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Burning Brydges
The problem was caused by flames so it seemed logical for it to end in smoke.
Michael Brydges, just wanted to be Chief of Police in Douglas, Ga. He worked hard, neglected his family, and patched empty promises with “unwanted gifts” for it. He didn’t want his family to want for anything. All they wanted was him.
After losing his wife and daughter, he allowed the daughter that he was left to raise to get away with whatever she wanted. No matter the cost, crime, or reason. “She’s grieving,” he explained. Not realizing that each time he “fanned the flames” her behavior would grow worse; causing her to explode with deceit, anger, and violence.
Did he hand over the match that would cause the flame to burn the bridge that should have brought them together? Did he add fuel to the fire that would consume the life of the daughter that was still living?
Or is it all her fault?
Michael Brydges, just wanted to be Chief of Police in Douglas, Ga. He worked hard, neglected his family, and patched empty promises with “unwanted gifts” for it. He didn’t want his family to want for anything. All they wanted was him.
After losing his wife and daughter, he allowed the daughter that he was left to raise to get away with whatever she wanted. No matter the cost, crime, or reason. “She’s grieving,” he explained. Not realizing that each time he “fanned the flames” her behavior would grow worse; causing her to explode with deceit, anger, and violence.
Did he hand over the match that would cause the flame to burn the bridge that should have brought them together? Did he add fuel to the fire that would consume the life of the daughter that was still living?
Or is it all her fault?
250 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2018
8 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Princess F.L. Gooden
13 books15 followersIn 2014 her very first novel, with the very talented and gifted Best Selling Author and co-founder of Brown Girls Books, Victoria Christopher Murray, was published.
Princess is respected in all of her gifts. She is a dramatist, poet, motivational speaker, novelist, educator, producer, director, actor, dancer, and singer, but her favorite titles are wife and mother. She is married to Reginald R. Gooden. They collectively have six children. All of which are wonderfully gifted as well.
Princess is respected in all of her gifts. She is a dramatist, poet, motivational speaker, novelist, educator, producer, director, actor, dancer, and singer, but her favorite titles are wife and mother. She is married to Reginald R. Gooden. They collectively have six children. All of which are wonderfully gifted as well.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 26, 2018
This is my first ARC and I'm grateful the author (my sister scribe) trusted me enough to ask me. I was honored to read this book.
I love unique, out of the box, storylines that are intriguing without force. This book did that very well. It never slowed down or had me feeling bored. Just when my nerves calmed down, the craziness picked right back up. Along with my blood pressure. Lol!
For the record, I wanted to strangle Michael! Like reach my hands into the book and just choke him out! I wanted to like him, I really did, but his lack to prioritize his family and their needs over his own desire to exceed at his career was too much.
And Monica stayed longer than me. I would have left them all in Savannah as I threw up the deuces from the van.
Also... Mama B got on my last nerve! I wanted her to go sit down in her own house and stop enabling her son to be less than. I know as a mother, she thought she was helping but she was actually causing more harm. It's crazy that no one, outside of his wife, actually complained about his work schedule. His mom should have seen that he was working too much and neglecting his family when she had to constantly step in to pick up his load of the responsibility.
There was a balance to be found but Michael refused to seek it. After getting tired of providing excuses, he just started apologizing and moving on. He never changed. Even with the whole situation involving his daughter, all he could think about was what people would say. That was his first thought. His only thought. Crazy! Michael failed his family and in doing so, he failed himself.
At the end, hearing his daughter's version of events tied the story together. The final piece of the puzzle. I don't think she was mentally ill. I think she was lost and struggling to cope with life and grief without structure, discipline, or guidance. She was never held accountable for her actions and that's what ultimately led to her downfall.
This was a great book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
I love unique, out of the box, storylines that are intriguing without force. This book did that very well. It never slowed down or had me feeling bored. Just when my nerves calmed down, the craziness picked right back up. Along with my blood pressure. Lol!
For the record, I wanted to strangle Michael! Like reach my hands into the book and just choke him out! I wanted to like him, I really did, but his lack to prioritize his family and their needs over his own desire to exceed at his career was too much.
And Monica stayed longer than me. I would have left them all in Savannah as I threw up the deuces from the van.
Also... Mama B got on my last nerve! I wanted her to go sit down in her own house and stop enabling her son to be less than. I know as a mother, she thought she was helping but she was actually causing more harm. It's crazy that no one, outside of his wife, actually complained about his work schedule. His mom should have seen that he was working too much and neglecting his family when she had to constantly step in to pick up his load of the responsibility.
There was a balance to be found but Michael refused to seek it. After getting tired of providing excuses, he just started apologizing and moving on. He never changed. Even with the whole situation involving his daughter, all he could think about was what people would say. That was his first thought. His only thought. Crazy! Michael failed his family and in doing so, he failed himself.
At the end, hearing his daughter's version of events tied the story together. The final piece of the puzzle. I don't think she was mentally ill. I think she was lost and struggling to cope with life and grief without structure, discipline, or guidance. She was never held accountable for her actions and that's what ultimately led to her downfall.
This was a great book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
May 6, 2018
WOW!
Yessss! This piece had me all over the place. Sad at one point and felt pity for Michael but then when he let that child get out of hand, I was like he need to whip her behind good. Mama B was a trip and she was down with whipping that tail. Then it got crazy and the twist to the plot had me on a roller coaster ride of emotions! I can go on and on but I don’t want to let something slip and ruin the shocker that had me like...WHAT! You just have to read for yourself! I’m waiting for a movie of this one!
Yessss! This piece had me all over the place. Sad at one point and felt pity for Michael but then when he let that child get out of hand, I was like he need to whip her behind good. Mama B was a trip and she was down with whipping that tail. Then it got crazy and the twist to the plot had me on a roller coaster ride of emotions! I can go on and on but I don’t want to let something slip and ruin the shocker that had me like...WHAT! You just have to read for yourself! I’m waiting for a movie of this one!
October 26, 2020
Author, Princess F.L. Gooden, went over and beyond, with unexpected surprises, mixed emotions, and a taste of suspense in this novel. She was incredibly detailed in the timeline of events. The focus of the novel was with the characters attentions and behaviors…straight dysfunctional family! Main character, Michael, a man that loves his wife and twin daughters, neglects their needs…job first family later. When this happens, Michael comes up with every excuse to do better and apologizes every time for his actions. But when he mentally and physically disconnects from his family to strive in his career, it leads to a road of destruction and lost for one of his twin daughters. As Michael pacifies this daughter, good and evil are at war. This daughter displayed behaviors and was at war with herself, father, and lost. She showed malice, cruel intentions and was not being held accountable for her actions. Sooner or later, she had to deal with the consequences leading to that old Proverb saying: “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” Great read!
October 20, 2020
Burning Brydges was an emotional read for me, I was able to relate to several things in the book that were going on. I won’t name those things because I do not wish to give spoilers, I love children characters in books because most of the time they are very innocent and say the sweetest things to bring a smile to your face.
This family was dealing with a lot of issues that we often tend to try to sweep under the rug and not deal them with head on or seek professional help. I do feel like the book left some situations open that I feel like could have been addressed a little bit more for clarification. Overall it was @ great read and I enjoyed it.
This family was dealing with a lot of issues that we often tend to try to sweep under the rug and not deal them with head on or seek professional help. I do feel like the book left some situations open that I feel like could have been addressed a little bit more for clarification. Overall it was @ great read and I enjoyed it.
April 30, 2018
WOW a great page turner. Princess F. L. Gooden has penned a great story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This family was so dysfunctional. Michael who is a father that neglected his family which caused him to lose his wife and daughter. Once he is abled to move on he still neglected his daughter and new wife.
Mama B (Michael's mother) was a help but she also caused more problems in her sons life.
His daughter was definitely out of control. She was seeking her own identity by acting out and the love of her father.
Princess F. Goooden has penned a great novel with a twist. If you are looking for a great read, this book is for you.
This family was so dysfunctional. Michael who is a father that neglected his family which caused him to lose his wife and daughter. Once he is abled to move on he still neglected his daughter and new wife.
Mama B (Michael's mother) was a help but she also caused more problems in her sons life.
His daughter was definitely out of control. She was seeking her own identity by acting out and the love of her father.
Princess F. Goooden has penned a great novel with a twist. If you are looking for a great read, this book is for you.
October 24, 2020
A story of life after great loss. A father and daughter dealing with pain and grief. A touching story of how the loss of a loved one can affect you.
I sympathized and I also was mad and wanted to jack Tavia up at the same time. I get she was grieving but she was out of control... and her father was letting her be that way.
No spoilers.
I sympathized and I also was mad and wanted to jack Tavia up at the same time. I get she was grieving but she was out of control... and her father was letting her be that way.
No spoilers.
July 3, 2018
Great Read
Initially, I didn't think I was going to like the book. But I kept reading and got hook. So many times we let our children get out of control and not let them deal with the consequences. This book was a wake up call and !liked the twist in the end.
Initially, I didn't think I was going to like the book. But I kept reading and got hook. So many times we let our children get out of control and not let them deal with the consequences. This book was a wake up call and !liked the twist in the end.
October 24, 2020
Regret can be a burden also . . This story had me on a roller coaster . The exact reason why some kids are the way they are they don’t get vest . I also took away the point of why we shouldn’t take our live ones for granted . The next second is not promised to her .
October 24, 2020
Great Story!
Burning Brydges
Princess F.L. Gooden
This was a great story... Didn't see some of the twists coming!
-Venita Alderman Brandon
Burning Brydges
Princess F.L. Gooden
This was a great story... Didn't see some of the twists coming!
-Venita Alderman Brandon
October 24, 2020
Great read dealing with a tragic family death. I personally feel if the child would have gotten help early on would have been a different outcome. I also feel she needed more discipline.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews