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Family Interrupted
Guilt and Blame. Shaken by tragedy, the Barnes family has fractured. Mother. Father. Son. Each dealing with the pain separately and alone. Holding fast to guilt and blame. Read or imagined. Claire, an artist who finally follows her dream and encounters a nightmare. Jack, a home builder who thinks he can fix anything--except what matters most. And Ian, a teenage son to be proud of. Until he moves out. fifty miles away from the darkness at home. On the verge of divorce when their son's new life goes terribly awry, Claire and Jack are forced to re-examine their lives in order to save their marriage and heal a family that, according to Ian, "has gone to hell." But can they find the road back? -------------------------------------Expanded Two years after their 12 year old daughter's accidental death by a motorist, Claire and Jack Barnes go through the motions of celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. When artist Claire produces her gift--a full-scale oil painting of their daughter--Jack has had enough. With his daughter gone, his wife focused on the past and his 20 year-old son living on his own, Jack feels like a stranger in his own home and moves out the day after the party. Claire understands they're heading for divorce. Two days later, when she's alone int he house, a young woman comes to the door and hands over her infant. This is their son's baby. The girl says, "I told Ian she'd be too much work, and I've got other plans." She disappears. Ian is ready to put the baby up for adoption because his daughter deserves a good, solid family, better than what the Barnes family has become. Jack and Claire must figure out what to do next.Intersecting the main stores of the Barnes family is the subplot involving the driver of the car. No alcohol, no speeding involved. But guilt seeps into the driver's soul and changes her life. Who will forgive this woman?Bonus short story MAN OF THE Bobby's been the man of the house since his father died, but now his mom is spending time with Steve. Steve makes his mom smile, but Bobby's not happy. No one can take his dad's place. So what's a guy to do? Can Bobby have a change of heart and accept a new man of the house?
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
118 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Linda Barrett
56 books142 followersLinda's emotional stories of contemporary romance have earned many industry awards through Romance Writers of America chapter contests. In 2011, Quarterback Daddy took first place in the Write touch Reader's contest while in 2010, Summer at the Lake did the same. Previously, she's garnered the Holt Medallion and The Award of Excellence among others. With laughter and tears, she touches the hearts of her readers by writing stories they'll remember long after the book is finished.
This year, Linda is publishing her first women's fiction novel. Family Interrupted will be available in the spring of 2013.
This year, Linda is publishing her first women's fiction novel. Family Interrupted will be available in the spring of 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 6, 2013
FAMILY INTERRUPTED is my first read by Linda Barrett, who is the best-selling author of 13 novels. I was intrigued by the synopsis of the story and yet it was a topic I didn't really want to read about. Claire and Jack and are the parents of Ian, a senior, and Kayla, age 12. One fateful afternoon, Claire lingers after her art class talking to her handsome professor and accepting his many compliments on her artwork. Claire ends up arriving home late, to police cars and an ambulance in front of their house. Kayla ends up dying as the result of being hit by a car while trying to catch a football thrown by her brother. Their family, their careers, their passions and their way of communicating are forever changed. Each of them are struggling with their own grief and for Claire, it ends up consuming her.
I must admit, this was a tough one to get through. It was depressing and as a mom, I felt the pain of grief as I read each page. I can't imagine losing one of our children and how our family would be forever changed. There were many times when I had to put the book down and ignore it for awhile. I also found some parts of the book to be a bit unbelievable. After Ian graduated from high school, he moved out and for two years never looked back. His parents never called him, never saw where he lived or worked, or knew anything about his life. Even in grief, I can't imagine completely ignoring my other children and I found myself continually frustrated by Ian's and his parents behavior. Other parts of their grief, I did find realistic, saying "I will not cry for at least an hour" made perfect sense to me.
The author did paint the picture of grief for this family. Their pain was evident on the pages and the descriptions of Claire's artwork she created to remember Kayla were vivid and imaginative. I also found the pain of Sarah, the driver that killed Kayla, to be very understandable. The tragedy happened to her too and changed her direction, dreams, and hopes all in one second.
Eventually Claire has to decide if she is going to allow grief and blame to take hold of her life and her marriage, as well as Sarah's fragile hold on life. Claire has become so focused on Kayla that she begins to ignore those in her life that are still living. A surprise shows up at Claire's door and will help her change her outlook for the future. But, will her husband, parents, sister and son still be there to welcome her back? As Claire realizes the mistakes she has made, you can feel the weight lift off her shoulders and have hope that they can find happiness again. As Claire makes peace with herself, she needs to make peace with her daughter as well. Claire's conversation with her daughter's portrait was heartfelt, honest, and emotional. It was a beautiful way for Claire to bring closure and move forward in the healing of her family. It was a very well written passage.
Overall, it was a novel that I was glad I had read. I think there would be a lot of a discussion around this book. Grief, betrayal, parenting, family relationships, and hope are some possible topics and would keep a book club talking for a long time. There are also discussion questions available at the end of the book, if needed.
I must admit, this was a tough one to get through. It was depressing and as a mom, I felt the pain of grief as I read each page. I can't imagine losing one of our children and how our family would be forever changed. There were many times when I had to put the book down and ignore it for awhile. I also found some parts of the book to be a bit unbelievable. After Ian graduated from high school, he moved out and for two years never looked back. His parents never called him, never saw where he lived or worked, or knew anything about his life. Even in grief, I can't imagine completely ignoring my other children and I found myself continually frustrated by Ian's and his parents behavior. Other parts of their grief, I did find realistic, saying "I will not cry for at least an hour" made perfect sense to me.
The author did paint the picture of grief for this family. Their pain was evident on the pages and the descriptions of Claire's artwork she created to remember Kayla were vivid and imaginative. I also found the pain of Sarah, the driver that killed Kayla, to be very understandable. The tragedy happened to her too and changed her direction, dreams, and hopes all in one second.
Eventually Claire has to decide if she is going to allow grief and blame to take hold of her life and her marriage, as well as Sarah's fragile hold on life. Claire has become so focused on Kayla that she begins to ignore those in her life that are still living. A surprise shows up at Claire's door and will help her change her outlook for the future. But, will her husband, parents, sister and son still be there to welcome her back? As Claire realizes the mistakes she has made, you can feel the weight lift off her shoulders and have hope that they can find happiness again. As Claire makes peace with herself, she needs to make peace with her daughter as well. Claire's conversation with her daughter's portrait was heartfelt, honest, and emotional. It was a beautiful way for Claire to bring closure and move forward in the healing of her family. It was a very well written passage.
Overall, it was a novel that I was glad I had read. I think there would be a lot of a discussion around this book. Grief, betrayal, parenting, family relationships, and hope are some possible topics and would keep a book club talking for a long time. There are also discussion questions available at the end of the book, if needed.
June 2, 2014
This was a gripping book that I couldn't put down (I downloaded the Kindle version during a free promotion and read most of it on my iPad). I found that it was appropriately timed for my life, as its subject is grieving the loss of a family member, and I was reading it after going through a tragedy. In this book a 12-year-old girl dies in a tragic accident. Her mother, father and brother are left to pick up the pieces of their lives and try to move on without her.
I definitely had some "issues" with this book, but not enough to stop reading it. Some plot lines were overly contrived, cliche and unrealistic. It switched narrators/points of view from one character to another, which normally irks me to no end, and I can't say I loved it in this book but it actually worked out okay. And the characters were frustrating-- I get that they were supposed to be having trouble communicating but this tension/plot line dragged on and on and on until I was annoyed by it.
I thought that the mother was ignoring her son and while I understood her grief about her daughter I didn't think she was being the best mother to her son. At the same time, I thought the dad/husband was being whiny and demanding too much attention from the mom/wife while she was trying to grieve. He seemed selfish and rather like a douchebag to me and I wished she wouldn't have felt so much guilt related to him and instead had felt more guilt related to her son. They were supposed to be this long-term romantic couple but I didn't buy it and it seemed like they barely knew each other. From reading the background on this author, she usually writes romance, so I would think that the husband/wife relationship would be written the best; however, ironically I felt it was the worst relationship in the book. I found it overly complex and then overly trite, but maybe I'm just not the right audience for the "romance" aspect of the book.
With all of that being said, I still enjoyed the book and found it to be a good distraction from everyday life, which I needed when I read it. I ended up buying copies of the book for special women in my life for Mother's Day because I think almost any woman would like this book. It never got boring and kept moving on towards a relatively satisfying conclusion. I would like to read more by this author; however, this is her first mainstream fiction book and the rest of her books are romance, which I don't read. (There was a preview of one of her books at the end of this book that seemed interesting and non-romancy, though... even though it's classified as a romance... so maybe I'll check it out, because overall I did like the author's writing style.)
I definitely had some "issues" with this book, but not enough to stop reading it. Some plot lines were overly contrived, cliche and unrealistic. It switched narrators/points of view from one character to another, which normally irks me to no end, and I can't say I loved it in this book but it actually worked out okay. And the characters were frustrating-- I get that they were supposed to be having trouble communicating but this tension/plot line dragged on and on and on until I was annoyed by it.
I thought that the mother was ignoring her son and while I understood her grief about her daughter I didn't think she was being the best mother to her son. At the same time, I thought the dad/husband was being whiny and demanding too much attention from the mom/wife while she was trying to grieve. He seemed selfish and rather like a douchebag to me and I wished she wouldn't have felt so much guilt related to him and instead had felt more guilt related to her son. They were supposed to be this long-term romantic couple but I didn't buy it and it seemed like they barely knew each other. From reading the background on this author, she usually writes romance, so I would think that the husband/wife relationship would be written the best; however, ironically I felt it was the worst relationship in the book. I found it overly complex and then overly trite, but maybe I'm just not the right audience for the "romance" aspect of the book.
With all of that being said, I still enjoyed the book and found it to be a good distraction from everyday life, which I needed when I read it. I ended up buying copies of the book for special women in my life for Mother's Day because I think almost any woman would like this book. It never got boring and kept moving on towards a relatively satisfying conclusion. I would like to read more by this author; however, this is her first mainstream fiction book and the rest of her books are romance, which I don't read. (There was a preview of one of her books at the end of this book that seemed interesting and non-romancy, though... even though it's classified as a romance... so maybe I'll check it out, because overall I did like the author's writing style.)
May 6, 2014
Family Interrupted by Linda Barrett. This book is absolutely fascinating and really keeps you reading. I had to stay up late to finish it.
The Barnes family is a close family. Claire and Jack work together at Barnes Construction and she also is an artist. She always makes it home in time to meet the school bus and provide a structured evening for her son, Ian and daughter, Kayla. Although the economy is playing havoc with the business, they are still able to give their children all they need. Claire has even begun taking classes at the nearby college. Professor Colombo is a visiting art professor and has nothing but flattering things to say about her work. She has painted a picture of her daughter and he is suitably impressed. She gets into a conversation with him and it makes her run late getting home. She lets Ian know so he can watch Kayla for a few minutes. She is speeding and is stopped by the police to be given a ticket. Now she is even later.
As she nears her house, she sees flashing lights and an ambulance. Kayla has been hit by a car driven by Sarah Levine. Sarah was blinded by the sun and couldn’t see Kayla run out into the street to catch a football thrown by Ian. S he sees nothing but Kayla and as the ambulance doors close on her and Kayle, she calls to Ian and asks him how he could have allowed it to happen as he was to have been watching her. After all, he is 17 and she was only 12. During the wait to see what happens to Kayla, she blames herself for being late and even flirting with her professor. How can she forgive herself?
After Kayla’s death, things just keep going downhill. Ian blames himself and thinks his mother blames him. Claire blames herself and can’t seem to get a grip on life again. Jack is caught in the middle of the two and has to referee while grieving himself.
Can Claire pull herself out of her depression before it is too late and she loses her entire family? Can Jack keep his business going without Claire’s help? Will Ian ever regain his mother’s love and forgiveness? Death hits everyone in different ways and this book definitely shows a multitude of ways. Will things ever work out?
The Barnes family is a close family. Claire and Jack work together at Barnes Construction and she also is an artist. She always makes it home in time to meet the school bus and provide a structured evening for her son, Ian and daughter, Kayla. Although the economy is playing havoc with the business, they are still able to give their children all they need. Claire has even begun taking classes at the nearby college. Professor Colombo is a visiting art professor and has nothing but flattering things to say about her work. She has painted a picture of her daughter and he is suitably impressed. She gets into a conversation with him and it makes her run late getting home. She lets Ian know so he can watch Kayla for a few minutes. She is speeding and is stopped by the police to be given a ticket. Now she is even later.
As she nears her house, she sees flashing lights and an ambulance. Kayla has been hit by a car driven by Sarah Levine. Sarah was blinded by the sun and couldn’t see Kayla run out into the street to catch a football thrown by Ian. S he sees nothing but Kayla and as the ambulance doors close on her and Kayle, she calls to Ian and asks him how he could have allowed it to happen as he was to have been watching her. After all, he is 17 and she was only 12. During the wait to see what happens to Kayla, she blames herself for being late and even flirting with her professor. How can she forgive herself?
After Kayla’s death, things just keep going downhill. Ian blames himself and thinks his mother blames him. Claire blames herself and can’t seem to get a grip on life again. Jack is caught in the middle of the two and has to referee while grieving himself.
Can Claire pull herself out of her depression before it is too late and she loses her entire family? Can Jack keep his business going without Claire’s help? Will Ian ever regain his mother’s love and forgiveness? Death hits everyone in different ways and this book definitely shows a multitude of ways. Will things ever work out?
September 14, 2014
It is a VERY rare occasion that a book will get the kind of emotinal reaction from me that this one did (along with the 5 stars) But I ABSOLUTLEY LOVED this book..
A very honest story of a family that has lost thier way after the loss of a child. as human beings we have a unique way of blaming all the bad things in life on ourselves...What if?? I would have? I should have?? if I had known this or that? This one takes you through the long journey of healing and trying to find some sense of "normal" after something like this... What I loved the most is you got to see if from EVERY persons POV (even the driver of the car that killed the little girl)... and brutally honest it was at times.. and that in the end you DID NOT get the cheesy story book ending, I felt the willingness of everyone to take it one day at a time (which is all you can do in this life) was EXACTLY the ending I wanted and I was THRILLED to see it.. cuz a "wrapped in a bow" happy ending would have ruined the whole book for me
A very honest story of a family that has lost thier way after the loss of a child. as human beings we have a unique way of blaming all the bad things in life on ourselves...What if?? I would have? I should have?? if I had known this or that? This one takes you through the long journey of healing and trying to find some sense of "normal" after something like this... What I loved the most is you got to see if from EVERY persons POV (even the driver of the car that killed the little girl)... and brutally honest it was at times.. and that in the end you DID NOT get the cheesy story book ending, I felt the willingness of everyone to take it one day at a time (which is all you can do in this life) was EXACTLY the ending I wanted and I was THRILLED to see it.. cuz a "wrapped in a bow" happy ending would have ruined the whole book for me
June 11, 2014
Well Done
Well Done
When I pick up a book to read, it's pretty much that. Pick it up and begin to read. I didn't know the topic of this book and boy oh boy, did it hit home for me. I lost a child sixteen years ago and for this to be a work of fiction, Linda truly captured the many emotions that are felt at any given moment. The story definitely held my attention and my heart at the same time. Thank you.
Well Done
When I pick up a book to read, it's pretty much that. Pick it up and begin to read. I didn't know the topic of this book and boy oh boy, did it hit home for me. I lost a child sixteen years ago and for this to be a work of fiction, Linda truly captured the many emotions that are felt at any given moment. The story definitely held my attention and my heart at the same time. Thank you.
April 14, 2014
This book was a great and sad read all at the same time. It takes you through a parent's worst nightmare, losing a child. It was good to be able to read from all the different points of view of the family. It shows us that we all grieve an different ways, but love will show through no matter what.
April 30, 2014
Was a good book held you captive and was real. Had beautiful lessons on forgiveness and brought to you in a way that we need to ponder our hearts with. Family rich and heart felt story.
this kept you interested without preaching to you. gave many hard felt feelings on looking a child so hit home. learning to go on .
this kept you interested without preaching to you. gave many hard felt feelings on looking a child so hit home. learning to go on .
May 3, 2014
Love Wins
Love Wins
Writing a story about the most unimaginable, painful life event that could occur to any family and capturing the true feelings of them all is difficult at best. But, done beautifully in this story. You can truly feel the hope coming back into their lives after the accident. Great read!
Love Wins
Writing a story about the most unimaginable, painful life event that could occur to any family and capturing the true feelings of them all is difficult at best. But, done beautifully in this story. You can truly feel the hope coming back into their lives after the accident. Great read!
May 29, 2014
Wow. This book took me in a roller coaster of emotions. I just couldn't put it down. I connected to each and ever character in this book and their pain broke my heart. Watching their struggle with this tragedy was almost more than I could take. I am so glad I finished this book it was a hard read, but so worth it.
April 9, 2014
Family tragedy
a book about a tragic loss, how a family is affected and hope for the future in bring ing the family together again and learning to forgive and moving on . great book hard to put down
a book about a tragic loss, how a family is affected and hope for the future in bring ing the family together again and learning to forgive and moving on . great book hard to put down
April 27, 2014
Emotionally draining
recommended reading for younger and older readers alike. I found the book was emotionally draining. The tragedy is one that nobody wants to go through. I understand what each and every one of the characters felt from beginning to end.
recommended reading for younger and older readers alike. I found the book was emotionally draining. The tragedy is one that nobody wants to go through. I understand what each and every one of the characters felt from beginning to end.
May 15, 2014
Extreme Loss
This books shows how this close knit family fell apart with their great loss. As a parent, my heart broke for this family and I needed to see how everyone dealt with their feelings. Sad book but a great read.
This books shows how this close knit family fell apart with their great loss. As a parent, my heart broke for this family and I needed to see how everyone dealt with their feelings. Sad book but a great read.
May 21, 2014
Wonderful book
This book kept me up late at night reading it. It was heartbreaking, hopeful and inspirational.I loved it and hated for it to end.I felt part of the story.A must read.
This book kept me up late at night reading it. It was heartbreaking, hopeful and inspirational.I loved it and hated for it to end.I felt part of the story.A must read.
June 8, 2014
The story of what the loss of a 12-year old daughter in an accident does to one family. Everyone was affected but they coped differently and it almost tore the family apart.
Topics: grief, family, coping, forgiveness.
Topics: grief, family, coping, forgiveness.
July 9, 2015
Crying by the end.
I had loaded this book some time ago and forgot what it was about. As I started reading I got drawn straight in. By the end I was crying for the Barnes family tragedy and then for their renewed hope. In my opinion this is a must read!
I had loaded this book some time ago and forgot what it was about. As I started reading I got drawn straight in. By the end I was crying for the Barnes family tragedy and then for their renewed hope. In my opinion this is a must read!
April 12, 2014
Wow
I really loved this book and the author did great. So you got to read this book and I think you will fall in love.
I really loved this book and the author did great. So you got to read this book and I think you will fall in love.
August 13, 2016
I did not want to put this book down! I want to read more of this author.
April 14, 2014
GREAT READ
Really enjoyed this book. Afraid I neglected the dust bunnies so I could finish the story. Even had to cry a bit so the emotion came through the words.
Really enjoyed this book. Afraid I neglected the dust bunnies so I could finish the story. Even had to cry a bit so the emotion came through the words.
April 15, 2014
Good read, quick. Sad story but a good look into how people react and feel different, and most importantly heal differently after a death in the family.
April 17, 2014
Wonderful story.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone.
Loved the way she told the story from all points of view. Very difficult topic.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone.
Loved the way she told the story from all points of view. Very difficult topic.
April 23, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. This book was an emotional ride. It is very real to life and I didn't want to put it down until I was finished
April 23, 2014
emotion filled but nonetheless a good read
May 8, 2014
Wonderful book!!!!!
This is a great story about loss and finding your way back. The characters are very believable and I really couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book.
This is a great story about loss and finding your way back. The characters are very believable and I really couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book.
May 9, 2014
Great book about the changes in family dynamics with a death of a twelve year old daughter.
April 11, 2015
Really good story
One of the best books I have read. Forgiveness and starting over to rebuild a family. Looking forward to more of her books.
One of the best books I have read. Forgiveness and starting over to rebuild a family. Looking forward to more of her books.
September 25, 2022
Great Book
I thought Claire was a little over the top! She should of put her family first! But it left the reader in suspense, would she forgive her son? Her husband put up with her insecurities and selfishness! It was a good book and I'm ready to read another book by MS Barrett👍📚
I thought Claire was a little over the top! She should of put her family first! But it left the reader in suspense, would she forgive her son? Her husband put up with her insecurities and selfishness! It was a good book and I'm ready to read another book by MS Barrett👍📚
May 29, 2017
Page turner
Really enjoyed the book! Even though it had me in tears many times! Kept cheering for the family to come back together! Very well written!! Totally enjoyed it. Would read some more of Linda Barretts books
Really enjoyed the book! Even though it had me in tears many times! Kept cheering for the family to come back together! Very well written!! Totally enjoyed it. Would read some more of Linda Barretts books
July 3, 2017
A Good Help Book
This book would help anyone who suffered a tragic loss. It was a slow process but the ending not only proved a family can be repaired but that holding grudges can inflict irreparable harm.
This book would help anyone who suffered a tragic loss. It was a slow process but the ending not only proved a family can be repaired but that holding grudges can inflict irreparable harm.
April 27, 2022
Good read
This isn't the type of book I'd usually read, but I enjoyed it. It made me laugh and cry. It wasn't exciting, but it did make me want to know what was going to happen next.
This isn't the type of book I'd usually read, but I enjoyed it. It made me laugh and cry. It wasn't exciting, but it did make me want to know what was going to happen next.
March 10, 2017
The story is extremely moving, though the reader can often anticipate the next turn of events. The author delves headfirst into the grieving process through the eyes of Claire, the mother who is reeling from her young daughter's death. The father's feelings are also important to propel the story forward. but it is the mother's stages of grief that are detailed. Having dealt with the loss of a child, I could understand and even feel the pain in some of the words and thoughts that Claire experiences. At one point, I was moved to tears. The story provides closure and a sense of victory. While the plot is somewhat predictable; the author has used it as a vehicle to explore and gain understanding and ultimately hope, springing out of grief.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews