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Ties That Bind
Ties That Bind is one woman's journey on the path to self-discovery as she puts the pieces of her past together. Pat always knew she was adopted; she was reminded of it daily. What she didn't know was the depth of the cover-up. With her private investigator husband, Charles, she takes off from California to Iowa to uncover the deep, dark secrets that have plagued her for more than half her life. Her journey to find out the truth exposes a more meaningful discovery giving Pat the peace she always yearned for
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2015
115 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Debbie White
39 books339 followersDebbie is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her romance's range from sweet to spicy. When she's not writing the next bestseller, you can find her enjoying her backyard, riding on the back of their motorcycle, or visiting one of the many wineries in their area. They have two rescue dachshunds, Dash and Briar. With pet rescue so dear to her heart, she gives a percentage of all book sales to rescue organizations. When you purchase one of Debbie's books you are also helping to feed, house and provide medication to a furry friend while they await their forever home.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 6, 2016
I started reading this story just to "taste the first few paragraphs." Ha! Next thing I knew, I had gone through about a quarter of the story, because it just flowed along so smooth, I didn't notice I was clicking pages, and clicking pages until it dawned on me it had been a long couple of paragraphs!
This story is I guess what would be classed as "women's fiction." because it doesn't really fall into any neat category like murder, or romance, or western, or whatever. Well, it's a life story, and as far as I am concerned, an interesting one. Pat was adopted as an infant during the Depression. Her father loved her deeply, but her mother, not so much. Pat was told or heard conflicting stories about her adoption all of her life, and she had little reason to believe most of them. She grew up and moved away after her father died, found work, married and had children. But her mysterious childhood situation evidently bothered her and affected her life in negative ways. Finally, she and her husband Charles, who had a private investigation agency, decided to find out what they could about Pat's family history, and this is the story of that search and its results. The story is worth 4.5 stars, but the bad grammar and editing knock it back to 4.0. It probably needs story editing for focus as well, because the part about the elder care from loving children seems just tacked on at the end. If that had been better incorporated, perhaps a 5.0 rating! I certainly recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading more of Debbie White's stuff to see if I like it as much as I liked this piece.
This story is I guess what would be classed as "women's fiction." because it doesn't really fall into any neat category like murder, or romance, or western, or whatever. Well, it's a life story, and as far as I am concerned, an interesting one. Pat was adopted as an infant during the Depression. Her father loved her deeply, but her mother, not so much. Pat was told or heard conflicting stories about her adoption all of her life, and she had little reason to believe most of them. She grew up and moved away after her father died, found work, married and had children. But her mysterious childhood situation evidently bothered her and affected her life in negative ways. Finally, she and her husband Charles, who had a private investigation agency, decided to find out what they could about Pat's family history, and this is the story of that search and its results. The story is worth 4.5 stars, but the bad grammar and editing knock it back to 4.0. It probably needs story editing for focus as well, because the part about the elder care from loving children seems just tacked on at the end. If that had been better incorporated, perhaps a 5.0 rating! I certainly recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading more of Debbie White's stuff to see if I like it as much as I liked this piece.
October 12, 2016
The first few pages left me unsure if this was the book for me. However, it is somehow compelling and, before I knew it, I was several chapters in.
The story unfolds at a good pace and it really felt like I got to know the main characters. Each of the characters is so well portrayed that you get a great idea of the underlying emotions in each of them. I think that was one of my favourite aspects of the book - the subtle but effective way that the reader can wriggle right inside the characters.
As the story continued, I did wonder if perhaps I should have been equipped with a pen and paper to keep track of all the family connections - like drawing a family tree as each piece of new information came to light. There are so many names and relationships to remember and I did find that quite a challenge.
I did shed a few tears at the end of the book. The scenes of decline and death are written so eloquently and so poignantly. So much feeling of love and the realisation of what really mattered about all those relationships.
This seems a very 'soft and gentle' book although there are certainly plenty of 'harsh' moments incorporated into it without detracting from the thread of love that flows through the story.
This is the first book I have read from this author, but I will certainly be looking out for more.
The story unfolds at a good pace and it really felt like I got to know the main characters. Each of the characters is so well portrayed that you get a great idea of the underlying emotions in each of them. I think that was one of my favourite aspects of the book - the subtle but effective way that the reader can wriggle right inside the characters.
As the story continued, I did wonder if perhaps I should have been equipped with a pen and paper to keep track of all the family connections - like drawing a family tree as each piece of new information came to light. There are so many names and relationships to remember and I did find that quite a challenge.
I did shed a few tears at the end of the book. The scenes of decline and death are written so eloquently and so poignantly. So much feeling of love and the realisation of what really mattered about all those relationships.
This seems a very 'soft and gentle' book although there are certainly plenty of 'harsh' moments incorporated into it without detracting from the thread of love that flows through the story.
This is the first book I have read from this author, but I will certainly be looking out for more.
April 19, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the author, I was not required to give a favorable review. This is a wonderful story telling her life and how she was raised. Pat (Patsy) knew she was loved by her father, not really liked by her mom & sister. She was told that she was found as a baby but didn't have the whole story. When her family moved from Iowa to California during the depression she lost her dad. But when she married and had children of her own it had always been her dream to find out who her real parents were. With the the help of her husband Charlie she does, with the help of her daughter Carolyn her story is told. I enjoyed it very much. Make sure to have tissues read for the end.
September 24, 2017
Surprise Read
Thought I was getting a mystery, my favorite genre, but out popped this story. Different from what expected, but nice. Easy to read, and light on the heart. Enjoyed the story, but editing was very lax.
Thought I was getting a mystery, my favorite genre, but out popped this story. Different from what expected, but nice. Easy to read, and light on the heart. Enjoyed the story, but editing was very lax.
February 25, 2018
Sweet story about the life of an adopted woman who seeks to find out who her biological parents were. Writing was like a self-published manuscript. Still, it kept me occupied throughout a recent flight.
September 2, 2017
Held captive to give a review
Can't even remember this book, have read 4 more since then. Still being held captive by Goodreads. Help, more words required
Can't even remember this book, have read 4 more since then. Still being held captive by Goodreads. Help, more words required
August 16, 2018
Good light, quick read.
September 18, 2019
Great Book!
This was a great book. It was well written very well. It invoked all my emotions. I felt like I was right there. I highly recommend this book.
This was a great book. It was well written very well. It invoked all my emotions. I felt like I was right there. I highly recommend this book.
May 25, 2021
The story was interesting overall, but if a written book can have a monotone voice then this book fits that adjective.
January 15, 2017
very good book, is easy read.
February 26, 2017
audible review http://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Tie...
"Life is Made Beautiful Through Hardships"
Would you listen to Ties That Bind again? Why?
While I enjoyed the story, I have a hard time reliving a raw yet breathtaking story because it pulls so strongly on my heart. I feel like I have been through the ringer the first time, that I can't expose myself to it again for fear it might break me.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Pat's husband Charles was my favorite character because he stood by her side no matter what. He knew that life isn't easy, and many things can influence us and change us without our even knowing. He also knew that Pat was a wonderful woman despite her hard past that shaped and molded her. He saw the precious treasure she was and encouraged her to grow and become who he saw when he looked at her.
Which scene was your favorite?
When Charles held Pat after she confessed to now understanding why she slapped their daughter when she was running late for breakfast. He understood it wasn't intentional and gently encouraged and guided her to seek help to figure out what was happening. He didn't yell at her, but loved and lifted her up.
If you could take any character from Ties That Bind out to dinner, who would it be and why?
I would take Pat to dinner because I think we would have some things in common to talk about. It would be a comfortable connection.
Any additional comments?
This was a very inspiring story that I enjoyed even if it was hard at times to listen to.
"Life is Made Beautiful Through Hardships"
Would you listen to Ties That Bind again? Why?
While I enjoyed the story, I have a hard time reliving a raw yet breathtaking story because it pulls so strongly on my heart. I feel like I have been through the ringer the first time, that I can't expose myself to it again for fear it might break me.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Pat's husband Charles was my favorite character because he stood by her side no matter what. He knew that life isn't easy, and many things can influence us and change us without our even knowing. He also knew that Pat was a wonderful woman despite her hard past that shaped and molded her. He saw the precious treasure she was and encouraged her to grow and become who he saw when he looked at her.
Which scene was your favorite?
When Charles held Pat after she confessed to now understanding why she slapped their daughter when she was running late for breakfast. He understood it wasn't intentional and gently encouraged and guided her to seek help to figure out what was happening. He didn't yell at her, but loved and lifted her up.
If you could take any character from Ties That Bind out to dinner, who would it be and why?
I would take Pat to dinner because I think we would have some things in common to talk about. It would be a comfortable connection.
Any additional comments?
This was a very inspiring story that I enjoyed even if it was hard at times to listen to.
February 18, 2017
This audible was great!! It's not my normal type of book that I would be interested in. But once I started listening, I have to admit it pulled me me. I could relate to this because I myself am adopted. And this woman had the spunk to go and find out who she was and where she came from for her own sanity!! I admire her. I admire her for all that she had to endure. I admire her for raising a loving family. For being a loving wife and mother. And for not giving up when obstacles were put in her way. I love the narrator voice. The author could not have picked a better person. I didn't purchase this through Amazon. I got my book through a gift certificate through Audible from the author...
January 17, 2016
The publisher of this work provided, through NetGalley, a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Author Debbie White has written a story that has an interesting plot. The events depicted are fairly easy to follow, and the details understandable. The main character, Patsy, takes us on an incredible journey through her life story.
There are many ups and downs throughout. The potential to connect with the segment of readers who are adopted, or know only one birth parent, presents during Patsy and Charles’ expedition to investigate Patsy’s true lineage. The last fourth of the book, or so, elicits several emotions, and offers plenty of opportunity for tears. This is the part of the book that provides the strongest connection to most readers.
However, there is much work to be done on the punctuation… especially commas. There are a very many places that are missing appropriate commas, plagued with too many commas, or a comma is simply inserted at the wrong place. The book needs another proofread.
Also, a few of the sentences need restructuring, and the flow needs a bit of work. I am sure that another edit can rectify these concerns.
I like the concept of the book. I love the focus on family. The honesty concerning topics like depression, child neglect, and the search for biological connections to the past, is very refreshing. I can also appreciate White’s attention to detail on the realities of aging, care taking, and death of a loved one.
With some tweaking, this can be a great book, rather than a good read.
Storytelling/Plot Development……… 2 stars
Characters/Character Development… 3/4 stars
Grammar & Editing……………………… - — stars
Flow…………………………………………. 3/4 stars
Total______________ 3 1/2 Stars
Author Debbie White has written a story that has an interesting plot. The events depicted are fairly easy to follow, and the details understandable. The main character, Patsy, takes us on an incredible journey through her life story.
There are many ups and downs throughout. The potential to connect with the segment of readers who are adopted, or know only one birth parent, presents during Patsy and Charles’ expedition to investigate Patsy’s true lineage. The last fourth of the book, or so, elicits several emotions, and offers plenty of opportunity for tears. This is the part of the book that provides the strongest connection to most readers.
However, there is much work to be done on the punctuation… especially commas. There are a very many places that are missing appropriate commas, plagued with too many commas, or a comma is simply inserted at the wrong place. The book needs another proofread.
Also, a few of the sentences need restructuring, and the flow needs a bit of work. I am sure that another edit can rectify these concerns.
I like the concept of the book. I love the focus on family. The honesty concerning topics like depression, child neglect, and the search for biological connections to the past, is very refreshing. I can also appreciate White’s attention to detail on the realities of aging, care taking, and death of a loved one.
With some tweaking, this can be a great book, rather than a good read.
Storytelling/Plot Development……… 2 stars
Characters/Character Development… 3/4 stars
Grammar & Editing……………………… - — stars
Flow…………………………………………. 3/4 stars
Total______________ 3 1/2 Stars
October 27, 2015
Ties That Bind
By: Debbie White
Ties That Bind is a very heartfelt story. Debbie White did an excellent job on the story and the characters. Pat and her husband , Charles , are private Investigators and are pretty good at their jobs. Pat has known that she was adopted when she was little. It bothers her that she does not know who her real parents are. She carries us on a journey where her and Charles go to see if they can find some answers about Pat’s real parents. I was not adopted , but the last really got to me because of my mom. I was trying to finished the story and did not want to put the book down till I reached the end, but the tears got to flowing really hard and I could not see to read, so I had to get the kleenex to wipe the tears away . I really enjoyed this story and the characters. Debbie White did an excellent job of Pat and her wanting to find out who her parents were. If you did not know , would you want to know who your real parents were? Would it bother you not knowing who your family was?
I was given a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review, which I have given.
By: Debbie White
Ties That Bind is a very heartfelt story. Debbie White did an excellent job on the story and the characters. Pat and her husband , Charles , are private Investigators and are pretty good at their jobs. Pat has known that she was adopted when she was little. It bothers her that she does not know who her real parents are. She carries us on a journey where her and Charles go to see if they can find some answers about Pat’s real parents. I was not adopted , but the last really got to me because of my mom. I was trying to finished the story and did not want to put the book down till I reached the end, but the tears got to flowing really hard and I could not see to read, so I had to get the kleenex to wipe the tears away . I really enjoyed this story and the characters. Debbie White did an excellent job of Pat and her wanting to find out who her parents were. If you did not know , would you want to know who your real parents were? Would it bother you not knowing who your family was?
I was given a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review, which I have given.
February 20, 2016
I'm am some what confused by this book. I liked it don't get me wrong. You find yourself on a journey with a young woman that has no idea who her real parents are and it has a bad effect on how she is with her own children as she gets older and the story progresses. What I don't get is even though her family had many secrets in it: How being from that small of a town was the secrets not juicier. If you can actually keep a secret in a small town, I being from one of the smallest towns in Oklahoma, know for a fact you can't keep secrets as boring as those. I get that people don't want scandal in the family and everyone tries to hide it but how can you think that a family full of cheats and liars wouldn't get put out there more and sooner. I mean really like 50 years later when everyone that it mattered to is dead. I just expected a lot more skeletons in those closets.
September 6, 2016
Ties that bind. I received this book in exchange for a honest review. Wow! I loved this book! I felt like a part of the team searching for answers. Pat went her whole life not knowing who her mom was. Knowing that their were so many secrets surrounding her birth. She knew her family were holding secrets and one day she decided to go after those secrets and make them known. When she discovered who her mom was she was shocked. I didn't guess either. Once known, it put to rest all her questions about her mom and dad. She realized she had what she needed right in her husband and children. I couldn't help but cry at the end of the story because it was so overwhelming how loving her children were. It made me think of when my mom died, how I wasn't there but wish I had been to let her know it was alright to go. Good read!
February 5, 2016
I loved this book. When you have to check if a book is biographical or fiction you know it's well written. The story starts with a young child who is adopted and continues until she is in her 80's. It is so easy to read and follow all that has happened in her life. She finds a job she loves and a man who loved her forever. They have a wonderful family but she is plagued by unanswered questions about her past. They return to Iowa to find answers. It's such a pleasure to read a book with no violence, vulgar sex or profanity. Just a wonderful feel good story that makes you smile, cry and love all the characters that populate this book. Great gift for anyone on you list who likes to read, from teen to older adults.
June 17, 2016
I find it very difficult to say something about this book; on the one hand, the plot itself - young woman who was adopted tries to find her birth parents - surely sounded interesting. The book cover promised a lot of secrets, but when Pat and her husband, both Private Investigators, go onto a journey into her past, decades later, those "secrets" were not what I expected.
I also could not get into the narration style, I found it too rambling and "jumpy" - I know that is very much a personal taste, but that is part of what makes me like a story, or not.
On the whole, I was a bit disappointed by this story, but that is most likely because I went to it expecting a completely different kind of story.
I also could not get into the narration style, I found it too rambling and "jumpy" - I know that is very much a personal taste, but that is part of what makes me like a story, or not.
On the whole, I was a bit disappointed by this story, but that is most likely because I went to it expecting a completely different kind of story.
October 30, 2015
This is a heartfelt story of Pat wanting to find her birth parents. She and her husband are Private Investigators which helps them along the way to find to her original roots. What she finds leaves her with many emotions but the knowing that she was loved by many.
Debbie White wrote with such passion that this story touched me in many ways. I was not adopted but never knew my father, so I understand the wanting to know. This is a tender and sweet story.
I did receive this copy in exchange for an honest review. I plan to read Debbie's other books also.
Debbie White wrote with such passion that this story touched me in many ways. I was not adopted but never knew my father, so I understand the wanting to know. This is a tender and sweet story.
I did receive this copy in exchange for an honest review. I plan to read Debbie's other books also.
December 3, 2015
Touching
This is a very sincere story, easy to get caught up in and relatable for me. There were many moments where I was overcome with emotion and a few where I could just sit back and think. Thank You for this, Ms. White. I have a feeling more can understand the perspective of Pat than we realize.. I'll be watching for more from this Author.
An ARC of this ebook was given in exchange for an honest review and as part of a blog tour. Opinions in this review are my own.
This is a very sincere story, easy to get caught up in and relatable for me. There were many moments where I was overcome with emotion and a few where I could just sit back and think. Thank You for this, Ms. White. I have a feeling more can understand the perspective of Pat than we realize.. I'll be watching for more from this Author.
An ARC of this ebook was given in exchange for an honest review and as part of a blog tour. Opinions in this review are my own.
May 2, 2016
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Ties That Bind is based on a true story about Pat's search for her birth parents. The story is told by an ailing Pat so her daughter Carole could write it down.The story line was interesting & the characters were well developed. I could tell the author was emotionally connected to the story.I enjoyed Pat's journey & would recommend Ties That Bind.
Did not finish
February 20, 2016I'm afraid that the author's voice did not work for me.
I couldn't gel with the characters of Pat and her husband Charles.
I read up to 25% and the start of the road trip but couldn't continue - have been reading too many thrillers I suppose!
My thanks to the author for an advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. Sadly, it just wasn't for me.
I couldn't gel with the characters of Pat and her husband Charles.
I read up to 25% and the start of the road trip but couldn't continue - have been reading too many thrillers I suppose!
My thanks to the author for an advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review. Sadly, it just wasn't for me.
June 14, 2016
This is a great story about a woman searching for her birthmother later in life. I loved the fact that the story is based off of something that happened to the author. I had a hard time putting it down and was trying constantly to figure out who her birth mother was. I highly recommend this book. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
December 14, 2015
What a wonderful e lightening book. How true family should be the trials and tribulations Pat went through
As a child and the love of her husband and children. How wonderful to love and be loved. A heartwarming story.
As a child and the love of her husband and children. How wonderful to love and be loved. A heartwarming story.
December 9, 2015
Easy reading...wonderful story.
A wonderful story ....it was hard to put this down as I wanted to get to the ending to find out what happened.
A wonderful story ....it was hard to put this down as I wanted to get to the ending to find out what happened.
Want to read
February 25, 2016kindle 288
Read
September 5, 2017The fiction (?) book is easy to read and builds to a marvelous final chapter. Nice for any of us thinking back on family ties.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews