Broken Faces

by Alexandra Rhea

It was do or die. Find the missing men, or completely lose his mind.

1919: The Great War may be over, but for Eric, the battle is far from finished. Scarred in body and mind, he finds himself in a secluded convalescent home for soldiers with devastating face injuries. Nightmares plague him, memories torment him, and the eerie hush of the estate offers little comfort. Men vanish, their disappearances shrouded in silence.

Determined to uncover the truth, Eric enters a world of whispers, deception, and the hidden dangers of his own traumatized mind. His search for answers is complicated by his deepening relationship with Clair Pearce, an American widow who sees past his traumas to the man within.

Was he imagining it or did someone or something not want the missing men found? And can Eric uncover the secrets before his mind completely unravels?

Genres: Historical Fiction

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2025

About the author

Alexandra Rhea is a passionate storyteller with a deep love for Jazz Age and Great War history. Blending meticulous research with vivid storytelling, she transports readers to the transformative eras of the 1910s and 1920s, crafting immersive mysteries and historical romances. Her writing captures the intrigue of the Golden Age, weaving together glamour, suspense, and rich historical detail. Through her novels, Alexandra invites readers to step back in time, experience the elegance of the Roaring Twenties, and uncover the gripping realities of the Great War—one captivating story at a time.

Reviews

[G. W .Bookreviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Faces by Alexandra Rhea is a gripping and emotional tale set in 1919, just after the Great War. The story follows Eric, a soldier whose face and spirit are left shattered by the horrors of war. Placed in a convalescent home for soldiers with severe facial injuries, Eric is haunted by memories of the battlefield and tormented by the stares of a society that cannot bear to look at him. But when men at the home begin to disappear without explanation, Eric is forced to confront his fears and uncover the truth, even as his own mind threatens to unravel.

What makes this book truly compelling is how Rhea portrays the emotional isolation and silent suffering of soldiers like Eric. Society views these wounded men with pity or revulsion, making them feel invisible. Eric’s pain goes beyond his physical scars—he struggles with shame, self-worth, and the fear of being forgotten. His relationship with Clair Pearce, an American widow who sees past his injuries, adds warmth and humanity to the story. Clair’s kindness and understanding give Eric a reason to hope, reminding him that he is more than his wounds.

On a personal level, Broken Faces left me reflecting on how society often overlooks the invisible battles people fight after trauma. It made me realize how difficult it is for someone to heal when the world only sees their scars. Eric’s journey is not just about surviving war—it’s about finding the courage to live again, despite the pain and judgment.

I would highly recommend Broken Faces to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that delves deep into the emotional aftermath of war. This is not just a story about a wounded soldier—it’s a profound exploration of resilience, acceptance, and the quiet strength it takes to reclaim one’s life. Alexandra Rhea has crafted a story that lingers in the heart long after the last page is turned.

[Skater · Rating 4 out of 5]

WWI Veterans Historical Mystery

This mystery took me by complete surprise. It is filled with realistic descriptions and carefully respectfully crafted descriptions of the emotional weight the memories of war effects can create. The main mystery here is the disappearance of veterans from a convalescence center. Or are they? Are the memories real or are they battle field memories, or are they a mixture of all of them? Eric is recovering from a face scaring event. As he sorts out his memories, he searches for the fact amongst the mysteries. Historical facts and events pack the pages, drawing us into the story and caring for the characters.

[Brittany Sapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a MUST read. Broken Faces is a nice blend of trying to figure out what’s real and anticipating what’s going to happen next. It’s chock full of mystery, history, sarcasm, and fierce love.

I got to learn about true historical events that I could look into for myself. You can definitely tell the writer has given an ample amount of thought and research that was beautifully woven into this story, which I appreciate.

I can’t wait for the next book!

[Shari Kneissl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery was a lot like Anna lee Huber's books. It is more sensual, but it's a fun, quick read with humor and quirkiness. It's also a reminder of the physical and emotional scars left by war. The story captures the trauma and pain, but it also has moments of laughter and lightheartedness with a love story that is sweet and intense.

[RK Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

you'll think of war "casualties" in an entirely new way after this!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect mix of mystery and slow-burning romance—kept me turning pages late into the night. I didn't see the twist at the end coming. History, mystery, and a romance that sizzles. Couldn't ask for more.