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A Little Broken
Jessie Braden thought she had it all. A husband, a new baby – her life was on course, exactly what she always wanted…Until one day, she loses everything.
Ruined and broken, she’s left alone to pick up the pieces of her life. Unable to cope, she spontaneously packs up and moves across the country, hoping that new scenery will help.
Once in sunny Florida, she finds an apartment and a job but while Jessie is surviving, she isn’t living…until one night she meets someone. Dominick.
Desperate for an escape from the pain of her memories, she relents to his unerring determination and agrees to spend time with him.
Through his patience and understanding, she will learn that she’s not ruined…she’s just a little broken.
Ruined and broken, she’s left alone to pick up the pieces of her life. Unable to cope, she spontaneously packs up and moves across the country, hoping that new scenery will help.
Once in sunny Florida, she finds an apartment and a job but while Jessie is surviving, she isn’t living…until one night she meets someone. Dominick.
Desperate for an escape from the pain of her memories, she relents to his unerring determination and agrees to spend time with him.
Through his patience and understanding, she will learn that she’s not ruined…she’s just a little broken.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2013
6 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Juli Valenti
25 books167 followersJuli Valenti is a contemporary romance author who just can’t seem to make up her mind. She enjoys writing everything from sweet and funny romantic comedies, to ugly cry, heartbreaking stories, and even romantic suspense.
Her newest series, Redemption Reigns MC, has become a pivotal turning point in motorcycle club romance novels, changing the pace and bring diversity to a world run by men… which is so much fun!
Juli is from Bentonville, Arkansas, home of Wal-Mart and currently resides in Florida with her two sons just minutes from the beach.
Juli is currently working to bring more MC novels to the table, as well as more collaborations with Author Rene Folsom, and a bunch more! Keep on the look out and remember to sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date.
You can connect with Juli via the following:
www.facebook.com/authorjulivalenti
www.julivalenti.com
Her newest series, Redemption Reigns MC, has become a pivotal turning point in motorcycle club romance novels, changing the pace and bring diversity to a world run by men… which is so much fun!
Juli is from Bentonville, Arkansas, home of Wal-Mart and currently resides in Florida with her two sons just minutes from the beach.
Juli is currently working to bring more MC novels to the table, as well as more collaborations with Author Rene Folsom, and a bunch more! Keep on the look out and remember to sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date.
You can connect with Juli via the following:
www.facebook.com/authorjulivalenti
www.julivalenti.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 17, 2013
As a mother I want to first say that this book felt so real. I read it with a lump in my throat. I had to physically put my kindle down at 3 distinct points and go check on my kids and compose myself. This book ..... I have no words .... I full out lost my shit over this story. This is my biggest fear and my every worse nightmare.
This story, although gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, was truly inspirational.
Jessie Braden was so damn courageous. My heart bled for her. This story takes us on a journey of Jessie after suffering a terrible loss and we go through the motions with her : grief, denial, anger, guilt, anxiety. She leaves her old life behind and moves to a new place where no one knows about the pain she is going through. Then along comes Dominick.
Dominick tries to help Jessie live again. Smile again. Love again. And it's a beautiful journey.
This by no means is an easy read. Even adding in some great steam still did not take away from the heavy hearted story. I found myself one moment awwwing and the next moment full-out wailing. A book that can get a reader to go through so many emotions.....is definitely worth it's weight in tears. I think this was a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to more from this author. I love my steamy-weepys and this one did not disappoint. I finished this book and I'm still thinking.....
And now that I'm crying again... I'm going to go hug my kids tight. That's a powerful message ❤️
This story, although gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, was truly inspirational.
Jessie Braden was so damn courageous. My heart bled for her. This story takes us on a journey of Jessie after suffering a terrible loss and we go through the motions with her : grief, denial, anger, guilt, anxiety. She leaves her old life behind and moves to a new place where no one knows about the pain she is going through. Then along comes Dominick.
You said you're ruined. You're not ruined, Jessie....you're just a little broken.
You looked so sad, so lost in your own thoughts, and I felt this draw to you, this inner demand to see you smile.
Dominick tries to help Jessie live again. Smile again. Love again. And it's a beautiful journey.
This by no means is an easy read. Even adding in some great steam still did not take away from the heavy hearted story. I found myself one moment awwwing and the next moment full-out wailing. A book that can get a reader to go through so many emotions.....is definitely worth it's weight in tears. I think this was a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to more from this author. I love my steamy-weepys and this one did not disappoint. I finished this book and I'm still thinking.....
And now that I'm crying again... I'm going to go hug my kids tight. That's a powerful message ❤️
January 4, 2014
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Be prepared to have your heart torn, then shredded, then trampled on, keep the tissues on hand, and that’s just the first chapters. Jessie Braden was young, her life was complete, until that one fateful night that everything came crashing down. A mother’s worst nightmare, a wife’s tortured betrayal, and a guilt that buried all that Jesse was, followed her day and night. Being alive became Jessie’s own personal Hell on Earth, her own brand of punishment. She moved away, left everyone in her life behind and tried to avoid dealing with the past, never letting anyone in until a handsome and caring man with more compassion and heart than anyone Jessie could ever dream of, forced himself into her life. But can Dominick give Jessie the strength to learn to live again, to move on, forgive herself?
A Little Broken by Juli Valenti is a tale of rebuilding after a devastating loss, of learning to cope and of learning to give as much as you take. Her writing is emotionally deep, filled with the jagged edges of pain that can bring tears to the eyes of the reader. There is no miraculous turnaround for her main character, Jessie and the well of despair can be frustrating to read, but, that said, is extremely realistic. The patience and support from Dominick felt warm and almost dreamlike, very romantic and over the top. With a supporting cast that brightens each page with their loyalty and support as well as their humorous quips balance the story well as it flows to it final resolve. True romance, damaged characters and all!
Publication Date: December 2, 2013
Publisher: Juli Valenti
ISBN: 1493556193
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Number of Pages: 322
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
November 13, 2013
This Book Runs the Gamut of Emotions
Holy cow, after reading the first few pages in this book I knew I was in for one heck of an emotional ride, and I was right! At some points I felt Jesse's pain and it actually made me well up.
Jesse has the unthinkable happen to her in her young life. A tragedy you just don't know how she will recover from and neither does she. After trying to live a "normal" life for everybody else, Jesse decides she needs a change of scenery, so she leaves her hometown to start over.
Jesse is settling into her new life, working and going home. This is her routine as she isn't looking for any type of outside relationships. There is a lot going on in her mind and her heart is just too broken to accept the love of another, until Dominick.
Dominick meets Jesse in a very cute way and decides he wants to know her a little better. This is hard for Jesse as she doesn't really even know herself anymore. Dominick doesn't scare easily and puts his best moves on the emotionally closed off Jesse.
I really liked Dominick's character, so understanding and patient, he lets Jesse do what she needs to do to move on. As difficult as it is, he tries to help Jesse live again, although she feels she doesn't deserve a good life. I will go ahead and stop there as to not spoil any of the story line.
This is a heart wrenching read, you are down as low as you can go and are begging for something good to bring the story back up. Major emotional roller coaster and I loved it. It is a sad story that is so well written. it makes you want to see how it is going to end for Jesse and Dominick.
Holy cow, after reading the first few pages in this book I knew I was in for one heck of an emotional ride, and I was right! At some points I felt Jesse's pain and it actually made me well up.
Jesse has the unthinkable happen to her in her young life. A tragedy you just don't know how she will recover from and neither does she. After trying to live a "normal" life for everybody else, Jesse decides she needs a change of scenery, so she leaves her hometown to start over.
Jesse is settling into her new life, working and going home. This is her routine as she isn't looking for any type of outside relationships. There is a lot going on in her mind and her heart is just too broken to accept the love of another, until Dominick.
Dominick meets Jesse in a very cute way and decides he wants to know her a little better. This is hard for Jesse as she doesn't really even know herself anymore. Dominick doesn't scare easily and puts his best moves on the emotionally closed off Jesse.
I really liked Dominick's character, so understanding and patient, he lets Jesse do what she needs to do to move on. As difficult as it is, he tries to help Jesse live again, although she feels she doesn't deserve a good life. I will go ahead and stop there as to not spoil any of the story line.
This is a heart wrenching read, you are down as low as you can go and are begging for something good to bring the story back up. Major emotional roller coaster and I loved it. It is a sad story that is so well written. it makes you want to see how it is going to end for Jesse and Dominick.
November 16, 2013
This is a beautifully written story that brings to light a completely heart-wrenching topic. One no mother or family should ever have to face.
This story was written with a heart wide-open and you can feel the full gamut of Jessie's emotions.
A wonderful and emotional read. Keep a box of tissues handy. I applaud Juli Valenti for writing this book and I hope it helps bring a little peace, some hope, and a lot of understanding with this issue.
Such a fantastic job
This story was written with a heart wide-open and you can feel the full gamut of Jessie's emotions.
A wonderful and emotional read. Keep a box of tissues handy. I applaud Juli Valenti for writing this book and I hope it helps bring a little peace, some hope, and a lot of understanding with this issue.
Such a fantastic job
May 11, 2014
I woke up early and picked a book to read....it's Mother's Day
OMG I had no idea how I would be feeling three hours later. What an amazing read.
I truly suck at writing reviews, I usually give too much of the story away, so I just say this.....READ this book. It truly is a book about healing and learning to live again when you think all is lost.
To the author....the letter,holy mackerel. Great job!
OMG I had no idea how I would be feeling three hours later. What an amazing read.
I truly suck at writing reviews, I usually give too much of the story away, so I just say this.....READ this book. It truly is a book about healing and learning to live again when you think all is lost.
To the author....the letter,holy mackerel. Great job!
November 28, 2013
I Beta Read A little Broken by Juli Valentí and I Loved It! ;)
This story had me crying from beginning to end. This book is about a person who struggles to move on after a Terrible tragedy in her young life.It's an emotional story be sure to have tissues ready...I highly recommend this book..Can't wait to read more from this talented Author..
This story had me crying from beginning to end. This book is about a person who struggles to move on after a Terrible tragedy in her young life.It's an emotional story be sure to have tissues ready...I highly recommend this book..Can't wait to read more from this talented Author..
September 30, 2014
5 Stars|ALB on Goodreads|ALB on Amazon
Amy's Review:
I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this debut novel by Juli Valenti. The synopsis had me super excited to dive in and read all about Jessie and her journey.
Jessie is an everyday mom and wife with a seemingly average life, until her bubble pops and her life falls apart. I felt her pain, deep in my bones, as a mom I felt it. I was crying by chapter 2, blubbering actually while trying to watch my daughter at ballet class ... it was not pretty. Jessie went through the emotions anyone would after losing a loved one: denial, grief, sadness, longing, but most of all guilt. Her guilt ultimately forces her to flee her life, leaving everyone behind, and starting over. She lives in an even smaller, made of metal bubble in her new life. No one knows of her past, no one is allowed. I wanted to hug her and tell her it's not her fault. I fell in love with her character and the raw emotions she possessed.
Eventually life was so overwhelming that cracks started to build in the metal bubble she had created. Enter Dominick. Nephew of her boss and a wonderfully caring man. He can sense that Jessie has skeletons in her closet and never pushes her to show what is destroying her. Dominick becomes something light in her darkness. Through friendship Jessie realizes she is not ruined, just A little Broken. Perfect title to this book.
This story was beautifully written. Character development was amazing. I am not sure who could read this without a tissue close by, without getting fully engrossed in the story, without falling in love with Jessie and her journey.
I am so excited to see what Juli has in store for her next novel and I for one will be first in line wanting a copy. Great job Juli .. amazing book!! xoxo
This quote ... I just loved it.
"It was like with him, her past wasn't as vivid. Sure, it was still there, still haunting her thoughts and her soul, but it was faded, like an antique photograph."
ALB on Goodreads
ALB on Amazon
Synopsis:
Jessie Braden thought she had it all. A husband, a new baby – her life was on course, exactly what she always wanted…Until one day, she loses everything.
Ruined and broken, she’s left alone to pick up the pieces of her life. Unable to cope, she spontaneously packs up and moves across the country, hoping that new scenery will help.
Once in sunny Florida, she finds an apartment and a job but while Jessie is surviving, she isn’t living…until one night she meets someone. Dominick.
Desperate for an escape from the pain of her memories, she relents to his unerring determination and agrees to spend time with him.
Through his patience and understanding, she will learn that she’s not ruined…she’s just a little broken.
ALB on Goodreads
ALB on Amazon
”It was like with him, her past wasn’t as vivid. Sure, it was still there, still haunting her thoughts and her soul, but it was faded, like an antique photograph.”
November 5, 2013
A Little Broken is the first book to actually make me bawl hysterically within the first 10%. It got to the point where I had to actually stop reading to take a couple deep breaths and recoup myself. You may be asking why I continued reading if it made me so incredibly depressed. The reason is simple, its an unbelievably beautiful story that captivates you from the very beginning. You just couldn't stop reading even if you wanted to.
Right out of the gates you are just pummeled by an emotional avalanche, as Jessie finds herself in the middle of every parents worst nightmare. I'm thinking maybe one of the reasons it hit me so hard is because I do have 2 small children so I found Jessie easy to relate to and sympathize with. And the fact that she experiences something that is very much real and unfortunately common makes her story even more heart breaking. My heart literally ached for her. But I don't feel like you need to be a parent to appreciate this one because it is so well written with such honest and sincere emotion that it will affect everybody alike.
The story flows at a nice even pace as we're taken along on Jessie's journey of healing. The supporting characters were all wonderfully caring and understanding of her need to cope and come to them on her own terms. They did an amazing job of keeping her afloat and anchored to reality, especially Dominick. It was so heartwarming to witness her connect with him in a way she had never connected with anybody before. He was her rock, her "home". The one to make her feel alive again even though she thought she had no right to feel that way.
I would highly recommend A Little Broken, and would definitely rank it as a must-read of the year. It has a very powerful message that will encourage and inspire all who read it. Juli, I just can't thank you enough for sharing your book with me.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
Right out of the gates you are just pummeled by an emotional avalanche, as Jessie finds herself in the middle of every parents worst nightmare. I'm thinking maybe one of the reasons it hit me so hard is because I do have 2 small children so I found Jessie easy to relate to and sympathize with. And the fact that she experiences something that is very much real and unfortunately common makes her story even more heart breaking. My heart literally ached for her. But I don't feel like you need to be a parent to appreciate this one because it is so well written with such honest and sincere emotion that it will affect everybody alike.
The story flows at a nice even pace as we're taken along on Jessie's journey of healing. The supporting characters were all wonderfully caring and understanding of her need to cope and come to them on her own terms. They did an amazing job of keeping her afloat and anchored to reality, especially Dominick. It was so heartwarming to witness her connect with him in a way she had never connected with anybody before. He was her rock, her "home". The one to make her feel alive again even though she thought she had no right to feel that way.
I would highly recommend A Little Broken, and would definitely rank it as a must-read of the year. It has a very powerful message that will encourage and inspire all who read it. Juli, I just can't thank you enough for sharing your book with me.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
October 25, 2013
I was thrilled to receive an ARC of this debut novel by Juli Valenti. The synopsis had me super excited to dive in and read all about Jessie and her journey.
Jessie is an everyday mom and wife with a seemingly average life, until her bubble pops and her life falls apart. I felt her pain, deep in my bones, as a mom I felt it. I was crying by chapter 2, blubbering actually while trying to watch my daughter at ballet class ... it was not pretty. Jessie went through the emotions anyone would after losing a loved one: denial, grief, sadness, longing, but most of all guilt. Her guilt ultimately forces her to flee her life, leaving everyone behind, and starting over. She lives in an even smaller, made of metal bubble in her new life. No one knows of her past, no one is allowed. I wanted to hug her and tell her it's not her fault. I fell in love with her character and the raw emotions she possessed.
Eventually life was so overwhelming that cracks started to build in the metal bubble she had created. Enter Dominick. Nephew of her boss and a wonderfully caring man. He can sense that Jessie has skeletons in her closet and never pushes her to reveal what is destroying her. Dominick becomes something light in her darkness. Through friendship Jessie realizes she is not ruined, just A little Broken. Perfect title to this book.
This story was beautifully written. Character development was amazing. I am not sure who could read this without a tissue close by, without getting fully engrossed in the story, without falling in love with Jessie and her journey.
I am so excited to see what Juli has in store for her next novel and I for one will be first in line wanting a copy. Great job Juli .. amazing book!! xoxo
This quote ... I just loved it.
~ "It was like with him, her past wasn't as vivid. Sure, it was still there, still haunting her thoughts and her soul, but it was faded, like an antique photograph."
Jessie is an everyday mom and wife with a seemingly average life, until her bubble pops and her life falls apart. I felt her pain, deep in my bones, as a mom I felt it. I was crying by chapter 2, blubbering actually while trying to watch my daughter at ballet class ... it was not pretty. Jessie went through the emotions anyone would after losing a loved one: denial, grief, sadness, longing, but most of all guilt. Her guilt ultimately forces her to flee her life, leaving everyone behind, and starting over. She lives in an even smaller, made of metal bubble in her new life. No one knows of her past, no one is allowed. I wanted to hug her and tell her it's not her fault. I fell in love with her character and the raw emotions she possessed.
Eventually life was so overwhelming that cracks started to build in the metal bubble she had created. Enter Dominick. Nephew of her boss and a wonderfully caring man. He can sense that Jessie has skeletons in her closet and never pushes her to reveal what is destroying her. Dominick becomes something light in her darkness. Through friendship Jessie realizes she is not ruined, just A little Broken. Perfect title to this book.
This story was beautifully written. Character development was amazing. I am not sure who could read this without a tissue close by, without getting fully engrossed in the story, without falling in love with Jessie and her journey.
I am so excited to see what Juli has in store for her next novel and I for one will be first in line wanting a copy. Great job Juli .. amazing book!! xoxo
This quote ... I just loved it.
~ "It was like with him, her past wasn't as vivid. Sure, it was still there, still haunting her thoughts and her soul, but it was faded, like an antique photograph."
October 31, 2013
Everyone who reads my blog knows how much I love my indie authors. This gal is near & dear to my heart, as I've been following her writing progress from the very beginning! I was super excited to read the debut novel, "A Little Broken" by Author Juli Valenti. It did not disappoint!
The book centers around the courageous Jessie who loses someone very dear to her heart.. She leaves everything she knows to start a new life, far away from her old one, in a way to try & help herself cope with all that life has thrown at her.. Her strength is inspiring! She meets the sexy & oh-so-awesome Dominick after work one day.. She does not want to deal with another man in her life but Dominick persists until he gets her to agree to a date... Jessie is drawn to this wonderfully strong man and he is just as drawn to Jessie, helping her bit by bit with her coping & helping her start to smile again.. However, Jessie thinks she might be a little too broken & ends up self-sabotaging the budding relationship.. Will Dominick be strong enough to help Jessie find herself again or will Jessie's troubled past bring her new life crashing to a sudden halt?
You absolutely MUST read this wonderfully written debut novel! Ms. Valenti provides the most meticulous details on her characters and you actually FEEL what they are experiencing! I laughed, cried & gasped throughout this book and was utterly enthralled with the world that Ms Valenti created along with the incredibly expressive characters & the detailed story line! Warning: Keep the tissues handy!
Run out and pick up "A Little Broken" by Juli Valenti today & fall into an enticing & compelling, emotional-laden novel of epic proportions!
Platinum Book Reviews gives Juli & "A Little Broken":
5 Platinum Rings!
The book centers around the courageous Jessie who loses someone very dear to her heart.. She leaves everything she knows to start a new life, far away from her old one, in a way to try & help herself cope with all that life has thrown at her.. Her strength is inspiring! She meets the sexy & oh-so-awesome Dominick after work one day.. She does not want to deal with another man in her life but Dominick persists until he gets her to agree to a date... Jessie is drawn to this wonderfully strong man and he is just as drawn to Jessie, helping her bit by bit with her coping & helping her start to smile again.. However, Jessie thinks she might be a little too broken & ends up self-sabotaging the budding relationship.. Will Dominick be strong enough to help Jessie find herself again or will Jessie's troubled past bring her new life crashing to a sudden halt?
You absolutely MUST read this wonderfully written debut novel! Ms. Valenti provides the most meticulous details on her characters and you actually FEEL what they are experiencing! I laughed, cried & gasped throughout this book and was utterly enthralled with the world that Ms Valenti created along with the incredibly expressive characters & the detailed story line! Warning: Keep the tissues handy!
Run out and pick up "A Little Broken" by Juli Valenti today & fall into an enticing & compelling, emotional-laden novel of epic proportions!
Platinum Book Reviews gives Juli & "A Little Broken":
5 Platinum Rings!
January 28, 2015
[review also posted on my blog http://beentherereadthatreviewedthebo...]
A Little Broken was heart-breaking, beautiful, inspirational and just plain perfect. Words won’t do justice to how much I felt this book and how much I loved it. I could have read this book in one sitting, I was enjoying it that much, but I had to keep forcing myself to stop, because I didn’t want this book to end. I could have read Juli Valenti’s incredible writing for weeks and not got bored.
The book starts off in an emotional style. The worst thing Jessie could have ever imagined has happened and the opening chapters could bring anyone to tears. It’s worth noting that the issues dealt with in the opening of A Little Broken could feel a bit too grim for some readers but the author handles them flawlessly.
The rest of the book focuses on Jessie’s road to recovery and it’s a poignant tale. Dominick, who she meets along the way, is probably one of my favourite male characters I’ve ever read. He was sweet and thoughtful and hot and I definitely wish I knew someone like him! I loved all the less involved characters too – Jessie’s boss especially.
A Little Broken was an extremely moving story. However, not all of it will have you sobbing into your tissues. There’s some humour, romance and some saucy scenes thrown in there too and everything just worked. Nothing felt rushed, or unrealistic. It all felt believable, and that just made me immerse myself in it even more.
Every now and again, I find a book which just blows me away. A Little Broken did exactly that. It was stunningly written, very thought-provoking and a truly touching story.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2021
This book should not be listed as a romance because it is not, it is almost completely about a woman who was dealt a really tough hand and how she comes to terms with it. Right from the start it felt so disconnected, she was so distant from her husband and even her parents in a really weird way. I almost stopped reading but then we jumped several months and she has ran away but the whole excuse about her parents was just stupid and nothing really flowed in a way that felt real. Once Dominic came along it all just moved so fast, we didn't really see anything that showed them building a relationship. Most of what we got was her dealing with her issues and him being a wonderful patient guy thru it all. In the last few chapters it really picks up speed and the relationship moves at the speed of light but we still don't see it happening but they're in such a rush for everything it's just completely unrealistic. I could believe it a bit more if we had jumped a year instead of just a few months but we just weren't given anything other than Jessie working thru her grief. I can enjoy a book that isn't all about the romance if it was actually well written but sadly that was not the case with this one. I don't know why it has so many high ratings considering it really needed an editor and the writing was very amateur . The circumstances are very sad but they happen right at the start without any chance to build a connection to the characters and it reads like a list off of a timeline instead of a story so I didn't feel like it was all that emotional. Overall it was just an okay read but not some big love story if that's what you're looking for.
January 5, 2014
This is a book that will stir up your emotions.
I haven't been a mother yet, but I really felt for Jessie here. Juli Valenti was able to come up with a story that's at pace with the times but still has all the depth and emotions needed that's meant to make a great book.
Jessie is a woman whose life has thrown some big rocks to. She lost her baby, she lost her husband, and she has to deal with things on her own again. This is the story of a woman who has loved and lost, and who's trying to start all over again. It's the story of someone who sees that there's still more to life, and that sometimes, things fall apart so that better things can be given.
I like the fact that though she's not quite a popular author--yet--Juli Valenti didn't just write a novel that could be classified as "just okay"--she wrote something that's really good and would get to you. She wrote something that'll pull your heartstrings. She wrote something that you'll love.
If you're looking for a good beach read, or something that you can finish right away but will leave a mark in your heart, read this book. You won't regret it.
I haven't been a mother yet, but I really felt for Jessie here. Juli Valenti was able to come up with a story that's at pace with the times but still has all the depth and emotions needed that's meant to make a great book.
Jessie is a woman whose life has thrown some big rocks to. She lost her baby, she lost her husband, and she has to deal with things on her own again. This is the story of a woman who has loved and lost, and who's trying to start all over again. It's the story of someone who sees that there's still more to life, and that sometimes, things fall apart so that better things can be given.
I like the fact that though she's not quite a popular author--yet--Juli Valenti didn't just write a novel that could be classified as "just okay"--she wrote something that's really good and would get to you. She wrote something that'll pull your heartstrings. She wrote something that you'll love.
If you're looking for a good beach read, or something that you can finish right away but will leave a mark in your heart, read this book. You won't regret it.
November 18, 2013
I was an emotional wreck after reading this book. I haven't been so deeply touched by a book in a very long time. The story is so emotional I had step away for awhile before reviewing. Ms. Valenti writes from the heart and it shows in her work. The story centers on Jessie, a woman who loses everything important in her life, so she leaves her old life to start over. She feels that she is broken and weak, but she is stronger than she realizes. The loss of her child and in turn her husband devastated her. She meet Dominick and he shows her that she is stronger than she realizes. He too, has suffered loss and helps her through it. I loved this very personal story and anxiously await Ms. Valenti's next book.
December 1, 2013
This is another great second-chance love story. This one was a bit different than most. And from reading the plot summary, I would never have guessed. I'll leave it at that in hope if not ruining the story.
Jessie lost everything. And in her mind, she was completely ruined. It took literally running away from her home town for her to start to heal. But healing really never came until she met Dominick. He gave her support and a much needed shoulder to cry on. But Jessie's guilt and grief were slowly crushing her. Dominick helped her to see that she wasn't ruined, just a little broken.
I love reading about second-chance love. There's something so beautiful about someone realizing that all hope is not lost and that love really can conquer all. A job well done by Juli Valenti.
Jessie lost everything. And in her mind, she was completely ruined. It took literally running away from her home town for her to start to heal. But healing really never came until she met Dominick. He gave her support and a much needed shoulder to cry on. But Jessie's guilt and grief were slowly crushing her. Dominick helped her to see that she wasn't ruined, just a little broken.
I love reading about second-chance love. There's something so beautiful about someone realizing that all hope is not lost and that love really can conquer all. A job well done by Juli Valenti.
October 5, 2013
"A Little Broken," was an absolutely wonderful and inspirational piece of art. It was emotional and left me raw reading about loss and the guilt associated with it. The story ended beautiful and hopeful even knowing that Jessie our leading lady still has a long way to go on this journey of recovery but she isn't alone and Dominick will prove to be a driving force for her and I have to say I would swipe that man up in a heart beat. I cried and felt on so many levels, Sad cry, Devastated cry, Silly girl cry, Happy cry. Yeah it was worth the sad but even more then that it was eye opening and a story that will stick with me for a very long time.
November 13, 2013
I think I may have broken my kindle a little while I read this from tears, then the steam from hot scenes. I never really read a book comparable to this. It was so beautifully heartbrokenly written, and then it was a very hot romantic adventure. I love when books don’t leave a cliff hanger, and this one did not disappoint. This is a story of love, loss, betrayal, grief, guilt, self-doubt, learning to breathe again, and living. This book was so detailed and engrossing; you felt everything Jessie did good or bad. The characters are well developed, the story line flows great. So grab your box of tissues, possibly two, and read this book.
October 23, 2013
A Little Broken is an amazing and heartfelt debut novel by Juli Valenti. I was so emotionally and mentally invested in the storyline that I literally would fall asleep holding on to my Kindle. The main character Jessie struggles to universally survive day by day following several life altering events. Without looking back, she painfully relocates to Florida and meets Dominick. Will he become her savior or another obstacle to endure in her already broken soul?
Thank you Juli Valenti for the opportunity to engage in the lives of Jessie and Dominick. ♥
Thank you Juli Valenti for the opportunity to engage in the lives of Jessie and Dominick. ♥
October 30, 2013
This book is...I haven't the words. The events in this book is so real that it makes you wonder how someone can go through these events and still breathe. In this book you will see, feel, and heal as the story unfolds. Yes you will become a little broken too. Everything was done beautifully with this story. What starts as every parent's wish, morphs into their worst nightmare, only to later change. No spoilers just know that this book means something very dear to the author and if it's not your cup of tea then so be it. I just want to say thank you to the author for a beautiful story.
January 6, 2014
I really don´t know how to describe with words this story. I know that every word I say in the review wouldn´t show how this story is magnificent.
The simpliest way to describe it is by saying that is so breathtaking and heart gripping beautiful.
The story of Jessie Braden is gut wrenching, raw and so real. The first pages made me cry a river. Her story is so emotional and deeply touching and it simply wraps itself around your heart.
So beautiful story that I can´t recommend high enough.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
The simpliest way to describe it is by saying that is so breathtaking and heart gripping beautiful.
The story of Jessie Braden is gut wrenching, raw and so real. The first pages made me cry a river. Her story is so emotional and deeply touching and it simply wraps itself around your heart.
So beautiful story that I can´t recommend high enough.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
May 24, 2014
This book seemed to almost begin at the climax of the story. I felt as though I had been ripped apart and the rest of the story was going to put me back together. I couldn't put it down. Such an original concept but sadly not unusual in real life. Can't wait for more from her!!!
November 13, 2013
This story had me crying from beginning to the end. But it was a great story
December 4, 2013
This book is an amazing read! I read it twice just to make sure I didn't skip any part of the story. Great story line that I believe that anyone can relate to one way or another. Exceptional!!
March 6, 2021
The reviews have got to be fake. Aside from the obvious errors in this book, I'm completely confused and puzzled by portions of the book. This doesn't seem to be a grieving mother at all. I read apparently this is based on truth of a grieving mother and its so far removed from that. It's out of touch with how an actually grieving mother acts. as a mother of three wonderful girls and one who is a sids angel. this just seems off base.
January 21, 2014
*****5-will rip your heart out-Stars
“It's okay, just go back to sleep – dreams can't hurt you.”
Sighing, she started calming in his arms, relaxing. The last thought she had before sleep overcame her was that Ryan had no idea how wrong he was...
...She was pretty sure that nothing could make her life any worse. The moment she thought it, she knew she would regret it; and she did.
Wow. That was brutal...yet beautiful. I love an author that can really make me feel what I'm reading and Juli Valenti did exactly that, this book had me in tears several times. Right from the start BAM pain like a knife in the chest-she completely destroys you before slowly piecing your heart back together again. Mothers be warned, this will gut you.
Jessie has lived in the same small town her entire life. Married to her high school sweetheart with a newborn son, she has everything she's ever wanted and life is pretty perfect....til it all gets brutally ripped away overnight.
She cried for herself, for her loss, for her grief and unwillingness to live. She cried for every dream she had, all of which had been shattered into unrecognizable pieces. She screamed her hurt to the sky, demanding an answer to the endless 'why me?' questions running through her head. She'd had everything she'd ever dreamt of, ever wanted, and in two short weeks, she'd lost it all. She was nothing and had nothing to give, nothing but her many fallen tears.
Devastated and broken, she packs up and flees the ghosts surrounding her and attempts to start over. In a new town, with a new job, in a new apartment, she is doing nothing more than surviving. Living day to day, drowning in her guilt and heartbreak, she's just a shell of the girl she once was.
Til she meets him....
“Jessie, from the moment I first saw you, walking home from the diner, I knew I had to meet you. You looked so sad, so lost in your own thoughts, and I felt this draw to you, this inner demand to see you smile. I had some urging instinct that if I could just get you to laugh, the world would stop turning and the night would never be dark.”
Dominick is relentless in his pursuit of Jessie, try as she might, she can't seem to shake him and soon realizes she doesn't really want to. But she is very afraid to let anyone get too close to her again, she knows how quickly loved ones can be torn away from you. Dominick knows Jessie is suffering but won't push her in to telling him why til she's ready, he wants her to open to him in her own time. With everlasting patience and understanding, he does whatever he can to try to piece Jessie back together again. The question is, will Jessie let him or is she damaged beyond repair?
“You said you're ruined. You're not ruined, Jessie...you're just a little broken,” he whispered, kissing her forehead. “You have to live past the guilt you feel. I know that nothing I say will show you how to do it, but each day, you have to, or you will disappear.”
I was in complete awe of Jessie. After everything life dealt her, she refused to give up even when that’s all she wanted to do. I loved that the author didn't turn her into an overnight 'I'm all better now!' character, I've seen that too many times and with Jessie's circumstances that would have irritated me beyond belief. Dominick stole my heart. Sooo very very sweet, kind, patient and caring but oh so very sexy and commanding when necessary wink-wink. He really was exactly what she needed in her life. Mr. C and Toni were amazing secondary characters and people you would want in your life. I really just loved everything about this book, even when it was tearing me up. The author just buried you so far into the story, you lived it-tears, giggles, blushes and everything in between. She has definitely made a fan outta me.
I now know that no day is guaranteed to us. No breath, no feeling, no touch is guaranteed. Everything can be gone in a flash. You've taught me to live like there is no tomorrow because there very well may not be.
January 21, 2014
*****5-will rip your heart out-Stars
“It's okay, just go back to sleep – dreams can't hurt you.”
Sighing, she started calming in his arms, relaxing. The last thought she had before sleep overcame her was that Ryan had no idea how wrong he was...
...She was pretty sure that nothing could make her life any worse. The moment she thought it, she knew she would regret it; and she did.
Wow. That was brutal...yet beautiful. I love an author that can really make me feel what I'm reading and Juli Valenti did exactly that, this book had me in tears several times. Right from the start BAM pain like a knife in the chest-she completely destroys you before slowly piecing your heart back together again. Mothers be warned, this will gut you.
Jessie has lived in the same small town her entire life. Married to her high school sweetheart with a newborn son, she has everything she's ever wanted and life is pretty perfect....til it all gets brutally ripped away overnight.
She cried for herself, for her loss, for her grief and unwillingness to live. She cried for every dream she had, all of which had been shattered into unrecognizable pieces. She screamed her hurt to the sky, demanding an answer to the endless 'why me?' questions running through her head. She'd had everything she'd ever dreamt of, ever wanted, and in two short weeks, she'd lost it all. She was nothing and had nothing to give, nothing but her many fallen tears.
Devastated and broken, she packs up and flees the ghosts surrounding her and attempts to start over. In a new town, with a new job, in a new apartment, she is doing nothing more than surviving. Living day to day, drowning in her guilt and heartbreak, she's just a shell of the girl she once was.
Til she meets him....
“Jessie, from the moment I first saw you, walking home from the diner, I knew I had to meet you. You looked so sad, so lost in your own thoughts, and I felt this draw to you, this inner demand to see you smile. I had some urging instinct that if I could just get you to laugh, the world would stop turning and the night would never be dark.”
Dominick is relentless in his pursuit of Jessie, try as she might, she can't seem to shake him and soon realizes she doesn't really want to. But she is very afraid to let anyone get too close to her again, she knows how quickly loved ones can be torn away from you. Dominick knows Jessie is suffering but won't push her in to telling him why til she's ready, he wants her to open to him in her own time. With everlasting patience and understanding, he does whatever he can to try to piece Jessie back together again. The question is, will Jessie let him or is she damaged beyond repair?
“You said you're ruined. You're not ruined, Jessie...you're just a little broken,” he whispered, kissing her forehead. “You have to live past the guilt you feel. I know that nothing I say will show you how to do it, but each day, you have to, or you will disappear.”
I was in complete awe of Jessie. After everything life dealt her, she refused to give up even when that’s all she wanted to do. I loved that the author didn't turn her into an overnight 'I'm all better now!' character, I've seen that too many times and with Jessie's circumstances that would have irritated me beyond belief. Dominick stole my heart. Sooo very very sweet, kind, patient and caring but oh so very sexy and commanding when necessary wink-wink. He really was exactly what she needed in her life. Mr. C and Toni were amazing secondary characters and people you would want in your life. I really just loved everything about this book, even when it was tearing me up. The author just buried you so far into the story, you lived it-tears, giggles, blushes and everything in between. She has definitely made a fan outta me.
I now know that no day is guaranteed to us. No breath, no feeling, no touch is guaranteed. Everything can be gone in a flash. You've taught me to live like there is no tomorrow because there very well may not be.
January 11, 2014
***** I received an ARC copy for an honest review *****
First let me just say that this is the first book that I read from this author.
Wow I just finish reading this book, and let me just say that this book had me in tears, I am not a mother so I don't know the feeling of losing a child, this book is about second chances and how to learn how to deal and live life again, when I started reading this book I couldn't put it down, and I couldn't stop crying, they where sad tears and happy tears and let me just say I love every single minute of it.
Jessie though that she was happy, in part she was she had a husband and a baby, she was happy being a mother, into one night everything change. After that night her life change, she discover that her husband was not the one she love, after that horrible night she lost everything, couple of weeks pass by that's when she decide to move, that's when she found her self three months later working at a dinner in Tampa FL.
One night after her shift end it her friend Toni, tried to get her to go out with them but like many night she turned her down, after she closed the dinner and started to walk to her apartment, a car pull up by her that's when Dominick hang out of his window to asked her to go get coffee, and of coursed she told him that she don't talk to stranger and turned his offer down but before he kept on driving he told her you will have coffee with me someday. the following night the host at the dinner told her that she had a new client, when she went to take the order she knew it was Dominick, after that night everyone started to see her change and she started to feel her life changing.
I really enjoy this book, I love it how Dominick show Jessie how to feel alive, with words and acts, I love it how she started to open up to him and how she started to forgive herself and not feel guilty anymore for something that she did not have control of.
Author Juli Valenti THANK YOU for introducing me to this heart warming story and this awesome characters.
First let me just say that this is the first book that I read from this author.
Wow I just finish reading this book, and let me just say that this book had me in tears, I am not a mother so I don't know the feeling of losing a child, this book is about second chances and how to learn how to deal and live life again, when I started reading this book I couldn't put it down, and I couldn't stop crying, they where sad tears and happy tears and let me just say I love every single minute of it.
Jessie though that she was happy, in part she was she had a husband and a baby, she was happy being a mother, into one night everything change. After that night her life change, she discover that her husband was not the one she love, after that horrible night she lost everything, couple of weeks pass by that's when she decide to move, that's when she found her self three months later working at a dinner in Tampa FL.
One night after her shift end it her friend Toni, tried to get her to go out with them but like many night she turned her down, after she closed the dinner and started to walk to her apartment, a car pull up by her that's when Dominick hang out of his window to asked her to go get coffee, and of coursed she told him that she don't talk to stranger and turned his offer down but before he kept on driving he told her you will have coffee with me someday. the following night the host at the dinner told her that she had a new client, when she went to take the order she knew it was Dominick, after that night everyone started to see her change and she started to feel her life changing.
I really enjoy this book, I love it how Dominick show Jessie how to feel alive, with words and acts, I love it how she started to open up to him and how she started to forgive herself and not feel guilty anymore for something that she did not have control of.
Author Juli Valenti THANK YOU for introducing me to this heart warming story and this awesome characters.
September 16, 2014
I was warned before I started reading this book, that it was an emotional one. Boy was it a tear jerker, I don't think I have ever cried, and I mean full on ugly cry, so much while reading a book, especially in the beginning. Juli Valenti was really able to capture Jessie's pain and heartache and share it with the readers. I was feeling it right along with her. Make sure you have at least 1 box of kleenex while reading this.
Dominick, wow, instead of your normal "me man you woman" alpha caveman, he is a very caring, tender, and loving man. He actually wants to take the relationship on Jessie's time, and not rush her into anything she's not ready to do yet. Even without knowing what exactly she is going through. He still wants to help her and still wants her.
The beginning isn't the only place I cried, there were a few others that had me ugly crying near the end as well.
Dominick, wow, instead of your normal "me man you woman" alpha caveman, he is a very caring, tender, and loving man. He actually wants to take the relationship on Jessie's time, and not rush her into anything she's not ready to do yet. Even without knowing what exactly she is going through. He still wants to help her and still wants her.
The beginning isn't the only place I cried, there were a few others that had me ugly crying near the end as well.
January 14, 2015
What an awesome book! This book started out strong and drew me in right from the start. We get to know Jessie as a young Mom and we go through all her trials and heartbreaks. I never cry at books and I definitely needed a tissue! For Jessie, life is hopeless & she doesn't seem able to go on. Eventually she meets Dominick. It's not your typical rich guy rides in on a white horse to rescue the fair maiden story. We get to see an example of true love & how Dominick helps Jessie to realize that she's just a Little Broken.
I would have liked to see a little bit more character development in Dominick, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story at all.They were wonderful together & it was very touching at the end. It's safe to say I think I've found another favorite author!
I would have liked to see a little bit more character development in Dominick, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story at all.They were wonderful together & it was very touching at the end. It's safe to say I think I've found another favorite author!
May 26, 2015
What an awesome book! This book started out strong and drew me in right from the start. We get to know Jessie as a young Mom and we go through all her trials and heartbreaks. I never cry at books and I definitely needed a tissue! For Jessie, life is hopeless & she doesn't seem able to go on. Eventually she meets Dominick. It's not your typical rich guy rides in on a white horse to rescue the fair maiden story. We get to see an example of true love & how Dominick helps Jessie to realize that she's just a Little Broken.
I would have liked to see a little bit more character development in Dominick, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story at all.They were wonderful together & it was very touching at the end. It's safe to say I think I've found another favorite author!
I would have liked to see a little bit more character development in Dominick, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story at all.They were wonderful together & it was very touching at the end. It's safe to say I think I've found another favorite author!
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