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I Don't Look Like What I've Been Through

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Two best friends from different sides of the track are dealing with harsh issues of life. With the lack of love, dealing with rejection, bitterness and abuse Kierra and Brandon feel as though life couldn’t get any worse.

Kierra is a motherless child who feels as though no one wants her. She regrets the day her mother and father conceived her. Being from a family that didn’t have much, she was determined to leave and never come back to the life she once lived. That is until she pops up pregnant from her overly possessive and abusive boyfriend, who doesn’t want her but doesn’t want anyone else to have her either. He goes through extreme measures to make sure that Kierra doesn’t get the attention she deserves from anyone else, even her best friend Brandon.

Brandon comes from a family of wealth but everything that glitters is not always gold. Brandon deals with rejection from his father and although Brandon has everything he wants he still feels a void in his life. Brandon is raised in church but feels that all church is about is a fashion show and money. Brandon decides to leave his family and venture off into a world of his own, only to realize that there were some life lessons only his drunk father could teach him. Brandon ends up right back where he started; home.

Kierra and Brandon are going through a lot from their youth all the way to adulthood, until a mentor steps into their life and guides them into the direction they should go. Only God can take the sting of rejection and depression and give them beauty for ashes.

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2015

42 people are currently reading
116 people want to read

About the author

Jenica Johnson

73 books162 followers

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5 stars
127 (65%)
4 stars
45 (23%)
3 stars
19 (9%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Dee Cherry.
2,945 reviews66 followers
December 7, 2015
What a mighty beginning to this series! This story possessed good characters & a storyline that held my attention causing me to finish reading in a few hours. I felt bad for Kierra but was happy to see her gain strength. Dez & Tamika were downright dirty. Brandon was a valuable friend although confused at times. On to part 2...Very good read!
Profile Image for Carol.
2,052 reviews15 followers
August 16, 2015
Review

I really enjoy Jenica's writing style. She incorporates bot drama and religion in her books to captivate readers.
Kierra--she has been through so much starting with her mother. I cried when she was beaten by a Man who was suppose to love her. I cheered when she punched her mother even though I was taught to respect my mother.
Tamika-she was a selfish woman who didn't deserve the title of a mother. She was so nasty for sleeping with her daughter's husband. I hope she gets caught for the hit and run. I wanted to hurt her for making her daughter miscarry behind a no good man.
Dez-he was a coward for doing Kiera the way he did her. I was happy when he got his butt whipped in the shower
Brandon-he was there for Kierra when no one else was. He made me mad when he put her out over a insecure woman. I hope they can repair their relationship in spite of.
Dennis and Eva- they went through some rough patches, but they survived the storm.
Phillip and Lauren-they were angels because they took Kierra in and treated her like their own daughter.
Nisha- she just needs to find her something to do before she gets hurt. What she's trying to do is going to blow up in her face.
I hope part 2 is not that far away.
Profile Image for Shanell Banks.
16 reviews
August 17, 2015
Incredible

Jenica has shown a great deal of growth in this wonderfully written novel. I was a fan from day one, but I absolutely love her now.


I found myself crying, praying and speaking to God as I saw myself.

Very relatable. You aren't just entertained by the story, but you can find the path to redemption, forgiveness and deliverance.

Keep up the great work and allowing God to deposit into you.

Shanell
Profile Image for Pamela Johnston Ward.
1,818 reviews58 followers
August 25, 2015
Absolutely marvelous!

This was an absolutely marvelous read. It had me all in my feelings. I laughed, I cried, I got so mad that I actually threw my kindle. This book really took me through some things. I wanted to cut Dez's hands off for all of the abuse. I was so glad when he got his in the shower. Jenica, girl you did the darn thing with this one. I can't wait for part 2.
Profile Image for tykia showers.
111 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2015
Wow good read.....

This was a good read can't wait for PART TWO dang kiki has been though a lot an that mother is a mess with God all thing are possible............ I'm happy she got to meet her dad...... need part2 ASAP......
Profile Image for Ellowyn.
554 reviews62 followers
August 16, 2015
This was my first time reading a book by this author. This was a great story of two individuals from different walks of life. I am looking forward to reading the sequel to this book. I knew there was going to be a cliff hanger. This would have been a 5 star read if it wasn't for the typos.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
81 reviews12 followers
September 1, 2017
I would have loved to give this 5 stars it was captivating, nicely paced and I was able to relate with the characters. The editing left something to be desired. If you are one of those people that spot read and don't read word for word then this will still be a wonderful book for you! The characters are people you could actually know and the story is one of love and forgiveness. I would suggest anyone read this book. It's a quick read that you won't want to put down.
11 reviews
October 7, 2017
Hummmmmm, not sure what happened here.....

Hummmmm, not sure what happened to the Editting of this book, but there were grammar and punctuation mistakes in every chapter, it probably would have been a really good read if I didn't have to go back and decipher what was actually being said






Profile Image for Shekie Johnson.
1,116 reviews13 followers
June 21, 2017
Wow good standalone

Sometimes God has a way of bringing you down to your knees. Man I hated everything about Tamika. How could you do your child like that!! Kierra just wanted that love from her mom. Dennis was just a buthole, the more Eva forgave him the stupider he got!!
Profile Image for Valerie McCurdy.
2 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2017
Very good

I enjoyed this book. Its about forgiving people who wring you and God restrictions relationships. The only negative thing is there were grammar errors, not sure if they were just typos. They started about mid book to the end.
Profile Image for Deedee Henson.
696 reviews37 followers
May 11, 2017
Could've easily been a 5 or 4 star book but the errors made it a 3
1 review
March 20, 2017
Errors

The actual story line was very interesting, but the grammatical errors made it hard to follow at times. I believe that the book would have been an even better read if it had been proofread thoroughly.
Profile Image for Milton.
Author 3 books4 followers
September 1, 2016
There were many life lessons in this narrative. The title of this book, "I Don't Look Like What I've Been Through" alone caught my attention and really can ministers to the readers. When We as Christians are at our LOWEST STATE, it is there that God is surely able to work with us and comfort us SHED the things of this world that we can become truly dependent upon Him. It is during the Hardships of Life that we can determine how to lean and depend on the Lord. Jeneica Johnson also touches on the subject about Interracial marriage. Love doesn't see color, so the questions I asked so many times, "If Loves doesn't see color, So Why we do?" Just thinking about it. Do you think you would be dating someone within your race if race weren't an issue? We should think about all the failures we all have experiences throughout our life. The chances are individuals were in a relationship with someone whose skin was the same colors as yours. Now that's not an attack on your race; it's just straightforward math. We We more often than not date within our own communities. On the other hand, what if you lived in a community, city, or country where diversity was the traditional? Would that individual of your race still be your first option? You Need To Be Honest! In this world we live in is no longer divided by black and white; neither should your options. If you were really serious about finding a like-minded partner, you would be wise to get out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to expand your horizons. Your Mr. or Mrs. Right could comes in the imagines of Black, White, Asian, Latino, Native American, Multiracial and etc. This was the same with the Characters of Dennis and Eva Auger. Dennis was a white male came from a wealthy family and Eva is an African American woman who is on the other side of the track. Dennis' Family didn't approve of him to marry Eva but against their wishes, they disown Dennis. That didn't matter because they were in love and they didn't let anyone interfere in their relationship. My final point of opinion is that if you are a parent, you should not mistreat your child because you never know what damages you will cause toward your child. That what happened with Tamika and Kierra. Tamika was just a hateful person. She verbal and physically abuse Kierra. Tamika allow a man to beat her own daughter so he will paid her bills. She slept with her own daughter husband. Because of the way how Tamika mistreated Tamika, she caused Tamika to have low self-esteem and cause her to go down the wrong path. Thank God, a heaven sent angels in the imagines of Philip and Lauren came to Kierra rescue. If it wasn't for them Kierra might have been in prison or even death. God is good all the time. Now I am getting ready to read part Two of this book.
Profile Image for Karen.
999 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2016
Kierra and Brandon were the best of friends, but came from different walks of life. Kierra feels like unwanted because her mom did not show her any love. Kierra was determined to complete high school and have better life. Kierra is in an abusive relationship, who doesn’t want her and he doesn’t want anyone else to have her. Kierra’s boyfriend does everything in his power to keep Kierra’s best friend Brandon away from her. Brandon’s father has money but is also an alcoholic. Brandon has a ton of material things, but he still doesn’t have a relationship like he wants with his dad. Brandon decides to leave home and attend a college in another state. Brandon begins to sleep with woman with no emotional attachment. Brandon decides to return home and try to develop a romantic relationship with his best friend; Kierra. Awesome book!!

152 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it down!, January 17, 2016
By Charie Gibson
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This review is from: I Don't Look Like What I've Been Through (Kindle Edition)
Great inspirational read! Put your trust in Him and He will guide your path!

Kierra lived a horrible childhood. Dez felt that he could rule Kierra's life forever because he felt she was weak. Kierra's mom didn't care about her as a real mother should. Her jealousy caused the end of their relationship.

Brandon is Kierra's savior. He was always there, and loved Kierra from the beginning. His parents Eva and Dennis, raised Brandon to the best of their ability even though they both had skeletons in their closets.

Looking forward to part two!
Profile Image for T Joyner .
288 reviews26 followers
January 19, 2017
Kierra was naive & young calling herself in love. Dez had her mind gone thinking he lost her. He did her so wrong for so long. He had her self esteem low to where she felt nobody wanted her. Her mother even was a trader & did not love her. So glad she finally got some stability in her life. Now Brandon needs to get his self together & I hope it be before it is to late. He needs to decide what he wants & needs. I'm hoping Kierra give ally gets the love she deserves. Her father is back & he's making moves for her &/he is there for her. Now on to part 2
Profile Image for Tierra.
399 reviews3 followers
November 6, 2015
Just So Lovely

This was a wonderful read. Kierra went through so much pain and agony. Then the one person who should have had her back through it all didn't. Dez and Tamika, we're just ridiculous, especially Tamika. Nisha got on all of my nerves, until I figure why she did what she but still. The characters are well put together, you can tell the author takes her time with her writing. On to part 2... Hopefully Brandon can get it together.
Profile Image for Tesha.
46 reviews
August 5, 2016
Speechless

This book left me moved and speechless. It is a great and inspiring book and I am glad that I am blessed to have the family I have. I couldn't imagine living the life of Kierra, but I was glad that she and Brandon was able to make such a wonderful transformation of their love and all of their family!! True testimony that God is always there and has His own plan mapped out for us. You just have to believe!! Great book!!
Profile Image for D.
1,067 reviews
September 19, 2015
I Don't Look Like What I've Been Through

Wow! Wow! Wow! How can I express how magnificent this story is? This is one of the best story I have read this year and I can't wait to read book 2. I'm excited about will happen next in the lives of Brandon and Kierra. I smell love in the air mix with a bit of drama.
Profile Image for Ms. T. Nicole.
231 reviews13 followers
February 10, 2016
Loved it

The story was well written and easy to read. Very relatable and I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I'm enjoying watching Brandon fight for his woman. Now maybe he will understand what his parents went through since he's in his own situation. Great read. I don't want to give away the story.
41 reviews
August 19, 2016
Could not put this one down!

This book kept my emotions on edge. Just when I thought I was happy, I be mad, to sad. Brandon and KiKi endured so much to get to where they were. KiKi went through physical and emotional abuse but was able to use that to so something good. Brandon's life looked good but wasn't good until he married his true love. All I can say is Read It!
Profile Image for Diane Blackston pulley.
10 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2016
Good read

This was a really good book but the author needs a new editor. There was so many misplaced words and missing words that sometimes I had to read the same sentence twice to get an understanding of what was going on. All in all the storyline was good and kept me glued to my Kindle.
Profile Image for Ashley Hicks.
1 review1 follower
July 23, 2016
Great book I couldn't put it down.

I give this book 5 stars it grabbed my attention in the first chapter. God was with her even thru the bad times. I recommend this to everyone going thru trails and tribulations.
Profile Image for Vanessa Fleming.
8 reviews
November 4, 2016
Loved it!

I loved the characters and the storyline. The characters were very realistic and interesting. Aside from the the few grammatical errors I loved this book. This is my first time reading a book by this author but I will definitely read another book by this author.
6 reviews
November 21, 2016
Praise God, I dont look like what i been thru

I can relate to this story . It was a good read . I would recommend this book to someone with the same issues and in hopes it would motivate them .....
Good ending
15 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2016
Really enjoyable book

I really enjoyed yet another one of Jenica"s books. I'm literally looked on her works. As I've said about other books I bought on Amazon, the grammatical errors are kind of distracting for me.
321 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2015
Five stars

Great book I loved Kiki that girl is my hero through ever thing she stay strong. Can't wait to read part two
8 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2015
Great book

This book was amazing from beginning to end! I can't wait to keep reading and find out what's going on with Brandon and Kiera
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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