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Broken Identity
A Christian woman has an affair.
It’s a betrayal beyond mention.
She stands to lose everything.
Mona Leigh Anderson, a good mother and even better wife, is unaware that her tidy and sheltered world is going to explode into a thousand pieces. And by her own hand, she launches the grenade of destruction.
Brian Anderson is a principled man, a leader in the church. Never in all his days did he believe his marriage could come to such a heart-rending testing of his faith, although this is exactly what he’s about to endure.
Damaged by deception and infidelity, Mona and Brian seek to repair the mistrust between them because that is the right thing to do. But can they truly let go of the past and of the most egregious of marital sins, and survive in this world of seduction?
It’s a betrayal beyond mention.
She stands to lose everything.
Mona Leigh Anderson, a good mother and even better wife, is unaware that her tidy and sheltered world is going to explode into a thousand pieces. And by her own hand, she launches the grenade of destruction.
Brian Anderson is a principled man, a leader in the church. Never in all his days did he believe his marriage could come to such a heart-rending testing of his faith, although this is exactly what he’s about to endure.
Damaged by deception and infidelity, Mona and Brian seek to repair the mistrust between them because that is the right thing to do. But can they truly let go of the past and of the most egregious of marital sins, and survive in this world of seduction?
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First published September 14, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 31, 2013
If you know my story you will know why I chose to review this book.
I have to say this book rocked me. I loved it and hated it. I hated it only because it was so real it made me remember when I was that woman and I didn’t like reading about her or the pain she put her husband through.
Yes, the book was that good, it was too real for me.
When I first started reading it I was rolling my eyes a bit because Brian, the husband, came off as too perfect and I was thinking if a husband is so perfect why would Mona cheat on him?
I am so glad I stuck with the book. By the end you realized that Mona was seeing her husband through her broken, shamefilled, eyes and making him perfect because all she sees is her sin. I have so been there.
It broke my heart to watch Mona slowly fade into a woman who would have an affair and I saw so much of me in her. It starts with insecurities on the inside and moves to trying to make her outside more appealing. She gets attention from a man and it just takes one small compromise that doesn’t seem like a big deal but then another compromise follows, and another and another. Soon that small compromise has snowballed into life changing choices.
My heart broke as I read about Brian discovering his wife’s infidelity and his choice to love her through it. I saw my husband in him and it made me sad to remember what I put him through.
But the book screams of redemption and God’s amazing grace and how He uses imperfect vessels like us to show that grace to other people.
I highly recommend this book whether you have had an affair or not. If you have it will remind you, or give you hope, that God’s grace is enough. If you haven’t had an affair it will give you a better understanding how a Christian woman can be deceived into falling into that sin.
An ebook copy of this book was given to me by the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say this book rocked me. I loved it and hated it. I hated it only because it was so real it made me remember when I was that woman and I didn’t like reading about her or the pain she put her husband through.
Yes, the book was that good, it was too real for me.
When I first started reading it I was rolling my eyes a bit because Brian, the husband, came off as too perfect and I was thinking if a husband is so perfect why would Mona cheat on him?
I am so glad I stuck with the book. By the end you realized that Mona was seeing her husband through her broken, shamefilled, eyes and making him perfect because all she sees is her sin. I have so been there.
It broke my heart to watch Mona slowly fade into a woman who would have an affair and I saw so much of me in her. It starts with insecurities on the inside and moves to trying to make her outside more appealing. She gets attention from a man and it just takes one small compromise that doesn’t seem like a big deal but then another compromise follows, and another and another. Soon that small compromise has snowballed into life changing choices.
My heart broke as I read about Brian discovering his wife’s infidelity and his choice to love her through it. I saw my husband in him and it made me sad to remember what I put him through.
But the book screams of redemption and God’s amazing grace and how He uses imperfect vessels like us to show that grace to other people.
I highly recommend this book whether you have had an affair or not. If you have it will remind you, or give you hope, that God’s grace is enough. If you haven’t had an affair it will give you a better understanding how a Christian woman can be deceived into falling into that sin.
An ebook copy of this book was given to me by the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2017
I did not think I would enjoy this book so much....but the story seemed real. The characters and everything that happened, believable. A riveting story and one I definitely recommend.
April 24, 2013
I have a weird quirk when it comes to reading books about women who have affairs. I do this to get different perspectives and to see how honestly the stories seem to be written. Part of my quirk is to see how they compare to one that I've written - just to see if I'm hitting in the same ballpark. This portrayal was better than most in regards to realism.
This novel had an interesting take on it in how the conflict played out. I like how the first two-thirds of the book shows the woman's point of view so you only know what she is thinking, and then it switches to the man's point of view and you discover he wasn't as clueless as she thought. I liked how the author developed the plot and characters. They were likable and believable in their actions and the plot kept me reading because it kept building and held my interest.
The way the author showed the progression of sin in the mind and how it eventually spills over into behavior was also compelling. Deception starts out as a small, seemingly innocent action and gradually grows into something that traps the person who thought they had nothing to worry about. Choices are then made that have long-lasting consequences. I appreciated how the author showed that the wife/mother's agony and conflict spilled over into other areas of her life. The penance a guilt-laden person shows often is the biggest tip off of all.
I don't want to say too much about this book, but I can say that it was the perfect balance of realism, conflict, and faith. The way the author showed how caring about "what people think" more than caring about doing the right thing often causes us to make wrong decisions - this aspect of the novel was compelling. The author didn't show too much, yet you always knew what was going on. The best part of this book for me was how the author showed that God uses even the ugly stuff in our lives to develop humility and to change us for the better. He doesn't want us making bad choices, but He will still redeem them and use them to grow us if we'll let Him. Great book!
This novel had an interesting take on it in how the conflict played out. I like how the first two-thirds of the book shows the woman's point of view so you only know what she is thinking, and then it switches to the man's point of view and you discover he wasn't as clueless as she thought. I liked how the author developed the plot and characters. They were likable and believable in their actions and the plot kept me reading because it kept building and held my interest.
The way the author showed the progression of sin in the mind and how it eventually spills over into behavior was also compelling. Deception starts out as a small, seemingly innocent action and gradually grows into something that traps the person who thought they had nothing to worry about. Choices are then made that have long-lasting consequences. I appreciated how the author showed that the wife/mother's agony and conflict spilled over into other areas of her life. The penance a guilt-laden person shows often is the biggest tip off of all.
I don't want to say too much about this book, but I can say that it was the perfect balance of realism, conflict, and faith. The way the author showed how caring about "what people think" more than caring about doing the right thing often causes us to make wrong decisions - this aspect of the novel was compelling. The author didn't show too much, yet you always knew what was going on. The best part of this book for me was how the author showed that God uses even the ugly stuff in our lives to develop humility and to change us for the better. He doesn't want us making bad choices, but He will still redeem them and use them to grow us if we'll let Him. Great book!
November 30, 2012
Once I reached a certain point, I quite literally could not put this book down. Had to read it to the end, even if it did take me until just after 2 AM. *G* Excellent read! Truly shows the redemptive power of God. One of the elements I really like about this book is the fact Mona repents but things don't instantly get better. Redeeming a life that's been entrenched in sin takes time to forgive oneself for, and it takes time to truly feel redeemed and no longer think on those things. But it is possible!
March 24, 2017
What a wonderful story of God's grace and redemption in the lives of His believers. The author writes in such a way that the reader has empathy for all characters involved.
December 20, 2012
In Broken Identity, Mona and Brian Anderson are a happily married Christian couple with two children. Mona knows she is blessed to be married to Brian but when she takes a part time job at a book store her life and attitude starts to change. Working with younger women forces Mona to realize and admit she is naive and has been living a sheltered life. While working, Mona meets Jason, who is much younger. Mona starts wearing more flattering clothes and begins to pursue friendships with Jason and the women at work. Things with Jason quickly turn from friendly to inappropriate for a married woman and the relationship ends up going too far. Mona's guilt leads her to turn into Sally Homeaker while at home. She thinks her husband, Brian, has no idea what is going on and decides not to ever tell him. Will Mona be able to keep such a huge secret form her husband?
This book starts from Mona's point of view in the present. It then switches to 9 months earlier, starting from Mona's point of view and then from Brian's point of view. It then switches back to present time. I thought it was a fantastic work of fiction! I felt so close to Mona that I was rooting for her even though what she was doing was wrong. I loved that the book went to Brian's point of view next. Exceptional story, loved it!
*I received a copy of this book for free through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway*
This book starts from Mona's point of view in the present. It then switches to 9 months earlier, starting from Mona's point of view and then from Brian's point of view. It then switches back to present time. I thought it was a fantastic work of fiction! I felt so close to Mona that I was rooting for her even though what she was doing was wrong. I loved that the book went to Brian's point of view next. Exceptional story, loved it!
*I received a copy of this book for free through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway*
May 21, 2014
I just finished reading Broken Identity by Sarah Jae Foster. This is the first work by this author I have read and wow - I didn’t want to stop once I started. The subject matter was deep but handled in such a realistic way. I’ve never struggled with the topic myself, but have many friends I have walked this path with and she nailed it! I originally bought the book because the back cover intrigued me. I wanted to see how she would write about this topic and if it would be realistic and keep my interest. She handled it so gracefully and honestly while not shying from the truth of what happens when we allow ourselves to start down the slippery slope of compromise. I loved, also, how she brought the couple back around - it wasn’t a magical fairy tale where everyone lives happily ever after without a lot of hard work. Just as the slope begins slowly at first and then builds steam, the recovery period is the same. It begins slowly, with a glimmer of hope and then builds momentum as both individuals in the marriage work together. I absolutely loved the response from Brian. And, I especially loved what he said regarding how Satan may have won a battle but Brian wasn’t going to allow Satan to be victorious and take their marriage. Great book - can’t wait to read more from this author. She is one of my new favorites.
September 8, 2014
I have been lucky to have read one other of Sarah Jae Foster's books before and I really enjoyed it.
This subject matter was something that interested me as it was written in a faith based Christian sort of take on it. I know when this happens in marriage, 9/10 it destructs the marriage. It takes one partner to destroy a marriage with an affair. I've never experienced this but have been a witness to it.
I have also been a witness to it within a religious organisation which I am no longer a part of. I supposed my curiosity got the better of me in this one!
I thought this author handled it very well. For me or you that have no faith [maybe] and not following Bible based principles of saving a marriage and the forgiveness factor based on Biblical quotes, could it possibly work and be able to put the affair, the mistrust, the lack of confidence that a partner feels when she/he is 'cheated' on along with a hundred thousand kinds of feelings. You will need to read this book to find out.
I know it can be done, I know of a couple who did this, not easily. But they are still married 22 years later.
Its a very thought provoking read as marital breakdowns are vast, so it does make you think deeply.
Loved the book.
April 9, 2014
This story grabbed me from the start. It was so realistic that it drew me in and held on. I felt so bad for both husband and wife in that I don't think either ever thought this could happen to them. You don't have to be Christian to see how it could happen. The husband was not given her all the things she needed yet she see's him as this perfect man who can do no wrong. Because of her infidelity she thinks she is such a bad person and he is so perfect when in reality no one is that perfect.
I loved this book even the parts that made me cry so hard. I felt so bad for both parties and yet in a way blamed the husband for not truly being there completely for his wife in ways that she really needed.
I think the author wrote this book so well that it just drew me in and made me feel like I was right there through the whole book. I can't find any fault with this book at all. It was well written, had a beautiful plot, yet sad and a happy ending that through God's help and their belief they could put the past where it belongs and move forward.
I was given this book by Story Cartel for my honest review. I honestly loved it and think all couples should read it. It might stop something like it from happening to them.. Great story.
I loved this book even the parts that made me cry so hard. I felt so bad for both parties and yet in a way blamed the husband for not truly being there completely for his wife in ways that she really needed.
I think the author wrote this book so well that it just drew me in and made me feel like I was right there through the whole book. I can't find any fault with this book at all. It was well written, had a beautiful plot, yet sad and a happy ending that through God's help and their belief they could put the past where it belongs and move forward.
I was given this book by Story Cartel for my honest review. I honestly loved it and think all couples should read it. It might stop something like it from happening to them.. Great story.
April 11, 2014
Broken Identity is such a powerful message driven novel. I think everybody comes to a crossroad in their lives and must choose the path they wish to follow. Sometimes it is not a righteous decision and we must reflect on our choice both before and after and question our own wisdom. This particular journey involves a marriage and temptations. I commend the author for highlighting the difficult decisions both spouses needed to make and how they prayerfully followed God's direction in finally coming to a resolution. Not only is this novel about temptation, but of repentance and forgiveness. When you choose to allow God into your relationships following His advice is more compelling than outsiders offering advice and guidance for your marriage.
October 1, 2012
There were so many emotions in this book; I don’t think I can put into word how I feel. I just thank God for giving Sarah Jae Foster the courage to write a book like this and thank Him for healing and restoration. If anyone has doubts about God being a restorer please read this book. I love how Brian chose to stand for his marriage and put his trust and faith in God to redeem him, his wife and their marriage.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
November 26, 2012
What an amazing book!!! I loved how this book was from a different point of view in regards to having an affair. Most romance novels are about the quick fire, but this novel is truely about the romance and TRUE LOVE in a relationship.
Thank you Sarah for having the courage to write this book with a different point of view!! I LOVED IT!!!
Thank you Sarah for having the courage to write this book with a different point of view!! I LOVED IT!!!
November 3, 2012
LOVED this book, it is quite realistic (for the most part) and gives a clear view of what modern day temptations a married woman could face if they don't guard themselves and be careful. I'm not sure, though that most men would be quite so forgiving, but it did give the viewpoint of what the husband Brian was thinking when he became suspicious of his wife and you could feel his pain.
October 22, 2013
I thought this was a well told christian story about what happens to a family when through actions or thoughts one has an affair. How it always affects more then just the one person that strays. I really felt what both main charectors were going through. I thought some spots were a bit repetative but well told. The first chrstian book I read that told of such a true marital issue!
January 10, 2017
Hit a little close to home
I really enjoyed this book especially having both sides of the story. Wasn't a huge fan of how religious the characters were but that's a personal thing. A good book to read if you are having identity/personal issues reminds you it's a long hard road but you will get there and when you get there it will be worth the pain.
I really enjoyed this book especially having both sides of the story. Wasn't a huge fan of how religious the characters were but that's a personal thing. A good book to read if you are having identity/personal issues reminds you it's a long hard road but you will get there and when you get there it will be worth the pain.
November 28, 2012
This is a good story, but I feel Mona got off way too easy.
December 22, 2014
Sarah Jae Foster is a new author for me and I am so glad I found her. I really like the fact that even though Mona repents things don't instantly get better. Which is so much more real to life.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews