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Broken Faces: Historical Romance Based on True WWI Events
Five-Star Chanticleer Book Reviews: A towering achievement, Broken Historical Romance Based on True WWI Events by Chris Karlsen and Jennifer A Conner follows two young people who, for different reasons, embark on a journey to restore the self-esteem torn from wounded soldiers by bloody conflict.
Amidst the devastation of World War I, a young American woman named Abigale Belorman discovers a profound to restore hope to the WWI wounded soldiers. In France, they were called ‘Gueules Cassees’, or ‘Broken Faces’. Using her sculpting skills, she begins crafting intricate masks that conceal the scars of war, offering a semblance of normalcy to those who have endured unimaginable suffering.
Colm Harp, a skilled metalsmith, is driven by his own wounds and a personal tragedy to join Abigale's mission. His younger brother, Danny, has returned from the war with devastating facial injuries, and Colm is determined to give him a chance at a life worth living. Together, Colm and Abigale embark on a journey of compassion and resilience, their work becoming a beacon of hope for countless wounded soldiers.
As they navigate the challenges of war-torn Europe and the limitations of early 20th-century medicine, Abigale and Colm discover the transformative power of human will. Their story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the enduring power of love, and the extraordinary lengths people will go to make a difference in the world.
War changes all their lives, but if you can improve one person’s life, is yours not for the better? What if you could help hundreds? What would you give up?
Amidst the devastation of World War I, a young American woman named Abigale Belorman discovers a profound to restore hope to the WWI wounded soldiers. In France, they were called ‘Gueules Cassees’, or ‘Broken Faces’. Using her sculpting skills, she begins crafting intricate masks that conceal the scars of war, offering a semblance of normalcy to those who have endured unimaginable suffering.
Colm Harp, a skilled metalsmith, is driven by his own wounds and a personal tragedy to join Abigale's mission. His younger brother, Danny, has returned from the war with devastating facial injuries, and Colm is determined to give him a chance at a life worth living. Together, Colm and Abigale embark on a journey of compassion and resilience, their work becoming a beacon of hope for countless wounded soldiers.
As they navigate the challenges of war-torn Europe and the limitations of early 20th-century medicine, Abigale and Colm discover the transformative power of human will. Their story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the enduring power of love, and the extraordinary lengths people will go to make a difference in the world.
War changes all their lives, but if you can improve one person’s life, is yours not for the better? What if you could help hundreds? What would you give up?
- GenresHistoricalFiction
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2024
3 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Chris Karlsen
37 books447 followersChris was born and raised in Chicago. Her father was a history professor and her mother was, and is, a voracious reader. She grew up with a love of history and books. Her parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto her. She wanted to see the places she read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated her. She’s had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. She is also a retired police detective who spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. Her desire to write came in her early teens. After she retired, she decided to pursue that dream. She writes two different series. Her paranormal romance series is called, Knights in Time. Her romantic thriller series is, Dangerous Waters. She currently live in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 31, 2025
I liked the story and the way the beginning told from several different povs and then came together as the book progressed. However, it seemed to drag in places with filler narratives that just didn't need to be there. I mean how many times do I need to know about meat pies? I have to admit I was more intrigued by Abby's story than anyone else. In my opinion the story could have been better served if it didn't try to incorporate so many different characters and their back stories and just focus on Abby and Coln. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 7, 2025
Great historical fiction, about a lesser-known aspect of WW1.
As the author’s notes at the end explain, this novel is based on the true story of a woman determined to help soldiers disfigured from the war. The masks that she developed for these men with “broken faces” forever changed their lives, from horror to new beginnings.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
As the author’s notes at the end explain, this novel is based on the true story of a woman determined to help soldiers disfigured from the war. The masks that she developed for these men with “broken faces” forever changed their lives, from horror to new beginnings.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
November 29, 2024
If I could give more than 5 Stars, I would!!!
First, I must say that the authors' write such an amazingly realistic story. I wanted to also make a note on how well the story was put together between the collaboration of two authors. The story is seamless, and it follows the lives of Abby and Colm, just for starters. Abby and Colm come from two different worlds, two different statuses in life and two different countries. Then you insert World War I. Abby and Colm become part of the war-torn world. The reader learns about Colm's family and his back story, and his relationship with his mother, sister, and brother, Danny. Danny enlists in the war so that he is not seen as a coward anymore. Abby finds herself in an arrangement of marriage, where it seems only her husband can do what he wants. Abby sees her world differently from her parents, especially her father. Being in an arrangement or contract of marriage is also a loveless and lonely marriage, unless you like the perks of being rich. The reader meets many persons along the way, and one of my favorites is Rosie, who was basically a servant, but also best friend of Abby. The world gets turned upside down. For the characters, for their families and for the soldiers, who live or die, or just be. I have read Chris Karlsen's work before, and I do love this collaboration with her and Jennifer Conner. This story is based on factual events, such as artists of all kinds, giving faces back to soldiers who lost them. Abby and Colm, give those who had their faces literally broken, back to them, and it changes their lives, and outlook on life. The end of the book shows real-life photos and may be disturbing but you get the need for Abby and Colm's artistry and humanity. It is a long read, and took me several days to read it, but not because I couldn't put it down, because I had to put it down. It is worth every single word in the story, and this story should be shared. Broken Faces is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
First, I must say that the authors' write such an amazingly realistic story. I wanted to also make a note on how well the story was put together between the collaboration of two authors. The story is seamless, and it follows the lives of Abby and Colm, just for starters. Abby and Colm come from two different worlds, two different statuses in life and two different countries. Then you insert World War I. Abby and Colm become part of the war-torn world. The reader learns about Colm's family and his back story, and his relationship with his mother, sister, and brother, Danny. Danny enlists in the war so that he is not seen as a coward anymore. Abby finds herself in an arrangement of marriage, where it seems only her husband can do what he wants. Abby sees her world differently from her parents, especially her father. Being in an arrangement or contract of marriage is also a loveless and lonely marriage, unless you like the perks of being rich. The reader meets many persons along the way, and one of my favorites is Rosie, who was basically a servant, but also best friend of Abby. The world gets turned upside down. For the characters, for their families and for the soldiers, who live or die, or just be. I have read Chris Karlsen's work before, and I do love this collaboration with her and Jennifer Conner. This story is based on factual events, such as artists of all kinds, giving faces back to soldiers who lost them. Abby and Colm, give those who had their faces literally broken, back to them, and it changes their lives, and outlook on life. The end of the book shows real-life photos and may be disturbing but you get the need for Abby and Colm's artistry and humanity. It is a long read, and took me several days to read it, but not because I couldn't put it down, because I had to put it down. It is worth every single word in the story, and this story should be shared. Broken Faces is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
January 31, 2025
This was a historical read unlike anything I've read lately. The theme and layout of this was so unique.
That these ceramic masks were made for wounded soldiers who sacrificed so much, was compelling and inspiring.
With a great attention to detail, the authenticity of the time really jumps from the page. These authors really did their homework and came through.
This novel while may be a work of fiction still reaches the soul.
That these ceramic masks were made for wounded soldiers who sacrificed so much, was compelling and inspiring.
With a great attention to detail, the authenticity of the time really jumps from the page. These authors really did their homework and came through.
This novel while may be a work of fiction still reaches the soul.
February 6, 2025
This was a fascinating read with such an interesting concept. History rich but also well crafted characters and story-line.
I appreciated the Karlsen & Conner's attention to detail, and historical research, and their making the characters realistic, especially in such an extreme environment.
Ultimately, the authors provide us with interesting characters, a quick moving plot and the ambience war which all combine for a brilliant read.
I appreciated the Karlsen & Conner's attention to detail, and historical research, and their making the characters realistic, especially in such an extreme environment.
Ultimately, the authors provide us with interesting characters, a quick moving plot and the ambience war which all combine for a brilliant read.
February 3, 2025
A story which manages to be as original as it is timeless, and above all, credible.
Authors Chris Karlsen & Jennifer Conner capture the emotional and physical upheaval wrought by war.
Despite the topic and the cruel world of the times, this is about people and reactions and history.
So real, so rich and detailed, the details, the authenticity, and the clarity are remarkable.
Authors Chris Karlsen & Jennifer Conner capture the emotional and physical upheaval wrought by war.
Despite the topic and the cruel world of the times, this is about people and reactions and history.
So real, so rich and detailed, the details, the authenticity, and the clarity are remarkable.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews