Unbroken Threads

by Jennifer Klepper

Jessica Donnelly’s life is beginning to unravel. When the attorney turned stay-at-home mom tentatively volunteers to represent Amina Hamid, a woman seeking asylum, Jessica must learn an unfamiliar area of the law. Soon, rising opposition to Muslim immigration and unexpected prejudices put her relationships on shaky ground.

Amina fled Syria with little more than memories that now fight against the images splashed on the news. Seeking a secure future and freedom from guilt and grief, she must learn to trust others amidst the reality of fear and hate.

To find stability, Jessica and Amina will both need to harness their own strengths, which may lie in connections that transcend generations, cultures, and continents.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Book Club, Social Issues

280 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2018

About the author

Jennifer Klepper is the USA Today bestselling author of The Last Road Trip and Unbroken Threads.

Born and raised in Iowa and Nebraska, she attended college in Dallas, law school in Charlottesville, and worked in Texas and Massachusetts before settling for good in Maryland. She's worked for Big Law, small law, start-ups, and Google, most recently co-founding tech start-up Early Works. She lives in a forest by a river near Annapolis, Maryland.

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling and powerful story that brings today’s headlines to the pages...

This was a timely and thought-provoking story that made you really think about some uncomfortable topics... this book really put a human face on the immigration conflict, and no matter what side of the issue you land on this book will make you question your opinions... if you are like me Syria is just a place you hear about on the news and don’t give too much thought about, after reading this I googled what is going on and it was extremely eye-opening and tragic.... there certainly is no easy answer to this problem, but this book really made me realize that it has an impact on all of us, it has an impact on our humanity...

Jessica has a good life, a successful husband, three lovely children, a beautiful home, and the luxury of being a stay at home mom... she was also a lawyer before she decided to stay home with her kids and now she has been asked to represent a client pro bono... Amina is a Muslim Syrian refugee seeking asylum in the US.... The first meeting between these two ladies was rough, but as they began to really get to know one another they developed a beautiful and strong bond... and in time as I believe everyone will discover they had more in common than not... really when it comes down to it we are all just skin and bone and heart....

I really felt a connection with Jessica where as I felt compassion for Amina... they were both very strong women in their own way, coming from such different backgrounds... it was quite interesting and disturbing what the reaction of some of Jessica‘s family and friends was.... made me wonder what my own family and friends reaction would be in a similar situation? Also made me realize I know very little about the Muslim religion, the situation in Syria, and the process of attaining asylum..... I also had to come to terms that as liberal and non-judge mental as I believe I am, I still have some biases... always nice to read a book that makes you think and challenge yourself....

Absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys a well told story that is timely and compelling!

[Suzanne Leopold (Suzy Approved Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica Donnelly has been a stay at home mom and is now craving more purpose in her life since her children have reached their teens. She puts her legal background to use as a volunteer at the International Asylum Project. She is quickly assigned to Amina Hamid, a Syrian refugee trying to get her green card. Their first meeting is unsuccessful with Amina unwilling to trust her and Jessica feeling out of practice.

Amina’s reluctance is due to her previous experience with a lawyer who mishandled her application. However, after a few more meetings, Amina agrees to let Jessica work on her case. Jessica eventually learns about Amina’s life and how she ended up in Baltimore. As she becomes more engaged in Amina’s case she is forced to confront the prejudices and divergent opinions surrounding immigration.

This debut novel by Jennifer Klepper will leave you thinking for days after you read it. Unbroken Threads is a timely novel that uses different characters to illustrate opposing positions on a tough social issue. I will be interested to see what she has in store for her next novel.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbroken Threads is a compelling novel about two women...Amina, a Syrian refugee hopping to attain asylum in the United States, and Jessica, the attorney who has been assigned to help Amina through the process. It was fascinating to watch the relationship of these two women develop, as they each struggle with their own biases and fears, each of them at a turning point in their lives. The author pulls no punches in telling this story, with moments of raw emotion as Amina tells Jessica her story, as well as the chasm that develops between Jessica and her husband, whose disapproval and disdain of the relationship between the women drips off the pages. This book is timely and riveting, an inside look at the immigrants who are desperate to leave their own countries and families and the difficulties and prejudice that they encounter as they try to build a new life.

[Clara I · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very thoughtful, timely, well-written book that followed two women, a Syrian refugee who was seeking asylum in the United States, and a Securities Lawyer turned Stay-at-Home-Mom who is doing a volunteer pro bono job helping her through the process. Jessica, the lawyer, realizes that she is more prejudiced than she believed she was. The way Ms. Klepper delivered this was spot on. It was so emotional, and made me realize I was more prejudiced than I thought I was too. It was interesting to see that both of these women had biases toward each other, and it was so special to see them grow toward each other in friendship. All of the interactions in the book ran between being something very believable to truly incredible, whether it was between Jessica and Amina, the Syrian refugee, or Jessica and one of her family members, and there were plenty of each. When I say very believable, I mean in the way that when I read it, it reminds me of a scene from my own family, like she could have spied on us one night at dinner and written everything down. Its just that close to reality. Though this book seems on the surface like its about a Syrian refugee or prejudice, and certainly those are major themes in the book, its really about two women finding themselves. I loved it.

[Amanda Skenandore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbroken Threads is a timely and powerful novel. Well-written and engaging, it weaves together the stories of to two women—an American lawyer turned stay-at-home and a Syrian refugee seeking asylum. Despite their first, somewhat rocky, encounter these women come to touch each others’ lives, each forcing the other to examine her past and lay claim to the present. The circumstances of the story were as harrowing and eye-opening as they were heartwarming. As I read, I couldn’t help but reflect upon my own privileges, biases, and untapped dreams. In a world flooded with flashy headlines and 30-second news clips, stories like Unbroken Threads that delve into the complex and personal are so important and make for a rewarding read.

[T.C. Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbroken Threads is the story of two women, one a corporate lawyer turned stay-at-home mom, the other a Syrian refugee seeking asylum in a country full of anti-Muslim prejudice. Jessica, the former lawyer, volunteers to help Amina, the Syrian refugee, with her case. Neither trusts the other, but the more they learn about each other, the closer they bond. Great character development; I felt like I was a member of Jessica's family by the end. Looking forward to the next one!

[Carla Suto · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNBROKEN THREADS by Jennifer Klepper is a compelling and thought-provoking novel about family and immigration into the United States. The story is told from the points of view of two women – Amina, a Syrian refugee seeking asylum in the US and Jessica, a lawyer turned stay-at-home mom, who is volunteering at a non-profit organization that helps refugees through the legal process. The relationship between Amina and Jessica gets off to a rough start, but eventually develops into a mutually strong and caring bond once they are able to shed their biases, mistrust and fear. The character development is excellent and the immigrant experience is told with honesty and empathy. I was totally drawn into this powerful and timely debut novel and look forward to reading future books by Jennifer Klepper.

[Barbara Conrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most timely of books regarding a war that continues and a people who suffer endlessly. Not just in their own country, but in ours as well.
Jessica Donnelly is surprised by her own bias and works hard to change her first reaction to a Muslim client.
Amina, her client, must work equally hard to rid herself of the mistrust that she wraps around herself for protection. Both women move mountains.
But the biggest mountain mover is Ms. Klepper. Her debut novel required guts and empathy and knowledge. her writing style is clean and smooth. I, literally, cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of this story in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Buy this book. Share it. You won't be disappointed.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to Jennifer Klepper, Author of "Unbroken Threads" for such a unique, contemporary, emotional, intense, captivating, riveting, and enthralling novel. Jennifer Kleeper has vividly described some issues that have made me reflect and think after reading her novel.  The Genres for this novel are Fiction and Women's Fiction. The timeline of the story is in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story.

The author describes her colorful cast of characters as complex and complicated. Jessica Donnelly  has three active children , a Golden doodle running around, and a successful husband. Jessica is an attorney that has not practiced law at years, and not certain what her goals should be. Jessica volunteers to represent women that want to stay in this country, using her legal skills. What she never imagines is that her first client is a less than eager women, Amina Hamid, requesting asylum. With the political climate the way it is, Jessica is facing all kinds of feedback and some is from her family. At times there is danger. 

I appreciate the way the author has done her research on the Muslim community. Jennifer Klepper writes her story in such a dignified and professional way. I highly recommend this novel for readers that appreciate contemporary issues and individual growth. I also like that the author discusses important topics such as family, communication, love, support and hope.

[Jennifer Haupt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story, and can't wait to read more by Jennifer Klepper!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

(1) A good story (2) well told are the two criteria I use to recommend any book for any genre, and are why I love this book. Unbroken Threads hits these two in an unexpected way, which makes it a great story, well told. It hits on points that will be raw and rewarding to men and women readers and have been fascinating to me my whole life (I’m a man): strong women, how do they do it, how do they put up with us and life and not be furious. I never expect to be able to have true empathy, but I do have awe being the son of, father to, colleague to, and husband to strong, smart, creative women. Being allowed to be part of their lives in this book is amazing and mystifying.

Unbroken Threads gives us a deep look at the messy inside of figuring yourself out. You get to see how powerful the friendships and family relationships of other strong women are just part of their superpowers. Take “Zero Dark Thirty”, “The Client”, and “The Incredible Shrinking Woman” [if you saw ISW as a metaphor and not an underappreciated screwball comedy] and mash them together, and you’ll see more reasons to read this book. You’ll see yourself or your friends and family in Klepper’s characters and uncover their some of their superpowers.

Klepper’s story also woke me up as I’ve become numb to Syria and the disaster there. The author takes the question, how does a woman have peace and satisfaction with herself with all of the normal family, creative, and professional challenges, and gives deeper perspective. Klepper takes the concept from “did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels,” to “backwards and in heels while protecting your family and yourself from people trying to kill you.”

Further how her characters overcome the prejudice we all have (especially because we think we don't) to appreciate challenges across cultures and time, and how family appreciation from all directions is a superpower in and of itself makes this a great story well told and is why I say, “Dear Author, please write us more books.”

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me this book is a must read. It helped me to see inside the heart of a woman who had to flee her home. I can't even imagine! Open your heart to love and understanding. This book will also shine a light on prejudices that divide a world with hate!

[Leah DeCesare · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.leahdecesare.com/book-revi...
It’s such a privilege to be a part of the Suzy Approved Blog Tour for Unbroken Threads. I had such fun getting to know Jennifer Klepper at a writer’s conference last spring. We hung out with a wonderful group of Women’s Fiction Writers Association members, chatting about the craft of writing and traipsing around Boston on a hunt for cannoli.

As a reader, I found this to be a touching story about the power of human connection. Timely and thoughtful, Unbroken Threads released at the end of August and highlights how we are all connected. Jennifer Klepper shines light on the war torn Syria and the resulting refugee crisis with sensitivity and compassion. She lets the reader see and empathize with differing viewpoints and shows the value in eye-to-eye, face-to-face, real connections. I loved seeing the relationship between Amina and Jessica unfold as the two women, from opposite sides of the world, navigate the developing friendship.

My favorite lines were first from Jessica, an American, and Fayiz, a Muslim Syrian immigrant.

“We’re not all bad,” Jessica said softly, mostly to herself.
“I know,” Fayiz responded. “Neither are we.”

Personally, I identified with Jessica’s life stage-the challenges of raising teens and the search for a fulfilling career following years (or decades) of focusing on family and home-life.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for our times. Like many of the characters in this book, Unbroken Threads dares you to confront your hidden biases even when you don't believe you have any. I loved everything about this story and the believable, multi-dimensional characters. The protagonist, Jessica, has a well-ordered life until she agrees to volunteer as a pro bono lawyer for a Syrian asylum seeker. As she struggles to confront her initial reaction to the proud, foreign woman in a hijab, Jessica's most treasured relationships begin to crumble. Her almost perfect, supportive husband is adamantly against her work to gain asylum for this woman he considers a threat to their family. Her oldest son is secretive, surly, and obviously hiding something. As the story unfolds, Jessica makes peace with the high-powered job she left behind, the volunteer work that is creating a rift in her marriage, and the values she tenaciously holds onto despite the risks. I admired her courage and was rewarded with a perfect ending. Read this book! It will linger in your memory long after you turn the last page. And it should.

[Renee Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do you react when you see a woman in a hijab? Do you cross the street, give wide berth, ignore her? Or worse give her a look that says she’s less than you? Do you think about how brave she is? Or are you an American who welcomes all who share this country?
Jennifer Klepper skillfully and intelligently takes us into the world of a Syrian woman (who proudly wears the hijab) who is seeking asylum from a life of terror and emotional pain.
If you were born and raised in the United States you need to read this book and put yourself in an asylum seeker’s shoes and learn what it feels like. Klepper takes us there with intelligence, feeling, and well researched knowledge.

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two strong women from different walks of life. Makes you think and makes you reconsider your own behaviors. Reminiscent of picoults SMALL GREAT THINGS

[A. H. Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Klepper has managed to get down on paper how we are all feeling. Every view. Every opinion. Every misappropriation. Every fear. And she’s turned them into a beautiful story that depicts just how connected we all truly are.

Jessica Donnelly is an attorney turned stay-at-home mom of her three children. She and her husband Danny live in Annapolis, Maryland, raising their family, but she is now returning back to the workforce as a pro bono asylum lawyer at the International Asylum Project (IAP) in Baltimore.

Amina Hamid is a Syrian refugee who has emigrated to the United States seeking political asylum. In order to be approved, she has to prove that she is at risk of persecution. A fiercely independent woman with a harrowing past, Amina is prepared to work as hard as she can to gain her political asylum. She is ready to complete the task on her own, and her resolve is strengthened upon meeting the eager new lawyer that has been assigned to her by IAP.

Unfamiliar with asylum cases and lacking resources due to an overworked system, Jessica is unsure as to how helpful she will be to Amina, a fact that Amina is evidently aware of. But she is swayed by Jessica’s dedication to her family, and Amina agrees to let Jessica represent her.

Amina is private and not initially willing to talk about her past with Jessica, but legal circumstances force Amina to share. She is heartbroken and questioning her decision to flee to America. Would things have been different if she’d stayed? Despite the war and the political upheaval within her country, Syria would always be her home.

Struggling with life changes of her own, Jessica is determined to do whatever she can to better Amina’s chances. Throughout the process, Jessica unearths several subconscious prejudices. While dispatching them she discovers that she is not the only one in her close circle of friends and family that have felt the same way.

Jessica begins to sit in the front seat of Amina’s world. While tiptoeing around the political issues at home, Jessica’s worldview shifts as she learns more about Amina and her home country. Amina’s personal story may span decades, but the origins of her home are historically ancient.

Jessica is determined to see Amina succeed in her upcoming asylum interview. Realizing what it would mean for Amina’s future, Jessica begins to question what that success may also mean for her own future. Is she ready to come back to work full time? Does she want to? What does her future look like for her family?

Over time, the two form a friendship and a bond that is no longer contained within the walls of the coffee shop that they meet at or the restaurant at which Amina works. A friendship and a mutual respect is formed that bridges borders, spans gaps, and attests to the human connection.

War brings out evil. That truth transcends borders and religion and race. We are not all good. We are not all bad. The world does not exist in all or nothing. The friendship and mutual respect that is formed between Jessica and Amina is a testament to the bonds that we are all capable of, if we will only open ourselves up to connections that we may not realize we are even missing out on.

I absolutely loved this book, and I am giving it a 5 out of 5. Klepper writes knowledgeably, tactfully, honestly, and in a heartwarming and relatable way that encourages reflection and empathy.

[Dianne Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When attorney turned stay at home mom, Jessica Donnelly agreed to take on a pro-bono case at the urging of a friend she thought it might help her get back in the game. Her client, Amina Hamid, a Syrian refugee seeking asylum was planning to manage her own case. They had no idea how much they would transform each other lives. The relationship that develops between the women forces them to acknowledge and overcome their bias and fears and examine themselves and their other relationships. This story is emotional, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. It drew me in from the first few lines and kept me enthralled until the end.

[Neville H. Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and wonderful book

This book captured my attention immediately! The serious subject of immigration is described and made so real in a beautiful family setting. The story kept me up all night anxious to pull all the threads together that the author created. So well written, heartbreaking, funny, on point, realistic, educational and most enjoyable! A fantastic read.

[Sarahlyn Bruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Klepper expertly weaves the tales of two women from two different worlds in this novel about reinvention and renewal. At moments funny, heart-warming, and heart-breaking, this is a strong debut. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what's next from this author!

[Emily Strelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful debut! Review to come.

[Denise Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Donnelly's life is about to change. From dedicated lawyer, to stay-at-home Mom, she is approached to take on one more case.....her most challenging case to date, an asylum case of a young Syrian woman/refugee named Amina.
Reluctantly, and of course getting her feet wet for the first time in awhile, Jessica learns just how deep prejudices can grow and fester and what should be and needs to be done in order to bring a young woman's life full circle.
As Jessica struggles with her own feelings of doubt, and overwhelming edginess over this case, her family life in the midst of it all adds to some eye-opening realizations.
This book is wonderfully written and thought provoking.
It touches on the human condition in a way that leaves you wanting more.
The characters are written very well and are believable, the story; fluid, and weaves beautifully between one woman's quest and another's war-torn memories that lead them both to a place neither of them knew they needed. The story is thoughtful, timely and compelling.
A debut novel not to be missed.

Novels & Latte Book Club
Novels N Latte (Book Blog)

[Dyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of an Attorney helping a Syrian refugee to attain asylum in the U.S. Life, love, struggles are revealed in their personal lives; as well as prejudices arise - when people fail to get to know individuals that are in reality no different than themselves. A very thought provoking, historical and motivational story by Jennifer Klepper, that is certain to be familiar and current in today's state of affairs by anyone that reads it.

[GripLitGrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the story showed great heart & strength in all it’s characters. The Donnelly’s are very relatable American family. The Hamid family is a wonderful Syrian family who I hope will resonate with readers to have bigger hearts & open minds about things they don’t quite understand. As they say until you walk a mile in my shoes…
Check out my full review: https://griplitgrl.wordpress.com/2018...

[Julie Timmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As others have said, TIMELY is certainly an apt descriptor for this wonderfully written story about an American lawyer-turned-stay-home-mom and the Syrian refugee she first reluctantly, then desperately, decides to help. It's a clever blend of global politics and local family life, spun with intelligent writing and sharp insights.

What a terrific debut by Jennifer Klepper! I sure hope we will see much more from her.

[Heather Frimmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The turquoise eye-catching cover of "Unbroken Threads" immediately got my attention, and the premise sounded intriguing. Jessica, lawyer turned stay-at-home mom, decides to dip her toes back into the legal world by volunteering to represent an immigrant seeking asylum. She expects to be assigned a Spanish speaking client from Central America but is instead matched with Amina, a Syrian woman who has fled war-torn Aleppo and the hideous atrocities of the civil war still raging there. Jessica is initially relieved when Amina walks out of their first meeting, but when she thinks more about the encounter, she decides to pursue her client despite her reservations. As the relationship develops, the two women form a tenuous bond that slowly strengthens. Both women must come to terms with their preconceived notions and assumptions before they can honestly communicate and learn to trust each other.

I enjoyed watching this relationship change and develop, and I looked forward to seeing where both of their stories would go. While Jessica is representing Amina, she is also unpacking trunks full of her deceased grandmother’s belongings—china and knick-knacks and old photographs. I found the juxtaposition of these scenes with the divulgement of Amina’s family history in Syria particularly effective and heart wrenching. Amina was forced to come to America alone and with nothing, leaving her parents and missing husband behind. Jessica is fortunate to have strong family connections and intact cultural history. I also enjoyed reading about an attorney main character, something more often seen in mysteries and thrillers than in women’s fiction. Klepper, an attorney herself, utilizes her knowledge of the law to create a wonderfully detailed and engaging story. I always love when an author allows the reader a peek behind the curtain of their profession.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEARTWARMING!

The story is so well written and easy to follow along with the Donnelly family. Congratulations, Jennifer, on great first novel.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read! I thoroughly enjoyed this warm, thought-provoking, believable story that touches beautifully on so many current events, topics, and challenges.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbroken Threads is a book written at the right time. Current in its theme, it follows the journey of lawyer turned stay at home mom, turned lawyer again- Jessica and Syrian refugee Amina. Jessica, looking to maybe get back into things, takes on a pro bono case to help Amina gain asylum. It is not an easy path, full of roadblocks and prejudices, including from Jessica’s own family and maybe even herself.

As others have reviewed, this is a thought provoking novel that fits in perfectly with today’s current events. Unbroken Threads addresses the refugee crisis, our own biases, and encourages thought and reflection in ourselves. Fans of Small Great Things will enjoy this debut from Klepper.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut novel by Jennifer Klepper tells a story of finding your passion while uncovering the past. The main characters, Jessica and Amina, were so well developed that I felt right there embedded at the table with them. While I am partial to the fact, that the story takes place in my hometown, Annapolis it is so much more than that. I know very little about Syria and was eager to learn more with each new chapter.

The complexities of the relationship in the book played on one's range of emotions. From triumph to heartache, to frustration and fear, to exuberation, and celebration, it's all there, as the layers are peeled back to reveal to stories of the past guiding these characters to their passions for the future. The impact of family and the ties that bind us, whether it is through memories or uncovered treasures, these two lives are now forever entwined. A great read!