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Broken and Breaking Free: A Novel
"Oh my heart. Wow. This book. I haven’t stopped thinking about it." —Amazon review
"Made me laugh, cry, and think -- my favorite kind of book to read." —Amazon review
"So many lessons of love, courage and acceptance." —Amazon review
Is it possible to transcend the boundaries of the life you were born into, and if so, what will you sacrifice?Susan Dubois is the youngest member of a poor French-Canadian Catholic family residing in a small and uniform central New Hampshire town in the 1950s. From a young age, this God of her parents’ fills her with extreme trepidation.
Susan has been taught that, as a child, it is your duty to obey your parents—never are you to question authority. Yet, when her father loosens the belt on his slight frame—reeking of alcohol and cigarettes—to use against her beloved brother, Charlie, Susan is engulfed with heart-wrenching confliction.
Charlie is four years her senior and has taken it upon himself to protect his sister to the best of his ability. Are his efforts sufficient in sheltering her from their father’s ferocity? Who will protect him?
Immerse yourself in Susan’s world as she becomes a woman, learning what it truly means to embrace humanity while discovering how circumstances and experiences, as well as the people placed into one’s life, can break us—or save us.
"Made me laugh, cry, and think -- my favorite kind of book to read." —Amazon review
"So many lessons of love, courage and acceptance." —Amazon review
Is it possible to transcend the boundaries of the life you were born into, and if so, what will you sacrifice?Susan Dubois is the youngest member of a poor French-Canadian Catholic family residing in a small and uniform central New Hampshire town in the 1950s. From a young age, this God of her parents’ fills her with extreme trepidation.
Susan has been taught that, as a child, it is your duty to obey your parents—never are you to question authority. Yet, when her father loosens the belt on his slight frame—reeking of alcohol and cigarettes—to use against her beloved brother, Charlie, Susan is engulfed with heart-wrenching confliction.
Charlie is four years her senior and has taken it upon himself to protect his sister to the best of his ability. Are his efforts sufficient in sheltering her from their father’s ferocity? Who will protect him?
Immerse yourself in Susan’s world as she becomes a woman, learning what it truly means to embrace humanity while discovering how circumstances and experiences, as well as the people placed into one’s life, can break us—or save us.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2019
142 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Amy Fillion
20 books21 followersAmy Fillion is the author of both adult and children's fiction. She is raising three energetic boys in New Hampshire with her husband, attempting not to become too annoyed with her three unruly rescue cats, and immensely enjoying cuddles from her rescue dog. She worked in the field of early intervention after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in psychology. She then left that job to stay home with her growing children.
She loves discussing books with friends, the smell of coffee brewing, reading outdoors in the warmer months, and elephants.
She also loves to hear from readers. You can find her at www.amyfillion.com.
She loves discussing books with friends, the smell of coffee brewing, reading outdoors in the warmer months, and elephants.
She also loves to hear from readers. You can find her at www.amyfillion.com.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 10, 2020
Thought provoking and inspiring! So many lessons of love, courage, and acceptance!
This book gripped me from beginning to end. The writing is descriptive and expressive.
I found myself enmeshed in the journey of siblings Susan and Charlie. Numerous emotions were solicited as I was carried ever so fervently through their hardships and joys.
An excellent chronicle to the power love, compassion and self discovery have in transcending adversity.
This is a great read!! Highly recommend!
This book gripped me from beginning to end. The writing is descriptive and expressive.
I found myself enmeshed in the journey of siblings Susan and Charlie. Numerous emotions were solicited as I was carried ever so fervently through their hardships and joys.
An excellent chronicle to the power love, compassion and self discovery have in transcending adversity.
This is a great read!! Highly recommend!
January 14, 2020
I loved the story of Susan and her big brother, Charlie. The characters are so well developed that they took hold of me from the beginning of the book, and stayed with me after I had finished. The challenges Susan and her brother face as they grow up with and away from their parents are thought-provoking and engrossing. I enjoyed this book and was sorry to see it end.
May 3, 2020
Loving story of personal growth and perseverance
This book pulls you in and makes you eager to see how the characters persevere through life’s challenges and hardships. Loved it. Great read!
This book pulls you in and makes you eager to see how the characters persevere through life’s challenges and hardships. Loved it. Great read!
May 2, 2025
The Agony and Wonder of Life
I enjoyed being able to relate to the story in both negative and positive ways. It is always reassuring to know the difficulties encountered throughout life are shared by many as well as the uplifting beautiful times.
I enjoyed being able to relate to the story in both negative and positive ways. It is always reassuring to know the difficulties encountered throughout life are shared by many as well as the uplifting beautiful times.
July 29, 2020
This book started off slow for me and the time jumps weren’t expected at first but I did enjoy this book and the Epilogue gave me goose bumps!
October 16, 2024
Plot is way too predictable
Third person writing detracts from flow of story. Not a book I would recommend to a serious reader. Naivety detracting.
Third person writing detracts from flow of story. Not a book I would recommend to a serious reader. Naivety detracting.
February 11, 2025
Wasn't my type of reading genre. Writing was very basic and simple. Didn't really grab me.
June 20, 2025
Great Read
Lovely story. True to life in a differs era. Glad that this one has a ending. Amy did not let us down.
Lovely story. True to life in a differs era. Glad that this one has a ending. Amy did not let us down.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews