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Diary Of A Broken Doll 1: A Tale of Drugs, Lust, and Betrayal

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Flyy Girl meets The Coldest Winter Ever with a dramatic modern twist. A compelling tale of love, drugs, and betrayal. Life had never been a cake walk for Courtney Jones, but when her grandmother dies unexpectedly things take a turn for the worse. Without her endearing grandmother to raise her, she's sent to live with her cold and distant mother. When she’s abused by her absentee mother’s boyfriend, Courtney finds refuge in her friends. Under the influence of her peers, Courtney spirals into a life of sex and drugs. A tale of a young girl abused and abandoned by her mother; left to find her own way. Life may not start out as peaches and cream for Courtney, but with a little savvy and a lot of determination she might just turn it all around. Follow her on a journey from innocence to independence. Determined not to be consumed by life's struggles, Courtney learns to take advantage of the obstacles she faces. Will she self-destruct or burn bright?

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2018

376 people are currently reading
169 people want to read

About the author

Tatum James

64 books553 followers
Tatum James is a passionate author of romance, urban fiction, and women’s fiction. Since publishing her debut novella Identical Sins in 2018, she has written more than 30 titles—each one known for its unique storylines, unpredictable twists, and vivid characters. A true storyteller at heart, Tatum loves painting pictures with words, weaving emotion, tension, and passion into every page.

A South Georgia native from the small town of Abbeville, Tatum grew up surrounded by the quiet of the rural South—a place where imagination had room to run wild. That early creativity now fuels her writing, often infused with her love of storytelling and music. These twin passions frequently shape the themes and rhythm of her books.

Outside of writing, Tatum has worked as a dedicated nurse for over a decade. Her compassion and life experience shine through in the depth of her characters and the realism of her stories.

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5 stars
98 (50%)
4 stars
48 (24%)
3 stars
30 (15%)
2 stars
15 (7%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
1,221 reviews4 followers
June 12, 2022
Great Read

Courtney had a rough childhood while living with her mom. Her only peace was her weekends with Camille and her family. Losing her her grandmother was torture for her. She eventually got tired of the abuse and ran away with the help of Drew who cared about her tremendously. Drew wanted her to further her education and not live the fast life. Courtney loved money and was always looking for a come up. Ceaser took her through and now she's suffering. Waiting to read part two.
Profile Image for YVETTE RIVERS.
2,066 reviews11 followers
December 17, 2018
I'M STUCK

.wt f just happened I know she was pregnant by that CRAZY azz Jules .....Jules is a needy mofo he used this young girl and tried to take her dignity but she wasn't having it ...growing up the way she did made her ready for manipulators like young and confident I hope she finds her way...Drew is my dude I love their relationship I thought they would find each other but not yet I guess she has to used and abused some more....WELL WRITTEN ...
Profile Image for Karen.
1,000 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2020
Courtney Jones was being raised by her grandmother due to her mother’s drug use. Courtney’s grandmother dies and she must move in with her mother. Courtney is being abused by her mother’s boyfriend. Courtney decides to leave her mother’s home and stay with friends. Courtney doesn’t allow anything to stand in her way.
3 reviews
June 2, 2021
Lots of drama a story of a girl that grew up soon in life thinking fast money was the answer to ending her struggle

It was a great book with lots of drama I could visually see the characters. I couldn't put the book down couldn't wait to figure out what was going to happen next. I like how her friend drew always was there to protect her.
Profile Image for Shantel Hendricks.
280 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2019
Great story

Courtney has been through hell dealing with her mother and her so called boyfriend. I’m glad she had Drew, Ty and Tracy. She is really saving up for what she wants. I can’t wait to read part 2.
Profile Image for Tamara Foster.
590 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2019
Humble Beginnings

Courtney had a hard life, but she pushed through. Instead of giving up, she had people in her corner to help her make it. She chose some strange things to get to the top, but she survived so much. On to book 2! Interesting title, but it makes for a great read.
90 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2019
An Awesome Read

I really enjoyed this book. It was so enjoyable to read about the day to day trials and tribulations of others without all the dumb stuff. Language on occasion wasn't too bad. Can't wait for the next episode.
Profile Image for mrs_dash1027.
46 reviews3 followers
December 29, 2018
Good read!

Enjoyed this story a lot. Wasn't traditional urban lit and that was refreshing. Looking forward to the next book fry in this series.
1 review
January 2, 2019
Good

I enjoyed reading this story,. It started off a little so but it picked up and I couldn’t put the book down!I just wish it was a different ending.
Profile Image for Mrs. Martin.
164 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2019
Great read

The book was great....i was wondering is it a second part to this book... Instead of the cliff hanger you left is with?
Profile Image for KeKe G..
21 reviews3 followers
April 8, 2020
Oh my goodness! The beginning of the book started slow. However, the more I read the story developed. The last chapter had my heart beating out of my chest lol! Excited to read part 2!
182 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2020
Dairy of A Broken Doll 1:A Tale of Drugs, Lust and Betrayal By Tatum James

The title says it all this book began with the lost of Courtney grandma and the abuse she suffers at the hands of her drugged out crazy mom. Courtney runs away after she's abused by her mom's slimy boyfriend and beaten by mom. Courtney life take on a life of it's on as she becomes consumed with making money and travels down a path that's land her in the arms of a crazy woman abusers. Interesting book filled. with real life situations. Due to language and sexual content this book is for mature reader's.
Profile Image for Teaguem2005.
495 reviews12 followers
August 20, 2020
Interesting read. No real surprises. Courtney had a rough upbringing especially after her grandmother passed. She found a "brother" who looked out for her, a girl friend who introduced her to how to make money, a potential boyfriend who sought higher education and left her behind, and then a sponsor who furthered her money seeking goals. She actually didn't show much growth and hadn't evolved by the time the story ended so I guess that was the point...that she was "broken".
Profile Image for Dee Cherry.
2,945 reviews71 followers
September 22, 2019
4.5
1st read by this author. Courtney's story was touching with all she dealt with at such a young age. Her mother was the worse and her actions towards Courtney proved it. Storyline kept me reading as Courtney's hustle kept her afloat. Jules was dangerous and while I was hoping she was done with him, the ending has me wondering. Good beginning to series, looking forward to reading next part.
11 reviews
June 2, 2020
Mmm,

Can't complain. Not bad at all. I don't like to story for other readers. You just got to read for yourself. Don't like some on the stuff being repeated. But overall very good read. Can't afford book 2 for triple the cost of book 1 with less pages. So would want to know how the story ended but just got wait.
Profile Image for Mary Calton Gerard.
1,232 reviews7 followers
October 22, 2020
Great theme!

I recommend this book as I am looking forward to reading the next two books of this series. The story was entertaining with twists and turns. I felt story for the young lady, missing her grandmother and not really having a mother. She did not allow the bad to rule. Amazing resilience. The story covers the mistakes in words, grammar and editing.
Profile Image for Chantell.
82 reviews
August 29, 2020
My opinion

Grammatical errors. The storyline was decent, although it got boring. Courtney has no real ambition. Sad. But I guess that had something to do with her upbringing. Guess I'll look for book 2
Profile Image for Cheryl Durham.
281 reviews10 followers
November 19, 2022
Courtney has never had it easy. Nevertheless, life got easier when she resided with her grandmother. While living with her grandmother she got to enjoy life, have fond memories, giggle and laugh with her best friend and share secrets. As a teenager she would lose her grandmother and life as she knew it would never be the same. Grief, mourning, a feeling of not belonging and watching her mom’s life spend out of control was a daily thing. Mon’s boyfriend creepiness and lust for her would further complicate things. Her savings grace had always been her best friend’s house as well as her mother. However, upon their departure from the city, Courtney would find herself searching for a place to belong…searching for a family to love.

Read about a youth navigating life as best as she knows how. Read about a youth who picks up various trades to ensure that she is taken care of…in such a way whereas independence can come. Read about the measures undertaken by others to give, love, support and aid Courtney as she attempts to stand on her own. Read about a young girl who comes to find that family is not always blood, money doesn’t bring happiness and every choice has a consequence.

Children are to be loved and cherished. They are not disposable. Shame on those who prey on them.

Note: Not typically my kind of read. At times strong language is present as well as episodes of violence. A few errors were noted.
1,175 reviews4 followers
Read
July 15, 2024
I feel like this type of storyline & premise has been done before & those of us who have read these kinds of stories could use a much different premise in the characters instead of just changing the names & locations for the storyline purpose.
I feel like there has been many street/urban fiction books that I'd read or listened to that has the same tales with only the characters' names & locations had changed yet still it has the same or similar storylines.
It would a breath of fresh air if writers would just stop being unmotivated with the copy-paste-repeat methods & BE MORE CREATIVE IN THEIR/YOUR STROY TELLING.
Profile Image for Shar📚.
61 reviews
September 15, 2019
I enjoyed this read!! Poor Courtney went though a lot at a young age. I hate she didn’t keep in contact with her friend Camille. I want to see how that would play out. Well I guess I’ll find that in book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Latoya Moodalways.
106 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2019
a must read

this was a five star read i love the storylines and the characters i hope part 2 is good too
Profile Image for Tikia.
411 reviews
September 19, 2019
Good read!

Courtney is young and doesn't realize Drew loves her so he decides to just be her friend. Hopefully she will wake up before she sets on a path of destruction.
Profile Image for Erika Coleman.
78 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2019
Okay

The story was good. However, there were lines I had to read several times because of misplaced words or incorrect words.
2 reviews
September 30, 2019
Quick read

This is a short book and a very quick read. There are some misprints throughout the book but overall an interesting story.
2 reviews
January 4, 2020
Very intriguing book

I like the honesty of the book from a young girl growing up in trying times of the drug era.
Profile Image for Felicia.
120 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2023
So good!!

I love this book so far, it goes by so quick & one of those books u don't want to put down once u start. I'm gonna start the next one right away!!,*
Profile Image for Angel  D Gill.
617 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2025
Courtney had a rough childhood with a mother on drugs and a perverted boyfriend around. Things never go right in those situations. I was relieved when Drew saved Courtney and I just knew they would be the perfect couple. Courtney being young and chasing money found herself with a narcissist named Lance. Lance was controlling and abusive physically/mentally. Can’t wait to read part 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews

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