Pieces on Earth

by Cathy Bryant

As the wife of a naval aviator in sunny Pensacola, Florida, Liv Tulley eagerly anticipates the first Christmas in several years with her husband, daughter, and extended family. Then her husband is unexpectedly deployed for an undetermined amount of time, smashing her white Christmas dreams to pieces. Can she find God's peace in the midst of life's pieces?

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Holiday

163 pages, Paperback

Published November 4, 2015

About the author

Now that Cathy has moved her books to a faith-based writing ministry, all of her eBooks can be downloaded for free. if you would like to support her ministry -- whether financially, in prayer, or by sharing the books with others -- please visit this page for more info: https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

TEXAS ROADS (Book 1; Christian contemporary romance): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

A PATH LESS TRAVELED (Book 2; Christian contemporary romance): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

THE WAY OF GRACE (Book 3; Christian contemporary romantic suspense): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

PILGRIMAGE OF PROMISE (Book 4; Christian contemporary/historical love story): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

A BRIDGE UNBROKEN (Book 5; Christian contemporary romantic suspense): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

CROSSROADS (Book 6; Christian contemporary romance): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

STILL I WILL FOLLOW (Book 7; Christian contemporary romantic suspense): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

Other Fiction by Cathy Bryant -

PIECES ON EARTH (Contemporary Christian novella about finding God's peace in life's pieces): https://cathybryantbooks.wordpress.co...

Reviews

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this story. I certainly wasn't excepting to enjoy it as much as I did!

Liv is a Navy wife getting ready for their first Christmas as a family in years. Her emotions and struggles when her husband is suddenly deployed again were so real. I felt for her, and wished I could be there for her but was glad she had a friend and her mom who are both military wives.
Chesney was adorable! Her quaint little thoughts, her longing to have her daddy back home, just endeared her to me.
I loved how this author didn't just make this family "Christian" by going to church and saying a few prayers. No, there were wonderful bedtime stories about the Bible with Chesney, and some more difficult truths made easy. I found tears in my eyes when Chesney gave her mom the Christmas present she had made! And the ending?! I can't say anything.

There was one euphemism that I noticed used sarcastically.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about the military.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hard to please when it comes to novellas, but Cathy Bryant hit this one right out of the ball park. Not only was it an incredible Christmas story; but like all of her books I have read, the spiritual content is amazing!! I so identified with this military wife whose husband gets sent overseas just before Christmas. My husband, then my fiance, also received orders just before Christmas. The storyline is wonderful, and the characters each play a wonderful role in helping Liv and her young daughter Chesney get their lives back on track. I especially loved how Cathy used the bedtime stories to help 4 year old Chesney understand the story of the Bible, that we all have broken pieces within us, and only Jesus can put them back together.

Beautiful Christmas read.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a refreshing read. Sometimes I just need a book (or two) to encourage me after a few not so good books I've read of late. The lessons in this book was amazing. I wish more authors would portray biblical teachings into their story.

Liv, sad and lonely with her husband Jeff deployed in Afghanistan, is sure that this Christmas won't be as good as she hoped. Her daughter, Chensey, eats up the Bible lessons Liv tells her each night. Peace is God taking the broken pieces of our lives and putting them together.

I would have loved to have a little more details about Jeff's work, but I realize that is not the focus of the story.

I'm very glad I read this. It's not a book full of romance, but rather having a relationship with Jesus Christ. A book that many can relate to. I look forward to reading more by this author!

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*
I enjoyed this novella and would've given 5 stars if the editing had been a little sharper. Character names were wrong in a couple areas so that threw me off a bit (ie Marcy instead of Darcy).

This was a sweet novella that made me laugh and cry. I have to admit I don't quite understand wives who get frustrated when they've married a soldier knowing he'll be deployed, but I've never walked in their shoes. Otherwise, this is Liv's journey to find peace amidst tough circumstances, and it felt realistic.

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at The Power of Word: http://bit.ly/1Q12OsC

I enjoyed Pieces on Earth so very much, from both a fictional standpoint and also because of its spiritual themes. In this novella, Cathy has beautifully combined the power of story with one of the best presentations of the gospel message that I’ve ever seen. Another strength is the application of this message to the lead character’s life. Pieces on Earth is not only a great read, but would be a thoughtful gift to anyone, no matter where they are in their Christian journey.

Comfortable with her husband’s stateside assignment as instructor pilot at Pensacola NAS, Liv is shocked by his unexpected deployment and doesn’t handle it very well, to say the least. Her initial reaction is realistic, honest, and similar to what mine would undoubtedly be in the same circumstance. Liv is forced to acknowledge that her relationship with God wasn’t where it should be, and she had pushed Him away in her anger and hurt.

Liv’s four-year-old daughter, Chesney, is precious, and it is through their nightly bedtime stories that Jesus is clearly revealed, from creation to resurrection. I love how the title reflects the contrast between pieces and peace – the broken pieces of our lives vs. the One who can glue them all back together, our Prince of Peace. Here are just a few quotes that spoke to me . . .

“The enemy wanted to keep her in pieces rather than experiencing God’s peace.”

“Stop focusing on the storm and instead focus on the Stiller of Storms. Seek after God, not answers.”

“Sometimes we don’t realize how He’s fixing us until we look back and see how He’s glued us back together.”

This sweet story packs a powerful message into its pages and I highly recommend it to all readers. For quality writing, entertainment, and spiritual impact, 5 stars.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fron Goodreads: "As the wife of a naval aviator in sunny Pensacola, Florida, Liv Tulley eagerly anticipates the first Christmas in several years with her husband, daughter, and extended family. Then her husband is unexpectedly deployed for an undetermined amount of time, smashing her white Christmas dreams to pieces. Can she find God's peace in the midst of life's pieces?"

Liv and her husband Jeff are raising their daughter in a Christian home. Jeff reads a Bible story to her every night. But Chesney just can't seem to get the people in the Bible straight, so Liv decides to bring her the bigger story about the broken people that the Fixer has come to fix.

I loved this book, especially the part about the bigger story and the "Fixer." After explaining to my granddaughter half a dozen times about the story of Jacob, I think I need to use the bigger story to help her understand. I also loved the parts where Liv learns God lessons from her daughter and friends, even though she herself is a Christian.

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story.
I thought this story was a delightful; to teach a child about the stories of the bible. While Liv was teaching her daughter, she learned some lessons herself.
Did you ever watch those after school specials? This story would have made a great candidate for one of those wholesome movies. They were often fun to watch, while learning valuable life lessons.
The only gripe I have is a mistake in the book.
At the end of chapter 15, the story is actually repeated. It's weird, but you realize it's probably an honest oversight, and move on.
It was a lovely story about a family worth knowing. I loved how it played out, and especially thought the ending was the best. I love when all prayers are answered and all they're all happy. Makes me feel warm. With an accompanying Christmas theme, the plot was a wonderful treat.

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet Christmas theme Novella that makes you think of the real reason for Christmas. I loved the way that the author, Cathy Bryant, portrayed the child, Chesney. Chesney is very involved in the Bible stories that her parents are telling her at bedtime. It’s beautiful how her mother, Liv, wants to tell the Chesney the Big Picture of the Bible through the various stories. Teaching little ones God’s Word at a young age is so very important. There really wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book. It was right on with giving the Gospel message of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. A beautiful way to get the real story of Christmas out there! I was gifted this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story how God shows how to knit the pieces of our life together.
The story flowed well and I enjoyed the characters.
I believe this book would be beneficial for children and adults learn about Jesus the Fixer.
Thanks for this inspiring novella and giving me the chance to give you an honest review

[Linda Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book

Loved the story line! It was so realistic in portraying the emotions of the main character Liv. She is identifiable, even though I’ve never been in her situation.

[Carolyn Injoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pieces on Earth: A Christian Fiction Christmas Novella by Cathy Bryant Pieces on Earth: A Christian Fiction Christmas Novella by Cathy Bryant is about finding God's peace.
 
I received a complimentary Kindle copy in an Amazon promotion. That did not change my opinion for this review.
 
I gave this novella four stars.
 
"As the wife of a naval aviator in sunny Pensacola, Florida, Liv Tulley eagerly anticipates the first Christmas in several years with her husband, daughter, and extended family. Then her husband is unexpectedly deployed for an undetermined amount of time, smashing her white Christmas dreams to pieces."
 
Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-Earth-C...

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken pieces

A sweet story to remind us that we are all broken in some way. I read this story at a time in my life when I needed the message most. Thank you for sharing this book.

[Ria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice festive, sentimental story and I appreciated that aspect of it but didn't realise until I started it was of the Christian fiction genre so that was a little off putting.
To be fair I enjoyed the story for the story's sake but for me it was too preachy as I am a non believer and at times was very cheesy.
Ok for a quick holiday read but not really my thing so am trying to leave a fair review for what it was.
It was MEANT to be preachy and full of religious references and it's my fault I just didn't appreciate that side of it.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Semi-Precious Christmas’ is the kind of novella that show how an excellent author can draw one into the story from the very beginning and with sufficient depth that I immediately felt part of the action. It has moments of fun, blessing, and joy, and many moments of suspense and fear. Peri, short for the semi-precious gem Peridot, and her sister Amee – short for another semi-previous gem Amethyst, were named by their parents, who loved gems. Their parents died when they were young, so Uncle Marty raised them. They now worked in his jewelry store, Keaton’s Jewelers.
One day when Peri arrived to work, her uncle was not yet there, and the store was almost due to open. She was met by a ski-masked bully with a gun. After many terrifying moments in which she watched two men smash the cases and steal valuable, and in some cases priceless pieces of jewelry, she looked up and saw a man with a purple tie outside the door. When he realized what was occurring, he called the police and quickly snapped pictures of the two men. When the police showed up at the front door, the thieves ran out the back. Minutes later, the police found Uncle Marty, badly beaten and left on the ground behind the store.
Life spiraled out of control when they broke into her home. Purple-tie man Chris and his young daughter Maggie introduced themselves to Peri, then Chris met and waited with Peri and Amee at the hospital. He gave her a ride home as her car and took her back to work the next day. As Uncle Marty healed, Peri took over more responsibility in the shop with the help of the staff and romance began to sweeten Peri and Chris’ life. Chris had been divorced when his ex-wife walked out one day without their daughter and didn’t come back; Peri’s husband had died suddenly of a congenital heart defect. They got to know each other well as Christmas approached. Chris helped as much as possible until the shop repairs were complete and Peri replaced her license and ID, stolen during the break-in.
The plot had more than one layer – to find the thieves who beat up Marty, generate sales with what was left to get through the holiday and replace stock, and the possibility of romance between Peri and Chris. It was detailed and beautifully written, leaving no loose ends. There were unexpected plot twists, one that was stunning in the manner of how the Lord works and another regarding little Maggie. This story grabbed my heart and didn’t let go until the end which, was very satisfying.
I genuinely liked Peri and Amee, Chris and Maggie, and the staff at Keaton’s. The men and women were very likable, and I appreciated that each character was concerned about the other being a Christian. Not only do Amee and Peri complement each other when sharing their strengths and weaknesses, Peri and Chris do, as well. I would love to see them in them in their own series.
This is a great read; I highly recommend it to those who enjoy sweet Christmas romance coupled with suspense and fear of more treachery from the crooks. Ladies of any age, even older teens, will enjoy Jan Elder’s latest novella. While it has a Christmas setting, I believe it will be appreciated at any time of year, even as a beach read in the heat of the summer when snow sounds like a blessing!
I purchased this novella myself. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of Pieces on Earth by Cathy Bryant from the author in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate her including me in her POE launch group.

I really liked this novella. The heroine, Liv, faced some significant challenges. A young Navy wife with a 4 year old daughter, she is looking forward to finally spending the Christmas holiday with her husband and her extended family when her Naval pilot husband is unexpectedly deployed to Afghanistan on a dangerous mission. Liv has also just discovered that she is pregnant after believing that she would not be able to conceive again. The author provides a very realistic portrayal of a young wife’s disappointment with an unplanned deployment and her not surprising resentment. Liv has a strong faith but it is shaken when her husband deploys and she is left alone to deal with her high risk pregnancy and her young daughter. However, Liv has a good support system, both from her family and the other Navy wives, that helps lead her back to her faith.

I really loved Liv’s nightly simplification of Bible stories for her daughter, Chesney. All the stories led up to the coming of The Fixer, which is a wonderful image of Jesus coming to fix the broken world.

My only quibbles with this novella are very minor. Chesney is a very mature 4 year old but then again she is an only child. Liv’s friend Debbie’s conversion was rather sudden but there were extenuating circumstances and the short length of a novella necessitates some abbreviated story telling. And, finally, my son is a Naval aviator and I’ve never heard anyone refer to either the pilots or anyone else in the Navy as a “soldier”.

This is my first book by Cathy Bryant. I have her Miller’s Creek series loaded on my Kindle to read soon. I’m looking forward to enjoying that series as much as I did this novella.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ I received this book free directly from the author and I thank her for her generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]


"Seek after God, not answers. He will help you."

This is a very sweet love story based in the reality of war and secularism.

Military family Liv and Matt, together for the holidays, have their dreams dashed as he is call up to service in Afghanistan just before Christmas season. As a second generation military wife, she understands "Duty First" but how is her daughter going to handle another Christmas without Daddy?

Just as Matt is getting ready to leave, Liv finds out that she is expecting. Knowing how hard it was with Chesney, she does not share her news with anyone, praying baby will be healthy while knowing that this miracle may not happen. So, she begins the inevitable countdown all military have...how long 'till soldier comes home?

Her faith keeps her together....until it doesn't. Bedtime with her daughter becomes a time of building the foundations of faith and with that, reminds her God will always help even if she can't. A call on her friend after the worst possible news gets a slammed door, so her faith grows feet as she feels called to be a presence as well as an evangelist in the aftermath.

And after a baby crisis that forces her to bed rest, she must accept help from those to whom she has supported. Even Chesney learns a valuable lesson of peace and pieces through her.

This is a sweet novella that had me in tears by the end. My response even took me by surprise. A marvelous lesson of faith, hope and love all wrapped up for Christmas

[Jami Bennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest and say that I don’t read too many novellas, because I generally find them hard to get attached to. They’re usually too short, and it makes relating to the characters harder. That wasn’t my experience with Pieces on Earth by Cathy Bryant.

Pieces on Earth is a novella about a young military wife and mother named Liv who has a four-year-old daughter named Chesney. When her military pilot husband Jeff was suddenly deployed near the Christmas holiday season, Liv is obviously disappointed.

When a life-altering situation comes to life, Liv finds herself trying to avoid telling her family and Jeff. But when Liv’s friend’s military husband dies in Afghanistan and Liv finds out that her own husband is Missing in Action, things begin to fall apart for Liv.

Her inquisitive and intelligent daughter Chesney helps keep her grounded. As Liv tells Chesney Bible stories every night, leading up to talking about “The Fixer” who will be born to help redeem man from his sin, mother and daughter both realize that only God can take the pieces of our lives that we break and mess up and then fix them for us.

I really enjoyed the characters in the story. Liv was a “real”-feeling character, and the support from Liv’s military friends when things got rough for Liv was written very well. There was a real feel of the togetherness and support that the military wives gave to one another.

The only picking that I can do is to complain that Liv’s friend Debbie suddenly turned on her and then like whiplash did an about-face. It felt a bit too sudden and not as seamless as it could have been.

I wish this story could have been fleshed out into a full novel. I feel that there was plenty of content and possibilities to do that, but it was very enjoyable at the length that it was.

http://www.jamiswords.com/pieces-on-e...

[booksthrubifocals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pieces on Earth: A Christian Fiction Christmas Novella by beloved Christian author, Cathy Bryant, is a heartwarming Christmas parable you won't want to miss this advent/Christmas season. A naval aviator's wife wars against doubt, disappointment, and discouragement when her husband is unexpectedly deployed and their long awaited, family Christmas plans go awry. This is just the beginning of the battle as she learns to put away anger and resentment, and place her trust back in the love of our all powerful, ever loving and merciful Father in heaven, who lives in our hearts and is ever with us. We never walk alone, no matter our circumstances! As she trains her precocious four year old daughter in the faith, waiting upon the "Fixer," (Jesus our Messiah to redeem us individually and as a people,) her own heart is renewed. Although it is a simple story, it is one with a profound message that we each need to hear as we prepare once more for the coming of Jesus. May our hearts be ready, disposed to receive Him, for we know not the hour or day of his coming-in our own lives, neither his coming again in the heavens to receive his own! Lord, embolden our hearts and loosen our tongues to freely and gladly proclaim the Good News to all! Thank you Cathy, for sending me the ARC to read, thereby encouraging my faith, and allowing me the opportunity to post my heartfelt review, and to proclaim Jesus as Lord!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by this author and I loved it! It is a novella so I wanted it to be longer but what a perfect length when you want to read a Christmas book but don’t have a lot of time!

Liv is a young mom to 4 year old Chesney. Her husband Jeff is a military pilot assigned to Pensacola, Florida. When Liv discovers he is going to be deployed, she loses it! His deployment does not fit in her plans or desires! Unfortunately, and so true to life, she sends him off in a less-than-loving, rather frosty manner.

I really enjoyed the wonderful, sage advice Liv’s mom gives her (and Liv’s response to it!) – ‘“You have to depend on God.” Easy to say, not so easy to do. Besides, she had depended on God. Had prayed for this holiday with her husband. And look where it had gotten her. “Satan wants to keep you where you’re at. Don’t give him an inch, or he’ll take a mile. I promise you that.”’ Later her mom says, “Life is full of yuck, Liv…But you can’t get stuck in the yuck. That’s no way to live.”

As a military wife, I felt the author accurately portrayed the military community – especially as they surrounded Liv with love and care when difficulties arose. And as a Mom I enjoyed the sweet lessons Liv teaches her daughter Chesney about the Bible and about God. I really enjoyed this novella and highly recommend it! I received this book from the author in return for my honest opinion.

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Adult, Christian Fiction
Source: I purchased a copy

I am the mother of a young man who has been deployed twice. The first time he was able to come home a couple of weeks for his second son’s birth. He spent last Christmas deployed. I applaud his wife. She is a very loving wife and someone I admire very much. It takes a lot of love, patience, and trust to be married to a military person. This is a book I will definitely recommend to my daughter-in law.

I am sure she could definitely identify with Liv, who wanted so much to spend Christmas with her husband. Life is never predictable when a family member is in the military. Unlike Liv she has always accepted his deployments. I am sure she didn’t like them. I once asked her about how difficult it was for her and she said she entered the marriage understanding what can and does happen when married to someone in the military. She has two young boys she raises by herself and an 11 year old daughter who spends time with her when her husband is deployed. God has always been a strong part of our life. I was happy to see how Cathy Bryant placed so much emphasis on relying on God. This is another wonderful story by a wonderful author. It is a must read any time of the year, but especially recommended during the Christmas season.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In our work with international students and adults here in our city, my husband and I do a lot of “storying” – telling the Big Story of the Bible by breaking it down into smaller stories that keep the Big Story in mind. I was delighted to see Liv’s character utilizing the same technique with her daughter Chesney in Pieces on Earth. Author Cathy Bryant did a great job of introducing & executing the concept naturally and endearingly via Liv’s and Chesney’s conversations.

The plot of Pieces on Earth revolved around Liv’s anxiety and stress over her husband’s unexpected deployment to Afghanistan as well as other life “yuck” that just all piles on at once. Through the process, Liv and her daughter and even a friend or two learn a truth timely for today’s world – Life is broken. We are broken. Everything is a mess. But God sent Jesus to be our “Fixer”, to rescue us from our mess and repair what is broken.

Chesney is just adorable without being over the top cutesy, and I completely related to Liv. Maybe not the situations she faced, but the anxiety and stress and depression with which she responded. A sweet plot, timely message, and compelling moments make this a very heartwarming choice for the Christmas season!

(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pieces on Earth: A Christian Fiction Christmas Novella*****
by Cathy Bryant

Pieces on Earth is a moving, heartwarming story set at Christmas time. We follow Liv Tully, her Navy pilot husband, Matt and their 4 year old daughter, Chesney. Liv has her heart set on having Christmas together as a family this year, however it is not to be—the Navy has other plans. Liv now faces Christmas alone with her daughter—again—and has just discovered she is pregnant—a high risk pregnancy. Not only disappointed Matt will not be home for Christmas, she is resentful and even angry. I enjoyed the nightly simplified Bible stories Liv and Matt (when he was at home) shared with Chesney....building her faith and also reminding Liv of God's love and faithfulness. Liv faces many challenges—her roller-coaster emotions, high risk pregnancy the reality of war and struggling with a wavering faith at times. Challenges she can't always deal with alone and learns to reach out to others and to God for help. I found myself laughing at some of Chesney's antics, wanting to console Liv and in tears, especially toward, the end as I read this delightful story.

~I received an advanced readers copy of this story from the author for my honest review~

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very relevant for today, after years of trying, Liv is pregnant with her second time. She has plans to travel with her husband to spend Christmas with her family and let them all know at Christmas. But before that can happen, her husband is deployed. As Liv works through dealing with all the things military wives do, her nightly ritual includes telling her daughter stories from the Bible- and explaining how we are all broken, but Jesus came to be the Fixer. The stories are wonderful as Liv explains how we are broken in pieces, and Jesus comes to fix us and make us whole. When Chesney is practicing for a school play, she keeps mistaking the words saying "Pieces on Earth, goodwill to men"- that just stuck me as so true! It describes us so perfectly. God saw pieces on earth and sent goodwill to men. I loved that part of the book, along with the reminder to leave it all in God's hands- we pray "Your will be done". We often need reminders to let God's will be done. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review. This book was honestly was one of the best I have read all year.

[Susan Stitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a touching Christmas novella! The primary character, Liv, believes her Navy husband has changed positions and will be home for a good long time -- especially over the upcoming holiday. She is surprised by a pregnancy that she didn't think was possible, and chooses to keep it a secret from her husband and family until Christmas day. Then her husband gets called back to Afghanistan, almost immediately, and she is left to be a single mom to her four year old daughter yet again.

Cathy Bryant does a marvelous job of creating the characters in this story. The reader can really feel Liv's pain and frustration. Things get worse, of course, when two members of the squadron are missing and Liv has to go on bedrest.

I love the way Bryant wove the story of Christ through the novella as Liv told it to her daughter. This is a sweet Christmas story full of raw emotions and the true love of Christ.

I received a copy of the novella in exchange for my honest review. I honestly liked this story and I'm so glad I read it -- it got me into the Christmas spirit and I found it hard to put down!

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

YA Paranormal is my favorite genre as a reader, but as a blogger and reviewer, I am prone to stepping outside of my comfort zone and giving other genres a try.

I think I have found a new favorite Author for 2016, and not just any Author, but a Christian Author!! I was blown away as I read this marvelous story of life, love, and the word of GOD!! This story put joy into my heart and soul as I kept reading. I loved how the Author entwined the word of GOD into the story, and even though, I know the story, it made me just as excited as it did Chesney. I was also in awe at the reminder that we all are broken and we need GOD in our lives just as much now as we ever did in previous years and help us put our 'Pieces' back together. This amazing story shined a new light for me at the end of my dark tunnel that I have recently found myself in. This story has renewed my HOPE once again. This story is a beacon to believers and non-believers alike. If you are not a believer, this miracle story will change your life and make you think about what you believe and don't believe. I am very excited to read more by this author and I highly recommend this to all to read.

[Carrie Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet Christmas story. Liv was looking forward to spending Christmas with her husband and family and the opportunity to share a special surprise. Her dreams of the perfect Christmas were dashed as her husband was deployed to Afghanistan.
The author effectively described all the anxiety and fears that come with having a deployed husband. I could identify with Liv as she experienced despair and anger while trying to hold it all together for her young daughter. I appreciate how the Gospel was woven into the story through Liv's teaching her 4 year old about the Great Fixer and how God spoke to Liv through this. I loved how Liv's friends rallied around her when she needed it and how she in turn was able to minister to her friend. I love how the author included moments of brevity through the little girl, Chesney. There is hope in the Great Fixer, Jesus.
I highly recommend this quick read this Christmas season and have already recommended it to friends.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review which I have given.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I you ever been glad, happy or just felt blessed because a book was able to perfectly exemplify the love that Christ has for us in a sweet, but very serious thought provoking story? Liv's feelings of abandonment and not being able to trust God is something I think we all experience at times; the angry and the distance we try to create between God and ourselves can be devastating. But I'm so glad that Liv realized that Christ is what she needed to help her through her situation. One of the most amazing things about this story was the way Liv would explain the bible to Chesney, I enjoy most the scenes in the book where they would have their bible reading time. Pieces on Earth is about finding the PEACE that surpasses all understanding when we are faced with crisis or just need comfort when we think we can't make it to the next day, minute, hour or second.

There are so many Christmas stories that are released this time of year, but if your looking for something that will introduce you to the Peacemaker then Pieces on Earth is the story for you.

[Tina at Mommynificent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liv has planned her perfect Christmas this year complete with all of her family and snow, but when it all falls apart, she has to learn what Christmas is all about and that it is still just as powerful when she is alone and hurting.

This Christmas novella captured my attention from the first paragraph. Liv's emotions are raw and relatable. I can feel both her angst and her joy! I love the way she intentionally tries to help her daughter understand the story of the Bible as one big story that she is a part of, and I love that she continues this process with her daughter even while she herself is struggling to trust God and His plan for them.

So many Christmas novellas and novels focus on romance and/or the "magic" of Christmas; this one is unique in that it focuses entirely on Jesus. It shows that all of us, from adorable preschoolers all the way up to their grandparents, have brokenness and hurt in our lives and it can only be fixed by Jesus, the Fixer God sent to the world to bring peace and put all our broken pieces back together.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a Good Reads First Read book I usually don't like 'modern' day settings. But this book was a very nice one. A young woman is dealing with a lot of life's stressers including a preschool daughter trying to teach her about God and His wonderful works. Her husband is in the military and wasn't suppose to be deployed again but was and now he's missing in action, AND she found out she's pregnant although a great blessing but pregnancy in danger due to all her stress. Can she find her own Faith once again while trying to be strong for her young daughter and her good friend that military husband was killed in action.

This book is good for any Christian that feels like they are the only one who's Faith falters. And also this is a good book for a 'beginning' Christian. As the woman explains very nicely to her daughter and thus to the reader how God worked His miracles throughout the Bible although at times it seemed like all it was was bad things happening.

Nicely written.

[Teresa Kander · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely Christmas-themed novella, which reminds the reader of the true meaning of Christmas. The title refers to how Liv's life and her holiday plans seem to be falling to pieces, but God is able to put them back together. It also refers to her daughter, Chesney, trying to remember her lines for a Christmas program and having a difficult time saying "peace on earth" rather than "pieces on earth."

Each of the characters touched my heart in a different way, but my favorite was definitely young Chesney. She is so open to listening to her parents tell her about God, and she often seems wise beyond her years, while at other times she seems like a typical preschooler. The cover of the book is a great representation of her.

This is a story I will keep in my Christmas collection, and will recommend to others.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**