Robin and Sean are existing in their private worlds. Hiding in plain sight, not really living, definitely not thriving. They both need to move forward… if they can.
Yet the price of success is pain as they confront issues that have plagued them for years. They’re so different, with such opposite problems. Yet they complement each other - or at least they will, if they can work through their issues and find each other.
This is a story of pain and sorrow, joy and success… and… love.
Dale Mayer is a USA Today bestselling author best known for her Psychic Visions and Family Blood Ties series. Her contemporary romances are raw and full of passion and emotion (Second Chances, SKIN), her thrillers will keep you guessing (By Death series), and her romantic comedies will keep you giggling (It's a Dog's Life and Charmin Marvin Romantic Comedy series).
She honors the stories that come to her - and some of them are crazy and break all the rules and cross multiple genres!
To go with her fiction, she also writes nonfiction in many different fields with books available on resume writing, companion gardening and the US mortgage system. She has recently published her Career Essentials Series. All her books are available in print and ebook format.
Psychic Vision Series Tuesday's Child Hide'n Go Seek Maddy's Floor Garden of Sorrow Knock, Knock... Rare Find Eyes to the Soul - fall/winter 2014
By Death Series Touched by Death - Part 1 - Free Touched by Death - Part 2 Touched by Death - Full book Haunted by Death Chilled by Death - fall/winter 2014
Second Chances...at Love Series Second Chances - Part 1 Second Chances - Part 2 Second Chances - Full book
Sometimes the plots and characters in them just break your heart, they are so broken both on the surface which can be seen and on the inside which cant. This book is one of them! We all have scars and its hard sometimes to deal with them, those on the surface are seen. Some are disfiguring, on show and affect how you feel others react to you that is hard if its in a negative way. Those inside only you know about so unless you react to something that hits close then others do not see if something they do or say hurts or angers. Trying to move past and accept is hard and a negative reaction from anyone can just make it harder still. Scars come in many forms and can be a result of abuse, accident or loss. Some of us have surface and inner scars, we deal with in our own ways or with help but it isn't easy ever! This story is about understanding, accepting, dealing and then moving on to improve their lives. Maybe helping a few others on the way. I found this upsetting, (since I am so sensitive to suffering) I also found it uplifting. How these two work to help each other but also end up helping those involved with their project is inspiring, it makes you stop and think about how you react to others. Hard hitting subject matter, stuff many wouldn't think about but maybe should. This series really makes you think about being better people, yes they are just stories written by this author but written in a way that have great meaning. I don't know if this was her intention but it is how I react to them and learn by them to improve and be a better person to others, maybe even to heal a few of my own hurts along the way.
Another powerful and well-written story from the pen of Dale Mayer. It is along similar lines as Skin with the emotional journey for the two main characters. Although this is the second book in the 'Broken, but...Mending Book' series it works well as a stand-alone book.
I was given an ecopy by Barclay Publicity for an honest review.
Dr. Jenna Komack does some very unique workshops with select patients. The goal is for each of them to make a breakthrough while paired as a team on a project devised specifically for each team.
This book runs in tandem with the previous book and that's where we first met Robin. Although she would have rather been paired with her friend Tania, Jenna had other ideas.
Sean is there having been encouraged by his sister Paris. They both have problems stemming from the same event in their lives. Jenna didn't feel Paris was quite ready for the seminar, however when Sean applied he fit the bill.
Robin has always hidden her scars, she's refused any more surgeries wanting to just get on with her life. She was done with the pain and recovery required there.
Seth on the other hand has his own internal demons, and while he's checking this out for his sister he also hopes to come to terms with his own anger.
Their assignment is to visit with children at the Children's Hospital here, and Robin is more than a little panicked over that. Her scars scare children.
What seems slow and painful progress also has Sean and Robin beginning a relationship. I truly loved the way this seminar helps them to work their way through the things holding them back.
I'm glad I have the bundle so I can just move right into Paris' experience with this type of seminar.
Both Robin and Sean live but do not thrive in the world. They need to find a way to move forward even if they have to face some painful truths (or realities) to get there. They have different problems, but those problems mean that they can complement each other and help each other to go through the process.
This was a powerful story following the processes of their self-discovery and acceptance of who (and what) they are. They were able to help each other through the process and it soon became clear that love is the key to the problem - firstly love of yourself, and in the process of finding that it became clear that that had translated to love of each other too. Definitely a story to pull your heartstrings and let you feel their thought and emotions as they worked through the problems. Loved this story.
An interesting plot that starts with fears and emotions of the ones coming for this intense therapy. They have tried others and deep down they all are looking for a healing, love and moving on to a new way of life. Good detail as they went thru exploration, to healing and then love. Well done and enjoyed.
Two people attend a special counseling seminar, a week of workshops, homework and more. Both have physical scars but the scars below the surface are explored and exposed through their group project. A thoughtful yet intriguing look as they reach and grow and learn to trust. Bravo!
Those of us living relatively normal lives don't always appreciate what it takes to recover from extremely traumatic events but this story gives us a taste of what the process is about and that it is possible to find someone who can understand and help the healing process. A lovely book.
I had trouble with this one. I liked some things and I didn't like others. For the most part, I enjoyed it. It was a short read like the first book but I felt this one brought more to the table and delivered emotionally very well. I felt it down to my bones the agony and hurt that Robin felt every day. I teared up a few times because of how powerful the dialogue was and how real she was portrayed. I can't imagine the survivor's guilt, the loneliness, the physical evidence left behind. I hurt for her so much and I wanted to reach out and hug her so bad. She overcame so much and I'm glad that she found peace and happiness in the end.
Then there was Sean...I just simply can't decide if I accepted him or despised him too much. There's tough love and there's bitter resentment mistaken for tough love. He could be sweet and he could be plain mean. He was angry and he was apologetic. He was honest but he was also a liar. I didn't like his back and forth and indecisive behavior. He felt like two different people, I think even he didn't know who he was. I get it if a guy starts out mean to a girl and becomes nicer as he develops feelings for a girl but he was still acting like a jerk even when he knew he had feelings for her. I get the tough love but he went too far sometimes and yeah he apologized but it was pointless because she didn't even hold it against him. She made it seem like it was ok for him to lash out at her and make her guilty for simply hurting and that's not acceptable whether as friends or in a relationship. That's not what friends do. There were other ways he could have helped her progress, she had already opened up to him the first day and she showed determination in confronting her fears by entering the hospital and getting in a vehicle again.
She was already on the right track, all she needed was encouragement and a little nudge in the right direction when she started doubting herself. There was no need for him to yell at her, berate her, and put her down by making her feel bad for feeling guilty and hating her scars. She had every right to her emotions and she shouldn't have been made to feel like her situation was nothing compared to his. They were both traumatic in completely different ways and neither should be considered less than the other, or not as bad. There should be no comparison as to who had it worse. He was good at manipulating her into agreeing with his perceptions. He even had the nerve to tell her she was weak because she didn't want any more surgery done and selfish because other people didn't have that option. I don't see how that's a bad thing and considering how he didn't care what her face looked like you'd figure he'd be telling her she didn't need the surgery if she didn't want to instead of telling her she was selfish for not getting it corrected as much as she can. I don't understand the logic in that.
I couldn't get over his treatment of her and wanted her to ditch him. He was two different people and never made peace with his own issues. The times he was good to her simply weren't enough for me to accept him. She deserved someone so much better than him but she's settling for the first guy that didn't run from her scars. I guess I'm happy that she's happy but still would have liked to see her fly without him and left him in the dust like he deserved. He was one cold hearted snake. I loved Robin and her beautiful heart. She was the best thing in this series so far. Here's to hoping the next hero is an improvement over this so called one.
Wow! What an emotional read! That was 4 hours worth of reading so well spent! I so loved this book and wish it had kept going. I didn't know if Skin could be beat...but let me tell you, I was on just as much of a emotional roller coaster ride on this one as I was on Skin. I cried so many tears with this one and had so many heart twinge moments, I almost wondered if 911 needed to be called. It was just that emotional for me. Even sitting here as I type this, I am getting emotional and teary eyed.
***Deep breath - must push on ***
This was a great multi pov read. I absolutely loved Sean. His character had so much depth to him. He was so well written and beautifully articulate. Watching him grow attached to Robin was breathtaking. He had his rough edges but that just made him more human. It was wonderful to see him look beyond the surface of Robin and not get stopped by her scars. He was patient, kind, passionate, but also tough and not willing to let Robin wallow around in self pity. He did what he could to break her out of her self-inflicted prison.
I was happy to see Robin's acceptance of her scars and was able to move on from it. She became excepting of her scars and decided to take charge of her own destiny. It no longer mattered to her what others thought of her, just of what she thought of herself. She opened her heart to Sean and trusted him to be there for her when she needed him and realized that she had done too much taking and not enough giving. What she didn't realize though, was that Sean's healing came in the form of helping her. It opened up his eyes and heart to someone other than just his sister (which I hope we get her story next!!)
As a whole, this was beautifully written.
I would love to see Paris's Story or even Dr. Jenna's story next. She has to have her own story too.
I enjoyed reading this story. Although the storyline was serious, the author managed to keep it light hearted and not mushy. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys contemporary romances without it being so sugary.
As a therapist, I tend to go into stories about therapy/counseling or with psychologists/counselors with cautiousness. Especially considering this is a story of two people who have experienced severe traumas in their lives, this had the potential to hit some of my professional do not cross lines. However, those lines never came up for me, I think due to this being a week-long therapy class and Robin and Sean being open with each other about their trauma and dealing with their issues. I was really drawn into Robin. She is strong heroine and her journey in overcoming her fears, although short in terms of time, was believable and heart-wrenching. Sean was wonderful in pushing her to go further but also being there for her when she reached her limits. I would have liked to see more of the growth and "aha" moments for him, as he seemed to go from not want attachments to wanting a relationship with Robin quite easily. That being said, I did believe in their love for each other.
This is the second book in the series, but I didn't feel I missed out on anything. From what I can tell the first story, Skin, is occurring simultaneously, and while all the characters are attending the same class they are not interacting.
I received this story as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Scars is a WONDERFUL and powerful tale of pain and strength. It is as good as Skin but right now it seems even better because I am still living in Robin and Sean's world. Although the books are part of a series, either book can be read as a stand-alone for now.
Robin lost her family in a car wreck six years prior to her participation in Jenna's special group and has spent much of that time recovering from surgery to repair the damage to her face and body. Damage that has left it hard for her to face the world.
Sean was an abused child, or as Robin points out, he was a victim of torture throughout his childhood. He has no interest in the program but attends to scope it out for his sister, the one person in the world who he allows to matter.
I absolutely love all of her characters, and everything about her books, but one of the many things that I am in awe of is Ms Mayer's ability to draw Jenna in such a way that I wish someone I love could work with her yet Jenna really gets little page time in this book. Dale Mayer does with words what some artists can do with lines; whether she is creating a sketch or a full masterpiece she is amazing.
I received a gift copy of the book so I could review it; aren't I lucky! I will be buying a couple of copies, too. This book is too good not to share.
I was warned to have tissues on hand when reading this, thought I was doing good, even continued reading at work, and then… BAM! Oh my God! I was a crying mess sitting at my desk while reading, but what a fantastic, amazing book!! Dale Mayer has such an amazing way when telling a story that draws you in with every emotion. There is such depth and truth to her writing it’s awe-inspiring.
Robin and Sean are at a week-long therapy class and partnered together to complete a project to present at the end of the session. We get the POV from both Robin and Sean. We learn what their scars are and what/who created them and get to join them on their journey of opening up, overcoming their fears, allowing others inside, and the most important step of learning how to heal.
This is book two in the Broken but…Mending series and can be read as a stand alone. Skins, book one, is just as breath taking as Scars and is also a must read! (Skins is written about a different couple at the same therapy session and their journey on their project.) This is absolutely one of my favorite series and I cannot wait for Scales, book 3. I highly recommend this series!
Scars Broken But...... Mending book 2 By: Author Dale Mayer
Made me cry happy ugly snot tears!
Dale Mayer once again steals our hearts and minds away with her new book Scars!
Robin and Sean took my breath away right from the start with both the way they each were different in their pain and Scars yet exactly the same in so many ways which was unknown to them, which brings real life into focus........ Who doesn't have some kind of scars internal or external, who doesn't have something that haunts them or hurts them so deep that we create walls upon walls to keep out further pain. It takes someone special to break the barriers down and be loving and patient enough to continue to hold on through the storm of change and healing. Sean and Robin did that for each other and I will remember them and the beautiful meaning written among these words that Dale Mayer created, I am so honored to have been able to read something so touching and meaningful.
Favorite Quote: Why Robin? Because she's perfect.....for me..
Highly recommend 18+up due to adult situations.
I was given a ARC by the author for a honest review all thoughts and feelings are my own.
3.5 stars. A companion novel to Skin (but easily could be a standalone) about deeply flawed young people attending a seminar in British Columbia trying to heal themselves from past trauma. This one was mostly about a girl horribly scarred in an automobile accident that killed her family and how she is now dealing with (or really not dealing with) the effects of her looks in public. She is assigned a guy as a partner, also scarred from years of child abuse, and how they come together to help each other heal. I liked Skin better, but this one was also a good read for me.
These books are not rocket science, but I do enjoy reading about other people realizing things about themselves as they observe and help other terribly traumatized human beings come to grips with some fairly disturbing situations. The romance that develops is just an added plus.
>>>I promised a review in exchange for an honest review.<<<
A powerful story with a heart-breaking message wrapped in a flaweless writing-style! Woooow!
After I finished the first book of this series I knew that I need to prepare myself before reading the second book! Now that I read it I have to say that it´s useless as it literally just blows you off- in reference to the emotional roller coaster but also the whole book in general.
I could write such a long review to tell you how much I loved the story-line, the characters, the background-story....everything.
But you know what? I really want to spend the time with reading book 3 instead.
I probably will write another review at the end about the whole series.
A MUST READ......A book your never forget ..... SCARS !!!! If you have never read SKINS then you are missing an amazing book....it is so powerful inspirational and need a tissue this is the book for you ..... Dale mayer decided to write SCARS.... I was so excited I couldn't wait to read it.... As always she hasn't disappointed... This book was inspirational and so true to the truth ..I felt like I got to know them and understand there life.... This series for me is the best dale has written and I'm looking forward to the next book SCALES.....I love the honesty and depth in which dale writes.... ill never forget this and the last book .... and that's the biggest complement an author can get xxxx
I received an early version of this book in return for my unbiased opinion and fair comment.
If you read skin you will love this sequel and if not you will love it for itself! A journey littered with scars and pain both inside and out and an incredible awakening. It is a story that is very easy to relate to in one’s own life for many people and the message is strong. Don’t hide away, don’t blind yourself to what others see! Embrace life, no matter what it has thrown at you or how badly it has scared you physically, mentally or emotionally! A beautiful heartfelt journey of 2 people who venture out and seek the help of a professional, only to find they help each other in ways they could never have imagined possible.
Scars by Dale Mayer Broken...but Mending Series Book Two Robin Childers has scars from a car accident. Is it the scars on the outside that are really holding her back? Or could it be the ones on the inside?
Sean Wilson is only at the seminar because he was accepted and came so he could tell his sister about it. Nothing this week was going to help him. Or so he thought.
Jenna has a way of partnering up the folks at her seminar. They have assignments to do together and somewhere along the way...healing begins. If you enjoy series so you can “see” the whole stories than you'll want to read book one, Skin. **Sexual content and language http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Scars is a beautiful story about self discovery. This story is a romance with a twist. Readers take the journey of self discovery right along with the two main characters. Following their journey you may even make some discoveries about yourself! A triumphant tale of overcoming personal loss and emotional pain, Scars will leave the reader with a sense of comfort and hope. Each book in this series can be read as a stand alone. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
This is a contemporary romance told in the third person narration. They both have scars, some you can see some you can't. They need one another to heal. I really loved this book. I have read a few from Dale Mayer and this one did not disappoint. I cried, I smiled, I was worried they weren't going to see past their pain and when they did I was like YES! I recommend this highly
This installment brings together two different forms of recovery, but two souls that have a bond that is stronger than anyone could image. Scars come in two forms internal what Sean bears and exterior ones all over Robin. The battle these two face towards a future they never thought was possible was very inspiring and one to not miss out on.
I have to say that the author's writing style is amazing. I love how the characters don't just fall in love with a pretty face, it's the character of the person that makes them beautiful not just physical attributes. And just an fyi, you do not need to read the first book in the series to understand what is going on. This book takes place at the same time as the first.
The scars they carried physically and emotionally. Helping each other overcome them in a tender love story. Anyone that likes to read Dale Mayer will enjoy this book.
This book was great!! I loved everything about it from the characters to the story line. The breakthroughs they both had, the sweet tender moments with the children, and that amazing ending. Perfect uplifting story that builds faith and hope.