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Holding on to Hurt
Every parent's worst nightmare…
Irene Hurt's life is perfect and she cherishes every moment with her devoted husband and sweet almost sixteen-year-old son until ... the day she gets the call every mother dreads: Your son has been shot and is in a coma.
In the blink of an eye, Irene’s life is shattered into a million pieces.
What follows is a story about a mother and her struggle to keep, not only her son but eventually also her marriage and herself alive. On Irene's journey through grief, denial, and anger, she discovers more about the events of that tragic day, the boy who shot her son and then took his own life, and the husband she thought she knew and could trust.
An emotional and heart-gripping story, Holding on to Hurt, is a novel about family, trust, grief, and a mother’s unconditional love.
“If you love emotional reads and if you dare to open up your heart, you’ve come to the right place.
Irene Hurt's life is perfect and she cherishes every moment with her devoted husband and sweet almost sixteen-year-old son until ... the day she gets the call every mother dreads: Your son has been shot and is in a coma.
In the blink of an eye, Irene’s life is shattered into a million pieces.
What follows is a story about a mother and her struggle to keep, not only her son but eventually also her marriage and herself alive. On Irene's journey through grief, denial, and anger, she discovers more about the events of that tragic day, the boy who shot her son and then took his own life, and the husband she thought she knew and could trust.
An emotional and heart-gripping story, Holding on to Hurt, is a novel about family, trust, grief, and a mother’s unconditional love.
“If you love emotional reads and if you dare to open up your heart, you’ve come to the right place.
- GenresContemporary
228 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2017
36 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Roth
13 books73 followersCharlotte is a mom, a wife, and an author—in that order. She’s originally from Denmark but moved to Seattle in 2005 with her husband, baby Alfred, and lots of hopes and dreams. The family has since added the twincesses, Emma and Olivia.
When she’s not ‘mom’ (read= doing laundry, making lunches, and solving kids’ world crisis), she spends every second of her free time writing what readers call compelling, fun, and loving stories. Her fiction is often inspired by real life and at times highly personal. Her novels are filled with endearingly flawed (mostly female) characters and emotional complexity. You are what you write. You write what you are.
Learn more on http://www.charlotterothwrites.com/
When she’s not ‘mom’ (read= doing laundry, making lunches, and solving kids’ world crisis), she spends every second of her free time writing what readers call compelling, fun, and loving stories. Her fiction is often inspired by real life and at times highly personal. Her novels are filled with endearingly flawed (mostly female) characters and emotional complexity. You are what you write. You write what you are.
Learn more on http://www.charlotterothwrites.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 28, 2017
Irene Hurt seems to have the perfect life: a lovely home, a handsome husband (Bruce) and an adorable son (Scottie). It may seem a little cheesy but it certainly provides a telling counterpoint to what’s to come. (As a Brit, the only part of this perfect life I found hard to understand was having a shooting range in a barn in your garden, and a culture where it is acceptable – and commonplace – for private individuals to own handguns.)
When Scottie is caught up in a shooting on his school bus, Irene and Bruce’s perfect world comes crashing down around them. Escaping serious bullet wounds but suffering a severe head injury in an effort to escape the bullets, Scottie is placed in a medically induced coma. After several days of no change, his doctors are increasingly pessimistic about his prognosis. Not just about to what extent he will recover but whether he will recover at all.
Irene and Bruce each react very differently to Scottie’s injury and prognosis and the author chooses to have these fall along pretty much stereotypical gender lines. As Scottie’s nurse, Hannah explains:
‘It’s kinda like in a marriage. The guy calls the plumber when the toilet is broken; the woman takes care of the friend with a broken heart when she comes knocking on the door. Guys only like things that can be fixed.’
Irene and Bruce’s divergent views about Scottie’s future start to create deep fault-lines in their previously rock-solid marriage.
Irene’s instinct is not to leave her son’s side and to hope for a miracle; that he will awaken from his coma and be largely unaffected by his injury. She believes that if she clings to this hope strongly and steadfastly enough that everything will work out alright. For her, it is the intensity of her belief that is crucial. In pursuit of this, she spends every minute at his bedside, speaking to him, telling him stories, playing his favourite movies, surrounding him with family photo’s in the belief that somehow he can hear or sense the things she is doing.
Bruce’s reaction is outwardly logical and less emotional. He reads all the data about severe brain injury, listens to the doctors and is convinced that Scottie would not want to live with any degree of disability. He finds it even hard to look at his son surrounded by monitors and tubes. It’s just not ‘his’ Scottie anymore. However, it turns out that Bruce’s reaction is actually more complex. In fact, I would have liked to explore the story more from Bruce’s point of view because it is revealed later in the book there are things in his past that help to explain his reaction.
I won’t say any more about how things turn out for fear of spoilers but safe to say the emotional journey that Irene and Bruce go on is fraught with pain, hostility and unwelcome revelations. Things get said and done that may not easily be forgotten. I found myself empathising with both of them at different times and in different ways. However, this is also a story of hope, determination and undying love.
A couple of minor things in the story didn’t ring quite true for me. As respite from her vigil at Scottie’s bedside, Irene is persuaded to make a trip out with her sister-in-law, Red. I won’t say where they go or what they do while they’re there, but I just couldn’t imagine Irene doing that in the state she was in. A walk in the park or by the river, maybe, not that. This is only a minor niggle because otherwise the author managed to completely draw me into the story and convey at least an idea of the physical and emotional toll of being in a situation like this. Hopefully, it’s a situation few of us will ever have to face personally.
I received a review copy courtesy of Xpresso Book Tours in return for an honest review.
When Scottie is caught up in a shooting on his school bus, Irene and Bruce’s perfect world comes crashing down around them. Escaping serious bullet wounds but suffering a severe head injury in an effort to escape the bullets, Scottie is placed in a medically induced coma. After several days of no change, his doctors are increasingly pessimistic about his prognosis. Not just about to what extent he will recover but whether he will recover at all.
Irene and Bruce each react very differently to Scottie’s injury and prognosis and the author chooses to have these fall along pretty much stereotypical gender lines. As Scottie’s nurse, Hannah explains:
‘It’s kinda like in a marriage. The guy calls the plumber when the toilet is broken; the woman takes care of the friend with a broken heart when she comes knocking on the door. Guys only like things that can be fixed.’
Irene and Bruce’s divergent views about Scottie’s future start to create deep fault-lines in their previously rock-solid marriage.
Irene’s instinct is not to leave her son’s side and to hope for a miracle; that he will awaken from his coma and be largely unaffected by his injury. She believes that if she clings to this hope strongly and steadfastly enough that everything will work out alright. For her, it is the intensity of her belief that is crucial. In pursuit of this, she spends every minute at his bedside, speaking to him, telling him stories, playing his favourite movies, surrounding him with family photo’s in the belief that somehow he can hear or sense the things she is doing.
Bruce’s reaction is outwardly logical and less emotional. He reads all the data about severe brain injury, listens to the doctors and is convinced that Scottie would not want to live with any degree of disability. He finds it even hard to look at his son surrounded by monitors and tubes. It’s just not ‘his’ Scottie anymore. However, it turns out that Bruce’s reaction is actually more complex. In fact, I would have liked to explore the story more from Bruce’s point of view because it is revealed later in the book there are things in his past that help to explain his reaction.
I won’t say any more about how things turn out for fear of spoilers but safe to say the emotional journey that Irene and Bruce go on is fraught with pain, hostility and unwelcome revelations. Things get said and done that may not easily be forgotten. I found myself empathising with both of them at different times and in different ways. However, this is also a story of hope, determination and undying love.
A couple of minor things in the story didn’t ring quite true for me. As respite from her vigil at Scottie’s bedside, Irene is persuaded to make a trip out with her sister-in-law, Red. I won’t say where they go or what they do while they’re there, but I just couldn’t imagine Irene doing that in the state she was in. A walk in the park or by the river, maybe, not that. This is only a minor niggle because otherwise the author managed to completely draw me into the story and convey at least an idea of the physical and emotional toll of being in a situation like this. Hopefully, it’s a situation few of us will ever have to face personally.
I received a review copy courtesy of Xpresso Book Tours in return for an honest review.
May 28, 2017
Amazing read from start to finish. Very emotional but worth the tears.
The main protagonist, Irene, has everything in life, the perfect life, the perfect husband, and son. One day, her son gets shot in a school shooting and ends up at the hospital in a coma. The next weeks, we follow Irene as she struggles with her faith, grief and to keep her son alive. As the story unfolds, we also learn that her husband may have had something to do with the son's killer.
I really liked how the chapter headings, Devastating Day one, two, three, etc set the stage. The chapters are few but long to mirror, I guess, the long and nerve-wracking days at the hospital. Very good read indeed.
The main protagonist, Irene, has everything in life, the perfect life, the perfect husband, and son. One day, her son gets shot in a school shooting and ends up at the hospital in a coma. The next weeks, we follow Irene as she struggles with her faith, grief and to keep her son alive. As the story unfolds, we also learn that her husband may have had something to do with the son's killer.
I really liked how the chapter headings, Devastating Day one, two, three, etc set the stage. The chapters are few but long to mirror, I guess, the long and nerve-wracking days at the hospital. Very good read indeed.
June 29, 2019
The synopsis of this novel portrays a gripping story of one mother's fight to keep her son alive, no matter what she has to sacrifice. It is exquisitely composed as a tribute to a school shooting. A poignant page turning novel that is a dynamic tear jerker. A riveting plot with compelling character's that are pragmatic.
March 21, 2018
The book is about something so unbearable I wasn't sure I wanted to read it at first, but I'm glad I did. It's thought provoking, tear jerking and a real page turner - though it's mostly taking place in one location over a short period of time, it feels very action packed.
A story about forgiveness and understanding, and a tribute to (a mothers) love and to hope.
A story about forgiveness and understanding, and a tribute to (a mothers) love and to hope.
July 4, 2019
Wow this was such a realistic, emotional read. It's the story of every mother's worst fear. It's about love and hope in a hopeless situation.
Irene has a great life, a loving husband and perfect son. One day, everything changes. There's a shooting at her son's school and he ends up in the hospital. We follow Irene as she holds on to hope and strength, struggling with her grief. I love how the story unfolded, I was completely pulled in to the story.
I enjoyed Valerie Smaldone's performance, it took me some time to become accustomed to her voice but she definitely won me over.
Irene has a great life, a loving husband and perfect son. One day, everything changes. There's a shooting at her son's school and he ends up in the hospital. We follow Irene as she holds on to hope and strength, struggling with her grief. I love how the story unfolded, I was completely pulled in to the story.
I enjoyed Valerie Smaldone's performance, it took me some time to become accustomed to her voice but she definitely won me over.
April 30, 2020
**Listened via audible**
Heartbreaking story but listening to it via audible didn’t do portray the hurt and devastation that the parents were feeling. Maybe it would have had a higher mark if I read the book instead
Heartbreaking story but listening to it via audible didn’t do portray the hurt and devastation that the parents were feeling. Maybe it would have had a higher mark if I read the book instead
June 5, 2017
Love is the one thing that we all try to hold onto, but it’s not always as simple as people like to think it is. There is all kinds of love, some that is straight forward and others that isn’t as easy to see. With this book, it tells us a story of what it’s like when all you have unlimited amount of love for your child, a whole lot of hoping and a lot of strength. Some people take life for granted, others don’t read between the lines and for others the unimaginable. Charlotte Roth writes from the heart and you can see how powerful her writing really is, it touches you in ways which you didn’t think was possible. But still she knows how to capture your attention and make you want to keep reading until the very last page.
This book is about a mother, who has pretty much everything that she could ask for, a loving husband, a perfect child between and a stable home. What more could she ask for? What started off as such an amazing end to the week, turned into the worst possible nightmare for Irene and her husband Bruce. This is the day that changes their lives and the unexpected happens. Yet no matter what happens in this story, the love and hope that Irene holds on to and has is unbelievable, she is such a strong woman and everything she goes through has my heart breaking for her. This story is truly incredible and if you haven’t read it, then I recommend you do so as Charlotte’s writing is seriously powerful.
This book is about a mother, who has pretty much everything that she could ask for, a loving husband, a perfect child between and a stable home. What more could she ask for? What started off as such an amazing end to the week, turned into the worst possible nightmare for Irene and her husband Bruce. This is the day that changes their lives and the unexpected happens. Yet no matter what happens in this story, the love and hope that Irene holds on to and has is unbelievable, she is such a strong woman and everything she goes through has my heart breaking for her. This story is truly incredible and if you haven’t read it, then I recommend you do so as Charlotte’s writing is seriously powerful.
August 13, 2017
Really emotional read. The rawness and the realness of it all.
Full review here:
https://bookstoldmeso.blogspot.com/20...
Full review here:
https://bookstoldmeso.blogspot.com/20...
June 13, 2017
Wow!
I read this book a few days after a woman I call my 2nd mama was rushed to the er and then chemically induced into a coma for 3 days. I found the story to be so incredibly accurate on all of the different emotions, technology, and medically terms thrown at us all at once. It was eerily accurate on the journey of keeping hope when it seems you are the only one. I can't rank this book high enough! Thank you for writing this novel
I read this book a few days after a woman I call my 2nd mama was rushed to the er and then chemically induced into a coma for 3 days. I found the story to be so incredibly accurate on all of the different emotions, technology, and medically terms thrown at us all at once. It was eerily accurate on the journey of keeping hope when it seems you are the only one. I can't rank this book high enough! Thank you for writing this novel
July 14, 2017
The realization that things can take a turn in the blink of an eye. For any parent, we picture the worst case scenario as our children go through their days , like they are untouchable.
The story is devastating and the aftermath makes it even worse. Trying to pick up the pieces of the life that they are now forced to live. Bruce and Irene are at a crossroads. The only answer I can see as a parent, as a mother, is to keep on fighting. The question is, what will be left when the fight is over? Does it really matter?
The hospital setting is to think scientifically, but what about Faith and miracles? We all need that miracle.
Buckle yourselves in, grab a box of Kleenex, a nice Starbucks lattee with extra foam and a double shot of espresso because this is going to be a book you want to finish in one sitting.
Charlotte Roth you plucked at the strings of my heart and left my eyes puffy and red. Can't wait to.pick up your next read.
The story is devastating and the aftermath makes it even worse. Trying to pick up the pieces of the life that they are now forced to live. Bruce and Irene are at a crossroads. The only answer I can see as a parent, as a mother, is to keep on fighting. The question is, what will be left when the fight is over? Does it really matter?
The hospital setting is to think scientifically, but what about Faith and miracles? We all need that miracle.
Buckle yourselves in, grab a box of Kleenex, a nice Starbucks lattee with extra foam and a double shot of espresso because this is going to be a book you want to finish in one sitting.
Charlotte Roth you plucked at the strings of my heart and left my eyes puffy and red. Can't wait to.pick up your next read.
July 9, 2017
This was one of the most compelling dramas I've ever read! The emotion was so thick I could almost hear the pounding of Irene's heart and feel her tears dripping as she cried on my shoulder.
It's a story of a mother's unconditional love for her son and the unending bond they share, even in near-death.
Each character has his or her own sub story to tell in this book, and I love that. It helped me connect to each one and feel his or her pain as well, which created compassion in my heart for these people, and helped me understand why they reacted the way they did to certain events.
No gaps are left open, no parts of the story unexplained. It all comes together so beautifully in the end, but man, what a ride to get there!
If you do not cry while reading this book, I suggest you get check for a pulse. :) I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true-life love stories. It's not a romance per se, but it's a story about the greatest love of all - the love of family.
It's a story of a mother's unconditional love for her son and the unending bond they share, even in near-death.
Each character has his or her own sub story to tell in this book, and I love that. It helped me connect to each one and feel his or her pain as well, which created compassion in my heart for these people, and helped me understand why they reacted the way they did to certain events.
No gaps are left open, no parts of the story unexplained. It all comes together so beautifully in the end, but man, what a ride to get there!
If you do not cry while reading this book, I suggest you get check for a pulse. :) I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true-life love stories. It's not a romance per se, but it's a story about the greatest love of all - the love of family.
July 10, 2017
A very emotional, heart wrenching book that will get to you every time you read it.
Irene Hurt is a mother and a wife who loves her family. She is getting ready for Christmas and running her shop with her sister in law when the unthinkable happens. a customer reports that a school bus of boys was shot on the way to school, to her horror she realizes her son Scottie is on that bus. we follow her thru every gut wrenching moment as the hurt family tries to cope with the unimaginable.
A definite must read how ever have your tissues ready as you read.
Irene Hurt is a mother and a wife who loves her family. She is getting ready for Christmas and running her shop with her sister in law when the unthinkable happens. a customer reports that a school bus of boys was shot on the way to school, to her horror she realizes her son Scottie is on that bus. we follow her thru every gut wrenching moment as the hurt family tries to cope with the unimaginable.
A definite must read how ever have your tissues ready as you read.
July 9, 2017
Reading this book my emotions were a mess I was crying all through the book!! This mom who worked at a hospital found out their was a shooting on a bus and what killed her she found out it was her son's bus! Her and her husband had to deal with their son being in the hospital in the coma will their marriage survive this tragedy? This incredible story about a mother and her child and the big thing does he survive? Amazing story I shed quite a few tears!!! Wow!!! I recieved this book for my honest opinion!
June 22, 2017
As a parent this is obviously one of your worst nightmares: Three students and the bus driver are killed in a school shooting by another student, and then the student turns the gun on himself. This is a story that is unfortunately so common in the US anymore, many don’t even look up from their breakfast anymore.
But what if it happened at your child's school, on your child's bus. What if you come to find out that your child was involved? How would you be able to handle the next couple weeks? The next couple years?
An intricate examination of what it is like to be in another parents shoes, Charlotte Roth takes us on an emotional journey of two people faced with the impossible decision to either hope that their son wakes up from his coma, or to pull the plug and move one without him.
The author tackled some pretty heavy subjects in this book, including but not limited to gun violence and the decision to end life saving measures. It was gritty and raw in its attempt to bring you a story that too many Americans (as well as globally) are becoming familiar with today.
There were times when it was almost painful for me to read, the connection to what I felt in a similar but much less dire situation was so strong (our newborn twins were in the NICU for 2 months). The feeling of being a mother and seeing your children in an emergency situation is never easy, even if they are just getting a cavity filled you want to make them comfortable and not in pain. Not being able to help your son while he lies lifeless in a hospital bed leaves a person feeling helpless and hopeless.
Everyone likes to say that they know exactly what they would do in this situation, but as a parent I don’t think you do until you are faced with it. This story forces you to look behind the curtain and feel Irene’s pain and the impending loss of her son, and consequently, her marriage.
Well written and fast paced, this was a story that was so much more about the characters rather than the action happening in the story, although that had me at the edge of my seat also. The author was able to make you care about them and feel what they were feeling. I liked her last book Dancing Queen, but this one cemented Roth into my heart as one of my favorite authors. What a wide scope of writing! I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
*I was given this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
July 4, 2017
The characters were done amazingly and the storyline was compelling and gripping. This author has clearly done their research as this genre of book has been portrayed perfectly. The chemistry between the two is extremley well done. And I loved the steamy scenes.
This book will leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. This book was extremely well written and has fast become of my favourite books. I will definitely want to one click future releases from this author. This book was full of different emotions with many twists and turns in the book that will keep you guessing what is going to happen till the very end.
If I could award this book more than 5 stars I would.
Definitely one awesome book to pick up
This book will leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. This book was extremely well written and has fast become of my favourite books. I will definitely want to one click future releases from this author. This book was full of different emotions with many twists and turns in the book that will keep you guessing what is going to happen till the very end.
If I could award this book more than 5 stars I would.
Definitely one awesome book to pick up
July 6, 2017
This book made me cry, made me angry and made me happy in a sense of peace.
Imagine the feeling when you are going to lose someone important to you, someone you love. The feeling is so hard to explain as it's a mixture of everything.
The author explained it quite well. Everyone has different ways in coping. The support and the loyalty in every characters in this story will help you get through it.
Read it when I was working and couldn't stop.
Imagine the feeling when you are going to lose someone important to you, someone you love. The feeling is so hard to explain as it's a mixture of everything.
The author explained it quite well. Everyone has different ways in coping. The support and the loyalty in every characters in this story will help you get through it.
Read it when I was working and couldn't stop.
July 7, 2017
This book was very tough gor me. I have a son Scotts age. It hit me hard right in the heart. Made me think about what would I do and how I would handle the situation. I cried along with Irene and Bruce. And I wanted to jump through the kindle and smack them both at times. But the book has opened a conversation in my home.
May 30, 2017
OMG
First definitely need large box of tissues very heart retching and very strong emotional feelings from beginning to end. This book is not for the weak heart I cried pretty much to the end. Beautiful well done story!!
First definitely need large box of tissues very heart retching and very strong emotional feelings from beginning to end. This book is not for the weak heart I cried pretty much to the end. Beautiful well done story!!
June 24, 2018
Charlotte's writing style is so good that keeps you glued to every single page. She created the perfect family with two parents that still love and inspire each other after more than 20 years together. They have it all until devastation strikes.
A gripping story about fear, lose, cope, hope and love. Irene is the heroine mother who never gave up on her son all the time struggling to not lose herself and her husband in the process. Bruce is the doting and protective husband and father until he realises he can't fix everything and some situations don't depend on him for being fixed. They both cope with lose in different ways, making mistakes and showing their flaws but eventually they find their way back to each other.
Great message about gun control and thank you Charlotte Roth for developing a plot from this strong and powerful message!
A gripping story about fear, lose, cope, hope and love. Irene is the heroine mother who never gave up on her son all the time struggling to not lose herself and her husband in the process. Bruce is the doting and protective husband and father until he realises he can't fix everything and some situations don't depend on him for being fixed. They both cope with lose in different ways, making mistakes and showing their flaws but eventually they find their way back to each other.
Great message about gun control and thank you Charlotte Roth for developing a plot from this strong and powerful message!
September 2, 2017
This book is so emotional and heartbreaking. This is every parents worst nightmare. But the way it was written is amazing. Nothing was glossed over. Emotions are right there in your face. It's beautiful and heart wrenching all at the same time.
August 25, 2019
Holding On To Hurt by Charlotte Roth is a gripping story about a mother’s love that I listened to on audio narrated by Valerie Smaldone. All I can say is Wow! Charlotte takes you on an emotional journey. She does an amazing job pulling you into the story and making you feel what Irene is feeling as she sits by her son’s hospital bed after he was shot. This is the first book of Charlotte’s that I have read and it definitely will not be my last. Valerie did a great job narrating. It took me a bit to get into her style of narration but once I did, I really enjoyed it.
#AudiobookObessionReviwer #AudioBookObsession
#AudiobookObessionReviwer #AudioBookObsession
November 2, 2017
OMG...this book broke my heart and pulled at every Mom heart strings I have. Just the thought of this topic brings chills down my spine. Every parents worst nightmare to say the least. This book is powerful, hard to read at times and just takes your breath away. The strength of a Mother's love knows no bounds/barriers. Great read and so beautifully written.
August 27, 2017
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. I thought this book would be more about the events surrounding the school shooting, however, the main plot really focused on the mother and father coping with the injuries of their child, left in a coma after the shooting. I could definitely relate as I've spent weeks on end on multiple occasions at the bedside of my own daughter in the hospital fighting for her life. The author very accurately portrayed that experience and the emotions that go with it. There was one aspect of the husband/wife relationship however, (that I won't specifically mention to avoid spoilers) that I didn't agree with at all and found to be totally unbelievable as part of the story.
The beginning and the ending of the book held my attention much more than most of the middle. It seemed to go on for a while without very much happening, but I guess that time was needed to help develop the marital struggles as part of the plot. I thought this book was ok, but it never quite pulled me in as I had hoped. And probably the biggest thing that bothered me about the book was the overuse of the word "um". I know that people naturally say "um" a lot and maybe the author thought her dialogue would be more realistic by using that word so much, but it got annoying to read after a while.
BOOK DETAILS:
Holding on to Hurt
by Charlotte Roth
Publication date: May 20th 2017
Genres: Adult, Contemporary
Description:
Irene Hurt’s life is perfect and she cherishes every moment with her son and her husband, until … the day she gets the call every mother dreads. Her son, Scottie is injured in a mass school shooting and is rushed to the ICU, where he’s put into a medically induced coma to wait out his fate. Devastated, Bruce pulls away and even tries to convince Irene to remove Scottie’s life support, to save his son from a life of lesser existence. But, Irene refuses to give up hope.
On her journey through grief, denial, anger and finally, acceptance, Irene discovers more about the events of that tragic day, the boy who shot her son and then took his own life, and the husband she thought she knew and could trust. Will Scottie pull through? Or, will Irene accept that sometimes, the best thing a mother can do for her child is let go?
Set in the darkest hours of winter in Seattle, Holding on to Hurt tells the gripping story of one mother’s fight to keep her son alive, no matter what she has to sacrifice.
The beginning and the ending of the book held my attention much more than most of the middle. It seemed to go on for a while without very much happening, but I guess that time was needed to help develop the marital struggles as part of the plot. I thought this book was ok, but it never quite pulled me in as I had hoped. And probably the biggest thing that bothered me about the book was the overuse of the word "um". I know that people naturally say "um" a lot and maybe the author thought her dialogue would be more realistic by using that word so much, but it got annoying to read after a while.
BOOK DETAILS:
Holding on to Hurt
by Charlotte Roth
Publication date: May 20th 2017
Genres: Adult, Contemporary
Description:
Irene Hurt’s life is perfect and she cherishes every moment with her son and her husband, until … the day she gets the call every mother dreads. Her son, Scottie is injured in a mass school shooting and is rushed to the ICU, where he’s put into a medically induced coma to wait out his fate. Devastated, Bruce pulls away and even tries to convince Irene to remove Scottie’s life support, to save his son from a life of lesser existence. But, Irene refuses to give up hope.
On her journey through grief, denial, anger and finally, acceptance, Irene discovers more about the events of that tragic day, the boy who shot her son and then took his own life, and the husband she thought she knew and could trust. Will Scottie pull through? Or, will Irene accept that sometimes, the best thing a mother can do for her child is let go?
Set in the darkest hours of winter in Seattle, Holding on to Hurt tells the gripping story of one mother’s fight to keep her son alive, no matter what she has to sacrifice.
June 24, 2018
Holding on to Hurt by Charlotte Roth is a heartbreaking story about a mother who is pushed to the limit when her idyllic life is shattered with a single bullet. Following the story of Irene Hurt who has the perfect life, a beautiful home, a handsome husband, Bruce, and an adorable son, Scottie. Irene knows that her life is the best that it is ever going to get and thanks her stars that she is lucky enough to get to live this life. Until that fateful day when her phone rings and everything that she hold dear comes crashing down around her. Scottie is caught in the cross fire of a shooting on his school bus. Suffering from severe head trauma, Scottie is placed in a medically induced coma. The longer that Scottie is under the more the doctors grow worried that Scottie may not wake up at all let alone recover. Irene can’t hear any of that though. As she attempts to hold onto to her son, her marriage, and her perfect life; she is confronted with facts about what had been happening in the background of her perfect life that she will have to work through in order to come out the other side of this tragedy. Irene and Bruce handle the shooting differently, and Roth makes it apparent that their as deep divides growing inside this perfect life that the outside world weren’t ready to see about them. From standing vigil at Scottie’s bedside and praying for a miracle to attempting to be logical about the realistic outcome each aspect of this story rang true for anyone who has been in a situation like this with a loved one. Getting to see this story from more than one perspective made it that much more of a real experience that I found myself in both parents shoes and wanting to fix Scottie for both of them. Roth is an old favorite of mine, and this story is nothing short of perfection. It’s not often that I find myself so sucked into a story that I cry with characters or shout out when things take a turn that I wasn’t expected and yet this story did all of that and more for me. I couldn’t read this story fast enough and yet I didn’t want it to end. If you are looking for a story that is guaranteed to make you cry, laugh, and yell all in the span of a chapter than this is the book for you. It is a heartbreaker for sure but probably one of the best books I have read this year….so far. I can’t wait to see what else that Roth brings to her readers in the future because if it anything like this book I will be sprinting to buy it!
May 20, 2018
“So far, we’ve been told that the shooting took place on one of the school buses right before it arrived this morning. We’re not sure how many kids were actually on the bus, but we do know that the shooter- a young man, probably a Lakeview student himself- is dead.”
Every mother’s, well every parent’s, worse nightmare now is getting a phone call from the school your child attends. We live in a world that is vastly different from the one we grew up in. God knows, that we fear sending our children to what is supposed to be a safe place, and a place to learn. It sucks. There is no sugar coating this feeling, or the impact it has on our world, let alone a parent’s heart and soul. This book dives into this head first. Right away you are hit with the feels, and the tears. I warn you now, do not sit down without a box or two. Settle in and prepare yourself to go on a journey with Irene, as she hangs in that balance of life and death for her beloved son. Charlotte Roth gives us a look at a point of view that so often gets lost in the politics, fighting, and media storms that take over when we get the story of a mass shooting. Unfortunately we are all too used to it. I loved how we got to see the side that gets lost in all of that, from the victims and the families and friends affected personally by the tragedy. I am not going to give away any more details of this book, because I feel like it would be such a disservice to those who will pick it up and dive in. I can promise you it will change you, grip your heart strings, and take you on a journey that will never leave you long after you put down this book. I do just have to say, thank you Charlotte Roth for writing this. I can’t imagine it was easy, but you did it with such grace and elegance that makes this a must read for any parent right now. I know as a mother, I have taken things away from this reading experience that I have stored away. Things I never want to use or experience, but things that I know I needed to read and learn as a mother.
May 20, 2018
The first thing I must say about Holding On To Hurt by Charlotte Roth is that this book needs to come with a warning. A warning that states ‘Do not read this book unless you are armed with a huge wad of tissues’ Oh My God this book is a huge tearjerker. I read this whole book in one sitting. I was gripped so hard to this wonderful story that I could not put it down.
Irene Hurt has the perfect life. A husband, Bruce who adores her, a lovely teenage son Scottie and she runs a gift shop with her sister in law. Then one day her whole world comes crashing down around her. Her treasured son Scottie is involved in a shooting on his school bus. 3 kids and the driver are killed and Scottie is left in a coma fighting for his life.
This book has it all: heartache, despair, hope, and the overwhelming love that a mother has for her child. It shows us the different ways that people cope with tragic events in their life. Irene is optimistic and full of hope that Scottie will survive, She spends every moment with him holding his hand and talking to him. Whereas Bruce can’t bear to spend much time at the hospital and doesn’t interact with Scottie at all. He’s convinced that their son is gone. These different ways of coping put their marriage at risk. I have to admit that I really wanted to slap Bruce hard and give Irene the biggest hug ever. This all goes to show how well Charlotte Roth created and brought these characters to life.
I would thoroughly recommend this book to others – just make sure you have plenty of tissues as this book will rip you apart.
Irene Hurt has the perfect life. A husband, Bruce who adores her, a lovely teenage son Scottie and she runs a gift shop with her sister in law. Then one day her whole world comes crashing down around her. Her treasured son Scottie is involved in a shooting on his school bus. 3 kids and the driver are killed and Scottie is left in a coma fighting for his life.
This book has it all: heartache, despair, hope, and the overwhelming love that a mother has for her child. It shows us the different ways that people cope with tragic events in their life. Irene is optimistic and full of hope that Scottie will survive, She spends every moment with him holding his hand and talking to him. Whereas Bruce can’t bear to spend much time at the hospital and doesn’t interact with Scottie at all. He’s convinced that their son is gone. These different ways of coping put their marriage at risk. I have to admit that I really wanted to slap Bruce hard and give Irene the biggest hug ever. This all goes to show how well Charlotte Roth created and brought these characters to life.
I would thoroughly recommend this book to others – just make sure you have plenty of tissues as this book will rip you apart.
June 9, 2018
Holding on to Hurt: A gripping story about a mother's love
By: Charlotte Roth
5 out of 5 stars
The story Holding on to Hurt: A gripping story about a mother's love by Charlotte Roth is a book that is both emotional and inspirational. It is the story of Irene Hurt. She finds herself in a situation that is heartbreaking and one that no parent ever wants to face. Her son has been shot and is now in a coma. Told from Irene’s POV you read about memories that she has and holds on to. You also read on how she responds and copes to the current situation. The emotions and grief that she goes through had me in tears. Her belief and strength is amazing. Even when those around her begin to doubt she holds onto hope. You want her story to end a happy one. Besides Irene that are other characters that you read about. They include those at the hospital, her husband, and other family members. The interactions between them range from heartbreaking to times when arguments/disagreements break out. Tensions and emotions run high. Irene is trying to keep her son and her marriage alive. What will happen when she learns/uncovers facts that cause her to question/trust the actions taken by her husband? Will her son recover? This is a story that you don’t just read but you feel your way through. It is well-written and includes characters that you will not soon forget. It is a book that I thought about well after I had finished the last page.
By: Charlotte Roth
5 out of 5 stars
The story Holding on to Hurt: A gripping story about a mother's love by Charlotte Roth is a book that is both emotional and inspirational. It is the story of Irene Hurt. She finds herself in a situation that is heartbreaking and one that no parent ever wants to face. Her son has been shot and is now in a coma. Told from Irene’s POV you read about memories that she has and holds on to. You also read on how she responds and copes to the current situation. The emotions and grief that she goes through had me in tears. Her belief and strength is amazing. Even when those around her begin to doubt she holds onto hope. You want her story to end a happy one. Besides Irene that are other characters that you read about. They include those at the hospital, her husband, and other family members. The interactions between them range from heartbreaking to times when arguments/disagreements break out. Tensions and emotions run high. Irene is trying to keep her son and her marriage alive. What will happen when she learns/uncovers facts that cause her to question/trust the actions taken by her husband? Will her son recover? This is a story that you don’t just read but you feel your way through. It is well-written and includes characters that you will not soon forget. It is a book that I thought about well after I had finished the last page.
May 20, 2018
Holding on to Hurt: A gripping story about a mother’s love
By Charlotte Roth
5 Stars
Whew!! WOW!! This is my second book by this author and although a quick read I was so wore out after reading it due to the strong emotions I felt while I read...I have cried during many books that I've read in my life, but there was only one other book I read years ago that touched me the way this one did. I was a snivelling mess throughout this whole story.
The storyline of which I will not get into because it needs to be gone into blind in my opinion was so strong that many many times I sat asking myself...what would I do? I even went as far as discussing this story with my husband.
I don't know how to explain how well this book was written, every emotion she wrote I literally felt deep inside. I loved it and I hated it at the same time..So hard to explain what I mean by that. I can only imagine what this author went through while writing these words, because reading them about destroyed me.
I remember reading my first book by this author going through a lot of the What would I do moments. She has an amazing talent and I already have another of her books on my kindle and I can't wait to dig into that as well as whatever else she comes up with. She is AWESOME!!
And the cover.....So beautiful!!
By Charlotte Roth
5 Stars
Whew!! WOW!! This is my second book by this author and although a quick read I was so wore out after reading it due to the strong emotions I felt while I read...I have cried during many books that I've read in my life, but there was only one other book I read years ago that touched me the way this one did. I was a snivelling mess throughout this whole story.
The storyline of which I will not get into because it needs to be gone into blind in my opinion was so strong that many many times I sat asking myself...what would I do? I even went as far as discussing this story with my husband.
I don't know how to explain how well this book was written, every emotion she wrote I literally felt deep inside. I loved it and I hated it at the same time..So hard to explain what I mean by that. I can only imagine what this author went through while writing these words, because reading them about destroyed me.
I remember reading my first book by this author going through a lot of the What would I do moments. She has an amazing talent and I already have another of her books on my kindle and I can't wait to dig into that as well as whatever else she comes up with. She is AWESOME!!
And the cover.....So beautiful!!
May 20, 2018
Holding on to Hurt: A gripping story about a mother's love by Charlotte Roth is an emotional story about family and never taking anything for granted. This is not my first book by this author, it is my favorite. She pulled me in right from the first word and kept me engaged until the last word. She made me feel as if I was right there with the characters. Her characters are relatable and connectable. They took me on an emotional roller coaster ride of various emotions through the whole book. This is a story about how a person's life can change faster then you can blink. Irene thought she had the perfect life until one phone call changed all that for her. This is where the story starts of how she fights for her son and her marriage. She goes through so many emotions and finds out more about what happened and the people around her. I enjoyed all the characters in this story. Irene, the mother in this story, is so strong and my favorite character. She goes through so much but the one thing that remained and unchanged is her unconditional love. She really does show you what it is like to go through all of the emotions including grief and trust. I highly recommend this book. Find out what one mother goes through as she feels her life is crumbling around her.
June 14, 2018
Holding on to Hurt
By Charlotte Roth
5 stars
I often shy away from books that talk about loving and raising children due to personal problems however I have read a book by this author before and I was really struck by her beautiful writing so I thought I would give this one a try and I am so, so glad that I read it. It was such an emotional story but so beautifully written. Charlotte Roth clearly has an amazing talent for conveying exactly how her characters are feeling across to her readers; I was completely captivated by Irene’s story from beginning to end. My heart really did hurt so much for her and I was close to tears on more than one occasion. She went through so much grief and heartache but her strength was inspirational. She was definitely determined to hold on to her hope that everything would work out ok and I absolutely wanted that for her.
I think because the author chose to write from Irene’s POV I really felt like I could understand her character well and this enabled me to feel connected with her.
This is absolutely one of these stories that has you thinking about it long after you have finished. It was written incredibly well and readers should definitely one click it today!!
By Charlotte Roth
5 stars
I often shy away from books that talk about loving and raising children due to personal problems however I have read a book by this author before and I was really struck by her beautiful writing so I thought I would give this one a try and I am so, so glad that I read it. It was such an emotional story but so beautifully written. Charlotte Roth clearly has an amazing talent for conveying exactly how her characters are feeling across to her readers; I was completely captivated by Irene’s story from beginning to end. My heart really did hurt so much for her and I was close to tears on more than one occasion. She went through so much grief and heartache but her strength was inspirational. She was definitely determined to hold on to her hope that everything would work out ok and I absolutely wanted that for her.
I think because the author chose to write from Irene’s POV I really felt like I could understand her character well and this enabled me to feel connected with her.
This is absolutely one of these stories that has you thinking about it long after you have finished. It was written incredibly well and readers should definitely one click it today!!
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