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Faded Photograph #1
Broken Things
An old photograph prompts Allison Drake Littenberg to return to Chicago and mend fences with family members and friends, particularly Jack Callahan, the handsome cop she left back in 1969. Now, 30 years later, Jack is bitter from bad decisions and a nasty divorce. Even so, Allie prays that God will use her own broken past to touch his life – and the life of a dying, abused, and disheartened woman who, Allie realizes, is the key to unlocking the answers to decades of questions.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2003
196 people are currently reading
1246 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Boeshaar
64 books322 followersAndrea Kuhn Boeshaar has been married for more than 30 years. She and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, daughters-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. Andrea's educational background includes the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, where she studied in English, and Alverno College where she studied in Professional Communications and Business Management.
Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.
Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn't until 1984 that she started submitting her work for publication. Eight years after that, she was convicted about writing for the Christian market. She read books in her genre (Inspirational Romance & Women's Fiction), studied the market, and worked hard to hone her craft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 8, 2019
An engaging and touching story of love and faith, both lost...and found. Now, I just need to get my hands on the sequel.
July 15, 2013
I felt like this book was a little too stereotypical - anyone not Christian was painted as an awful person and that isn't true at all. I believe in God and believe the son is the way to the father but I do not and never will believe that all non-believers are mean/hateful like Cynthia's daughters and Brenda.
I also had huge issues with Allie staying in her abusive marriage. I do not believe God wants us to remain with people who hurt us. Our bodies are our temples and we are supposed to take care of ourselves too.
There was some "ok, ok, I get it" in the sense that Allie did at least acknowledge that this was her personal choice because she felt it was what God wanted in HER situation but that was quickly lost to me when she began to lecture Brenda on how wrong it was to divorce without even ASKING why the marriage was in trouble and then using her abuse (cheek story) as an illustration as to why someone should stay married - no matter what.
I also had huge issues with Allie staying in her abusive marriage. I do not believe God wants us to remain with people who hurt us. Our bodies are our temples and we are supposed to take care of ourselves too.
There was some "ok, ok, I get it" in the sense that Allie did at least acknowledge that this was her personal choice because she felt it was what God wanted in HER situation but that was quickly lost to me when she began to lecture Brenda on how wrong it was to divorce without even ASKING why the marriage was in trouble and then using her abuse (cheek story) as an illustration as to why someone should stay married - no matter what.
December 1, 2023
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I was hesitant going in because after reading the summary it didn't seem like a book that would capture me. However I became invested in the characters and was rooting for things to work out. I really liked Steve & Nora, they made Allie feel welcome even after all the years that had passed. And we find out how they stepped in and helped Jake with Logan was heartwarming. Logan has turned into a wonderful young man despite circumstances with his mom. I enjoyed following his and Marilee's story, the way they handled the trials makes me believe things will work out for them. I was saddened to find out what happened to Jack and why he has changed so much from who he was when Allie first met him, the pastor reacted badly and it had a such a negative impact. I suspected the situation with the patient and when it was revealed I wasn't shocked at all. They are some really hard moments in this book that the characters go through, but faith and trust in God plays a vital role and openly discussed by so many. I saw the characters grow over the course of the story and learn lessons throughout. The ending was a bit abrupt, I was hoping for more of sign of what the future holds for a few characters, but I understand this is a series so maybe that will come later on. Overall I enjoyed the faith shared and found myself thinking about these characters when not reading.
Trigger warning - there was some elder abuse detailed that made me uncomfortable and mad to read.
Trigger warning - there was some elder abuse detailed that made me uncomfortable and mad to read.
November 24, 2017
Redemption
This is a story of loss, forgiveness, love, and salvation. I enjoyed this book and the characters.
There are so many passed hurts and the mending of hearts is woven throughout this story.
Allie and Jack have a lifetime of hurt and pain after Allie leaves because she is not ready to get married.
Jack marries Roxi, but still loves Allie, and Roxi never feels loved, so she leaves him with a baby, Logan.
Logan, because his mom leaves him, isn’t sure if Marilee will leave him, so he has to work through why his mom left him before he understands that Marilee won’t leave him.
Allie marries Erich, who turns out to be abusive and a drug dealing man who eventually is killed. Because of this tragedy, Allie turns her life over to God.
Allie becomes a consultant for a nursing home, back where all the hurt started, and befriends one of the patients.
Can she use her tragedy to mend a lifetime of hurts, bitterness, resentment, and anger?
The struggle is real for so many of us, but God can truly heal all wounds, if we just let him.
This is a story of loss, forgiveness, love, and salvation. I enjoyed this book and the characters.
There are so many passed hurts and the mending of hearts is woven throughout this story.
Allie and Jack have a lifetime of hurt and pain after Allie leaves because she is not ready to get married.
Jack marries Roxi, but still loves Allie, and Roxi never feels loved, so she leaves him with a baby, Logan.
Logan, because his mom leaves him, isn’t sure if Marilee will leave him, so he has to work through why his mom left him before he understands that Marilee won’t leave him.
Allie marries Erich, who turns out to be abusive and a drug dealing man who eventually is killed. Because of this tragedy, Allie turns her life over to God.
Allie becomes a consultant for a nursing home, back where all the hurt started, and befriends one of the patients.
Can she use her tragedy to mend a lifetime of hurts, bitterness, resentment, and anger?
The struggle is real for so many of us, but God can truly heal all wounds, if we just let him.
January 23, 2020
After reading several heavy-subjected books I needed something a little lighter. This book is certainly not a light book, but the subject was much positive!
I really enjoyed this quick read. I enjoyed the characters and the depth of their struggle with their faith or the depth of their dependance on their faith. Both were very real and understandable. Each character is solid and even the ones that are mean and hateful, you kind of feel sorry for the place they are putting themselves in.
I enjoyed this book and felt very inspired by the central theme of redemption, forgiveness and God's grace!
I really enjoyed this quick read. I enjoyed the characters and the depth of their struggle with their faith or the depth of their dependance on their faith. Both were very real and understandable. Each character is solid and even the ones that are mean and hateful, you kind of feel sorry for the place they are putting themselves in.
I enjoyed this book and felt very inspired by the central theme of redemption, forgiveness and God's grace!
September 12, 2020
Heart ❤❤❤ Touching story.
This is a story that any Christian that has l agged I
in the things we should be showing the 🌎 world could use to really look at the person's shown in this story. I would recommend this book not only to Christians, but to those who don't have Christ in there lives and hearts. It has made me question if there are things I should be doing to help others to accept Christ as there savoir and ask him to enter there hearts and lives! This book was thought involving and heart touching! Thank you for inspiring me.
This is a story that any Christian that has l agged I
in the things we should be showing the 🌎 world could use to really look at the person's shown in this story. I would recommend this book not only to Christians, but to those who don't have Christ in there lives and hearts. It has made me question if there are things I should be doing to help others to accept Christ as there savoir and ask him to enter there hearts and lives! This book was thought involving and heart touching! Thank you for inspiring me.
June 19, 2017
Definitely recommend!
I've read a few books by Andrea Boeshaar and I do like the stories, the characters, and the lessons, but I can't say that I am thrilled with how the story ends. I feel "forced" to buy the next book in order to complete the story I just read. I recommend because of what is in this book was well-written, but if you are expecting closure from this book, you won't find it.
I've read a few books by Andrea Boeshaar and I do like the stories, the characters, and the lessons, but I can't say that I am thrilled with how the story ends. I feel "forced" to buy the next book in order to complete the story I just read. I recommend because of what is in this book was well-written, but if you are expecting closure from this book, you won't find it.
September 9, 2017
Great book!
I enjoyed this book because it was totally different from other books I've read. The plot was different and it progressed like real life with real people dealing with real issues. I didn't enjoy the one scenario that followed the car accident because it was a typical ending in many stories but otherwise it was great. I can't wait to read the rest of the story in book 2. Yes, a cliffhanger book but I was not ready for it to end anyway.
I enjoyed this book because it was totally different from other books I've read. The plot was different and it progressed like real life with real people dealing with real issues. I didn't enjoy the one scenario that followed the car accident because it was a typical ending in many stories but otherwise it was great. I can't wait to read the rest of the story in book 2. Yes, a cliffhanger book but I was not ready for it to end anyway.
February 17, 2019
Mending Broken Things
I loved this Christian book; the story line, the characters, the setting, the writing, everything. I especially loved the ending, and that, to me, makes or breaks a story. This author is articulate, thorough, and a master at weaving a story into a masterpiece. Another commendable thing about this book was the editing. I would recommend this book to anyone who reads Christian. This book won't disappoint.
I loved this Christian book; the story line, the characters, the setting, the writing, everything. I especially loved the ending, and that, to me, makes or breaks a story. This author is articulate, thorough, and a master at weaving a story into a masterpiece. Another commendable thing about this book was the editing. I would recommend this book to anyone who reads Christian. This book won't disappoint.
February 8, 2018
I would have loved to see a happily ever after scene with Allie and Jack. The story was engaging and redemptive, full of characters with broken pasts who turn to Christ. Other than heavy on Gospel presentation, this was a great book that kept me turning pages. For those who want to cheer for the broken and see them make it to the finish line of faith, this is a good read!
March 30, 2022
While this was a much easier read than I’m used to, it didn’t seem cheesy like some others … for the most part. The love story between Logan & Marilee was the exception. I did merely skim those parts because I believe they’re central to other books in the series. Overall this book held my attention and was a different take on life that seemed pretty realistic.
September 27, 2022
great uplifting read.
I needed this story. Having gone through a spiritual drought for many months. I grabbed this book by accident while scrolling through Kindle. I saw the cover, the likes it had. Thought why not, the cover art looks like a western or farming tale. It must’ve been providence, as I don’t believe in coincidence.
I needed this story. Having gone through a spiritual drought for many months. I grabbed this book by accident while scrolling through Kindle. I saw the cover, the likes it had. Thought why not, the cover art looks like a western or farming tale. It must’ve been providence, as I don’t believe in coincidence.
October 23, 2022
A real good story with a truly unexpected surprise.
I liked the surprise part along with the Christian values written into the story line. I valued the scripture verses stated to encourage the good news of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ! Great and very interesting tale!
I liked the surprise part along with the Christian values written into the story line. I valued the scripture verses stated to encourage the good news of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ! Great and very interesting tale!
May 28, 2023
Brokenhearted and healing hearts.
This was a story about lost love, broken hearts and restored faith. Andrea did a great job of making you feel like you were there inside this book. It was amazing Christian book how God forgave and saved souls. Have got to get the other book now.
This was a story about lost love, broken hearts and restored faith. Andrea did a great job of making you feel like you were there inside this book. It was amazing Christian book how God forgave and saved souls. Have got to get the other book now.
October 23, 2017
Christaniyu
Too much God in here for.me O just think that things have a place and this was not it. Religion is a private issue and should stay that was for everyone i did not appreciate it on every single page it was too much and as a result i stopped reading
Too much God in here for.me O just think that things have a place and this was not it. Religion is a private issue and should stay that was for everyone i did not appreciate it on every single page it was too much and as a result i stopped reading
October 1, 2018
Review
Unfortunately, this book didn’t keep my attention. It was a mediocre attempt at a Christian novel. It would have been better if there was more action in it. Ended up sounding corny and didn’t deal with the real issues of today’s world.
Unfortunately, this book didn’t keep my attention. It was a mediocre attempt at a Christian novel. It would have been better if there was more action in it. Ended up sounding corny and didn’t deal with the real issues of today’s world.
November 16, 2018
It brought me close to tears multiple times. I definite recommendation for Christian Novels. It wasn't completely about romance, even though there was some. It was mostly based on saving ones soul from Hell.
February 12, 2019
Like a Hallmark movie
I’ll admit, I do not like Hallmark movies. This book read more like a young adult novel. Too many “he gave her a stern look” or “he gave her a steely gaze.” I wanted to see how it ended so I finished it but that’s bc I hate to stop before the end.
I’ll admit, I do not like Hallmark movies. This book read more like a young adult novel. Too many “he gave her a stern look” or “he gave her a steely gaze.” I wanted to see how it ended so I finished it but that’s bc I hate to stop before the end.
October 21, 2025
This was a fantastic Contemporary Christian fiction series starter! The story was believable and the characters were heartwarming. I was able to read a physical copy of this book by borrowing it from my local library. All opinions are my own, and I was not influenced by anyone or anything.
July 15, 2018
Do read this book.
It shows how broken hearts and broken lives can be mended. I like how it shows real people and real problems.
It shows how broken hearts and broken lives can be mended. I like how it shows real people and real problems.
October 13, 2018
The story was good, as were the characters, but there was just too much emphasis on religion for my liking. Sorry, just a personal opinion.
August 23, 2019
Fantastic!
October 28, 2019
Outstanding
It was a all around awesome book, I loved the characters, showing their loving father all around! I’ll tell my friends and family about this book!
It was a all around awesome book, I loved the characters, showing their loving father all around! I’ll tell my friends and family about this book!
March 28, 2020
This book was enjoyable reading but predictable
April 7, 2020
Enjoyed this book as well! Sweet story of "Second chances "
November 3, 2021
Far to formulaic and predictable, Im sorry to say. I just couldnt keep reading. The dialogue was not realistic nor even entertaining or thought provoking. The sane can be said if the narrative.
April 5, 2022
Such a well written story with exceptional characters. Andrea has caught the ups and downs of real life whether a person walking with God or one who has turned away from Him.
January 11, 2023
A beautiful story of how broken things and broken people can be made whole again.
May 26, 2024
First in a series of three books. It’s better to read them in order.
May 8, 2017
I wish I could give it 5 stars!
I really enjoyed this book and especially enjoyed the directness of the gospel presentation. My only critique is that the writer did too much "telling" rather than "showing" in her scene descriptions.
I kept thinking about the characters in between reading and that makes a great story for me.
I really enjoyed this book and especially enjoyed the directness of the gospel presentation. My only critique is that the writer did too much "telling" rather than "showing" in her scene descriptions.
I kept thinking about the characters in between reading and that makes a great story for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews