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From What's Broken

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Amanda and Matthew are on the cusp of their happily ever after. They have a stable marriage and a lovely daughter, and they are eagerly awaiting the birth of their second. Suddenly tragedy strikes and the couple’s picture-perfect life crumbles. Ivory, their firstborn child, dies in an accident. Not knowing how to deal with their pain, Amanda and Matthew blame each other for their loss and drift apart. They soon realize their relationship might not bear the burden, leaving their surviving daughter to cope with the aftermath of two grief-stricken parents.

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2019

18 people are currently reading
159 people want to read

About the author

R.M. Demeester

24 books626 followers
R.M. Demeester, from Saskatchewan, loves being a mom, reading books, and writing. She's been writing since she was very young. Today, she's known for her stories in women's fiction, romantic suspense, and thrillers.

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5 stars
41 (52%)
4 stars
20 (25%)
3 stars
13 (16%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Stefanie Verhelst.
541 reviews32 followers
February 11, 2026
R.M. Demeester’s work is very character driven, as is this book.

The author gives us a story about pure grief, finding each other back as a couple and trying to go on… every step ahead and two steps back … but slowly and steady together in the same direction.

It’s about the worst thing that can happen to people, losing your child. R.M. Demeester does a good job, experiencing the grief of the characters, it felt very intense, I had tears in my eyes and after reading this book, I had to let things sink in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for P.S. Winn.
Author 105 books370 followers
June 23, 2019
The author has written a heart touching story that is also heart wrenching. The story has a special place in my heart as I have lost two children. The author has a great talent in creating believable characters. In this story the two main characters are Amanda and Matthew. The author takes readers into the couple lives as they deal with the worst tragedy imaginable. The tale shows what stress can do and how hope, tragedy, love and life can change our lives. Well done.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews136 followers
Want to Read
August 6, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/6/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,218 reviews
November 23, 2021
This was an okay read …
My first observances were that the author is big on telling and not very prone to showing. It made for a very slow-paced, dull-at-times read. I almost DNF’d it a few times but eventually, I did become invested in it enough to see it though.

I enjoyed hating Rebecca so the author does have some talent … I think if they either honed their craft and/or used a stronger editor, they’d put out a better end result.
At times I was distracted by instances of very poor grammar, such as “have went” and “hadn’t ate” for example, so again … they’re either not using an editor at all, or not using one who’s actually qualified.

I do admire the way they really wove in drama throughout this and I thought they did a good job of portraying grief and what it can do to a marriage.


Audio:
I hate to say this but … honestly the narrator was absolutely awful. She sounded robotic at times … sounded exactly like Siri (yes, iPhone Siri) other times … and as dull as that is to listen to, that is the least of her problems. For some reason, her voice was extremely pitchy at times … I was reminded of a prepubescent teenager, in that awkward voice-cracking stage. Or the teenager from ‘The Simpsons’, with the on & off high-pitched voice … it was truly painful to listen to. This isn’t someone who is in the right line of work at all.


Overall? I might be open to reading more from this author, though I’d hope their craft improves a bit and/or they hire a stronger / more-qualified editor.
I would absolutely NOT be open to listening to anything from this narrator, ever again. You couldn’t pay me to do it.


3 stars for the book itself.
1 star audio performance.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book124 followers
July 28, 2024
Told, Not Shown; Needs Trigger Warnings; Immorality

This is the first book I've read or listened to by this author, and I did not like it. The description at the book review site I got the promo code from suggested the story would take place after the death of the couple's young child and would show how this horrifically tragic event impacted their relationship, their family—as the wife is pregnant with their second child when this happens—and marriage. But that's not where the book actually starts. Instead, the book begins much later, when the new sister is already 8 months old; in fact, the first scene is the wife asking the husband for divorce. The book felt like an extended infodump, with very little action happening. This story is mostly told, not shown, and mostly in flashbacks. That's a very tedious way to present any story. The author needed to show us so much more, including what the couple’s relationship was like before the death, the pivotal scenes leading up to and including the young girl's death, and how the relationship between the parents fractured over time. To just be told about it does little to move the reader beyond what would be felt by common humanity or help us understand—and therefore appreciate—character. The parents acted nonsensically at times, and often in ways I found morally repugnant. While they were still separated, not yet divorced, both had sexual flings with others—the grieving mother having a sleazy booty-call affair with her boss (whom she believes to be married) and the husband moving in immediately with the woman who was his ex before his wife. Ewwww on both counts! Just not right. This book should certainly come with trigger warnings, too. If you have experienced a child's death, have had prolonged grief, have had a contentious divorce, or have been cheated on, this book may very well trigger you. Not recommended.

TRIGGERS: child death, prolonged grief, contentious divorce, infidelity

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,628 reviews33 followers
February 11, 2026
Interesting.

FROM WHAT’S BROKEN - An earlier writing from this author about relationships and a child's death. Interesting story lines, good characters, and decent dialog. A bit boring here and there, but still a page turner. Source: Booksprout and my Kindle library. 3*

THE GIRL ONCE KNOWN Series:
THE GIRL ONCE KNOWN, #1 - Holy cow, the start of this book had me cross eyed and almost ready to toss it. BUT, then the story kicked into gear and became so intriguing and immersing that I could not put the book down. The story lines, the multiple character narrators and their dysfunctional relationships, and the unexpected kinks were intense. The ending chapter may set up a continuation of this story or just proof that not all goes well. Hopefully, this ARC goes through a final editing before its release. Source: StoryOrigin. 5*

THE BOND ONCE BROKEN, #2 - A good story but a tad boring and repetitive. I enjoyed the first book more but this is still an OK read. Source: Booksprout. 3*

THE NAME ONCE ERASED, #3 - Although this story needs editing, it is the best of the three. Good characters with interesting story lines told a a constant pace. A large variety of emotions and outcomes. Source: Booksprout. 5*

THE FLOWER ONCE WILTED, #4 - This the best book of this "trilogy". I could not put this book down. It's a train wreck and you cannot look away. Intense. Interesting. Filled with life of all sorts and plenty of emotions, this story is too difficult to put down. Jody is unbelievable and I like her ending. Source: Booksprout. 5*

THE VINE ONCE TWISTED, #5 - This is probably the best of this series. How easy it is for life to go to Hades in a handcrafted. A well written, immersing story with intriguing story lines and interesting characters. Sad. yet poignant. Source: Booksprout. 5*
Profile Image for Korra II Allison Baskerville.
255 reviews9 followers
November 17, 2021
For a good chunk of this book, I really wondered who the hell would ever want to read this. Having just now read the summary (Audible version), it’s very misleading. All of the events in the summary happened before the story takes place. It’s entirely a back and forth drama between a couple who were once in love and are now getting a divorce. Which is why I wondered, who the hell would want to ever read this (or listen)?

I actually found an answer to that and I think it’s brilliant. Despite being a wedding officiant with 2 ceremonies under my belt, I’ve never been married. I always found the concept to be idiotic and outdated. Having been around people who’ve been married and divorced all my life, this story very all too real to me. That’s when I realized the perfect audience for the book.

I think this story should be mandatory listening for all starry-eyed couples who want to get married for the first time in their life. Tell them this is what they’re potentially in for if or when things don’t work, so choose your mate carefully.

Aside from newlyweds, I think this book could be an educational listen if you’ve never been married or divorced; somehow never known anybody who has been and you’re curious. ‘Cause this book really couldn’t be more accurate, if you ask me.

If you’ve made it this far and you’ve either been through a messy divorce, known somebody close who has or you’re the child of parents who have. Abandon hope all ye who enter here. This is not the story for you.

As for the narration, overall, the narrator did a good job of narrating. However, she really lacked in the voices department. I often found it difficult to tell which character was talking which led to confusion when the story changed perspective on me. The audio is free of any repeat dialogue, audible background noise, or other errors.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,149 reviews144 followers
February 4, 2026
From What's Broken tells a sad tale of how parents, Matthew and Amanda, cope with the tragic loss of their three-year-old daughter. Both Matthew and Amanda hold each other responsible for the passing of their beloved girl. From What's Broken explores the aftermath of that dreadful day.

This narrative will tug at your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes on multiple occasions. We experience the world through the perspectives of both Amanda and Matthew, witnessing how they are each navigating their lives, or at least attempting to, following the tragic loss of their beloved daughter, Ivory. At the time of Ivory's passing, Amanda was expecting their second child, a daughter named Joy.

From What's Broken is a masterfully crafted story that captivated my attention from beginning to end. The suspense kept me engrossed in every sentence. I felt deep sympathy for both Amanda and Matthew as they each confronted the grief of the loss of their daughter, each blaming the other and, I would surmise, themselves as well.

Make sure to pick up a copy of From What's Broken today!
Profile Image for Chairee Hart.
32 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2024
What a devastating story. As a parent you never imagine the tragedy of losing your child. I don’t think any parents would know how to deal with it and what kind of emotional stress it would put on the family.
Ivory tragically died very young. Her parents Matthew and Amanda were left struggling to deal with the nightmare of losing a child. Not only that, but they also had Ivory’s little sister to raise. Can they keep their marriage together or are they unable to withstand the extreme circumstances of losing a child?
I really feel for Ivory’s mom throughout the book. On the other hand I have mixed feelings about the dad and how he handles his relationships.
I would recommend this book to anyone who can handle reading the situation presented.
I have enjoyed all the books I have read by R.M. Demeester.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,791 reviews71 followers
July 19, 2024
Amanda and Matthew are on the cusp of their happily ever after. They have a stable marriage and a lovely daughter, and they are eagerly awaiting the birth of their second. Suddenly tragedy strikes and the couple’s picture-perfect life crumbles. Ivory, their firstborn child, dies in an accident. Not knowing how to deal with their pain, Amanda and Matthew blame each other for their loss and drift apart. They soon realize their relationship might not bear the burden, leaving their surviving daughter to cope with the aftermath of two grief-stricken parents.

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
6 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2026
This book follows a mother trying to survive the loss of her young daughter while her marriage slowly falls apart. It’s a heavy story about grief, guilt, and the messy ways people cope when life completely falls apart. 

What I liked most was how real the emotions felt. The characters aren’t perfect and they make some questionable choices, but that actually made them feel more believable. The grief especially felt very raw and honest, and it’s clear the author wasn’t afraid to show the ugly side of loss and trauma.

At times the story repeats some of the same emotional thoughts, and a few conversations felt a little direct. Tightening those parts might have made the story flow a bit better.

Overall though, it’s a very emotional and human story. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories about grief, relationships, and healing will probably connect with this one.
Profile Image for Toula.
2,504 reviews
December 9, 2021
My second story from R.M Demeester . The author wrote a heart gripping story that will have your heart broken with the scenes. The characters are strong but they stopped believing in each other and true love . Everything happens when their first child is no longer around because of an accident. Meanwhile Amanda is pregnant with their second child Instead of leaning on each other they argue among each other. Amanda blames Matthew . Both Amanda and Mathew forget that they have a young child that they ignore.
Grab it and see do they remember their second child. Do they bypass their hurt and anger or do they go their separate ways.

Hannah Fuerst performance was fantastic, she did all the feels , her voice is clear and strong.
Profile Image for Katherine Hayward Pérez .
1,733 reviews80 followers
June 11, 2024
R.M. Demeester is an author whose books I always enjoy. From What’s Broken is a brilliant look into the words of love, relationships and commitment.

Amanda and Matthew are realistic characters and so is Hank.I liked him and did wonder what happened to him afterwards. I was very sad about Ivory. Joy was a cute baby. I liked their names and thought they were original. I didn’t like Rebecca or her personality.

The story has everything: falling in an out of love, family issues, and tough choices. It’s beautiful and I was hooked from beginning to end. The word choices and pacing are perfect for the subject matter.

5 stars but it deserves more

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tanya.
791 reviews8 followers
February 12, 2026
I really liked RM Demesster's series about Mira and her crazy family so I thought this might be similar.

Sadly, it is not but it is still good.

I will preface this by saying I am not a mother and therefore the grief and fear one would feel over losing a child is not as profound for me, I can understand losing someone you love and cherish.

Rebecca is a horrible person (and I love horrible characters) so I appreciated that.

Grief does strange things to relationships. I know my own husband struggled to deal with me after I lost my dad, so I can imagine losing a child you created together might be difficult as well.

Overall, it's worth a read (might need some clean up editing tho, as a few grammar errors slipped through).
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews32 followers
June 24, 2019
I suggest you have a box of tissues handy when you sit down to read this amazing book. This is my first time reading anything from this author and she has produced a heart wrenching plot. I couldn’t help but feel for the main characters as they attempted to navigate their relationship and the love for their surviving child whilst dealing with the unexpected loss of their first child. This is one very emotional story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brandi.
686 reviews35 followers
October 10, 2019
The author, R.M. Demeester, did an excellent job with character and plot development in this tear-jerker, "From What's Broken".
Amanda, Matthew, are a contented couple with one child and another on the way. The unthinkable happens when their firstborn, Ivory, dies in an accident. Unable to cope, Amanda and Matthew start making allegations towards one another and their relationship begins to crumble. An emotional ride, so have the tissues handy. Well-written and realistic, this story is one readers will not forget.
Profile Image for Alison Hawkins.
369 reviews8 followers
June 21, 2019
The anger and grief in this book really draw you into the story. It’s every parents worst nightmare and where you would think you can rely on your partner for support in times like these, sometimes the grief is too much and that break is all that’s needed to appreciate what you still have left. Really enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tahnia Ross.
2,184 reviews10 followers
June 15, 2024
Amanda and Matthew are still grieving the death of four-year old Ivory a year after she ran into the street and was hit by a car. With each blaming the other, Amanda asks for a divorce and so they now have to deal with the pain alone. This story talks heavily about guilt and grief ending with a HEA. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
258 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2024
When this book starts out, Amanda is throwing her husband out and probably regretting it. Telling the story from each person's perspective makes you want to scream at the parties involved that a mistake is being made. It makes you think about how many people suffer and have no one to really assist them to properly to get through the grief stage.
Well-written and definitely something to pass on to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Miranda Summerset.
828 reviews5 followers
July 6, 2024
3/5 STARS! Ouch, this one hurts. This was real and raw and just heartbreaking. You can feel every moment of this couples grieving process and it just puts you right in the room with them. The characters are human & make mistakes, & thats one thing I loved. They arent perfect & mess up, & hurt each other in the process. Really loved the ending, & found myself shedding a tear. Definitely recommend to anyone wanting a tearjerker!
*I received a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,386 reviews14 followers
February 15, 2026
This is a heart wrenching story about grief, forgiveness and second chances. Matthew and Amanda experience the worst possible tragedy and instead of clinging to each other, they blame one another. Just as it seems like things will never be the same, something else happens to set them back. I would recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
1 review
June 21, 2019
Story of two people who had a great relationship until their child was killed. Then it all fell apart, they both went their separate ways with other people but always ended up back with each other because of their remaining child. It is a nice story I won't give out the ending. Just read it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11k reviews128 followers
July 1, 2019
This is the 2nd book I've read written by R. Demeester; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
409 reviews
November 16, 2021
This is a very emotional story. I wanted to hate Matthew then I wanted to hate, Amanda. I definitely hate the girlfriend !! Matthew and Amanda lost a child, Which in my option is the worst, parents should never outlive their children.
This book hit every emotion, I was so sad, I was angry, I was happy and I cried. I will have to say R.M. Demeester hats off to you excellent book.
8 reviews
March 26, 2024
Really couldn't connect to the characters. As SD as shat they went thru was yes, the hatred and anger was over done and repetativse. Also, you would think an author telling a story to reach the heart of a reader would utilize better vocabulary and not dumb down the writing by degrading it with trash language with swear words. Seriously, step up and be an actual sophisticated writer.
1,288 reviews
May 30, 2024
You know that characters are well fleshed out when you want to physically slap one or all of them. Matthew is a man torn between two women and his way of dealing with his dilemma is "drinking or sucking up". This is a (fictional) window into a marriage after the death of a child. I was gifted this from the author through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Terry M.
607 reviews10 followers
February 8, 2026
As the story of Amanda and Matthew continues, it delves into the difficulties of losing a child and the impact it has on their marriage. The sadness pulls at your heart strings, but overall I found it was a slow read and predictable. I received an advance review copy from Booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ellen Murphy.
94 reviews6 followers
February 8, 2026
After the death of their young daughter Amanda & Matthew stop communicating and their marriage is falling apart. They have a new baby but that’s not enough. Matthew goes back to him ex fiancé and Amanda slips deeper into a depression. Will they be able to put the past behind them and find happiness?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Robert Foland.
524 reviews8 followers
February 11, 2026
"From What's Broken" is an intense and gripping look at a world unraveling and the struggle to piece it back together. It follows two people fighting to keep their lives intact by mending something once shattered. Deep, at times dark, yet ultimately heartfelt.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
696 reviews3 followers
July 6, 2019
Beautiful sad moving story, how the death of their child not only almost destroyed their marriage, but also their lives.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews