Broken Identity

by Ashley Williams

Drake Pearson, a narrow-minded 18-year-old barely enduring Missouri’s heat, is tired of feeling empty. Living conditions are about as cozy as a cardboard box, on account of his alcoholic father who can find nothing better to do than argue relentlessly with him. When Drake thinks he can’t take another blow, he is reminded daily of his mom who vanished twelve years ago.

And now there’s a dead body. After a terrible accident turns into a protected secret, a twisted string of events brings Drake miles away from home to an elderly man’s front door. Every promising opportunity also brings new doubts and temptations to run away—this time for good. When the secret he has kept locked away threatens to reveal itself, Drake knows he must shield it with his very life, even if the love he has been shown undeservingly is about to be destroyed.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Mystery, Amazon

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 20, 2011

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 1 out of 5]

Flunked the hundred page test.

Not sure whether this was a) a fantasy set in an alternate universe, b) a spoof of Christian fiction or c) a serious work. Suspect the author meant the third.

Unrealistic plot development, cardboard characters, amateur writing. Williams needs to attend a Writing for the Soul or Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

Books like this given Christian fiction a bad name.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. And I really mean AMAZING. It turned out so great in the end it just made me happy. It's nice reading a happy, Christian book for a change instead of a dystopian novel. I recommend everyone to read it! :)

[Clinton Sites · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare find in Christian fiction

I've been reading lots of fiction through the years, and most of the Christian fiction I see is written from the woman's point of view and is romance. Not saying Christian Romance is not a suitable genre, just one I don't enjoy.
Consequently I've been looking for Christian fiction from the male POV where it wasn't horror oriented (i.e. demon).

This novel fit my bill perfectly. The authors command of writing a compelling storyline did have me confused at the beginning - but the way she drew the lines together from the Christian orientation was extremely satisfying.

If you want a satisfying Christian based read this is one of them!

[Paula Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drake Pearson has just finished school and longs to escape from the life he leads with his drunken, wasted father. First, he wants to fathom the mystery of his beloved mother's disappearance twelve years earlier. What he discovers sets in motion a chain of events that keep him wanting to run, searching for he knows not what. At the same time, Andrew Tavner is anxious to win sole custody of his nephew, Ronnie, a victim of his parents' abuse and neglect. Will Andrew be able to successfully nurture the little boy's trust and love without any help? When the paths of these characters cross, incredible things begin to happen.

The three main characters of this terrific book cannot be more different; an 18-year-old young man, a retired man and a 7-year-old boy. The author skilfully gets inside each of their heads, making it easy for us to care for them very quickly. I love Drake for his depth, I love Andrew for his generosity, I love Ronnie for his exuberance, and I love all three for the hugeness of their hearts. I found my eyes tearing up several times, the sign of a great novel.

This book blends action with emotion and successfully makes Christian faith a crucial aspect of the plot, something not all Christian novels manage to do well. It makes you cheer at the end, with an understanding of what the concept of family really means. And it makes you not want to pull yourself out of their world and back into yours for a long time.

Kudos to Ashley Williams, who I see from her website is a uni student living with her parents and brothers. She's managed to do for me what many older and more experienced authors haven't. I can't wait to read more of her books.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute of this book! 'Broken Identity' is a character-focused novel that made me love and care for them from their very first introduction. Drake, Andrew, Ronnie, and Drake's mom were all easy to care for, and I found the ending to be heartwarming and perfect. Ashley Williams claimed that she wanted to write books that 'unashamedly glorifies the name of Jesus', and she certainly did that with this book.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book! This young author delivers an amazingly insightful story. I absolutely love the intimate connection this author created between the reader and the characters. I do wish there was a little more insight into Ronnie's story. Also, there really lacked a closure of the relationships between Andrew and his brother. Kind of dropped the ball there. Overall, this is a book I would definitely recommend to readers and one I've rated 5 stars (which I RARELY ever do!).

[Allison Kohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a boy on the edge of adulthood whose life has been episodes of hopelessness following hopelessness in a sluggish parade through his life. It is the story of a small boy whose presence in his father's life has been a target for aggression. And it is the story of a man - imperfect, but with the grace of god on his life - who becomes the instrument of a loving and gracious God in the boy's lives and brings hope and joy to each boy.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story of redemption!

Drake captured my heart from the very beginning. I couldn't put the book down, I just had to know how it turned out. I finished the entire book in just two days!!! And little Ronnie, who can resist the innocence of a child? If only we all could have child like faith like that, the world would be a much better place!

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good suspense in this story, but I thought the whole Christian message seemed really forced and overdone. In this novel a man adopts his abused nephew, then takes in a runaway young adult who just fought with and killed his father.

[evelyn p oliger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I found this book to be a real awakening. To read this and renew my love in the Lord Jesus Christ. Didn't think I would cry as much as I did , but the realization of what Jesus did for me and all people ,brought on many tears. And a blessed assurance.

[Anne-Marie Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of redeeming love.

Struggles true to life and the power of love. Two boys whose lives are transformed from ashes to beauty because of the love of Christ displayed by a faithful follower.

[Rena Terrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

God's love is everything. If we all showed love and kindness to everyone we meet this world would be a better place.

[darlene bulthuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought me to tears

This book was very well-written with believable characters. The message of forgiveness brought me to tears. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Pat Bretheim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Simply wow. It has been a long time since I've read a book that moved me like this one did. I cried for joy at times, because this book actually glorifies the Lord in a way that is direct and sincere.
Drake was a young man from a bad home who fled after he killed his father. He drove as far as the gas in his truck would last, then went off in search of who knows what?
A retired man took him in and offered him room & board in exchange for doing chores around the house. But Drake was tortured by his past and afraid that the police would catch up with him.
Events unfolded in such a way that Drake had to face up to who he was and what he did. He gave his life to the Lord and then set out to make things right.
I won't tell you the ending. You can find out for yourself! Enjoy.

[Debbie Kleinsasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

This book was a story showing an example of reaching out to others (specifically those in need)in response to the Lord in obedience. It was a tough road for Andrew and his nephew, Ronnie to reach out to Drake. A very angry, hurt teen. Obedience has its rewards but does it impact Drake’s life. You’ll have to rad it to find out.

[amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story

I have always enjoyed reading Christian fiction, this book is brilliant,such a beautiful reminder of God's mercy and grace, very encouraging and different, can't wait to read other books by this author

[Katelyn Hoke · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had my attention up until the 14th chapter. Im not really sure why considering that was supposed to be the ooo whats going to happen next. But I found myself tired of reading it. I felt like it just goes on & on

[cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christian book

I chose this because of the subject matter. I was rooting for Drake. I would definitely recommend this book. Hoping Andrew would find the words to help Drake.

[Teresa Mealer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Top Notch Read

This is a great fiction that has drama, heart strings, but without the romance. Once I started reading , I couldn’t put it down.

[Pat Oatman · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the truth shall set you free.

Clearly written with the gospel story woven in. A sweet story of family love, showing that salvation can lead to a life of freedom.

[Mary Lehnertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem of a book! I stumbled across this book and I’m so glad I did. Do not miss the opportunity to read this Christian book, such a page turner.

[Kathy Gillispie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great Christian book, acknowledging the problems that still plague our lives as Christians, yet highlighting the joy that comes from full surrender and forgiveness.

[Kim Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful tearjerker!

I loved everything about this book!
Warning; have a box of tissue nearby.
I hope this author writes many more.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well-written, interesting story with characters and a plot that would interest people of all ages. We have Ronnie and Drake who both have a very disturbing family life and Uncle Andy who is a kind-hearted man who fights to gain custody of his nephew, Ronnie. Drake just happens to stop by Andrew's door for a bite to eat. Many interesting things take place as this unusual trio starts to live life together, with Drake "fighting all the way" to avoid a close relationship with Andrew, and 7 year old Ronnie deciding that Drake is just what he needs to make him happy - that, and having Jesus in his heart. Of course, in his little mind, he can't imagine anyone not wanting to know Jesus and be assured of a home in heaven one day. Andrew is very concerned about both of the boys' spiritual lives, but is not overly pushy to either one of them. The story keeps one interested all the way, but where it gets a bit to 'preachy' for a fiction book is when Drake is hospitalized and is talking to a doctor about something he read in a bible that Andrew has left for him to read. It was interesting that, while I was reading this book, I was also reading 'The Case for Easter' by Lee Strobel which is a non-fiction book about a Journalist, Lee himself, investigating the evidence for the resurrection. Several pages from Broken Identity covered much of the same material as 'The Case for Easter'. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that it is copied material, I am just saying that the writer went into much of the same detail about the crucifixion as did Mr. Strobel. The detail was more than most readers would expect in a fiction book.

I would happily recommend this book to readers of any age, and look forward to reading more by Ashley Williams, as she has the potential to be a great writer.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a clear salvation message and frequent encounters with Christians, Broken Identity is a bit more heavy-handed in the Christianity department than some other Christian novels, perhaps a lot more than some readers would be inclined to read. I'm always amazed in these books when a person says a quick prayer and a peace or less anxiety immediately overcomes them.

I really appreciate the parts where Andrew tried to talk to Drake about the gospel message especially when he told Drake to show him in the bible where it says that a particular sin is unforgivable by God. I ended up doing a bit of highlighting too. That's always good as it shows that something stands out worth remembering.

I found there was a lot of arguing and bickering with Drake. It got to be annoying rather quickly. First with his father and later with Andrew. Even his thoughts went around in circles.

I liked little Ronnie; He was a God-send to Drake only Drake couldn't see it.

Even with the heavy-handed Christianity, I still liked the story.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh boy the conversations are unrealistic. Ronnie saying "pallet?" Ben and drakes conversation.

Oh and drake had half a tank of gas in an old truck and was able to drive 3 hours? Thinks the car salesman won't know his last name if they sign paperwork? Don't think that was the author showing the young kids lack of knowledge of how things work

Unable to tell how old anyone was - Andrew is retired but his brother has a 7 year old.

Liked the general idea of the story but not at all the execution. Didn't make sense! Not the storyline with Ivan, Andrew not going to the police, letting drake back in, etc. I really did want to like it and there were some very promising parts.

Most of all: Drakes inner monologue about Andrews forgiveness was really great. Really inspiring.

[Sue Bott]

Love it. felt like I really knew the characters.

[Tom Park · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was good enough to read all the way through, but that was mainly to see the conclusion. Have a thing about cutting to the final chapter to see how everything turns out...either read it or dump it early. Was not impressed with the lead characters. Don't really know why other than they just did not seem to be folk I would chose to be friends; couldn't get into a place where they seemed acceptable, even the good ones.

[Colette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was ok but a bit predictable - kid runs away cuz he thinks he killed his father - shuns help and suggestions of church, faith and forgiveness only to suddenly "see the light". I am a Christian woman, but I found this story unbelievable.

[Valerie Gallup · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet forgiveness.

This book from a young Christian novelist shows Christ's healing and the power of giving it all to God. I see good things in Ashley's career as she hones her writing skills. I look forward to seeing where she goes from here.