Days Made of Glass

by Laura Drake

Shared blood defines a family, but spilled blood can too.

Harlie Cooper raised her sister, Angel, even before their mother died. When their guardian is killed in a fire, rather than be separated by Social Services, they run. Life in off the grid in L.A. isn’t easy, but worse, there’s something wrong with Angel.

Harlie walks in to find their apartment scattered with shattered and glass and Angel, a bloody rag doll in a corner. The doctor orders institutionalization in a state facility. Harlie’s not leaving her sister in that human warehouse. But something better takes money. Lots of it.

When a rep from the Pro Bull Riding Circuit suggests she train as a bullfighter, rescuing downed cowboys from their rampaging charges, she can’t let the fact that she’d be the first woman to attempt this stop her. Angel is depending on her.

It’s not just the danger and taking on a man’s career that challenges Harlie. She must learn to trust—her partner and herself, and learn to let go of what’s not hers to save.

A story of family and friendship, trust and truth.

Genres: Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Mental Illness

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2015

About the author

Laura Drake is a city girl who never grew out of her tomboy ways or a serious cowboy crush. She writes Women’s Fiction, Romance and Thrillers.

Her pro bull riding series, Sweet on a Cowboy is published by Grand Central. The Sweet Spot, Nothing Sweeter, and Sweet on You. The Sweet Spot won the 2014 RITA award for Best First Book.

Her Widow's Grove small town series is published by Harlequin's Superromance line. Her Road Home, Reasons to Stay, Twice in a Blue Moon, and Against the Odds.

The Chestnut Creek Series was published with Grand Central - The Last True Cowboy, December 2018. Home at Chestnut Creek, July 2019, and Cowboy for Keeps, December 2019.

Laura has since branched out into Women's Fiction with Days Made of Glass, The Road to Me, Amazing Gracie and For Roger.

In 2025, Laura released her first domestic suspense/thriller, The Devil She Didn't Know.

Laura finally realized a long time dream of moving to Texas, and is currently working on her accent. She gave up a Corporate CFO gig to write full time. She's wife, grandmother and motorcycle chick in the remaining waking hours.

Reviews

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come :)


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[KathyAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every one of Laura Drake's books but this one is truly something special. Definitely one of my favorites. I'm still thinking about this story and the characters and find myself looking through the book at my favorite quotes again this morning. Sometimes when I finish a story, I sit and reflect for a while on the characters, the title and the simple life lessons I can learn from the trials and hardships that the characters faced. The title of this book has so much more meaning now that I'm done. Sometimes life is like broken glass and we have to find a way to pick up the broken pieces of our lives and press onward. That is exactly what Harlie must do when she finds herself in a position where she has to face what many people would think of as an impossible task in order to find her way to a better future for her and her sister Angel. She has been offered an opportunity to train as the first female bullfighter. A job in which she will have to prove herself, face her fears and learn to work with others. Harlie is tough as nails but also a loner. She has a lot to do to learn how to fit into this world of cowboys and spurs.
I love inspirational quotes and I love it when authors sprinkle them throughout their books as chapter headings. This one really stuck with me:

"Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure."
"Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?"

Harlie and Angel have had a tough life together and this quote was very fitting to the character of Harlie. She had imprisoned herself into a life of keeping to herself and protecting her sister. She lived in a world of secrets keeping everyone at arms length thinking this was the best way to protect them both. She had to learn to reach out and allow people into her life and learn to trust. And, there was no better place to do that than in the world of bullfighters and cowboys.

"Shared blood defines a family, but spilled blood can too."

Harlie found herself for the first time completely alone after tragedy strikes once again. She is forced to separate from her sister and find a way to fit into this bullfighting world that women just didn't belong. It is her only chance for a better future for them both. By challenging the nearly impossible task of fitting into this all male world, she discovered what she was truly made of and was able to find her way into building a new family through the strong bond of friendship. For the first time in her life she was able to experience what it means to be a part of a group where everyone has to look out for each other. Because not looking our for each other was not an option or the results could be deadly. Sometimes you have to spill a little blood to protect those around you. This is what it means to be a bullfighter. But, by spilling this blood you gain something unbreakable with those you are guarding. A bond that is just as strong as family.
This is a beautifully written, engaging and emotionally heartwarming story of two sisters and the strong bond they share. It is also about brotherhood, the power of true friendship and learning to reach out and ask for help when you need it most. It's about learning that the world is not so heavy on our shoulders when we ask people to help us hold it up.
I'm pretty sure I'll be thinking about this book for a while. It's going on my favorites shelf for sure. And, you do not need to know a thing about bullfighting or cowboys to enjoy this book. The author did such a good job at walking me through the world of bullfighting, I actually felt like I was sitting in the class with Harlie!

This ARC was graciously provided by the author. She is one of my oldie but goodie authors that never ever disappoints me. Each and every book she writes is unique, engaging and comes from the heart. It shows in her writing.


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[Barbara White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have zero interest in bull-fighting, but I consumed this book. DAYS MADE OF GLASS is a beautifully written, gut-wrenching story of sisters, mental illness, and the true meaning of family. Harlie, the feisty but vulnerable young heroine grabbed me from the first page and never let go.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harlie Cooper's main focus in her young life has been to take care of her sister Angel and make plans for their future together but plans have a way of changing and it's often difficult to accept those changes.

Harlie and Angel lead a hard life after their mother dies. Social services wants to split them up so Harlie makes a home for them. She works and keeps house while Angel goes to school but it was apparent that Angel has deep psychological problems. When Angel has a breakdown, Harlie takes a chance by training to become the first female bullfighter on the rodeo circuit. Working in a man's world is difficult and she keeps a wall between herself and the other bullfighters. Will she be able to trust herself and ultimately trust others and find friends in the rodeo world?

This is a wonderful novel about family and friendship. Family is not just created by those we are related to but by the people that we love and trust and share ourselves with.

Thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This is my first book by Laura Drake but I have already started ordering some of her earlier books because I enjoyed this one so much.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days Made of Glass is an emotional ride, a book that captures your attention on the first page and never lets up. Harlie Cooper has been looking after her little sister, Angel, since their mother died. When they lose their home yet again, Harlie is forced to take whatever jobs she can to keep their little family together. Harlie doesn't realize that Angel is sick, fighting demons within herself. Finally Harlie is forced to acknowledge that Angel needs help that Harlie can't provide or afford. When Harlie is offered the chance to become a bullfighter on the rodeo circuit, she sees a way out for herself and for Angel. But Harlie is a young woman in a man's world, and faces the closed-mindedness of the men in the arenas. She has to show tremendous courage to compete and excel, but even more than that, she must learn to trust others; mostly, she must learn to trust herself. The author does a great job describing the life of a bullfighter, so much so that we can taste the dirt and feel the sometimes violent contact with the bulls. Ultimately, though, this is more than a story about the life of a rodeo bullfighter; more importantly it is a book about familly...not just the ones we are related to by blood, but the family we choose.

[Susan Haught · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband is a huge rodeo fan. Me? Not so much. However, Laura Drake takes you inside the arena, inside the first female bullfighter's head, and once you're there, refuses to let go.

Ms. Drake takes you on a journey of what family, trust, and friendship truly mean, and how the power of love can lift you up enough to find the strength to let go, to discover the balance needed to save yourself and the ones you love.

The theme is deftly and beautifully woven throughout the story and the characters pop off the page. So much so, when you least expect it they'll reach out and steal your heart. Ms. Drake does a beautiful job of creating a character whose unique profession mimics her internal journey.

Ranchers and cowboys make up a dwindling portion of my husband's family, and Ms. Drake brings the culture to the page in a way that breathes life into a dying breed, and the athleticism, skill, and courage it takes to be a bullfighter--the unsung heroes of the rodeo arena.

Even if you aren't a fan of rodeo or stories with a western flair, you'll be a fan of this book.

Nicely done, Ms. Drake. Nicely done.

[Zan Marie Steadham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous is too small a word for Laura Drakes' WF book--Days Made of Glass. The heart at the center of this story will pull you in, tear you up, and make you see with new eyes. Must Read times 10!

[Ann Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Not only is it immensely page-turnable, it's also chock full of excitement, emotion, and heart. I won't give any spoilers, I will just say the relationship between the sisters is my favorite part of the story. Well, that and the cowboy, and learning all about what it takes to be a badass--female--bullfighter.

I'm definitely reading more by this author. In fact, I just bought her newest one today!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author. I found it to be a very good read. Although I live in Oklahoma where rodeos are common I was not familiar with the rodeo life. I learned a great deal about it by reading this novel. I am familiar with mental illness and felt the author did a good job of depicting how the family of a mentally ill person deals with the trials and support towards their family member. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves rodeos or needs help in supporting a family member who is experiencing depression.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Days Made of Glass by Laura Drake is an incredibly moving novel about the strong bond between two sisters who do not have anyone to count on except each other. It is also an emotional story about learning to trust even when past experiences make it virtually impossible to count on anyone but yourself. Equally important is the realization that family is more than just blood relatives and that bonds of friendship are sometimes stronger than family ties.

Harlie Cooper and her younger sister Angel have an intimate relationship with heartache, pain and loss. Fearing they will be separated by social services after their guardian's death, Harlie and Angel flee at the first opportunity and begin living under the radar in a suburb of L.A. Working on a ranch that doubles as a movie set, Harlie catches the eye Steve Rawlins, a marketing rep for the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) who presents her the opportunity become the organization's first woman bullfighter. Harlie has no plans to take him up on his offer until Angel's dark moods and deep depression mean she will need long term care in a mental health facility. Harlie knows the offer is no guarantee she will make it in the male dominated field, but she knows this opportunity is her only hope of providing Angel with the care she needs.

Harlie has no choice but to be tough and she never shies away from difficult situations. She is doing the best she can to give Angel a stable, loving home but when disaster strikes, Harlie has no one to turn to for help. Her painful past makes it impossible to trust anyone and she has a difficult time making small talk or fitting in with others. She is extremely closed off and wary of getting close to anyone and her inability to open up puts her at a disadvantage in both her personal and professional lives. Harlie is prickly, standoffish and a little frustrating, but overall, she is a likable and sympathetic character.

Harlie is very protective of Angel and since she has no to rely on except herself, she carries a heavy burden. She is extremely reluctant to consent to the doctor's treatment recommendation and she remains hopeful that Angel's condition will improve before she has to make a decision about her medical care. Her need to protect Angel does her sister no favors since Harlie's first instinct is to try to fix things instead of listening to what Angel needs to say.

Harlie's longtime habit of putting her sister's needs before her own clouds her judgment and jeopardizes her career. It is through her job that she begins to understand the importance of trusting others but out of the rodeo arena, she finds it virtually impossible to let down her guard. She also continues to have difficulty making friends but when she needs a partner she can count as she travels from rodeo to rodeo, she convinces Steve to let someone she met during bullfighter school join her on the road. As the weeks pass, Harlie learns the value of confiding her problems, but she still holds herself at an emotional distance. Although she has made great strides in learning to trust, Harlie still remains reluctant to share her personal problems even in the face of losing her job.

Days Made of Glass by Laura Drake is an engaging novel that is full of deep emotion. The bullfighting aspect of the storyline is meticulously researched and realistically portrayed. The characters are vibrantly developed and likable despite their flaws and imperfections. A heartfelt story of healing that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys contemporary women's fiction.

[Kimberly Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Drake's prose is gorgeous, and so is this story about two sisters, one of them the first female bullfighter. Harlie struggles to find her way in a man's world, but she finds it's more than just downed cowboys' hides she's saving. She's also learning to work on a team, and to trust someone other than her sister. Though her sister, Angel's story is heartbreaking, this is ultimately a novel about hope and friendship, and about how sometimes letting go is exactly what you need to do to save the ones you love.

[Stephanie Raffel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, a lot. I loved the heroine, Harlie "Coop" Cooper and ached with her through her struggles. This was the first exposure I have had to the subject of bullfighting, the American style, those "rodeo clowns" whose job it is to protect the bull riders and not get killed themselves in the process. Harley is such a brave soul with so many secrets, so much determination . . . Laura Drake is an immensely skilled writer, one I will continue to follow.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really didn’t know what to expect when I picked this up to read I thought it would be more of a cowboy romance but it really isn’t but does have a touch in it. I have never read anything by this author and was very pleasantly pleased with the plot, the characters and the writing. Here is a family that is trying to get by and stay together going through many trying times. A mother who is barely holding it together ,to a teen who takes care of the family. When the mother dies they have a care taker who is the mother’s boyfriend but when he dies with a little mystery about his death and Angel falling apart leaving Harlie taking charge on the run with Angel with social services one step behind them. This is a story of the strength of one teenager trying her best to raise her sister by putting food on the table and a roof over their heads. When Angel has a meltdown Harlie can no longer close her eyes thinking Angel is just having a bad day. Angel rushed to the hospital with cuts from the glass she has to face the fact that Angel needs more help then she can give. What is a girl to do when faced with medical bills she cannot pay along with her sister being institutionalized which will cost more money? She remembers the man who told her about bullfighting and wanted her to go to a school fully paid. She decides to go where the money is. The story is built around Harlie’s trials and errors of her life and learning to fight the bull along, dealing with a job in a man’s world where women have never stepped along with her dealing with her sister’s issues and the people around her. Harlie doesn’t trust or make friends which makes her come off as a cold person, maybe even a little of a snob. Which is far from the truth, she just never had the time to grow up in a normal home. Then she was on the run and couldn’t let anyone get close for fear they would split the sisters up.

There is a lot of sorrow, pain, and a few heart stopping moments in this story but there is humor that will make you chuckle. It isn’t all doom and gloom but some very bright sun shining days that really grabs your heart making you smile. I really liked Harlie she is strong but codependent on her sister who she has built her life around. Now she must leave her in other peoples care, start over, learn how to put your trust on the person beside you and work as a team to make sure not only she but the men around her come out alive. There is no way you can read this and not be touched by bother Angel and Harlie along with some of the cowboys and how things work out. There were times I just wanted to pull Harlie out of the pages let her rest her head on my shoulders for a few minutes to give her a little piece of mind.

The cowboys really touched me, the one who did the most was Deuce he is amazing in so many ways as he works on bring Harlie around pushing her and being her support system in so many ways. I enjoyed the men some had an attitude and were put back in line. It really is a wonderful story showing how each of them learns to work together, trust the other and find out they don’t know as much as they thought. I loved the tattoos and the meaning behind them. The owner of the school is a hoot as he brings strong men to their knees. I loved his roughness as well as his wife how she deals with things. The story has so many messages in it along with meaning that will really stay with you. This isn’t one of those books you will forget when you put it down. It is one you will most likely want to reread again due to so many emotions you feel as each new twist unfolds and comes to life before your eyes.

It’s truly a heartwarming, soul searching lovely read that grabs you from the first page until the last. I really didn’t want it to end. It was a pleasure to watch Harlie and Angel grow in mind and spirit both fighting their own demons and winning the battle. Watching them overcome so many issues fighting their way back to each other. My heart broke for so many of these characters but the author did an amazing job putting it back together. Out of all the books I have read this year I pick a few that are my favorite, this book will be added to that group as one of my favorite reads of the year. My hats off to the author for being able to really reach in and touching my heart, making me want to cry, smile, laugh and just hug so many wonderful characters.

[Lynne Spreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the backdrop for this story is professional bull riding, as with the other three books I recently read by this author, it's not a romance. Instead, it's a coming-of-age story for a couple of sisters who were in foster care, escaped when things went bad, and tried to make it on their own. At first I was a little reticent about reading what looked like a painful subject, but the main character, Harlie Cooper, was so engaging and special I was hooked right away. Harlie struggles to protect her sister, Angel, who is 6 years younger, but at a certain point Harlie has to hit the road and try to make some money to pay for her sister's care. She realizes a certain amount of success and even happiness, but then it all comes crashing down. As a result, Harlie not only grows up but realizes the existential error she is making in trying to force the universe to bend to her will. At a certain point, we all hit this wall. It was both wrenching and beautiful to see the theme play out in this story. I stayed up way too late reading this one. Could not put it down. A beautiful and compelling story.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so compelling and heartbreaking, an emotional roller-coaster. Two sisters, one strong and one closed off in her own world where shattered glass is a symbol for their lives.

Harlie Cooper has been taking care of her sister since their mother passed and the home taken away from them. Harley knows that she must protect her sister, but when she can’t she must leave her sister and make money as a rodeo bullfighter. She is the poster child for the first women in this all-man’s world. She takes her knocks and will find that even though she is perceived as made of glass, she comes out on top and is strong and the one thing she needs to learn is to trust.

This book had me cheering for Harlie, and sobbing at the same time as to what this young woman had to endure and be strong. I can’t even imagine what emotions Laura Drake went through writing this book, but I am so glad she did and shared this amazing story with us. I have read all of Laura’s books, but this one was so amazing.

[Christie Sitterly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! Let's just say that I only put it down when I HAD to in order to work or sleep. Days Made of Glass is about sisters, Harlie and Angel. Harlie is the older, responsible, take-charge sister, and the main gal in the book. After their mother's and subsequently, guardian's deaths, Harlie must do what it takes to take care of Angel who is the softer of the two and suffering from issues beyond Harlie's capabilities to care for. As such, Harlie goes on the road as a bullfighter in order to pay for her sister's care. She faces many difficulties with being a woman in a man's area of expertise which causes her to keep her guard up and build more walls than she previously had. Yet, in order to be happy, she must learn to tear down these barriers. I found the characters to be realistic and the story to be very well thought out. It left me with a better understanding of bullfighting, yet kept me entertained. I look forward to reading more from Laura Drake!

[Lainey Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn't surprise me that this book was just chosen as a TOP 10 READS FOR 2017 by Writing and Wellness magazine - I'm just sorry it took me almost six months to write all my 2017 reviews as this was one of the best reads all year.

If you love stories of women learning to own their power while reconciling family ties with who you want to be, then you’ll love this book with characters who will stay with you long after you read it.

Don't be put off by the professional bull riding setting. It’s fun and gave me as a reader the chance to enter a world that I (and I'm guessing most other readers!) will never be a part of. The real story is about succeeding as a woman in a man's world while balancing love for a family whose decisions we can’t always own. This book is an absolute winner with all the feels that you won't regret picking up!

[Amy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My emotions are still reeling...and I'm writing this through tears. It's an amazing story. The characters grab onto your heart and you won't be letting go of them anytime soon!

Childhood shapes our perspective of the world around us as well as our place in it. Making friends and learning to fit in, when you're used to being on the outside, is hard. Letting someone in, intentionally exposing your deepest self, trusting them to protect your vulnerable places as fiercely as you do, can be both terrifying & exhilarating.

You learn that good friends are treasures worth holding on to. Love is the glue that holds you together when you feel shattered. Home can be found in the most unexpected of places. Where friends, love, and home intersect, family is created and true belonging is felt.

[Kimberly Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging coming-of-age. Cattle-loving orphan Harlie Cooper needs a job, but burger-slinging won't bring in nearly enough to keep her 14 year-old sister Angel in a decent mental-health facility. Spotted by a rodeo scout while risking her fool neck to save an even more foolish yapping Pomeranian, Harlie has to do the unthinkable: leave Angel in the care of others while she packs it off to bullfighter (aka "rodeo clown") training camp.
Learning to navigate the good-ol-boy network, doing dangerous, thrilling work, learning to trust a team... these obstacles prove more challenging than the stomping, snorting, snot-slinging bulls themselves.
Stumbled a bit here and there over some awkward sentence constructions, but on the whole, a tension-filled, action-packed, and poignant story.

[Claudia Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days Made of Glass by Laura Drake is a bittersweet portrayal of sisters trying to take care of each other. I love the title that is so full of symbolism and emotion. I loved Ms Drake’s cast of characters as they broke my heart. The protagonist is such a brave girl who is afraid to let down her defenses. Ms Drake’s foray into the sad world of mental disease is so real in today’s world. She also touched on family dysfunction and the loss of a parent, even a weak one. I feel the book is a study of finding oneself.
I recommend this book as one I found myself unable to put down and quite an emotional journey. Ms Drake is a new author to me but one I believe I will become very familiar with.

[Kevin Kern · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story about 2 teen sisters; 1 is tough as nails and the other a depression wracked little girl. They fear being separated by CPS and take off on a quest that most youngsters would fail at immediately. There is nothing too far fetched about their successes and failures; but the older sister trusts no one, almost to failing at what she loves.
If you are a teacher or going to be a teacher of teens, I highly recommend this book. It gives so much insight into what many children, in our country face in their lives today.

[Colleen Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightful book! I typically read at least 5 novels at a time, and this one quickly rose to the top of the pack because I was so quickly drawn into the story. Very relatable and likeable heroine, and the prose ushers you smoothly along so you feel like you're almost watching the story rather than reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and highly recommend it as a fun read that will keep you turning pages!

[Sherie Lundmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first heard of this book I was expecting a rodeo themed romance, boy was I wrong
This book touched me on so many levels: the strong love and support of a big sister, the struggle for a young woman determined to make it in a field, and the strength to make hard choices and just keep going to achieve your own dreams and to empower others in their journey. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

[Dragonfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Laura Drake book I have read and it won't be the last. The writing is fantastic and the story is amazing! She has written so wonderfully about living life in the real world which includes mental illness in one form or another. It's also about who we define as family, our chosen framily...friends we call family! The book is absolutely a must read for any fan of chic lit and strong characters!

[Catherine Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are you going to do if you lose your mother and have a little sister to raise and protect? Whatever you have to. And Harlie Cooper does. Whether it's bulls or the bullheaded, Harlie doesn't back down. Laura Drake's Days Made of Glass is a tale of the courage it takes to stand alone and the courage it takes to accept help. Beautifully written. Exciting and unpredictable. I loved the bullriding setting - so authentically done. I couldn't put it down.

[Maryann Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Such a great story of 2 sisters alone in the world, not letting anyone in. Learning to trust in others is hard especially when you've been hurt and disappointed so many times in life.

The story of love and forming friendships and finding out that families are not just blood but can be made up of those who have your back.

[Natalia Iwanyckyj · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about reading is discovering new worlds. In "Days Made of Glass," I had my first glimpse into the world of bull riding -- and the people who keep riders safe. Loved the MC who is broken, but also fierce, strong, and determined.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. I know little about rodeos so it was fun to learn more. Hailie loved her sister but learned that family isn't always blood. I loved the Hailie/Angel story line. The book is well worth reading. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

[Lisa Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar writing and intense action weaves with a protagonist that I was cheering for the entire time. Deeply broken, but spunky and strong, Harlie ties into a deep truth of trying to do the best she can with as raw deal from life. Wonderful story kept me turning pages as fast as I could!

[Jaylea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to win a copy of this wonderful book by Laura Drake and I just finished it today. I legit couldn’t put it down. There are so many wonderful emotions and raw feelings throughout!

Harlie’s tale is one that I will keep with me for a long time. What a book hangover!!!