The Burden of Loving a Broken Mind

by Michelle Brunette

When Gen meets an attractive, charming, and charismatic man named Wallace while at a pub one night, they hit it off immediately, and she wonders how anyone could be so perfect. He's kind, thoughtful, and generous to a fault. Over time, however, she begins to notice warning signs, as if he’s in a manic state and doesn’t know how to turn off. After a few months of intensive dating, Wallace stops calling, and she doesn't hear from him for a week. Growing concerned, she shows up at his house and discovers that Wallace has fallen into a deep depression. Not only that, she realizes this isn’t the first time it’s happened and that he might be suffering from manic depression or bipolar disorder. Despite this struggle, their love remains strong, and she’s determined to stand by him. As their relationship progresses, however, dark secrets are revealed about Wallace and his family, and Gen’s love for him is put to the ultimate test.

Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2025

Reviews

[Liam Brunette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Burden of Loving a Broken Mind by Michelle Brunette is an absolutely powerful and beautifully written book. From the very first page, it pulls you in with raw emotion, honesty, and a deeply moving perspective on love, struggle, and resilience.

Michelle has a way of writing that makes you feel every word—her storytelling is both heartfelt and thought-provoking. The book shines a light on mental health, relationships, and the weight of caring for someone who is struggling, all while capturing the beauty of love and human connection.

If you’re looking for a book that will make you think, feel, and truly connect with the words on the page, this is it. Highly recommend!

[marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was amazing - I was enthralled from the very first page and was able to connect to the character's situations and emotions.

[Neila Macleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that I could not put down! I was captivated after the first few chapters and felt a wave of emotions during the entire read. Highly recommend!

[Julie Ducharme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is the best book I’ve ever read! This story captures not only the struggles of loving someone suffering from a mental illness, but also the resilience of a strong woman who navigates through tragic events. This is a beautifully romantic, thrilling and suspenseful read. I cannot recommend it enough!

[Gisele Rainville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Hopefully author comes out with part 2 😀

[Anyssa Brunette · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVEEEEEEE THIS BOOK!!!! It’s a beautiful, emotional ride that sticks with you long after you finish it. Highly recommend! 📖💜✨

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎀Book Review w/o Spoiler:
Took a little detour from my usual romance TBR and wow, what a powerful and heartfelt story. It’s easy to get swept away in epic love stories (and trust me, I live for the thrill), but every now and then, a story comes along that grounds you.

The words in this book weren’t just lines, were truths about the struggles of loving someone dealing with a mental illness. You can feel the tenderness and vulnerability from the author as you go through Wallace’s and Gen’s love story. Theirs is one full of stops and starts, emotional minefields and painful honest moments when dealing with ‘the darkness’ and what leaves behind. Moreover, it highlights the importance of empathy, resilience, patience, and the courage to sit with discomfort instead of turning away from it.

This one is far from being a ‘perfect love story’. It is a story of being PRESENT, of listening and being better humans. Gen is a real trooper, I hope anyone in need has a Gen in their life. It’s safe to say I one hundred percent recommend this book. Romance is magic, but Mental Awareness is VITAL my bookish people.

🎀Rating: 5⭐️ / No Spice
⚠️Suffice to say there are several trigger warnings as it deals with Mental Illness.

[Meghan Gummerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently had the pleasure of reading The Burden of Loving a Broken Mind by Michelle Brunette and I was completely captivated from start to finish. The way the story intertwined themes of depression within a family was powerful and deeply moving.

The epilogue was a “wow” moment for me. It brought back memories of times when I was younger and didn’t fully understand how to recognize the signs or offer support. Looking back now, with more knowledge and experience in the mental health field, I realize how much I’ve grown in understanding. The story masterfully portrayed the confusion, fear, and helplessness that can come with witnessing a loved one struggle.

This book beautifully illustrates how mental health struggles ripple through generations, affecting not just the individuals but everyone around them. I’m incredibly grateful to have read it and highly recommend it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Loving a Broken Mind” is a deeply insightful and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the complexities of mental health. It offers a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles many face, making it a compelling and emotional journey. The book is hard to put down, drawing readers into a world of both vulnerability and strength. It not only provides a better understanding of the challenges of mental health but also highlights the importance of empathy and support. A must-read for anyone seeking to broaden their perspective on mental well-being.

[Destiny | _readingwithdee_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I’d like to emphasize the raw emotions you feel throughout every word in this book! The storyline flowed really well, and there was never a moment where I didn’t feel what every character was going through. Michelle truly wrote a story that will stick with me forever. I did become extra emotional a few times as I was reading the last ten chapters. Thank you for bringing mental health awareness to your readers with this powerful story. Félicitations Michelle on your debut novel!

[Jasmina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful yet heartbreaking story. It was easy to get wrapped up in the story, connect with the characters, and wanting to know more