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From What's Broken
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
157 people want to read
About the author
R.M. Demeester
23 books476 followersR.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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
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.
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August 6, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/6/2019)! 🎁
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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.
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.
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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.
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.
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.
*I received a free audiobook in exchange for an honest 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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2020
This was a heartbreaking story of love, loss and more loss. It was well written; the characters were realistic and often frustrating and their situation, not uncommon. The story kept me reading, hoping for a certain ending. It did contain a handful of typos.
May 17, 2020
Story of loss and parents unable to reconnect after tragedy. I was often frustrated with the husband's actions, even when reading from his perspective. It felt like a realistic portrayal of emotions and responses to grief. I wasn't particularly drawn into the story but it was an interesting read.
June 14, 2024
Set aside a day for this contemporary YA tale of complicated grief and second-chance romance set off by the accidental death of a child.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2024
This is a heartbreaking story of a couple navigating life after the tragic death of a child. I, personally, cannot imagine the horror. It’s very emotional and very well written. A very good read.
June 15, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be a fast read and I liked the story. I will be looking for more books from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2024
Heartbreaking story about loss and how a family has to work through the issues and try to survive the pain and stay together. The characters bring their own personality and beliefs to cope. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2020
All in all great read
This book really hits home on how easily something you worked so hard to get can be taken away. A book about a failed marriage that slowly rebuilds
This book really hits home on how easily something you worked so hard to get can be taken away. A book about a failed marriage that slowly rebuilds
February 8, 2020
Emotionally Charged
This book tugs at your emotions. The reality of losing a child tragically and the fallout on those left after is moving, anger inducing, heart breaking, and infuriating. A book well worth reading. It begs the question of "What would you do?"
This book tugs at your emotions. The reality of losing a child tragically and the fallout on those left after is moving, anger inducing, heart breaking, and infuriating. A book well worth reading. It begs the question of "What would you do?"
November 9, 2021
Wow this was heart renching and beautifully written. I could see both sides so clearly and the felt the author captured the theme so eloequently. First class
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews