Broken Trust: A Tale of Redemption, Deceit, and Second Chances

by Karin M. Thompson

Step into Jenna’s world, where shattered dreams and betrayal force her to reinvent herself. Once devoted to those she loved, Jenna now navigates a landscape of deceit while fighting for survival. Just when hope seems lost, a chance encounter with Mark, a charismatic businessman, opens doors to a new beginning.

But when Mark’s son, David, unexpectedly re-enters her life, painful memories resurface, testing Jenna’s trust and her heart. Can love triumph over betrayal, or will it lead her down a darker path again?

A gripping tale of resilience, redemption, and second chances, Broken Trust will keep you turning pages late into the night.

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2024

About the author

Karin and her husband, James, have joyfully shared forty-eight years of marriage in beautiful Sydney, Australia. They are proud parents of two married sons and cherish their time with three beloved grandchildren.

As an author of Christian non-fiction and clean romantic fiction, Karin pours her heart into crafting stories that resonate with readers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys unwinding with a captivating novel after a refreshing walk and loves reading to her grandchildren, believing books can transport readers into enchanting worlds.

Karin’s stories bring joy and inspiration. Settle down with a cup of coffee and immerse yourself in her delightful tales, filled with humor, romance, and adventure. She focuses on flawed women who evolve through their experiences, embracing their roles as heroines. Her novels explore character development, relationships, self-reflection, and the joy of life’s simple pleasures, like brisk walks and quiet moments.

With a rich background in counseling and years spent pastoring a church in New Zealand alongside her husband, Karin draws on her experiences to connect deeply with readers. She has spoken at Women’s Aglow and Full Gospel Business Men’s meetings, sharing insights that uplift and inspire. Actively involved in her local church, she teaches and empowers fellow Christians to live victorious, joy-filled lives.

Reviews

[Linda Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna has been dealt a lousy hand in life. Disrespected, abused, ignored and kicked when she was down. She has determination to pull herself up and prove she can overcome. She thinks she’s on the right path when Garth comes into her life but quickly realizes that he and her best friend are taking advantage of her. Broke and homeless she must find a way, she makes a decision which will alter her life’s path. Can she chart a new course, be dealt a winning hand or fall into despair? Come along for the ride to find out if this spunky young woman can beat the odds and hold the winning hand.

[Gracie Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely drawn into Jenna’s journey from the very first chapter. Her strength, even when life keeps knocking her down, is truly inspiring. The author did such a beautiful job showing how trust can be rebuilt after deep hurt, and how one act of kindness can change the entire trajectory of someone’s life. The story is emotional, hopeful, and full of meaningful moments that stay with you long after you finish reading. A touching and uplifting read about resilience, healing, and the beauty of second chances.

[Lana Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna has had a rough beginning in life, with an alcoholic father, and a mother who was not there for her and her 2 siblings. So, at age 16, she embarks on her own, which usually is not good. It wasn’t in her case, either. Eventually, she winds up under the care of the sweetest older, father figure and she loves him so much! Come to find out he’s more than she knows! It’s a winding road, but Jenna finds her way through many hard obstacles and the book has a happily ever after ending!

[Ashlee Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book Broken Trust is the story that follows Jenna and it shows us her journey through everything from being homeless and her getting betrayed and losing her faith in hope and life. What I like most is her will to stay strong and it shows us that we to can overcome many things in life. She is a strong character and I also want her strength. I think if you want to read a story that might help to make you more resilient that this book is that.

[Jane Culbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. As most books it took a while to get truly involved in reading, but was worth the time. The author gives a good look at each character which gets you totally interested. She keeps you guessing at what happens next. I became so interested in just how things would turn out. I was not disappointed. A great read.

[Lesley Llewellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intrigue builds throughout this ‘page turner’ of a novel. Exciting & enjoyable. Would recommend this story for sure. Great.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna

What a beautiful story! It was filled with compassion, love and showed what good can come from an act of kindness.

[The Bookish Pilgrim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book, Broken Trust by Karin Thompson, is a modern retelling of King Cophetua and the beggar maid, with one difference. Mark Bailey isn't exactly King Cophetua to Jenna Rae's beggar maid.

Life has left Jenna raw and bleeding from many betrayals of her trust. Abused, used and tossed aside, she finally lies to get a job, and unwittingly helps and befriends Mark Bailey, a generous, big hearted man who is also the CEO of the company where Jenna has just be employed under false pretenses.

Mark Bailey might be kind, but his son isn't convinced Jenna is upfront and sets out to show her up. Does he succeed? Will Jenna's deceit in getting the job be exposed with disastrous results?

Read the book to see what happens next. Does her luck hold, or do the cards fold in on her, leaving her out in the cold?

The book never really drew me into the story, especially in the beginning, because I was told about Jenna's life, thoughts and emotions rather than it being shown (eg through a conversation between people). However, it is clean fiction, which I deeply appreciate.

I received an Advanced Review Copy (ARC), but the review is my own, cited without any favour or inducement.