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White Wattle Creek #1

Breaking Storm

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Kelsey’s sole purpose in life is to keep four-year-old Pipa safe. Conceived in a violent, drug-induced rampage, Pipa is being hunted by the man responsible. He wants her dead, and no matter how far Kelsey and Pipa run, the brewing storm is never far behind.

Protection lies in Kelsey’s hometown of White Wattle Creek in the form of Ethan, the man who’d always been her safe place. The one she loved. And the one who broke her heart. But she not only has Ethan to face when she returns. The emotional abuse of her past and the truth surrounding Pipa’s existence both rain down on her from the clouds gathering overhead.

When Kelsey finally opens her heart to Ethan, her nightmares tip over into reality, and with Pipa’s future hanging in the balance, Kelsey must find the strength within to fight for their right to happiness … before the storm breaks.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 8, 2020

256 people are currently reading
133 people want to read

About the author

Vikki Holstein

2 books9 followers

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5 stars
237 (51%)
4 stars
137 (29%)
3 stars
62 (13%)
2 stars
17 (3%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,749 reviews317 followers
November 5, 2021
So incredible

This was a random book showing up on my recommendations and even though I have a couple thousand books or more on my Kindle to read, I opened this story up and was involved and engrossed from the first page. Kelsey is a great heroine. But sometimes she annoyed me when she wouldn't tell them the truth or pushed them away. And how she thought she had no support was crazy. These people loved her. Ethan was such a perfect hero. He sit loved her four years after she ran away. Even when he saw she had a daughter. I don't want to spoil this story but watching the story evolve brought me near years in this book. There are triggers in here of rape and abuse and drug use and there are two parallel stories going on at the same time and they are interconnected but no one knows that until near the end of the book. All of the people in this novel were incredible. The little girl at the center of it Pipa is just adorable and her love for her Mommy shines through the entire book. Again this is very intense and angsty. There is an evil, drug crazed man out to kill little Pipa just because she was born. There is murder, rape and abuse. Still though, there is always love. Of friends, of lovers, of children, and of justice.
Profile Image for Yesha- Books Teacup and Reviews.
907 reviews158 followers
May 6, 2020
Breaking Storm was romantic suspense that revolved around Kelsey- who was trying to save her daughter Pipa and Brian- who was trying to mend relationship with his sister and seek justice against a drug dealer who had ruined many lives. It was about finding hope, happiness and home, having faith, believing in yourself once again, and getting back the control and confidence in life.

The secrets and suspense were good. It kept me curious till the end. Best part was, the way author represented emotions, fear, and feeling of characters, how they were affected by abuse, and how they found their life back. Author handled heavy subjects like rape, abuse and domestic violence very sensitively without graphical description. All characters were realistic and relatable.

Overall, Breaking Storm was intriguing, suspenseful, and emotive romantic suspense with amazing characters and family dynamic. I recommend this to fans of this genre.

Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
Profile Image for Missi.
12 reviews
April 7, 2020
This book was an emotional roller coaster for me. It felt as though the main characters quickly became my friends, and as I read, I kept finding myself encouraging Kelsey to open up, praying that Haylee would continue to accept her brothers love, and reminding Ethan to be patient.

The varied family dynamics in this story, and the way two seemingly separate stories touched was brilliant. I don't want to give anything away, because I hate spoilers. I will say that I was grateful to know going into this that there were potentially triggering topics. I hesitated at first, but am glad I read through anyway. I want more of this series!
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,349 reviews73 followers
April 25, 2021
Breaking Storm is book one in the White Wattle Creek series by Vikki Holstein. Kelsey was on the run with four-year-old Pipa from a man who wants them dead. Kelsey decided to go back to her hometown of White Wattle Creek and the person she loves, Ethan. However, on arrival, Kelsey never expected that her life and Pipa would balance by protecting her. The readers of Breaking Storm will continue to follow Kelsey and Ethan to find out what happens.

Breaking Storm was the first book I have read by Vikki Holstein. Wow, what a fantastic book to read. I engaged with the plot of Breaking Storm from the first page and going to bed forgotten again. Lucky for me, it was Saturday night. I love Vikki Holstein's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Breaking Storm was well written and researched by Vikki Holstein. I like the way Vikki Holstein describes the settings of Breaking Storm that allows me to imagine been part of the plot of this book.

The readers of Breaking Storm will understand the importance of having a safe place for neglected horses. Also, the readers will learn about the problems for children when their parents ignore them.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Noreen Machelle.
Author 2 books79 followers
May 15, 2020
Wow! I absolutely loved this book! It was riveting! The character development was on point. It was a fast paced, page turner and I can't wait to read the next one!!
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
November 1, 2021
Brian tried to repair his broken relationship with his sister, Haylee, and stop the rapid downward life spiral of drugs and a teen that could’ve been Haylee from the same things though she was already into prostitution, tied to the horrible Bristow.

But five years bring changes, Brian’s still a policeman, unfortunately he doesn’t have enough evidence against Bristow to catch him for the murder of Haylee’s attitude twin; Haylee’s accepting his help for herself and three sons and; Jewell’s workmate, is doing her best to show Brian all she has to offer.

Kelsey and four-year-old, Pipa are barely staying a step ahead of Pipa’s dad and go to the only place Kelsey knows, home to White Wattle and teenage love, Ethan and protector, Mark. Kelsey needs their help but old hurts has her holding back her secrets while a little pitcher with big ears and a big mouth triggers Kelsey’s panic attacks as danger nears.

To this reader’s taste, Kelsey was quite annoying, a more rapid pace and editing on grammar and spelling would’ve also been appreciated. Beyond that, the pieces are in place in the first third and this new to me author had a tense and intriguing enough tale to tell.
Rating: 3.5stars
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,642 reviews39 followers
September 8, 2021
3 1/2 ^stars REALLY
ANOTHER STRUGGLE TO RECLAIM THEIR LIVES FROM ABUSE SUFFERED BY SOME WOMEN. SHOWING THE DEVASTATATION AND HOW FAR REACHING THE EFFECTS ARE. IT CAN TOUCH SO MANY PEOPLE, WHOLE FAMILIES EVEN IF THEY WERE NOT PSYICALLY INVOLVED IN THE ABUSE. THE HORROR IS DEEP AND LONG LASTING, THIS BOOK HANDLES IT AS WELL AS ANYONE COULD EXPECT. I REALLY DIDN’T CARE FOR THE WRITING STYLE; IT WAS CONFUSING AT TIMES.THE SUBJECT MATTER WAS HARSH AND NOT EASY TO READ SOMETIMES. I HAD TO GIVE THIS 4* FOR IT OVERALL BUT IT WAS REPETATIVE AND THE ENDING WAS PREDICTABLE.
833 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2021
Wow! What a great story. This just blew me away and I couldn't but it down until I finished it!

Incredible writing covering some tough topics but with enough detail to get a sense of depth of the seriousness of the situations without being overly graphic. I found that everything just clicked together and worked which made it an excellent choice for me to read and I look forward to reading more.

Thank you for the dedication that went into this!
Profile Image for Caroline Angel.
Author 12 books35 followers
June 3, 2020
What a wild ride! A harrowing story of love and loss, friendship and heartbreak, this book will keep you in the edge of your seat as you cry, laugh, and hurt along with a cast of believable and poignant characters. I'm not a fan of romance, so this is high praise that a book kept me engaged right to the very last word. Don't miss this one!
127 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2020
Breaking Storm(White Wattle Creek Book 1)

Absolutely loved this book,great characters intriguing story,wanted to know everything and beautiful kind men full of love,my kind of reading.
118 reviews
September 5, 2021
Loved it

This book was better than most ebooks.
I got it free on Book Bub and I am really glad that I did. I will be getting more of her books as they are well written and they just speak to me! Thank you for offering it free to Book Bub
10 reviews
September 6, 2021
Real

Beautiful story with damaged but strong women who have been bent but not broken in their lives. Recommended to everyone who appreciates wonderful storytelling and hard fought happy endings
701 reviews7 followers
September 12, 2021
The bad man

Kelsey is back after five years with a little girl. Everyone that loved her wanted to know where she's been and why. The reasons are scary, violent and will grab your heart and not let go.
86 reviews
July 25, 2022
Suspense on the run

This is a vibrant read as the novel progresses to reveal the demons Kelsey flees. As Pipa's guardian Kelsey does her utmost to protect her and keep her safe. Though reluctant to share her trials and past with others Kelsey learns she has family based on friendships that lend support and encouragement.
330 reviews1 follower
Read
September 3, 2021
DNF. I just didn’t like how the chapters alternated between stories
Profile Image for Miss J C Rowe.
252 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2021
Enjoyable romantic suspense. Will Mark and Haylee get a story too ?
503 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2021
Great story

This story has a lot of danger,action,suspense,and a little romance thrown in keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages until the very end hats off to this author looking forward to reading more books from her
526 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2021
Ethan, Kelsey, and Pipa

Ethan and Kelsey hearts finally melded together to make this story exciting, intriguing and romantic plus with bad guys rolled into one. Well written.
43 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2021
Good read !

I would say great read but it was difficult to follow. one minute your involved one woman’s then bam ! Your reading about some one else ! No division an easier transition would have made a good read great ! I will definitely be reading the next one
340 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2021
Sometimes ran on, but overall I liked the parallel storyline.
Profile Image for Habibah.
Author 26 books12 followers
September 14, 2021
loved it

Knocked one star only because of the four year holding of the body being so unrealistic other than that I’m looking forward to the next book
10 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2020
Wonderful novel. Kept me enthralled the entire way through the book. Can’t wait for the next instalment!
273 reviews
October 20, 2021
So Good!!!

This is a new author that I really enjoyed. Her style of writing, the thought process of her characters kept me glued to the book.
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
169 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2021
Great read.

I've read a lot of books lately where i couldn't leave a review. I would rate it some were better than others. But nothing to write about. This book shows the destruction that can be caused by one person. It was a great book
Profile Image for A.M. Gilliam.
Author 3 books12 followers
June 3, 2020
Beautiful story

This story was so hear warming I almost cried! ❤️it’s a story of hope and surviving abuse. The main characters changed from struggling, afraid women to survivors! This book was one of my favorites over the last month and I look forward to more from this author. ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Clarie Giselle Speights .
538 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2021
Meh

I could not get into this style of writing. There is too many POV and a lot of the story was muddled thoughts. Not too mention there was just too much going on. Her mom hates her, she left home because the older guy she loved rejected her ( gentleman wanted to wait), she’s on the run and the list goes. For me there was no natural flow to the story. It’s as if the reader is expected to jump in and know Kelsey, Brian, Hayley, Mark, Pipa, and well you get the point I stopped at 60% because I could no longer read in excess each character’s inner monologue.
Profile Image for Vikki Holstein.
9 reviews1 follower
Read
May 23, 2020
Hi everyone. I just wanted to drop into the review section to say thank you for reading and reviewing Breaking Storm. I'm currently working on the second book, which is Carol's story, and should be out early 2021!
14 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2021
Oh dear lord no

This dragged on and on and on... I skimmed over so much and still knew what was going on because of the useless repetitive dialogue.. It's a no from me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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