in relation to her sister. With the death of her sister she's left picking up the pieces yet again when she's made guardian of her nephew, Ethan. Leaving the world of porn behind, which she worked in to financially support Ethan and her sister, she comes to this small town not expecting much but getting so much more than she expected. Bella is a hard hearted character who's been through more than anyone should in her short lifetime. Doing things she never wanted to do, selling her soul along with her body, makes for an unconventional heroine but she's definitely one in my book.
Grant too has been hurt, by an ex-wife who cheated on him with his friend. It's caused him to shut off his heart, but when he meets Bella he's drawn to her and together they'll heal each other. Grant is a true white knight in that he's supportive of Bella and encourages her to open her heart and mind. He never judges her as she expects him to do, even when it's clear he knows everything about her. He shows her that she's desrving of love and that she needs to love herself just as much as he loves her. He's a father figure for Ethan and a friend and lover to Bella and I absolutely adored him and couldn't have picked a better man to help Bella heal.
Ms. Hanna portrayed small town life with its colorful characters and sense of closeness beautifully. It's in this close knit caring environment that Bella can finally move beyond her past. She really can start again. Being able to see things through both Bella and Grant's minds made for an even more emotional story as their pain was made even more clear. Thus, their mutual healing was even more satisfying. The author brings forth some intriguing twists regarding Bella's past and ultimately wraps up everything in a nice and happy bow. Ms. Hanna has created a memorable novella and I look forward to what she can create in a longer format.
Bella's life has been one of emotional pain ever since the death of her mother when she was young and she and her sister were sent from one foster home to the next. As the older sister she set herself up as the protector, the one to take the pain so her sister would be kept safe. Years of untold physical, sexual, and emotional abuse has created an adult afraid to love, unwilling to open her heart for fear of being hurt yet again. It's made her a bit cold and guarded with her true feelings only surfacing in relation to her sister. With the death of her sister she's left picking up the pieces yet again when she's made guardian of her nephew, Ethan. Leaving the world of porn behind, which she worked in to financially support Ethan and her sister, she comes to this small town not expecting much but getting so much more than she expected. Bella is a hard hearted character who's been through more than anyone should in her short lifetime. Doing things she never wanted to do, selling her soul along with her body, makes for an unconventional heroine but she's definitely one in my book.
Grant too has been hurt, by an ex-wife who cheated on him with his friend. It's caused him to shut off his heart, but when he meets Bella he's drawn to her and together they'll heal each other. Grant is a true white knight in that he's supportive of Bella and encourages her to open her heart and mind. He never judges her as she expects him to do, even when it's clear he knows everything about her. He shows her that she's desrving of love and that she needs to love herself just as much as he loves her. He's a father figure for Ethan and a friend and lover to Bella and I absolutely adored him and couldn't have picked a better man to help Bella heal.
Ms. Hanna portrayed small town life with its colorful characters and sense of closeness beautifully. It's in this close knit caring environment that Bella can finally move beyond her past. She really can start again. Being able to see things through both Bella and Grant's minds made for an even more emotional story as their pain was made even more clear. Thus, their mutual healing was even more satisfying. The author brings forth some intriguing twists regarding Bella's past and ultimately wraps up everything in a nice and happy bow. Ms. Hanna has created a memorable novella and I look forward to what she can create in a longer format.
July 18, 2013
(Source: Downloaded for free from Amazon.co.uk.)
24-year-old Bella is in for the shock of her life when her younger sister is killed and she becomes guardian to her 8-year-old Nephew Ethan.
Leaving her job as a porn star and flying to Madison Falls to look after Ethan, Bella starts a new life, and meets Grant, a primary school teacher, and her close neighbour.
Is Bella ready to play Mom though? What will Grant say when he finds out she was a porn star? And can Bella’s life really take a turn for the better now?
This was an okay NA contemporary romance that was also quite a quick read.
Bella was an okay character, although she did come off a little naïve, which is not what you expect from a porn star. She seemed to take her role as Ethan’s new mother seriously though, and did her best for him.
Grant was obviously a good guy, and he really took the time to both get to know, and take care of Bella, which was nice.
The storyline in this book was okay, if a tad predictable in places. I was initially quite shocked that Bella had been working as a porn star, but it did make sense once her background was explored a bit more.
I did wonder how Grant would take the news that Bella was a porn star, especially considering that he was a primary school teacher, and that was one of the main mysteries in the story that kept me wanting to read more!
I did like the ending, although it was a bit cheesy. If you’re a fan of Mills & Boon type romances, you will probably enjoy this.
Overall; a quick NA contemporary romance.
6.5 out of 10.
24-year-old Bella is in for the shock of her life when her younger sister is killed and she becomes guardian to her 8-year-old Nephew Ethan.
Leaving her job as a porn star and flying to Madison Falls to look after Ethan, Bella starts a new life, and meets Grant, a primary school teacher, and her close neighbour.
Is Bella ready to play Mom though? What will Grant say when he finds out she was a porn star? And can Bella’s life really take a turn for the better now?
This was an okay NA contemporary romance that was also quite a quick read.
Bella was an okay character, although she did come off a little naïve, which is not what you expect from a porn star. She seemed to take her role as Ethan’s new mother seriously though, and did her best for him.
Grant was obviously a good guy, and he really took the time to both get to know, and take care of Bella, which was nice.
The storyline in this book was okay, if a tad predictable in places. I was initially quite shocked that Bella had been working as a porn star, but it did make sense once her background was explored a bit more.
I did wonder how Grant would take the news that Bella was a porn star, especially considering that he was a primary school teacher, and that was one of the main mysteries in the story that kept me wanting to read more!
I did like the ending, although it was a bit cheesy. If you’re a fan of Mills & Boon type romances, you will probably enjoy this.
Overall; a quick NA contemporary romance.
6.5 out of 10.
June 9, 2013
This is the first book I have read from Rachel. Although a short story, I loved the message between the lines. Teaches people not to judge a book it's cover, and that your past demons are not your future ones.
Bella, Grant, Ethan, even Grant's grandmother touched me.
Bella was afraid to let anyone in, or share her past with anyone. The ones she has loved has always past away, and she didn't want anymore grief. She comes from a not so good past, and is scared that it will make Grant run.
Grant... wow, what a very patient man. As he slowly breaks down Bella's protective barrier's, he shows her that it is okay to love, that it's okay to let a man in because not all men are the same.
I can't wait to read more from this author. The flow and plot of this story kept my attention, even though I was sad to see it end so early. I was hoping for a little, even though it was a good ending.
Bella, Grant, Ethan, even Grant's grandmother touched me.
Bella was afraid to let anyone in, or share her past with anyone. The ones she has loved has always past away, and she didn't want anymore grief. She comes from a not so good past, and is scared that it will make Grant run.
Grant... wow, what a very patient man. As he slowly breaks down Bella's protective barrier's, he shows her that it is okay to love, that it's okay to let a man in because not all men are the same.
I can't wait to read more from this author. The flow and plot of this story kept my attention, even though I was sad to see it end so early. I was hoping for a little, even though it was a good ending.
February 27, 2016
Wow!
I think I can truthfully say that this is one of the few times a book has brought me to tears. Broken was very moving, and sad. It was by no means depressing.
Bella and Lori began a journey of abuse from the moment their mother was killed. Bella lived a life she was not proud of, but felt was necessary in order to give her sister the freedom to take care of her son, Ethan.
This book was about love, family, trust, strength, and survival. Nepal's relationship with Grant helped her open up enough to trust, heal, and put the past behind her.
This was a quick read that pulled you in from the very beginning. Rachel Hanna's writing definitely allowed you to feel the sisters pain, empathize with their situation, and not be judgmental in the process.
I think I can truthfully say that this is one of the few times a book has brought me to tears. Broken was very moving, and sad. It was by no means depressing.
Bella and Lori began a journey of abuse from the moment their mother was killed. Bella lived a life she was not proud of, but felt was necessary in order to give her sister the freedom to take care of her son, Ethan.
This book was about love, family, trust, strength, and survival. Nepal's relationship with Grant helped her open up enough to trust, heal, and put the past behind her.
This was a quick read that pulled you in from the very beginning. Rachel Hanna's writing definitely allowed you to feel the sisters pain, empathize with their situation, and not be judgmental in the process.
June 28, 2014
Great tale of redemption. Bella had a horrible childhood after her mother was killed by a drunk driver. She was abused in foster care and did everything she could to protect her little sister from that abuse. She made some bad choices with her life but she did them with the best intentions to help her sister and nephew. Then her sister is killed in a car accident and Bella is leaves her bad choices in California to go and raise her nephew. Love finds her but her past is not done with her yet. Great tale. I laughed...I cried (a lot at times)and I couldn't put it down.
May 30, 2013
Another Rachel Hanna book that I adored! This book had me in tears and I loved the story line itself. I love Bella and Grant, Roslyn, and everything about the book. It was cute and real which is something that I think Hanna does an excellent job doing. She sure knows how to make her books REAL and the emotion involved in her books is amazing. Would definitely recommend to anyone who loves a real story and does not mind a few tears.
September 21, 2013
I really enjoyed this book..I loved Grant and the relationship he has with his grandma..it was so cute how she was being a matchmaker for him and Bella. the book worked on the characters and while I kept waiting for them to fall in love my favoritr part was when Grant took her on their first official date..so romantic and unique. .who does that for a girl these days? @Rachel Hanna 5 stars http://instagram.com/p/egGGlqJm6p/ http
September 30, 2013
Very let down!!
I read Ruined by Rachel and absolutely loved it!!! But this book let me down. The storyline was good and I loved the concept of the book but when you read it, it read as 3 people telling the story a narrator, Bella and Grant. For me I like a story told by the characters.
I will continue to read some more from Rachel because her Ruined book was very well written and an amazing read!!
I read Ruined by Rachel and absolutely loved it!!! But this book let me down. The storyline was good and I loved the concept of the book but when you read it, it read as 3 people telling the story a narrator, Bella and Grant. For me I like a story told by the characters.
I will continue to read some more from Rachel because her Ruined book was very well written and an amazing read!!
August 10, 2016
Unconditional Love
A sad yet uplifting novel about two broken people with a past that is difficult to overcome, but by grace, love, and understanding, their past is finally put to rest. A lovely novel about two broken people that find each other. The supporting characters are well developed and just as loving and forgiving. Inspirational.
A sad yet uplifting novel about two broken people with a past that is difficult to overcome, but by grace, love, and understanding, their past is finally put to rest. A lovely novel about two broken people that find each other. The supporting characters are well developed and just as loving and forgiving. Inspirational.
June 10, 2015
Emotionally gripping romance between two lost and broken individuals who feel unworthy of love. You will fall in love with Bella & Grant's story. Rachel Hanna deals with some harsh life circumstances in this book in a beautiful and tasteful way! I loved it!
April 9, 2014
AWESOME very touching I teary eyed in some parts nut this was truly awesome now i am going to read all her books if you read just one you would be totally hoked this was the best by far and it was awesome it needs more then 5 stars that's for sure.
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January 28, 2013Kindle Freebie 1/28/13
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