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Broken Branches
Born into heartbreak, raised in uncertainty—will he ever find where he truly belongs?
Buddy’s life was never his own—not from the moment his grandmother tried to abort him before birth, nor when he was torn from the foster parents who truly loved him. Given a second chance with a wealthy adoptive family, he was promised everything. Instead, he found only loneliness, rejection, and an unthinkable Why am I not enough?
Desperate for answers, Buddy spent years chasing ghosts of the past—until he finally built a life, a family, and a love to call his own. Then, a devastating betrayal threatens to unravel it all.
Will he find the strength to fight for the life he’s always longed for, or will the fear of rejection hold him back?
Buddy’s life was never his own—not from the moment his grandmother tried to abort him before birth, nor when he was torn from the foster parents who truly loved him. Given a second chance with a wealthy adoptive family, he was promised everything. Instead, he found only loneliness, rejection, and an unthinkable Why am I not enough?
Desperate for answers, Buddy spent years chasing ghosts of the past—until he finally built a life, a family, and a love to call his own. Then, a devastating betrayal threatens to unravel it all.
Will he find the strength to fight for the life he’s always longed for, or will the fear of rejection hold him back?
318 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2025
3 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 29, 2025
This is a story that will truly pull at your heartstrings!! So beautifully written! Have your tissues ready!!
January 8, 2026
This heart-breaking account of a boy and man's suffering was well written, well-paced, and so unbelievably in his corner that I kept wondering what happened to the expectable behavioral reactions that truly traumatized people usually show, the things they do that trouble others. Were others' complaints entirely their projections (which in this day and age we realize can happen) or did he behave in ways that perpetuated his losses? This would be a good book for a book club because of the discussion it could stir up.
July 6, 2025
I’ve struggled with how to write this review without sounding biased—because I am Virginia’s daughter. When my mom first told me she was going to write Broken Branches about my dad’s family, I honestly thought she was crazy. Why was she so deeply drawn to a story that wasn’t even hers? She became completely immersed—taking trips, meeting distant relatives, working with the historical society, and even clocking in at work while pouring herself into this book. I thought she was going overboard.
But my mom is also my best friend, so of course I supported her. And oh, how grateful I am that I did.
As she began writing, she asked me to read it, but here’s the truth—I’ve never enjoyed reading. So instead, she read the chapters aloud to me. (Team Audiobook!) One chapter in, and my whole idea of this “crazy book obsession” was gone. The writing was captivating, heartfelt, and beautifully crafted. For months, I found myself eager to hear every new chapter. We laughed, we cried… a lot. I quickly realized this wasn’t just the story of my dad’s family, it was the story of our family, my children, and the generations still to come.
This story needed to be told. For Buddy (my grandfather), who never had a voice with his family here on earth. Some stories change the way you see the past—Broken Branches is one of them.
I may be her daughter, but I can honestly say Broken Branches is a powerful, unforgettable book—one that I’m incredibly proud to have witnessed come to life.
But my mom is also my best friend, so of course I supported her. And oh, how grateful I am that I did.
As she began writing, she asked me to read it, but here’s the truth—I’ve never enjoyed reading. So instead, she read the chapters aloud to me. (Team Audiobook!) One chapter in, and my whole idea of this “crazy book obsession” was gone. The writing was captivating, heartfelt, and beautifully crafted. For months, I found myself eager to hear every new chapter. We laughed, we cried… a lot. I quickly realized this wasn’t just the story of my dad’s family, it was the story of our family, my children, and the generations still to come.
This story needed to be told. For Buddy (my grandfather), who never had a voice with his family here on earth. Some stories change the way you see the past—Broken Branches is one of them.
I may be her daughter, but I can honestly say Broken Branches is a powerful, unforgettable book—one that I’m incredibly proud to have witnessed come to life.
August 19, 2025
Excellent book! Great character development. I couldn’t put this book down. I’ve read over 70 books this year and this one is my favorite. I can’t stop thinking about this book.
September 1, 2025
I had such a lovely time reading this book. I laughed, I cried (several times!), and my jaw was on the floor more than once. It was hard at times for me to believe that I was reading about real people - the coincidences and circumstances surrounding Buddy's life are crazy. What a life he had! Virginia brings you in to the story to get to know and love these characters. I found her writing to be clear and very well-executed. The pacing is moderate, never too fast or too slow to leave you confused or bored. Each chapter is important and so well done. The incorporation of some of the photographs that were unearthed during her research for this book kept me grounded in the reality of the story, and allowed me to know each person even better. This is such an amazing gift Virginia has given Willie, and every future member of the family to learn the rich history that would have otherwise been lost.
October 9, 2025
I love a good story about overcoming humble, difficult beginnings — but this book is so much more. I often found myself pausing between chapters just to process what I’d read: the characters, their circumstances, and the historical context that allowed such events to unfold.
It’s hard to believe this isn’t fiction. The reality of it hits in waves, and it’s a rare thing when a book makes you feel more than think.
When I finally turned the last page, I closed the book and quietly sobbed. It’s still with me, and I imagine it will be for a long time. I can only hope the family members are finding peace and healing.
It’s hard to believe this isn’t fiction. The reality of it hits in waves, and it’s a rare thing when a book makes you feel more than think.
When I finally turned the last page, I closed the book and quietly sobbed. It’s still with me, and I imagine it will be for a long time. I can only hope the family members are finding peace and healing.
September 3, 2025
An amazing story, based on real events, that details how the subject overcame over a lifetime of loss, heartbreak, and disappointment through his love of family and eternal optimism. This story is well-written, gripping, and is an absolute page turner. The author clearly conducted painstaking research to flesh out this family's history, and in the process created a beautiful tale that had to be shared.
July 10, 2025
excellent first time author, could not put this book down. loved it
August 25, 2025
From the very first page, this story captures the reader’s attention and refuses to let go. As a reader, you are immediately hooked, drawn into a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and deeply compassionate. This talented writer handles multiple difficult events with a delicate touch, allowing the emotional depth to resonate without ever becoming overwhelming.
The prose flows seamlessly, making the book an effortless read while evoking a wide range of emotions. The author’s words paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind, striking a careful balance—never too explicit, yet always powerful and thought-provoking.
Beyond the beauty of the storytelling, what stands out most is the author’s ability to shed light on important societal issues that infants, children, and adults alike must navigate. With grace and ease, she weaves these themes into the fabric of her characters’ journeys, creating a story that is both moving and meaningful.
This is not just a book to be read—it is a story that needed to be told. I found myself unable to put it down, compelled to know more about the characters and their struggles. Ultimately, this novel is a testament to the power of storytelling: it enlightens, it stirs empathy, and it lingers long after the final page.
The prose flows seamlessly, making the book an effortless read while evoking a wide range of emotions. The author’s words paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind, striking a careful balance—never too explicit, yet always powerful and thought-provoking.
Beyond the beauty of the storytelling, what stands out most is the author’s ability to shed light on important societal issues that infants, children, and adults alike must navigate. With grace and ease, she weaves these themes into the fabric of her characters’ journeys, creating a story that is both moving and meaningful.
This is not just a book to be read—it is a story that needed to be told. I found myself unable to put it down, compelled to know more about the characters and their struggles. Ultimately, this novel is a testament to the power of storytelling: it enlightens, it stirs empathy, and it lingers long after the final page.
October 16, 2025
ABSOLUTELY worth the read. Debut author with a real talent for storytelling. Her massive courage in putting this mostly true, heart-wrenching story down on paper has brought a family together and provided answers for long unanswered questions. I was completely hooked from beginning to end, loving the last section sharing where everyone is today.
I follow many prestigious literary prizes including the Booker and Pulitzer, and this book has stood out to me amongst others in the running for these awards.
Through Virginia's talent and bravery, she has procured an incredible achievement that will touch not only readers in her family, but anyone with a family history of pain, triumph and redemption.
“The true alchemists do not change lead into gold; they change the world into words.” — William H. Gass
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka
I follow many prestigious literary prizes including the Booker and Pulitzer, and this book has stood out to me amongst others in the running for these awards.
Through Virginia's talent and bravery, she has procured an incredible achievement that will touch not only readers in her family, but anyone with a family history of pain, triumph and redemption.
“The true alchemists do not change lead into gold; they change the world into words.” — William H. Gass
“Don’t bend; don’t water it down; don’t try to make it logical; don’t edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” — Franz Kafka
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews