Being shattered doesn’t always mean you’re broken and unusable. For Ally and her family, fun and laughter are a way of life until a catastrophic tornado violently rips away everything she holds dear. Bitter, broken, and plagued with an onslaught of memories that bring the world around her to a screeching halt, Ally’s faith is shattered and she can no longer see the light at the end of the tunnel. She is forced to start over in a new town with an unlikely friend, Natalie, who sees something in Ally that she can’t see in herself. But with no faith or hope left to cling to and an anger that burns deep within, the only option that seems plausible is to simply give up. When Natalie refuses to allow her to throw her life away, Ally slowly begins picking up the shattered pieces of her life. When another horrible, unforeseen tragedy strikes a second time, Ally can’t comprehend why God would allow such horrible things to happen to someone trying so hard. Can Ally overcome yet another tragedy and allow God to heal her, or will she finally accept defeat and succumb to her grief? Shattered But Not Easily Broken is a story of devastating loss, heartbreaking sorrow, and the power of miracles masterfully woven by USA Today best-selling author Mikel Wilson.
Mikel Wilson, is a USA TODAY best-selling and award winning author who has taken the literary world by storm with his captivating series, "Shattered Series and his Orphans Revenge Series." His imagination knows no bounds, crafting vibrant worlds within the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Mikel's stories are rich tapestries of action, mystery, romance, and fascinating characters, featuring everything from werewolves and vampires to Greek gods.
Born and raised in the spirited city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Mikel is the youngest of seven siblings. Growing up in a bustling household with two brothers and five sisters, he was never short on inspiration or companionship. His upbringing was deeply influenced by faith, being the son of a preacher. This spiritual foundation remains a guiding force in his life, as he now serves as the minister of music at his local church, where he finds joy in combining his love for music with his faith.
Outside of his literary achievements, Mikel is a devoted family man. He and his wife, Danielle, are blessed with four incredible children who inspire him daily with their curiosity and creativity. Together, they navigate the beautiful chaos of life, drawing strength from one another and the values instilled in them.
Through his writing, Mikel seeks to take readers on unforgettable journeys, exploring the limitless possibilities that the fusion of science fiction and fantasy has to offer. His work invites readers to join him on these adventures, promising that there is always more to discover.
As a pro-choice, atheist, liberal feminist I am probably not the target audience for a novel like this, and in full disclosure I did receive an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. However, this was a sweet story of love, loss and hope. Ally and Brian seemingly have it all. A home, a loving relationship and three children they adore. Then tragedy strikes, and it leaves Ally adrift and questioning her faith. Enter Natalie. Natalie is a wonderfully warm, funny and charitable character who take Ally in and works to restore her faith in God. Now, in all honesty, the religious aspect was a little overwhelming for me. Mostly because it was mentioned almost every second page, but as I previously said, I am an atheist, so it would seem overwhelming to me. The pace of the novel was like a saunter down an idyllic country road. There were bits of action and a few surprises to keep me reading. The inner monologue of Ally, while providing some insight into Ally herself, seemed to halt the progress of the story as it didn’t really flow with what was happening. While Ally in unconscious following the event, I wondered if it was necessary to the plot to recount the medical attention she received. Some skips in time, like waiting to see if Ally was a compatible donor for Natalie, could have used a page break or have it be the start of the new chapter. I had to go back and check if the passage of time had been mentioned. Natalie’s illness was something I did not expect, and I found myself reaching for the tissue box. Ally regains her faith in her work helping babies at the hospital and caring for Natalie. She is reunited with her family in the sweetest ways and along with Natalie, a new baby adopted from the hospital and a new puppy, life is once again good. Ultimately this book spoke to me in terms of finding one’s inner strength in the face of life altering adversity. It was well written and emotional in all the right places.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It is a beautiful day in southern Alabama. Then it starts to rain and suddenly a tornado tears apart Ally’s world. She wakes in a hospital several counties away from her home. She is heartbroken to know that she has lost everything, including her family. A religious nurse at the hospital, Natalie, steps up to help Ally even though Ally is filled with grief and hates God. She constantly questions Natalie about how she can be so positive when she doesn’t know what Ally has lost.
Ally’s world is crushed. My heart broke for her knowing what she had lost. I understood the pain she was in but I have to commend Natalie for continuing to push her. Then when I learned more about Natalie, I was almost in tears. She is such a strong woman but it came from having her own troubles.
This story asks the reader to have faith and trust in God but not in a preachy way. I loved how it came across but I can see where some people might not like that. Personally I think that is exactly what Ally needed and clearly what made Natalie the strong person she was.
This is a touching story and one that I strongly recommend everyone read. Life can be wonderful and completely destroyed within seconds but faith is the key to continuing on with the struggle.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Shattered But Not Easily Broken centers around a tornado and its devastating effects on one family's life. That, in itself, makes for a rollercoaster ride of a story, but this one is so much more than that. This story follows Ally, lost and alone, as she deals with the loss of everything - quite literally, everything. I started this one with the intention of reading a chapter or two before bed, but when I looked up, it was the middle of the night and I had read the last page. Once these characters had me in their clutches, they didn't let go. Speaking of characters, I absolutely loved Natalie and her cookies! Mikel Wilson has a writing style that pulled me right in and made me feel the emotions of the story right along with its characters. It's heartwrenching, it's uplifting, and it's everything in between. And it all just feels real. If you've ever been to that place where you wonder why me, why is this happening to me, you'll understand Ally's journey. This is a story of loss, but more than that, it's a story of faith and of hope. To sum it up, Wilson has written a beautiful story, and anyone who can make me cry both sad and happy tears in about a hundred pages has done their job and done it well.
In a time where God's power and love, mercy and goodness, is needed more than ever comes a story so in tune with everyday life it's. . . well it's all God. This story could have easily come through as preachy or unreal but no the author took the time and love to make it a strong inspirational, emotional, reaffirming and uplifting read. The way God moved and worked in this story helps the reader understand that there is always a plan, and only God knows.
While Addison is dealing with the devastation and loss of everything she has including her family God does thangs in His own way. While she is dealing and searching for her family, her faith is tested, her fears are faced, her strength is renewed, her love and understanding of God is depended. There are many things of the heart, mind and soul addressed here and it's done well.
This is my first read by this author and I love how his character is allowed the emotions and then helped through them without judgement. It's not treated as an overnight cure, or quick easy fix, the impact is shared and so is the growth. Life is real but God is so much more and this story shows His love makes all the difference.
Allison and Brian are a happily married couple. They live ina small house in Alabama with their three kids. They are enjoying their day. Ot is like any other day. They are outside and it begins to rain. They play in the rain and then go inside to weather the storm. They go to bed and then BOOM. Their lives will never be the same. We follow Allison on her journey. There was a tornado that tore through her home and she was sent an hour away from he home. She has no idea of how to find her family. She doesn't know if they are alive. She had no idea what to do. She is in a dark place because her life was never meant to be like this and she wants to just die and join her family on the other side. Natalie, a nurse in the hospital will not allow for that to happen. She takes care of Allison and brings her into her home. They become a little family of two for over a year. Natalie helps Allison to build her faith and to keep fighting for the possibility of one day being with her family again.
It was a good book. I have never considered what could happen to a displaced family in 2020. But this was good.
Shattered But Not Easily Broken By Mikel Wilson What do you do? What do you do when one minute you're trying to get to your babies whose a few feet away while your home as you know it is literally being ripped to shreds ? Yet, the next minute you wake up in a field a hour away from your home? Ally was desperate to unite with her family but the stranger on the side of the road would only rush her to the hospital to seek medical attention immediately. Talking with police and calling all nearby hospitals, Ally still had no luck in locating her family after the tornado ripped through her home. Now stranded with nowhere to go, not a penny to her name and no home to return to, Ally didn’t know what she would do or where she would turn after getting discharged from the hospital. Angels must be real and Ally's angel name just happens to be Natalie. 4*
Talk about a tear-jerker!! This a fast paced story-line with believable characters. Ally loses it all when a tornado leaves her homeless and worse, alone. She struggles through the stages of grief in a manner that immerses you in her feelings. My heart broke over and over again for her as she tried to deal with not only loosing her family but loosing her faith, as well. She becomes angry and bitter, and even feels she has lost her will to live. Still, she fights to try to hold on tightly to one little spark of hope. Natalie, one of her nurses, takes her in and tries to pour love and faith into Ally in an effort to reconnect her with God and just as Ally seems to be finding her way back, she gets twisted up in another tragedy. This story kept me laughing, crying, grieving, hoping, and praising God the whole way through it.
This book shows how tragedy can harden someone’s heart. Pain hardens the heart and it’s hard to find joy. It definitely also shows that who you are around matters, though she had a hardened heart a positive influence in her life made a huge impact even when she felt and acted unlovable. This book also shows that when you involve yourself in the very category of the pain you feel (the lady working with babies after loosing her own) sets her up for healing and softening of the heart. It’s important that we heal. I believe this book sets a perfect example of faith and healing even when you don’t feel strong enough to move forward.
Very well written,reminding us how our faith should never falter, no matter the circumstances that God his in control. Reminded me of the April when tornados had hit the areas of sweetwater, linden, nanafalia areas, it was only a day r to after burying my older sister whom I had helped care for for years,through many sicknesses. So the words of hope shared have an extra meaning for my. Thank you, my friend. Mikel, your kindness and love for Christ are ever present! Looking foreword to more of your books, keep me informed
This book is simply remarkable. It was filled with deep emotions, triumphs, and losses. This story features Ally, and she is on the edge of bitterness and has lost her faith. Wilson writes an exemplary inspirational story about a connection between Ally and Natalie, who learn to rise above despair. It's a story that will bring tears to your eyes, gulps in your throat, heart break and faith. Sometimes we all need someone to show us the way.
Shattered But Not Easily Broken is about the devastating effects a tornado has on one family's life. This book draws you in and makes you feel as though you are right there with them in the midst of all the struggles. This family not only struggles to deal with the trauma of being in a tornado but the roller coaster of emotions that it leaves in its wake. Ally was shaken and her faith was tested but only time will tell if she can push through.
This book started off slow. A normal family living a normal life then tragedy struck and ripped their lives to shreds. Poor Ally almost lost her faith and her mind until an Angel named Natalie showed up. Slowly but surely Natalie helped Ally gain her faith back and GOD showed up and showed out! That was an awesome read!!!
The title of this book fit this story perfectly. Ally thought she lost it all in the midst of the storm. She was also totally broken, but Natalie never gave up on her. Once she realized GOD was in control, she relied on him to comfort her. It was trying at times, but she kept her faith that things would work out. LET GO AND LET GOD.
Wow! I don’t even know where to begin. This book is written with a firsthand experience on the struggles of keeping your faith in your darkest hour. I felt everything like I was right there living it with Ally. It truly was a captivating read. AND Natalie is an amazing character! Everyone should have someone like her in their life! I can’t wait to see what this author does next!
This book was awesome. It shows to have faith in God so that He can show you the way. Even though we want things to go our way we always have to wait on Him for our prayers to be answered. Always pray and keep your faith especially during the rough times.
This story was a beautiful tale about love and everlasting faith. What we always deem as impossible God makes very possible. I really enjoyed this and hope to see more from this writer.
I just love happy endings. Ally never gave up hope on her family and i loved it. Natalie was like her angel and was there throughout it all. She knew it in her heart that her family was out there somewhere
I loved the book. Such a great story. Ally was separated from her family when a tornado came through there home one day. That is when she meet Natielle who took her in. I recommend this book cause it lets you know that there is a way of happiness no matter what live throws at you.
This is the first book i have read by this author and im so glad it did. Its a phenomenal read. It captivates you from the first page and keep you reading. This story has you feeling exactly what the characters are going through. Always have faith
I have read some emotionally charged books, but for me this one topped them all! Oh! My! Goodness! If you want a book that reaches into your heart, grabs your emotions, and squeezes them out of you, this book is for you! Wow!
Shattered But Not Easily Broken Was A Great Book. It Had You Entertained And Pulled Into The Story. The Emotion Was Real And You Could Always Feel The Pain And Tears From The Characters. Not Giving Away Too Much Info, ButvAllybWas A True Survivor Of So Much Heartache And Pain. You Must Read This Book.