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When Broken Chords Sing
Beautiful singer, Destiny Okoye did not come to university to fall in love with her lecturer. But Stanley Briggs is hot, irresistible -and he wants her. A whirl wind romance leads to a proposal in the rain. But when a devastating discovery destroys her wedding, Destiny moves halfway across Nigeria with hopes of mending her broken heart. And then, charming church worker Christopher Eke comes along and proposes marriage. He seems to tick all the boxes: handsome, charming, funny. A Christian. Being with him makes Destiny forget about everything else-until he dents her jaw with a fist.
Instead of the perfect family life she dreamed of having with her new husband, pregnant Destiny finds herself in trapped in a cycle of violence, pain and shattered promises.
When the church and her family slam the door against her cries for help, Destiny faces a battle to survive in a modern day Nigeria where a tradition of silence shrouds domestic violence. Can she find a way out before her husband deals her a blow that could silence her and her unborn child forever?
Instead of the perfect family life she dreamed of having with her new husband, pregnant Destiny finds herself in trapped in a cycle of violence, pain and shattered promises.
When the church and her family slam the door against her cries for help, Destiny faces a battle to survive in a modern day Nigeria where a tradition of silence shrouds domestic violence. Can she find a way out before her husband deals her a blow that could silence her and her unborn child forever?
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2013
15 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 22, 2013
In "When Broken Chords Sing", Abimbola Dare captured vividly the many facets of abuse that occur in our communities.
From parental abuse as in Chris' and Amina's families, to spousal abuse at various levels by Destiny in particular and the other residents of The Safe Place. She also reflected on the helplessness that bystanders in family settings, church settings, community settings feel in the face of such abuse as seen in Destiny's mother's refusal to admit her daughter's abuse by her husband and Amina's mother's inability to stand up to protect her daughter. She reflected how such "helplessness" further emboldens the abuser as seen in the apparent support given by Pastor Dayo and Chris's mother and sister.
What intrigued me the most is Dare's pinpointing of the fact that the best way to deal with abuse is for the abused person to know that they need to save themselves first, before they save their marriage and their child(ren). To do that, they need to get out of and stay away from the abusive relationship and environment. That's what Kezzy should have done.
Very well written, I felt I was in the story experiencing it all with Destiny. I wish that I could give this book to all the young ladies I know, to help them know understand that abuse is something that they can walk into inadvertently like Destiny did, urging them to find themselves first before looking for a partner in life!
From parental abuse as in Chris' and Amina's families, to spousal abuse at various levels by Destiny in particular and the other residents of The Safe Place. She also reflected on the helplessness that bystanders in family settings, church settings, community settings feel in the face of such abuse as seen in Destiny's mother's refusal to admit her daughter's abuse by her husband and Amina's mother's inability to stand up to protect her daughter. She reflected how such "helplessness" further emboldens the abuser as seen in the apparent support given by Pastor Dayo and Chris's mother and sister.
What intrigued me the most is Dare's pinpointing of the fact that the best way to deal with abuse is for the abused person to know that they need to save themselves first, before they save their marriage and their child(ren). To do that, they need to get out of and stay away from the abusive relationship and environment. That's what Kezzy should have done.
Very well written, I felt I was in the story experiencing it all with Destiny. I wish that I could give this book to all the young ladies I know, to help them know understand that abuse is something that they can walk into inadvertently like Destiny did, urging them to find themselves first before looking for a partner in life!
March 25, 2015
Wow! Where do I even start with my review on this story? This story has everything..drama, suspense, love, heartbreak, lies and a powerful message once you've finished it. I can't begin to say how much I enjoyed this book. Destiny's mom kept me laughing. She was a mess. There wasn't a dull moment with this book. At times, I was on the edge of my seat with Chris and his antics with Destiny. I truly enjoyed every single page of this book. The characters really took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. The ending with the phone call to Chris, Keezy and The Secret Place really had my emotions going. Trust me, this book is GOOOOOD! I need more stars! The ending will definitely have you in deep thought I promise! If it wasn't for school, family and work I would have finished it one day!
April 29, 2015
Destiny is a senior in college and a virgin. Stanley teaches a class as a substitute and soon he is aggressively pursuing Destiny. She is in over her head and soon the brisk romance ends with them at the alter.
After her time ends with Stanley she hurriedly marries Chris. Destiny discovers the lesson to late, that courtship sometimes needs to be a slow process and sometimes warnings are not just gossip.
It started off slow but once you get past chapter 10 or so the author finds her flow and the story gets better.
My problem, with When Broken Chords Sing, was the author couldn't make me feel the emotions this type of story should easily garner.
After her time ends with Stanley she hurriedly marries Chris. Destiny discovers the lesson to late, that courtship sometimes needs to be a slow process and sometimes warnings are not just gossip.
It started off slow but once you get past chapter 10 or so the author finds her flow and the story gets better.
My problem, with When Broken Chords Sing, was the author couldn't make me feel the emotions this type of story should easily garner.
September 26, 2017
Thought Provoking
Destiny's story is one that a lot of women in Nigeria can unfortunately relate to. Domestic violence is real and the lack of support for victims is a story I've heard too many times. Our society needs to evolve. Families and churches need to be educated. Resources for DV victims need to be improved. I commend the author for writing about this. I cried at how much pain and betrayal one person had to endure. Sadly, I recognize the fact that it's the same for so many women out there. We all need to do better for victims!
Destiny's story is one that a lot of women in Nigeria can unfortunately relate to. Domestic violence is real and the lack of support for victims is a story I've heard too many times. Our society needs to evolve. Families and churches need to be educated. Resources for DV victims need to be improved. I commend the author for writing about this. I cried at how much pain and betrayal one person had to endure. Sadly, I recognize the fact that it's the same for so many women out there. We all need to do better for victims!
October 13, 2013
I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this book. I have never heard of this author so I was taking a leap of faith. From the very beginning I was into the book. I didn't want to put it down and had to force myself to stop reading. There was not one boring part of the book. There was also a big shocker that had me shaking my head. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
February 14, 2014
Wish the author hadn't done a novella. This author vividly described a young woman's abusive relationship, it's impact on her life and her relationships. Domestic abuse is often perpetrated by society and sadly by the persons being abused and often their families. . I had never heard of this author before but she is worth looking into. The many twists in the story are heart wrenching.
Memorable line: What matters most is not what is broken, but what holds you and who leads you."
Memorable line: What matters most is not what is broken, but what holds you and who leads you."
October 10, 2015
I gave this book 4 stars not for the storyline but for the length. This story ended abruptly. However, it was great!!! Filled with laughter, sadness, forgiveness, love and awareness of abuse in marriage. It cut through most of the main heights for every story for me. I enjoyed every bit of it!! Thank you Abimbola Dare and God bless you! Oh my best character was Destiny's mum, she was funny but the like for her diminished when she couldn't help her daughter.
May 21, 2014
Abimbola Dare doesn't disappoint in When Broken Chords Sing. All the drama and suspense. These ladies go through real issues and some make good decisions. It is perfect from beginning to the end. It was totally consumed with this book. I won't give away any spoilers. I will tell you that you will not regret reading this book. A must read that I definitely recommend.
August 6, 2014
When Broken Chords Sing
This book was really good. I liked how the author showed that you could overcome an abusive relationship and betrayal from a boyfriend/spouse. It was good to see that Destiny would seek God for future relationships.
This book was really good. I liked how the author showed that you could overcome an abusive relationship and betrayal from a boyfriend/spouse. It was good to see that Destiny would seek God for future relationships.
November 23, 2013
very good. needs a sequel
April 24, 2025
I read this in two sittings. When Broken Chords Sings is a rivetting story that drew more reactions from me than usual. I laughed, hissed, cringed, covered my face in second hand embarrassment and just had to pause to digest the audacity of some people.
When Broken Chords Sing addresses domestic violence in the Nigerian setting. I love the realism and the message on free will. I also love Destiny's journey to finding God.
This was an enjoyable read and I highly recommend.
When Broken Chords Sing addresses domestic violence in the Nigerian setting. I love the realism and the message on free will. I also love Destiny's journey to finding God.
This was an enjoyable read and I highly recommend.
November 3, 2017
Extremely talented author. Must Read!
Beautiful story infused with real hope and amazing writing. I almost felt as if I was reading a biography at some points because of the vivid descriptions and the multi dimensional characters. Honestly, she is the best author that I have ever read. Rich and raw talent. Can't wait to read more from her!
Beautiful story infused with real hope and amazing writing. I almost felt as if I was reading a biography at some points because of the vivid descriptions and the multi dimensional characters. Honestly, she is the best author that I have ever read. Rich and raw talent. Can't wait to read more from her!
February 18, 2018
Deep.
I started reading the book not knowing what to expect. I completed it in a high. It tells the story of the battered and the victim. I say this because sometimes we become battered because we are victims. In Destiny 's case,, she was a victim of choices she made. She then became a battered victim. Lots of lessons to learn from a very riveting story.
I started reading the book not knowing what to expect. I completed it in a high. It tells the story of the battered and the victim. I say this because sometimes we become battered because we are victims. In Destiny 's case,, she was a victim of choices she made. She then became a battered victim. Lots of lessons to learn from a very riveting story.
July 3, 2023
It is such an interesting novel
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2015
I came across ‘When Broken Chords Sing’ on my kindle recommended list. I read the synopsis and I was intrigued; I had never heard of this author so I was taking a leap of faith when I purchased the book on my kindle. The story has everything a good read should have – suspense, drama, heartbreak, love and a powerful lesson to be learnt.
Destiny Okoye who is the protagonist, is a young naïve university student who met and fell in love with her lecturer Stanley Briggs, her dreams seem to be coming true when she got a proposal in the rain, but her romantic proposal soon became a disaster when she made a devastating discovery that ended the wedding right before it began.
Life seemed to be fair to her again when she met Christopher Eke a church worker who ticked all the boxes; she soon forgot about her bitter experience with Stanley when he proposed marriage. The perfect family she dreamt of soon became her worse nightmare when Christopher gave her a dent on her jaw with his fist. She is trapped in pain and shattered promises, pregnant and helpless with no support from the church and her family, Destiny faces a battle to save herself and her unborn child.
This novella left me feeling like I was in the story, I felt a connection to Destiny I guess simply because my friend Hadiza had a similar bitter experience with her husband, I had to fight back tears as this book was explicit and raw with the issues and emotional consequences of domestic violence. I connected with her pain and sorrows, I was inspired at the end of the story by her forgiving heart to those whom she loved but only hurt her. A decision she had to make to heal herself. It almost seemed impossible.
“Feelings lie buried that grace can restore; touched by a loving heart, weakened by kindness, Chords that were broken will vibrate once more”
Not only did she go through parental abuse but her mother did not believe her, the church, community, family were all bystanders while Destiny went through series of abuse by her step father and husband. Destiny sought help from her loved ones but what she got was silence and betrayal by her family and the church, they even blamed her for what she was going through.
‘When Broken Chords Sing’ is intertwined with emotions, humour and a great lesson to be learnt. It has so many themes, but the one that stood out for me is the culture of silence around domestic violence in our society. We live in a society where women are expected to fight to stay in their marriages regardless of the dangers on their lives. Unfortunately, even though marriages should ideally last forever, realistically, many shouldn’t.
I wish I could have every lady out there read this book. It may seem distant to you, but its lessons can steer you away from the shackles of domestic violence. Abimbola Dare did a great job describing the dilemma of women experiencing domestic violence, she left no stone unturned – a good story teller. She captured how the community, religion and family sometimes lend a hand to this hideous act. Content and characters were well illustrated and I would recommend this book because I have learnt a lot from it. I will rate this book 3.5 out of 5 points; only because it ended too quickly. I couldn’t get enough of it.
Destiny Okoye who is the protagonist, is a young naïve university student who met and fell in love with her lecturer Stanley Briggs, her dreams seem to be coming true when she got a proposal in the rain, but her romantic proposal soon became a disaster when she made a devastating discovery that ended the wedding right before it began.
Life seemed to be fair to her again when she met Christopher Eke a church worker who ticked all the boxes; she soon forgot about her bitter experience with Stanley when he proposed marriage. The perfect family she dreamt of soon became her worse nightmare when Christopher gave her a dent on her jaw with his fist. She is trapped in pain and shattered promises, pregnant and helpless with no support from the church and her family, Destiny faces a battle to save herself and her unborn child.
This novella left me feeling like I was in the story, I felt a connection to Destiny I guess simply because my friend Hadiza had a similar bitter experience with her husband, I had to fight back tears as this book was explicit and raw with the issues and emotional consequences of domestic violence. I connected with her pain and sorrows, I was inspired at the end of the story by her forgiving heart to those whom she loved but only hurt her. A decision she had to make to heal herself. It almost seemed impossible.
“Feelings lie buried that grace can restore; touched by a loving heart, weakened by kindness, Chords that were broken will vibrate once more”
Not only did she go through parental abuse but her mother did not believe her, the church, community, family were all bystanders while Destiny went through series of abuse by her step father and husband. Destiny sought help from her loved ones but what she got was silence and betrayal by her family and the church, they even blamed her for what she was going through.
‘When Broken Chords Sing’ is intertwined with emotions, humour and a great lesson to be learnt. It has so many themes, but the one that stood out for me is the culture of silence around domestic violence in our society. We live in a society where women are expected to fight to stay in their marriages regardless of the dangers on their lives. Unfortunately, even though marriages should ideally last forever, realistically, many shouldn’t.
I wish I could have every lady out there read this book. It may seem distant to you, but its lessons can steer you away from the shackles of domestic violence. Abimbola Dare did a great job describing the dilemma of women experiencing domestic violence, she left no stone unturned – a good story teller. She captured how the community, religion and family sometimes lend a hand to this hideous act. Content and characters were well illustrated and I would recommend this book because I have learnt a lot from it. I will rate this book 3.5 out of 5 points; only because it ended too quickly. I couldn’t get enough of it.
June 14, 2025
It was an interesting read, I experienced different kinds of emotions while reading.
February 5, 2016
All in all, I really liked this book. It kept me engaged to see how lives like Destiny was going to turn around. I always love stories where putting trust in God truly heals individuals. Destiny endured a lot but a way was made for her. I'm just sad she had to go through what she went threw. This story line is many peoples lives in this real day in age. It makes me sad. I feel like the healing part of destiny's story in the book should have been emotionally charged. I Wanted to cry for her new found joy but i didn't so this is why I gave the book a 4. It was still good though and inspirational. I loved all the characters. Chris was filthy and controlling and you illustrated that so well in the book. He definitely was a mess.
April 6, 2016
Heart wrenching!!
My heart was in my mouth all through this book. I can only imagine what it took you to write this book. Highly recommended. A story of forgiveness and a reminder that God loves us and never gives up on us. We are loved and He will never forsake us. Can't wait for the sequel. Nice work Abimbola.
My heart was in my mouth all through this book. I can only imagine what it took you to write this book. Highly recommended. A story of forgiveness and a reminder that God loves us and never gives up on us. We are loved and He will never forsake us. Can't wait for the sequel. Nice work Abimbola.
December 1, 2015
Perfect, perfect, perfect! I will most def read this again. I am speechless!
April 29, 2015
Love love loved it a great read couldn't put it down
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews