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Broken Pieces
Destiny Jones is doing just fine on her own, thanks. From her thriving one-woman carpentry business to the loving support of her small-town community, Destiny has constructed a life as sturdy and polished as her best cabinets. Twenty years ago, Destiny’s world collapsed when her mother died and her father, Albert, abandoned his daughter to pursue acting in New York. His devastating exit taught Destiny a lesson in self-reliance that has kept her safe—and alone—ever since.
Now Albert Jones is back, begging for a second chance. Destiny suspects he’s simply staging another performance, starring himself as the prodigal father. Should she act on her misgivings? Or listen to her inner child, who still yearns for a family? When Albert divulges a shocking secret, Destiny’s life will again be turned upside down.
Kathleen Long’s warm, wise novel reveals the armor that has protected us in the past is often the very thing we must shed to fully live and love.
281 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2016
473 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Long
42 books147 followersKathleen Long is the author of sixteen novels in the genres of women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and romantic suspense.
Kathleen has won a RIO Award and is a two-time winner of the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her additional honors include nominations for National Readers’ Choice, RITA, HOLT Medallion, Booksellers’ Best, and Book Buyers Best awards, as well as appearances on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.
A native of Wilmington, Delaware, she now divides her time between suburban Philadelphia and the New Jersey shore.
When Kathleen is not plotting her next book or teaching creative writing, she spends her time bribing her tween to pick up her clothes, begging the dog to heel, and experimenting with photography.
Kathleen has won a RIO Award and is a two-time winner of the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Her additional honors include nominations for National Readers’ Choice, RITA, HOLT Medallion, Booksellers’ Best, and Book Buyers Best awards, as well as appearances on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists.
A native of Wilmington, Delaware, she now divides her time between suburban Philadelphia and the New Jersey shore.
When Kathleen is not plotting her next book or teaching creative writing, she spends her time bribing her tween to pick up her clothes, begging the dog to heel, and experimenting with photography.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
June 6, 2017
This was a decent book! There were a few slow spots, which is why I gave it a 3 Star review. I think some of the story line was predictable and some was unnecessary.
This book is about a broken family. The mother passes from Cancer, then shortly after that, the father leaves the Daughter to live in the house with her grandmother. The father wanted to go and pursue his acting career in New York.
In the beginning of the book, the father is found knocking at the front door with bags in a Taxi. The daughter is extremely upset about this due to only seeing the father once a year for Christmas since she had been little. The daughter agreed to allow her father to stay for 'One Night'.
the father never left after that. They got to know each other, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Just like most families - you get mad at the person, but you forgive them eventually. Though, this father had so many secrets it was hard to keep track of them all.
The father reveals a hidden sister and niece that she never knew about. The sister ends up being sick - like the mother - and the daughter is a mess of loss and mourning.
Overall, I think this book was well written and when it seemed to get 'boring' the author would throw in something new.
Defiantly worth the read - I think it would be a good quick summer/beach read.
Happy reading! :)
This book is about a broken family. The mother passes from Cancer, then shortly after that, the father leaves the Daughter to live in the house with her grandmother. The father wanted to go and pursue his acting career in New York.
In the beginning of the book, the father is found knocking at the front door with bags in a Taxi. The daughter is extremely upset about this due to only seeing the father once a year for Christmas since she had been little. The daughter agreed to allow her father to stay for 'One Night'.
the father never left after that. They got to know each other, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Just like most families - you get mad at the person, but you forgive them eventually. Though, this father had so many secrets it was hard to keep track of them all.
The father reveals a hidden sister and niece that she never knew about. The sister ends up being sick - like the mother - and the daughter is a mess of loss and mourning.
Overall, I think this book was well written and when it seemed to get 'boring' the author would throw in something new.
Defiantly worth the read - I think it would be a good quick summer/beach read.
Happy reading! :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2016
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I finished reading this several days ago and had to sit with it a bit before writing my review.
On the surface, “Broken Pieces” tells the story of Destiny Jones and the reemergence of her long absent father into her seemingly happy life. What I expected? A heartwarming tale about Destiny with conflict surrounding her father’s suspicious appearance. What I got was a very complex story full of raw emotions bubbling just under the surface. I could never have anticipated the powerful turn the story would take shortly after Albert landed on the scene.
This was an heartbreakingly beautiful story, one that still has me feeling quite emotional while writing this. It’s difficult to write this review because I don’t want to put one word of spoilers in it and I’m having a hard time putting into words how the story affected me. Destiny, telling herself she was happy and content in life, had been keeping people at a distance all of her life. After her mother passed away, her father abandoned her. Throughout this book, she was confronted with events that bring these feelings of abandonment to the forefront of her mind, like they happened yesterday. I truly felt her heartbreak over and over again.
I really liked how the story unfolded. I didn’t feel like I was being force fed what emotions to feel at any given point. There wasn’t one pivotal scene that caused the story to “take a turn”. Instead, I felt things progressed in a very real way and I was feeling everything with Destiny the whole way. I felt very loyal to her and even though Albert elicited a lot of sympathy from me throughout the story, I couldn’t help but support Destiny and her actions.
This was such a fantastic read!
I finished reading this several days ago and had to sit with it a bit before writing my review.
On the surface, “Broken Pieces” tells the story of Destiny Jones and the reemergence of her long absent father into her seemingly happy life. What I expected? A heartwarming tale about Destiny with conflict surrounding her father’s suspicious appearance. What I got was a very complex story full of raw emotions bubbling just under the surface. I could never have anticipated the powerful turn the story would take shortly after Albert landed on the scene.
This was an heartbreakingly beautiful story, one that still has me feeling quite emotional while writing this. It’s difficult to write this review because I don’t want to put one word of spoilers in it and I’m having a hard time putting into words how the story affected me. Destiny, telling herself she was happy and content in life, had been keeping people at a distance all of her life. After her mother passed away, her father abandoned her. Throughout this book, she was confronted with events that bring these feelings of abandonment to the forefront of her mind, like they happened yesterday. I truly felt her heartbreak over and over again.
I really liked how the story unfolded. I didn’t feel like I was being force fed what emotions to feel at any given point. There wasn’t one pivotal scene that caused the story to “take a turn”. Instead, I felt things progressed in a very real way and I was feeling everything with Destiny the whole way. I felt very loyal to her and even though Albert elicited a lot of sympathy from me throughout the story, I couldn’t help but support Destiny and her actions.
This was such a fantastic read!
August 13, 2024
"The truth was, sooner or later life broke everyone. We were all broken pieces. The trick was to gather up our remaining fragments and move forward." This is a breathtakingly beautiful book about redemption, forgiveness and love...especially the love of a family. When Destiny was 10, her mother died, and she was left in the care of her grandmother while her father left to pursue his career as an actor. For 20 years, she only saw her father at Christmas, but he suddenly appears at her door and tells her he'd like to move back. Destiny has built a life without her father, has become a successful carpenter, and she is more than reluctant to let him back into her life. When he reveals a family secret, her world is turned upside down, and Destiny's life becomes more than she'd ever bargained for. This book is filled with such lovely characters, and they will all become people that you care about. There is tremendous warmth and love on every page of this wonderful book.
September 8, 2016
My next release, BROKEN PIECES, hits the shelves on July 19th. Dedicated to the memory of one of my dearest friends, the book releases on her birthday. I couldn't be more thrilled. This is without a doubt my most emotional novel to date -- a story of family, betrayal, forgiveness, and hope. I hope you'll love reading Destiny's story as much as I loved writing it. (And yes, BROKEN PIECES takes place in Paris, NJ, giving Destiny Jones from CHANGING LANES her own story.) I look forward to hearing what you think!
July 19, 2016
I don't know what to feel after reading this book. But I can tell you this. Broken Pieces is heart-breakingly beautiful. So heartbreaking, that it had me crying a river; so beautiful that it had me thinking about life and embracing it like it was my last day on earth.
Issues of cancer, death, abandonment, lies, struggles, repentance and forgiveness are definitely some factors that a reader would have a hard time processing, because these would only result to tears and disappointments.
I must admit, I was prepared to dislike Albert Jones, Broadway royalty, a great stage/theater actor, because of what he did to his daughter. He had lied over and over again, had kept lots of secrets, had disregarded his family and chose to live the life of ease, devoid of responsibility. Imagine a man deserting his daughter right after his own wife died, and came back after 20 years, only to learn that he didn't return for said daughter, but for another reason - a secret that he had been hiding even before she was born. Man, that gotta hurt. A lot.
And Destiny Jones had every right to stay mad at him for all these years. Why accept him back and had him stay in her house after two decades of no-communication? If I were in Destiny's shoes, I would have thrown all my issues at him, shouted at him, told him he was a good-for-nothing selfish father whose only concern was himself and himself alone.
And then Sydney and Ella came. Two strangers who were actually a big part of her life, people who were hidden from her, people who needed her, people who will change her life forever.
Sydney was dying because of cancer, just like Destiny's mom did. And her daughter Ella, too wise for her age of 9, must conform with the changes that were happening around her. Could they trust Destiny and Albert? Was it Destiny's fault that Ella's life was about to crumble and fall?
When Fate decided to test her, her world shattered, and Destiny didn't know if she could ever change the dreaded future or continue living in the past, in regret, in memories, in secrets, in broken pieces.
Damn it, I think this is the only book wherein I cried for every chapter I perused. Yes, every friggin' chapter would have your heart twisted and aching. There's just so many unfairness and incredulity in this world, in Destiny's world, in Ella's world, and I as a reader, couldn't help but weep for them. Damn.
Broken Pieces got a special place in my heart, reminded me of the times when I didn't know what to do after I learned that my father is battling cancer in the United States, and I was here, left in the Philippines, his only daughter who wasn't able to see him personally until his dying breath. I was helpless. I wanted to run and drown myself to work, to forget the pain, to hide my tears from my mom. Damn it, cancer sucks.
Let me say my thanks and praises to Kathleen Long, the author, for a beautiful and emotional story about family, love, acceptance, generosity and forgiveness. Ella's painted rocks just became a big part of my life. Ella just inspired me to think about rainbows, hearts and smiles and life in between. The cover is spectacular, the story was stirring, the characters were endearing, the ending was surprisingly colorful. I would never ever forget this book, not by a long shot, not at all.
Issues of cancer, death, abandonment, lies, struggles, repentance and forgiveness are definitely some factors that a reader would have a hard time processing, because these would only result to tears and disappointments.
I must admit, I was prepared to dislike Albert Jones, Broadway royalty, a great stage/theater actor, because of what he did to his daughter. He had lied over and over again, had kept lots of secrets, had disregarded his family and chose to live the life of ease, devoid of responsibility. Imagine a man deserting his daughter right after his own wife died, and came back after 20 years, only to learn that he didn't return for said daughter, but for another reason - a secret that he had been hiding even before she was born. Man, that gotta hurt. A lot.
"You're four and a half months early for Christmas, and you haven't even remembered my birthday in at least 15 years, which begs the question: Why are you here?"
His green eyes measured me, their light dim. They focused momentarily, flickered with hope. "Is it your birthday?" he asked.
The pain of his not knowing stung, but I'd long ago learned to shove away my disappointment. "No, not even close."
"Can't a father visit his daughter?" he asked.
"A father can, yes. But you lack the basic qualifications, don't you think?"
And Destiny Jones had every right to stay mad at him for all these years. Why accept him back and had him stay in her house after two decades of no-communication? If I were in Destiny's shoes, I would have thrown all my issues at him, shouted at him, told him he was a good-for-nothing selfish father whose only concern was himself and himself alone.
And then Sydney and Ella came. Two strangers who were actually a big part of her life, people who were hidden from her, people who needed her, people who will change her life forever.
Sydney was dying because of cancer, just like Destiny's mom did. And her daughter Ella, too wise for her age of 9, must conform with the changes that were happening around her. Could they trust Destiny and Albert? Was it Destiny's fault that Ella's life was about to crumble and fall?
When Fate decided to test her, her world shattered, and Destiny didn't know if she could ever change the dreaded future or continue living in the past, in regret, in memories, in secrets, in broken pieces.
Sydney had spent much of the day in bed, after a long night battling nausea. She slept now, and I did my best to keep Ella and her mood contained to the sitting room.
"I wish we never came here," she said, keeping her voice low but angry, in a manner that suggested she'd had plenty of practice not waking up her mother. "She was fine before we came here. Fine."
Tears streamed down her face, her cheeks flushed a deep red. "Now she's tired all the time, and her hair's falling out again." She pointed her finger at me. "It's your fault. You didn't even want us here, and now she's sick!"
Damn it, I think this is the only book wherein I cried for every chapter I perused. Yes, every friggin' chapter would have your heart twisted and aching. There's just so many unfairness and incredulity in this world, in Destiny's world, in Ella's world, and I as a reader, couldn't help but weep for them. Damn.
Broken Pieces got a special place in my heart, reminded me of the times when I didn't know what to do after I learned that my father is battling cancer in the United States, and I was here, left in the Philippines, his only daughter who wasn't able to see him personally until his dying breath. I was helpless. I wanted to run and drown myself to work, to forget the pain, to hide my tears from my mom. Damn it, cancer sucks.
Let me say my thanks and praises to Kathleen Long, the author, for a beautiful and emotional story about family, love, acceptance, generosity and forgiveness. Ella's painted rocks just became a big part of my life. Ella just inspired me to think about rainbows, hearts and smiles and life in between. The cover is spectacular, the story was stirring, the characters were endearing, the ending was surprisingly colorful. I would never ever forget this book, not by a long shot, not at all.
"The rocks reminded me of us" - he pointed back and forth between us - "broken together."
"We're broken. But we're together."
"You are enough."
"Our broken pieces fit. We weren't perfect. We weren't smooth. But we belonged."
August 14, 2016
The truth was, sooner or later life broke everyone. We were all broken pieces.
I will be honest and say I didn't think this would be a good book.
It was very predictable and some parts were too dramatic for my taste but, at the same time, it was a journey. I couldn't help but fall in love with these characters and struggle with them through their hardships. I felt very moved while reading it and I could relate with the characters and their pain.
While we may all be broken pieces, the key is to learn how to mend our pieces together and you learn that with Destiny and her family.
I received this arc through Netgalley in exchanged for an honest review
I will be honest and say I didn't think this would be a good book.
It was very predictable and some parts were too dramatic for my taste but, at the same time, it was a journey. I couldn't help but fall in love with these characters and struggle with them through their hardships. I felt very moved while reading it and I could relate with the characters and their pain.
While we may all be broken pieces, the key is to learn how to mend our pieces together and you learn that with Destiny and her family.
I received this arc through Netgalley in exchanged for an honest review
July 17, 2016
Grab your tissues for this one! It’s worth every tear shed!
Broken Pieces by Kathleen Long delivers an emotionally packed novel with this book. Destiny Jones is a strong independent 30-year-old woman content with her life in the small town of Paris N.J. She has a successful carpentry business and has just been awarded the renovation of the Paris Opera House. Destiny has made a life for herself but has protected herself from love and hurt. At the age of 10 her world fell apart as her loving mother dies of cancer and her father, the famous actor, deserts her, entrusting her to her Grandmother and neighbor to bring up. He returns occasionally at Christmas but the visits are difficult and short. Now unexpectedly he returns to stay. Why has he returned? Why now? Can Destiny trust him again? Can she forgive him for all the hurts in the past? Thus begins a truly remarkable story of mistakes, hurt, abandonment, forgiveness, love and growth.
It’s difficult to write this review without giving too much away because in the unfolding of the story is where the beauty of the writing happens. I couldn’t put this one down from the first page on, reading almost non-stop. I was amazed at how well the author portrayed the characters and their feeling. There were times for laughing and times for that box of tissues. There are multiple revelations throughout the story as each character comes more to life.
It wasn’t until I got to the author’s note at the end that she explained that this is the story of a deceased friend of hers, to be published on what was her birthday. Now I understand the depth of feelings and emotions in this book. Run out now and buy this book. I’m really excited to have found a new author to read. And yes, “one day someone is going to hug you so tight that all your broken pieces will stick together” unknown
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Broken Pieces by Kathleen Long delivers an emotionally packed novel with this book. Destiny Jones is a strong independent 30-year-old woman content with her life in the small town of Paris N.J. She has a successful carpentry business and has just been awarded the renovation of the Paris Opera House. Destiny has made a life for herself but has protected herself from love and hurt. At the age of 10 her world fell apart as her loving mother dies of cancer and her father, the famous actor, deserts her, entrusting her to her Grandmother and neighbor to bring up. He returns occasionally at Christmas but the visits are difficult and short. Now unexpectedly he returns to stay. Why has he returned? Why now? Can Destiny trust him again? Can she forgive him for all the hurts in the past? Thus begins a truly remarkable story of mistakes, hurt, abandonment, forgiveness, love and growth.
It’s difficult to write this review without giving too much away because in the unfolding of the story is where the beauty of the writing happens. I couldn’t put this one down from the first page on, reading almost non-stop. I was amazed at how well the author portrayed the characters and their feeling. There were times for laughing and times for that box of tissues. There are multiple revelations throughout the story as each character comes more to life.
It wasn’t until I got to the author’s note at the end that she explained that this is the story of a deceased friend of hers, to be published on what was her birthday. Now I understand the depth of feelings and emotions in this book. Run out now and buy this book. I’m really excited to have found a new author to read. And yes, “one day someone is going to hug you so tight that all your broken pieces will stick together” unknown
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 7, 2016
When Destiny was 10 years old her mother passed away and her father took off to be a star on Broadway, leaving her to be raised by her grandmother with the help of her mother's best friend and the close knit people of the town she grew up in. She only saw her father once a year, when he would visit Destiny on Christmas. After her grandmother passed away, Destiny, a master carpenter, survived on her own and her business thrived. After twenty years without her father being a part of her life, he suddenly shows up at her house unannounced and unwanted. He planned on staying for a period of time and Destiny wanted nothing to do with him. She suffered too much pain and loss and didn't want to hear what he had to say and why he came back. After talking to her best friend, she listened to what her father had to say but wondered if it was all just an act. When her father finally came clean and explained the true reason for him coming back, he dropped a bombshell which turned Destiny's life and world upside down. This book had me going through every emotion and I wish it didn't have to end. Kathleen Long is a master at her craft. Broken Pieces is an absolute must read and I highly recommend this book. I absolutely loved it! I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 13, 2017
*** TRIGGER WARNING *** Loss of a loved one.
Although this book was 5 stars IMO, I'm not sure that I would have chose to read it had I known the type of loss endured by the characters. This book caused the resurfacing of many emotions that I had buried and I was not prepared for the onslaught of emotion. I do, however, value the insights on dealing with the loss of a loved one and the coping mechanisms one may develop as a result. I also appreciated the outlook on life, love and heartbreak.
Although this book was 5 stars IMO, I'm not sure that I would have chose to read it had I known the type of loss endured by the characters. This book caused the resurfacing of many emotions that I had buried and I was not prepared for the onslaught of emotion. I do, however, value the insights on dealing with the loss of a loved one and the coping mechanisms one may develop as a result. I also appreciated the outlook on life, love and heartbreak.
July 29, 2016
This is a story that will remain inscribed on your heart. Anyone who has walked the path alongside a suffering loved one will feel bolstered by Kathleen Long’s novel "Broken Pieces," a journey of love lost and love found.
October 31, 2016
I didn't know what to expect from this book because I hadn't read any previous descriptions about the content. Once it got going my emotions were zinging all over the place reminding me of my own personal loss. Very good read just keep a box of Kleenex close by.
February 2, 2018
Broken Pieces actually wrecked me! Death, family and a forgiveness that is not so easy to give.
This one has all the feels, twisting, gut wrenching, sorrow and it will have you looking into your own little world and it just might make you call your mother or sister or maybe even both just to tell them how much you love them!!
Have your Kleenex ready
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one has all the feels, twisting, gut wrenching, sorrow and it will have you looking into your own little world and it just might make you call your mother or sister or maybe even both just to tell them how much you love them!!
Have your Kleenex ready
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2018
Such a good family story. How do we accept. Reunite, forgive, blend our families? I loved it.
May 7, 2019
This novel was not awful for me, but when I read other reviews that said it was sad, but great, I decided to give a try.
The story is just not grabbing me with a fervor that inspires me to continue on to endure the promised, forthcoming sadness.
The story is just not grabbing me with a fervor that inspires me to continue on to endure the promised, forthcoming sadness.
June 11, 2016
Destiny Jones has worked hard to build up her carpentry business in her hometown, and now it is finally her chance to get her hands on the beautiful town Opera House and refurbish it to its former glory. This will be her most important accomplishment to date if she can convince the board to trust her. But a blast from the past in the form of her father, Albert, has set off a chain of events that will alter Destiny's life forever.
Albert Jones is a Broadway legend but what most people do not know is that after the death of his wife, he abandoned his daughter Destiny, to the care of her grandmother. And Destiny can never forgive him for walking away from her. Lucky to have had the care of her grandmother, her mother's best friend Marguerite, and the entire town of Paris to help her grow up, Destiny didn't need Albert then, and she sure doesn't need him now. But deep down inside is a little girl who needs to understand the past to find peace in the present. But when long-buried secrets emerge, Destiny's world turns inside out. Through the truth, Destiny will find love, a family, and the missing pieces of her heart - but with great love can also come great loss. Can Destiny find a way to sort the broken pieces of her world to finally become a whole person and really grasp a chance at a full life?
BROKEN PIECES by Kathleen Long is an emotional story that delves into the heart of family, abandonment, illness and forgiveness. Destiny is strong and independent because she had to be, but as she lets down her guard we get to see her deeper feelings, and the impact her father's actions have had, and continue to have, on her life. With fascinating characters and evocative imagery the town springs to life as you read it, and the secondary characters in this novel are equally as compelling as Destiny and Albert. While at first I struggled to like Albert, as he tried to rectify the past, towards the end I was able to have a better understanding of why he did what he did. BROKEN PIECES is one of those books that really touched me and I highly recommend having tissues nearby when you settle down to read it. A beautiful tale that will stay with me long after I have closed the cover, leaving the lasting impression of live life to the fullest and embrace every part, even those that are broken.
Albert Jones is a Broadway legend but what most people do not know is that after the death of his wife, he abandoned his daughter Destiny, to the care of her grandmother. And Destiny can never forgive him for walking away from her. Lucky to have had the care of her grandmother, her mother's best friend Marguerite, and the entire town of Paris to help her grow up, Destiny didn't need Albert then, and she sure doesn't need him now. But deep down inside is a little girl who needs to understand the past to find peace in the present. But when long-buried secrets emerge, Destiny's world turns inside out. Through the truth, Destiny will find love, a family, and the missing pieces of her heart - but with great love can also come great loss. Can Destiny find a way to sort the broken pieces of her world to finally become a whole person and really grasp a chance at a full life?
BROKEN PIECES by Kathleen Long is an emotional story that delves into the heart of family, abandonment, illness and forgiveness. Destiny is strong and independent because she had to be, but as she lets down her guard we get to see her deeper feelings, and the impact her father's actions have had, and continue to have, on her life. With fascinating characters and evocative imagery the town springs to life as you read it, and the secondary characters in this novel are equally as compelling as Destiny and Albert. While at first I struggled to like Albert, as he tried to rectify the past, towards the end I was able to have a better understanding of why he did what he did. BROKEN PIECES is one of those books that really touched me and I highly recommend having tissues nearby when you settle down to read it. A beautiful tale that will stay with me long after I have closed the cover, leaving the lasting impression of live life to the fullest and embrace every part, even those that are broken.
July 19, 2016
BROKEN PIECES
Kathleen Long
Lake Union
July 2016
Destiny Jones has been estranged from her father, Tony Award winning Broadway actor Albert Jones, for twenty years – except for his annual Christmas visits, which lasted fifteen minutes last year. When he and his luggage show up on her front porch in Paris, New Jersey, in the middle of August Destiny tries to deny him entrance, but he reminds her it is legally his house, even though he has not slept under its roof for the last twenty years. He pleads for “just a visit”, and she grants him “one night”.
When Destiny’s mother died twenty years ago, next-door neighbor Marguerite Devine and Destiny’s grandmother took care of her, and after her grandmother passed on, it was team Destiny and Marguerite, and neither is a fan of Albert. Destiny is a skilled and gifted craftsman who designs and installs custom cabinetry. The lady is scheduled to make a presentation the next morning to bid on renovations of the Paris Opera House. Destiny wants this job very much as she feels that this restoration is what she has been waiting on all of her career; she will not let Albert’s untimely appearance disrupt her preparations.
Albert does have reasons for his homecoming, but they can’t be revealed until he feels he has laid the necessary groundwork. Destiny plays a starring role in the most important production of his life.
WOW! I should know by now that I need a box of tissues handy when I’m losing myself in a story by Kathleen Long. BROKEN PIECES is a beautiful and emotional story of flawed characters and dysfunctional families working together to find a happy ending. Ms. Long’s narrative is truly a work of art and she is firmly in control of her characters, their dialogue, and especially their emotions. BROKEN PIECES is, undoubtedly, one of the best books this reviewer has ever read, and it comes to you, the reader, recommended highly.
Betty Cox for ReaderToReader.com
July 19, 2016
August 16, 2016
I have to be honest here and tell you that the first thing that grabbed me about this book was the cover. I thought it was intriguing and it captured my attention. Then I read the synopsis and I was even more intrigued. Looking at it a little bit more, I realized that I had already read a book by Kathleen, Chasing Rainbows, and I loved it, so I knew this one would be a good one. But I had no idea that this book would blow me away the way that it did! It touched me like no other book has in a long time.
Destiny has pretty much lived on her own for twenty years. Then her father shows up again and her world is turned upside down. I felt every emotion that she did and I was not about to forgive her father for what he had done either. He did not deserve her forgiveness. How could he walk away at the time that she also lost her mother? I really did not like the man!
I loved the way this story made me feel so many different emotions and made me feel like I truly experienced what each character was going through. A big part of this book deals with something that I have recently had to face but Kathleen has written about it so beautifully that I felt not only the emotions of the struggle but also the peace that comes after as well.
What more can I say? Broken Pieces is a beautifully written, emotional journey that one family has to take. I loved it and if you like well-written women's fiction, you need to add this to your TBR list!
Destiny has pretty much lived on her own for twenty years. Then her father shows up again and her world is turned upside down. I felt every emotion that she did and I was not about to forgive her father for what he had done either. He did not deserve her forgiveness. How could he walk away at the time that she also lost her mother? I really did not like the man!
I loved the way this story made me feel so many different emotions and made me feel like I truly experienced what each character was going through. A big part of this book deals with something that I have recently had to face but Kathleen has written about it so beautifully that I felt not only the emotions of the struggle but also the peace that comes after as well.
What more can I say? Broken Pieces is a beautifully written, emotional journey that one family has to take. I loved it and if you like well-written women's fiction, you need to add this to your TBR list!
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June 26, 2016I have just finished reading Broken Pieces by Kathleen Long, and this was such an emotional book!
The main character is Destiny Jones, a 30-yr-old woman, who is a successful carpenter, and who has mastered the art of being an independent person.
After the death of her mother when Destiny was just 10 yrs old, her father left her in the care of her grandmother so he could pursue an acting career on Broadway, only visiting once a year at Christmastime. Destiny learnt to be content with her own company and not let anyone get too close to her.
However, when her father shows up on her doorstep with his life's belongings, he gives her the surprising news that he wants to be a part of her life, as well as dropping a huge bombshell which leaves Destiny shocked, and turns her entire way of living upside down. I don't want to divulge the secret so as not to spoil it for others, but the way Destiny takes on this news is so heart-warming, and I really felt for her..
This book is very sad in parts, but the message of hope shines through in abundance,.
The author's dedication and acknowledgements are so touching too, as they have a personal message within them.
This book raises awareness of important issues too, and for that alone, it is worth recommending, But just be warned that you may need to have the tissues handy for this one!
The main character is Destiny Jones, a 30-yr-old woman, who is a successful carpenter, and who has mastered the art of being an independent person.
After the death of her mother when Destiny was just 10 yrs old, her father left her in the care of her grandmother so he could pursue an acting career on Broadway, only visiting once a year at Christmastime. Destiny learnt to be content with her own company and not let anyone get too close to her.
However, when her father shows up on her doorstep with his life's belongings, he gives her the surprising news that he wants to be a part of her life, as well as dropping a huge bombshell which leaves Destiny shocked, and turns her entire way of living upside down. I don't want to divulge the secret so as not to spoil it for others, but the way Destiny takes on this news is so heart-warming, and I really felt for her..
This book is very sad in parts, but the message of hope shines through in abundance,.
The author's dedication and acknowledgements are so touching too, as they have a personal message within them.
This book raises awareness of important issues too, and for that alone, it is worth recommending, But just be warned that you may need to have the tissues handy for this one!
July 12, 2016
Broken Pieces was such a moving, well written book with the type of characters that make me want to spend more time with them that I just didn't want it to end.
Destiny, strong and self-sufficient, running her own business and working on landing a big contract was someone I really liked. Her father, Albert, Broadway legend who suddenly turns up after 20 years apart except for very quick Christmas visits, was someone I had trouble liking in the beginning, but before my eyes he changed....or became more real or sympathetic...but I liked him a lot.
This story is about family, illness, abandonment (and the effects it has on both those left behind and those that did the abandoning), forgiveness and moving forward. It is heart wrenching but not maudlin and will have you turning the pages faster and faster so you can find out what is going to happen. This is not the first book I've read by this author, nor will it be the last.
Thanks go to Netgalley, the publisher and Kathleen Long for allowing me to read an early reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Destiny, strong and self-sufficient, running her own business and working on landing a big contract was someone I really liked. Her father, Albert, Broadway legend who suddenly turns up after 20 years apart except for very quick Christmas visits, was someone I had trouble liking in the beginning, but before my eyes he changed....or became more real or sympathetic...but I liked him a lot.
This story is about family, illness, abandonment (and the effects it has on both those left behind and those that did the abandoning), forgiveness and moving forward. It is heart wrenching but not maudlin and will have you turning the pages faster and faster so you can find out what is going to happen. This is not the first book I've read by this author, nor will it be the last.
Thanks go to Netgalley, the publisher and Kathleen Long for allowing me to read an early reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2016
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Where do I start Destiny Jones was fine just living her life then her absent father shows up unexpected. Though he always visited on Christmas this was not a planned visit. After the death of Destiny’s mother when she was ten years old her father left. She was raised by her grandmother and her mother’s best friend. Her father had run away to work and came back only once or twice a year.
However, when he shows up this time boy is Destiny in for some shocking news. I never saw what unfolded with her family coming. I was thinking in the beginning that maybe her father’s health was declining and he had come back home. But boy was I shocked at what happened next then POW another blow right after that. I finished this book in two days and loved every minute of it. This was one of those books you pick up and hate to put down because you want to know what happened and what will happen next. Loved it and connected with it all at the same time.
Where do I start Destiny Jones was fine just living her life then her absent father shows up unexpected. Though he always visited on Christmas this was not a planned visit. After the death of Destiny’s mother when she was ten years old her father left. She was raised by her grandmother and her mother’s best friend. Her father had run away to work and came back only once or twice a year.
However, when he shows up this time boy is Destiny in for some shocking news. I never saw what unfolded with her family coming. I was thinking in the beginning that maybe her father’s health was declining and he had come back home. But boy was I shocked at what happened next then POW another blow right after that. I finished this book in two days and loved every minute of it. This was one of those books you pick up and hate to put down because you want to know what happened and what will happen next. Loved it and connected with it all at the same time.
July 19, 2016
I just finished Broken Pieces and I loved it! So many emotions and so many thoughts to process for me. Destiny Jones lost her mom when she was a child and was raised by her grandmother and her mother's best friend. Her father visited her during the holidays, but left after her mother died to pursue his career. Destiny had built a wall to protect herself and keep people at arms length to avoid ever being left or hurt again. She thought her life was going as planned until her father showed up on her doorstep after being gone for 20 years. This brings out so many raw emotions in Destiny and we see her struggle to find answers and peace with the past. Destiny has resentment and pain on the one hand and longing for a family on the other. Kathleen Long brings you down the road to healing, forgiveness, acceptance and love. Such a beautiful story of a broken family in the process of healing.
Broken Pieces is a very emotional, moving story that will stick with me forever, a must read!
Broken Pieces is a very emotional, moving story that will stick with me forever, a must read!
August 29, 2016
I’ll just say it: Broken Pieces is Kathleen Long’s best novel to date! I have read several of her other novels, and this one is my favorite. The author takes us on a journey of family, broken promises, secrets, and redemption, and drops a surprise in our laps when we least suspect it. Brilliant!
I liked the main character, Destiny Jones, immediately. She has learned the hard way not to depend on or get close to others, and has succeeded in her life despite a sad childhood. Yet, she isn’t bitter. She lives in a small town and has close friends who she cares about. You can’t blame her when her absentee father arrives one day and she’s not thrilled about it. From there, the story flourishes and stretches, pushing limits and warming the reader’s heart. An absolute must read if you love a great family drama.
(I received an advance copy of Broken Pieces from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
I liked the main character, Destiny Jones, immediately. She has learned the hard way not to depend on or get close to others, and has succeeded in her life despite a sad childhood. Yet, she isn’t bitter. She lives in a small town and has close friends who she cares about. You can’t blame her when her absentee father arrives one day and she’s not thrilled about it. From there, the story flourishes and stretches, pushing limits and warming the reader’s heart. An absolute must read if you love a great family drama.
(I received an advance copy of Broken Pieces from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
December 13, 2016
I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley, Lake Union Publishing and author Kathleen Long for the opportunity!
I wanted to pick this book up from the moment I read the mysterious, and possibly heartbreaking, synopsis. I was not disappointed with what I found in the pages of this novel. The characters come to life and are full of emotion as they are introduced and followed throughout the story. I was hooked from page 1. I enjoyed following Destiny as her character transforms from a solitary woman to a woman allowing herself to hope. This novel is so full of emotional ups and downs and speaks volumes on the power of forgiveness and trust. The author does a tremendous job of pulling the reader into the fray of how life and people in it can both hurt and heal. This is a book I will recommend time and again. I am so glad I picked this up!
I wanted to pick this book up from the moment I read the mysterious, and possibly heartbreaking, synopsis. I was not disappointed with what I found in the pages of this novel. The characters come to life and are full of emotion as they are introduced and followed throughout the story. I was hooked from page 1. I enjoyed following Destiny as her character transforms from a solitary woman to a woman allowing herself to hope. This novel is so full of emotional ups and downs and speaks volumes on the power of forgiveness and trust. The author does a tremendous job of pulling the reader into the fray of how life and people in it can both hurt and heal. This is a book I will recommend time and again. I am so glad I picked this up!
June 2, 2016
This book was the first time I read anything by Kathleen Long and I couldn't put this book down; I finished it in 1 day. It made me laugh and cry, the way only a good book can do. I believe this book will stay in my heart for a long time to come.
Destiny lost her mother to cancer at age 10; her father left and pursued his career on broadway leaving Destiny to be raised by her maternal grandmother. Twenty years later her famous father returns and tells her about the older sister she never knew she had. Emotions run deep as everyone tries to deal with their own pain, resentment and fears.
I loved how honest and rich the characters in this book. It is a moving story, one that i will not forget soon.
Destiny lost her mother to cancer at age 10; her father left and pursued his career on broadway leaving Destiny to be raised by her maternal grandmother. Twenty years later her famous father returns and tells her about the older sister she never knew she had. Emotions run deep as everyone tries to deal with their own pain, resentment and fears.
I loved how honest and rich the characters in this book. It is a moving story, one that i will not forget soon.
July 3, 2016
Destiny has been a loner for a long time. Her mother died when she was young and her father left her with her grandmother to pursue a career in California. When he turns up one day hoping to reconcile with her he promises to make things right as he reveals a family secret. Destiny first appeared in the book Changing Lanes set in New Jersey and it was nice to revisit the town and residents. This is a pretty emotional roller coaster as Destiny relives the losses of her Mother and Grandmother as she contemplates her dad's return. A very enjoyable read. I have enjoyed several of Kathleen Long's books and look forward to many more.
July 6, 2016
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. I was surprised by it as it didn't go the way I expected it to. This is the story of January and her relationship with her estranged father. The book opens with Albert showing up on her doorstep seemingly confused. Lots of foreshadowing here, just not about what you'd expect. A one day read with well developed characters and plot.
Full review on my blog at https://laurasbookreviewsblog.wordpre...
I loved this book. I was surprised by it as it didn't go the way I expected it to. This is the story of January and her relationship with her estranged father. The book opens with Albert showing up on her doorstep seemingly confused. Lots of foreshadowing here, just not about what you'd expect. A one day read with well developed characters and plot.
Full review on my blog at https://laurasbookreviewsblog.wordpre...
July 22, 2016
I feel like I should start my review with a warning. So here you go.
**WARNING: Invest in Kleenex stock before you start reading Broken Pieces.**
This book slayed my heart and soul. If anyone in your life ever has done you wrong Kathleen does an extravagant job of brining those emotions to the surface. Twisting, crushing, destroying everything.
I LOVED it!!!!
You can see my full review on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/s9yttnrnAtw
**WARNING: Invest in Kleenex stock before you start reading Broken Pieces.**
This book slayed my heart and soul. If anyone in your life ever has done you wrong Kathleen does an extravagant job of brining those emotions to the surface. Twisting, crushing, destroying everything.
I LOVED it!!!!
You can see my full review on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/s9yttnrnAtw
October 8, 2016
I wanted to love it. I really, really did. I'm usually a breeze reader and once in reeled in I'll finish the book at 3am just for the joy of the story. I tucked this under my pillow every night for a week after reading a chapter or two. It's predictable. It's slow paced. It took me a week to say, "Oh. Good. It's over." The reviews all have been very positive, but I just didn't get the feelings from it.
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November 7, 2016Well-developed characters and a well-paced plot. I enjoyed this new-to-me author. Broken Pieces is a great mix of witty sarcasm and emotional depth. A beautiful voice in women's fiction that is sure to break your heart into a million pieces by the last chapter.
July 14, 2016
Such a great read. Hit so close to home as most families seem to go through the rough patches that come from broken family relationships. Will definitely be reading more by this author.
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