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Scars and Sorrow Saga #1-6
The Scars and Sorrow Saga: The Complete Box Set
International bestselling author, Mary E. Palmerin, concludes her first series, The Scars and Sorrow Saga, with an emotional end to the Harper family's journey. Six stories. A moving epilogue. One family. And the virtue they all attempt to hold on to... hope. Fall in love with this raw, poignant saga as you travel the path of Lyla Harper while she tries to grasp onto love, let go of loss, and believe in tomorrow. Will the Harper family get the happily-ever-after they have endlessly wished for?
788 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 5, 2020
Lyla is conditioned for attracting men who prey upon her vulnerabilities. She reminds herself that she is imperfect and damaged. For now she accepts the intimacy from guys eventhough it’s unhealthy. She’s too weak to change that part of her life. She instead focuses on getting out of Rigdon. This is her strength and driving force to achieve better friends and possibly a man that is genuine and caring.
Overall:
Lyla is a girl torn between her scars and sorrow. Both bring her pain and are reminders of how damaged she is, yet she is too weak to break the cycle.
Her pain was raw, intense and honest. Lyla’s character is numb, just a shell of herself. Her scars and sorrow are the only evidence of her pain. She walks through life a zombie hoping to be ignored.
You will witness a very tragic incident on Lyla’s eighteenth birthday. You will wonder how it is that she gets up everyday pretending to be happy when inside she’s dying a slow death. Death seems like the easier route considering the damaged upbringing. Instead Lyla chooses not to define herself by her imperfections. She strives to overcome the ugly, brutal, and scary reality of her life. She perseveres with hope, strength, and faith. She may be broken but she is also a survivor.
Succumbing
Four years later, living in Chicago working as an intern Lyla continues to pursue her dreams. With her scarred and broken body Lyla continues to exist in life as a survivor. She’s in search of true friendships and a man who can accept her past.
Lyla tries to move forward in Chicago by putting the past behind her, except every dream of hers is met with resistance from a despicable men. Her new boss has some red flag warnings.
Overall:
As Lyla learns to rebuild her life I get anxious and nervous for her. My emotions were running high and low depending on the circumstances.
Lyla was a reactive character that was quick to assume the worse in others. Given her past circumstances it’s understandable that she has some trust issues. She’s growing and learning to build confidence. Sometimes her process is extreme.
I’m slightly disappointed with the instant connection she had with Everett. I had hoped Lyla wouldn’t rush into a physical relationship given her past. Building trust takes time. I had my doubts regarding the stability of this physical connection.
Just when things start to turn around bam everything changes. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be shocked. Mary loves giving her readers the darkest of moments.
Succumbing is a sexually driven story about sexual abuse. Lyla’s character manages pain in a variety of unhealthy ways, yet gains control of life in healthy ways. Until she regresses. It’s an endless process very similar to drug addicts trying to get clean. She relapses during dark times but comes around when love is given.
I’m not too keen on the idea of Everett coming to Lyla’s rescue. He can’t solve all her problems for her. She needs to be able to defend herself against abusive men on her own. I’m struggling to understand Lyla’s character. She seems clingy in some aspects, yet independent in others. She is a complex character.
Catholicism played an intricate part in the life of Lyla. On many occasions you will read where Layla believes praying to God will save her. God has a plan and those that commit sin will have to answer to God. This was Lyla’s redemption.
Shadows:
In Succumbing we met Everett a guy Lyla starting dating. Shadows is the continuation of Everett and Lyla’s relationship. His acceptance of her physical scars gave Lyla hope. Together they continue to build a solid of love, acceptance, hope, and protection for one another.
Shadows is Everett’s point of view.
Overall:
You are in for a sex driven story. The hardships come fast and hard for this couple. Mary wastes no time diving right into painful scenes. At times I needed a breather from all the pain. I think about the circumstances surrounding her pain and wonder how one individual can tolerate so much pain? Not to mention the way she gives her body to Everett without fear or anxiety.
Music is used and referenced several times in this book to show Lyla’s mood. If you want to experience the feelings Lyla’s character is having then play the songs listed.
Let me just say there is a lot of sex. It’s graphic and explicit. At times too much. The point was driven home that this couple has no issues about sex. Every disagreement is resolved with sex. They need something else to bond over. I need something from them other than sex.
Let’s talk about God or Catholicism. Mary states that both characters are Catholics. Not necessarily practicing Catholics. They don’t attend church on a regular basis, yet they have faith. However, their relationship doesn’t follow religious guidelines. Nevertheless they are religious. Her belief is addressed in the way she believes in a higher power and those that have committed sin will have to answer to God.
Which leads me to Lyla’s recovery. Everett has been the primary factor in her ability to be physically intimate with a man. Everett has aided in her confidence level and protected her when she wants to be vulnerable. Mary’s unconventional approach towards Lyla’s recovery is not typical behavior for a woman of sexual abuse, but it’s the one Mary chose to write about. Which leaves the door open for much debate and judgement. Mary’s approach was unique and not one that is easy to accept. However, Mary’s willingness to take huge risks and think outside the box is much appreciated.
One things for sure there is no disputing the love they have for each other. If you are looking for a character wallowing in pain you won’t find that. She’s a survivor. While sexual abuse and rape play an intricate part in this book just know that her relationship with Everett is healthy. This won’t be their battle or their obstacle.
Armored:
As a young boy Garrett learned to mask his feelings at the hands of his father hitting him to become a man and as a soldier fighting for his country.
Garrett joined the Marines straight out of high school. He spent five years in the Marines along side his best friend Trent. After watching Trent die from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan Garrett grew cold-hearted and numb.
Trent’s younger sister Brooklyn had her eyes set on Garrett since she was a teenager. But all he ever saw in her was a little sister. When Trent died he couldn’t look at her without the memories flooding his mind. For years he kept running away from her until one night at the bar he saw her differently. Having felt lost for years, Brooklyn coming into his life offered hope and happiness.
Overall:
I’ve noticed in this book that Mary’s characters speak through physical contact. They don’t express themselves with words. They take action with physical displays of affection.
Because life is messy, complicated, hurtful, and unfair. Mary’s characters go through the gauntlet of painful hardships to build and mold a survivor. Within all that pain comes hope and love. It’s the actions of these characters that help develop the nature of their soul. Just in real life when individuals come and go in life for a reason that’s what Mary gives her readers a blending of reality with fiction.
This was a story built of faith, love, and hope. Of course it wouldn’t be complete without saviors. The ones who rescue the broken souls and make them whole again.
Trials:
While looking for a man to save her during this pivotal moment in her life while also keeping her safe she begins a relationship with her professor.
Revisiting the painful memories that molded Lyla into the survivor she is.
Living in a world of evil monsters while unable to escape their claws of destruction.
Overall:
Mary filled in the missing gaps of how Lyla survived each one of her painful circumstances. We get a better understanding for the way she coped.
I must say after reading up to this point it was better late than never. However, this information would’ve been better received in the order in which it occurred. Delivering this after the fact was a long forgotten memory. For me I had already accepted her choices no longer needing proof of where her fragile mind was.
Lyla’s body has given her nothing but trouble. From the self inflicting scars. From the abuse. From the drugs. From the man who took her innocence. She wants to take back control of her body. She has been faced with good girl versus bad girl. Given her past she succumbs to the destructive nature of her coping mechanisms numbing parts of her mind while pleasuring her body. It’s all part of the process. Mary crafts the details of this process with explicit content.
After years of suffering at the hands of others Lyla self medicated her pain with unhealthy coping mechanisms.
“Friendship from someone who understands me without words.” This statement by Mary explains Lyla’s need for sex. The craving of intimacy is a form of friendship. Friendship means a mutual understanding of the pain she had to endure to get to this point.
Surpassing:
They had a love built from tragedy. Lyla and Everett’s love is tested one final time in the concluding book. The past meets the present with evil lurking in every dark corner. Expect the unexpected.
The final book concludes all the loose end with Michael and other supporting characters.
Lyla continues to fight for herself making strong stable choices. She has a body to protect.
Overall:
This is an extremely long saga. Mary delayed the conclusion stretching the drama. My poor heart. I’m sorry but I had to to skim through the last 3 books as I was too eager to finish this mega series.
Lyla’s worst enemy is her over imaginative mind. She sees the worst in people, but you can’t blame her she has trust issues. This character was an ugly mess. Her character had my emotions run the gamut.
I’m glad that it’s over. I got way more than I expected from Lyla’s character. She was a magnetic to trauma and bad men.
Overall:
Lyla is a girl torn between her scars and sorrow. Both bring her pain and are reminders of how damaged she is, yet she is too weak to break the cycle.
Her pain was raw, intense and honest. Lyla’s character is numb, just a shell of herself. Her scars and sorrow are the only evidence of her pain. She walks through life a zombie hoping to be ignored.
You will witness a very tragic incident on Lyla’s eighteenth birthday. You will wonder how it is that she gets up everyday pretending to be happy when inside she’s dying a slow death. Death seems like the easier route considering the damaged upbringing. Instead Lyla chooses not to define herself by her imperfections. She strives to overcome the ugly, brutal, and scary reality of her life. She perseveres with hope, strength, and faith. She may be broken but she is also a survivor.
Succumbing
Four years later, living in Chicago working as an intern Lyla continues to pursue her dreams. With her scarred and broken body Lyla continues to exist in life as a survivor. She’s in search of true friendships and a man who can accept her past.
Lyla tries to move forward in Chicago by putting the past behind her, except every dream of hers is met with resistance from a despicable men. Her new boss has some red flag warnings.
Overall:
As Lyla learns to rebuild her life I get anxious and nervous for her. My emotions were running high and low depending on the circumstances.
Lyla was a reactive character that was quick to assume the worse in others. Given her past circumstances it’s understandable that she has some trust issues. She’s growing and learning to build confidence. Sometimes her process is extreme.
I’m slightly disappointed with the instant connection she had with Everett. I had hoped Lyla wouldn’t rush into a physical relationship given her past. Building trust takes time. I had my doubts regarding the stability of this physical connection.
Just when things start to turn around bam everything changes. Expect the unexpected and prepare to be shocked. Mary loves giving her readers the darkest of moments.
Succumbing is a sexually driven story about sexual abuse. Lyla’s character manages pain in a variety of unhealthy ways, yet gains control of life in healthy ways. Until she regresses. It’s an endless process very similar to drug addicts trying to get clean. She relapses during dark times but comes around when love is given.
I’m not too keen on the idea of Everett coming to Lyla’s rescue. He can’t solve all her problems for her. She needs to be able to defend herself against abusive men on her own. I’m struggling to understand Lyla’s character. She seems clingy in some aspects, yet independent in others. She is a complex character.
Catholicism played an intricate part in the life of Lyla. On many occasions you will read where Layla believes praying to God will save her. God has a plan and those that commit sin will have to answer to God. This was Lyla’s redemption.
Shadows:
In Succumbing we met Everett a guy Lyla starting dating. Shadows is the continuation of Everett and Lyla’s relationship. His acceptance of her physical scars gave Lyla hope. Together they continue to build a solid of love, acceptance, hope, and protection for one another.
Shadows is Everett’s point of view.
Overall:
You are in for a sex driven story. The hardships come fast and hard for this couple. Mary wastes no time diving right into painful scenes. At times I needed a breather from all the pain. I think about the circumstances surrounding her pain and wonder how one individual can tolerate so much pain? Not to mention the way she gives her body to Everett without fear or anxiety.
Music is used and referenced several times in this book to show Lyla’s mood. If you want to experience the feelings Lyla’s character is having then play the songs listed.
Let me just say there is a lot of sex. It’s graphic and explicit. At times too much. The point was driven home that this couple has no issues about sex. Every disagreement is resolved with sex. They need something else to bond over. I need something from them other than sex.
Let’s talk about God or Catholicism. Mary states that both characters are Catholics. Not necessarily practicing Catholics. They don’t attend church on a regular basis, yet they have faith. However, their relationship doesn’t follow religious guidelines. Nevertheless they are religious. Her belief is addressed in the way she believes in a higher power and those that have committed sin will have to answer to God.
Which leads me to Lyla’s recovery. Everett has been the primary factor in her ability to be physically intimate with a man. Everett has aided in her confidence level and protected her when she wants to be vulnerable. Mary’s unconventional approach towards Lyla’s recovery is not typical behavior for a woman of sexual abuse, but it’s the one Mary chose to write about. Which leaves the door open for much debate and judgement. Mary’s approach was unique and not one that is easy to accept. However, Mary’s willingness to take huge risks and think outside the box is much appreciated.
One things for sure there is no disputing the love they have for each other. If you are looking for a character wallowing in pain you won’t find that. She’s a survivor. While sexual abuse and rape play an intricate part in this book just know that her relationship with Everett is healthy. This won’t be their battle or their obstacle.
Armored:
As a young boy Garrett learned to mask his feelings at the hands of his father hitting him to become a man and as a soldier fighting for his country.
Garrett joined the Marines straight out of high school. He spent five years in the Marines along side his best friend Trent. After watching Trent die from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan Garrett grew cold-hearted and numb.
Trent’s younger sister Brooklyn had her eyes set on Garrett since she was a teenager. But all he ever saw in her was a little sister. When Trent died he couldn’t look at her without the memories flooding his mind. For years he kept running away from her until one night at the bar he saw her differently. Having felt lost for years, Brooklyn coming into his life offered hope and happiness.
Overall:
I’ve noticed in this book that Mary’s characters speak through physical contact. They don’t express themselves with words. They take action with physical displays of affection.
Because life is messy, complicated, hurtful, and unfair. Mary’s characters go through the gauntlet of painful hardships to build and mold a survivor. Within all that pain comes hope and love. It’s the actions of these characters that help develop the nature of their soul. Just in real life when individuals come and go in life for a reason that’s what Mary gives her readers a blending of reality with fiction.
This was a story built of faith, love, and hope. Of course it wouldn’t be complete without saviors. The ones who rescue the broken souls and make them whole again.
Trials:
While looking for a man to save her during this pivotal moment in her life while also keeping her safe she begins a relationship with her professor.
Revisiting the painful memories that molded Lyla into the survivor she is.
Living in a world of evil monsters while unable to escape their claws of destruction.
Overall:
Mary filled in the missing gaps of how Lyla survived each one of her painful circumstances. We get a better understanding for the way she coped.
I must say after reading up to this point it was better late than never. However, this information would’ve been better received in the order in which it occurred. Delivering this after the fact was a long forgotten memory. For me I had already accepted her choices no longer needing proof of where her fragile mind was.
Lyla’s body has given her nothing but trouble. From the self inflicting scars. From the abuse. From the drugs. From the man who took her innocence. She wants to take back control of her body. She has been faced with good girl versus bad girl. Given her past she succumbs to the destructive nature of her coping mechanisms numbing parts of her mind while pleasuring her body. It’s all part of the process. Mary crafts the details of this process with explicit content.
After years of suffering at the hands of others Lyla self medicated her pain with unhealthy coping mechanisms.
“Friendship from someone who understands me without words.” This statement by Mary explains Lyla’s need for sex. The craving of intimacy is a form of friendship. Friendship means a mutual understanding of the pain she had to endure to get to this point.
Surpassing:
They had a love built from tragedy. Lyla and Everett’s love is tested one final time in the concluding book. The past meets the present with evil lurking in every dark corner. Expect the unexpected.
The final book concludes all the loose end with Michael and other supporting characters.
Lyla continues to fight for herself making strong stable choices. She has a body to protect.
Overall:
This is an extremely long saga. Mary delayed the conclusion stretching the drama. My poor heart. I’m sorry but I had to to skim through the last 3 books as I was too eager to finish this mega series.
Lyla’s worst enemy is her over imaginative mind. She sees the worst in people, but you can’t blame her she has trust issues. This character was an ugly mess. Her character had my emotions run the gamut.
I’m glad that it’s over. I got way more than I expected from Lyla’s character. She was a magnetic to trauma and bad men.
February 7, 2016
Wow! I'm not sure if my review will do this series justice. Sometimes what I am feeling inside I have trouble articulating into words. You really will have to read it for yourself to experience what many of the reviewers are trying to convey to you. I'm convinced once you do, you will be adding Mary E. Palmerin to your 'top author' list.
I can't believe how invested in this story I became. I was angry, disgusted, sad, but always hopeful. Lyla is a survivor. I was always hopeful that she would push through the tragic events she endured. But damn!!! How much can one go through before she feels the only choice is to give up?!
Throughout the series, you will meet other characters that play important roles. Some will have their own story to tell, but they all interconnect. Some you will love, and others you will love to hate. Your heart will break for a few and for others there won't be a Hell hot enough. You can't help yourself but get sucked in and will find it hard to put down. You need to read them in order to get the full experience of how dark, twisted and tragic this series is, but also you will find yourself feeling hopeful, experiencing love and your heart will be torn. You will feel every emotion you can imagine. You will be riding a roller coaster and want to jump off many times. Hang in there, hold on, and be ready for a very emotional ride in your life!!
I can't believe how invested in this story I became. I was angry, disgusted, sad, but always hopeful. Lyla is a survivor. I was always hopeful that she would push through the tragic events she endured. But damn!!! How much can one go through before she feels the only choice is to give up?!
Throughout the series, you will meet other characters that play important roles. Some will have their own story to tell, but they all interconnect. Some you will love, and others you will love to hate. Your heart will break for a few and for others there won't be a Hell hot enough. You can't help yourself but get sucked in and will find it hard to put down. You need to read them in order to get the full experience of how dark, twisted and tragic this series is, but also you will find yourself feeling hopeful, experiencing love and your heart will be torn. You will feel every emotion you can imagine. You will be riding a roller coaster and want to jump off many times. Hang in there, hold on, and be ready for a very emotional ride in your life!!
November 4, 2015
5++++++++++++RAW REAL HEARTBREAKING
Lyla’s Story will stay with me for a long while it is Raw, It is Real, the Struggle the pain the horror I felt while reading.
I connected with Lyla a lot I had tears at some parts while reading In this box set you get different POV and get to hear from other Characters this story isn’t an easy one to read Lyla has so much pain abuse in her life.
I loved how strong she was even after everything she had gone through you just wont to climb in the book and hug her.
I am happy she got her HEA Mary had me worrying there for a while thinking Lyla was never going to get it.
This book series is one of my top reads for 2015
Lyla’s Story will stay with me for a long while it is Raw, It is Real, the Struggle the pain the horror I felt while reading.
I connected with Lyla a lot I had tears at some parts while reading In this box set you get different POV and get to hear from other Characters this story isn’t an easy one to read Lyla has so much pain abuse in her life.
I loved how strong she was even after everything she had gone through you just wont to climb in the book and hug her.
I am happy she got her HEA Mary had me worrying there for a while thinking Lyla was never going to get it.
This book series is one of my top reads for 2015
November 19, 2015
I don't want to say too much, because I don't want to be horribly mean. So, I'll say this was hard to finish, very frustrating. I almost stopped reading it like 10 times. But, I powered through... The first book and the last book in the series were okay, which is why I'm not slamming it. There are so many complaints, I wouldn't even know where to start, and then if I could stop once I did. I'll just say, if you decide to read it, I hope you enjoy it more than I did.
November 4, 2015
5++++++++++++RAW REAL HEARTBREAKING
Lyla’s Story will stay with me for a long while it is Raw, It is Real, the Struggle the pain the horror I felt while reading.
I connected with Lyla a lot I had tears at some parts while reading In this box set you get different POV and get to hear from other Characters this story isn’t an easy one to read Lyla has so much pain abuse in her life.
I loved how strong she was even after everything she had gone through you just wont to climb in the book and hug her.
I am happy she got her HEA Mary had me worrying there for a while thinking Lyla was never going to get it.
This book series is one of my top reads for 2015
Lyla’s Story will stay with me for a long while it is Raw, It is Real, the Struggle the pain the horror I felt while reading.
I connected with Lyla a lot I had tears at some parts while reading In this box set you get different POV and get to hear from other Characters this story isn’t an easy one to read Lyla has so much pain abuse in her life.
I loved how strong she was even after everything she had gone through you just wont to climb in the book and hug her.
I am happy she got her HEA Mary had me worrying there for a while thinking Lyla was never going to get it.
This book series is one of my top reads for 2015
November 14, 2015
*****Another 5 Star Read from Mary E Palmerin*****
I'm not sure if I can find the words to give this series the review it deserves! This story kept me hooked from the beginning all the way to the end. The beautiful story of Lyla Harper, one full of tragedy, sorrow, courage, and strength, is a story that I definitely felt, one that I am sure will stay with me for a long time.
I'm not sure if I can find the words to give this series the review it deserves! This story kept me hooked from the beginning all the way to the end. The beautiful story of Lyla Harper, one full of tragedy, sorrow, courage, and strength, is a story that I definitely felt, one that I am sure will stay with me for a long time.
November 24, 2015
These were my first Mary books. And before them I had never seen a series so beautifully brought to life. Such power in her words. Each character was flawlessly written.
May 4, 2016
Layla story is a crazy winding road with many bumbs and curves. I enjoyed it and was happy and sad in the end.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews