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On the Edge of Shattered: A Mother's Experience of Discovering Freedom Through Sobriety
The true story of a descent into alcohol addiction--a harrowing and sometimes heartbreaking chronicle of habitual blackouts and unremembered nights--and triumphant emergence into the light of recovery
Before she stopped drinking for good, Kim Kearns was lying to herself and everyone she knew about her daily habit--sneaking morning sips of vodka behind her husband's back, emptying bottles of wine and hiding the evidence from her family, and convincing herself that nothing was wrong and everything was under control. Until she realized it wasn't and that her dishonesty could cost her everything she loved.
Deciding she had to make a change, Kearns threw herself into a new life of sobriety seven months into the COVID-19 pandemic, but only after severing the chains of bondage did she realize how much work there was still to do. Opening the doors to buried memories and past traumas was only the beginning. Throughout her journey to sobriety, Kearns would come to terms with the secrets and lies told by her parents and loved ones, allowing her a clarity and freedom she never thought possible.
Before she stopped drinking for good, Kim Kearns was lying to herself and everyone she knew about her daily habit--sneaking morning sips of vodka behind her husband's back, emptying bottles of wine and hiding the evidence from her family, and convincing herself that nothing was wrong and everything was under control. Until she realized it wasn't and that her dishonesty could cost her everything she loved.
Deciding she had to make a change, Kearns threw herself into a new life of sobriety seven months into the COVID-19 pandemic, but only after severing the chains of bondage did she realize how much work there was still to do. Opening the doors to buried memories and past traumas was only the beginning. Throughout her journey to sobriety, Kearns would come to terms with the secrets and lies told by her parents and loved ones, allowing her a clarity and freedom she never thought possible.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
47 people are currently reading
1754 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Kearns
1 book8 followersKimberly Kearns is a wife to an incredible husband and a mother to three beautiful children. She currently lives in Needham, Massachusetts. She published her first memoir November 1, 2022. She continues to tell her story of sobriety and inspire others every day on her blog and Instagram account. Kearns co-hosts the podcast The Weekend Sober and is a writer for the Webby Award-winning narrative podcast F*cking Sober: The First 90 Days. Writing has always been an escape for Kearns, even as a little girl. Being able to express herself in words and getting lost in her imagination has served as a source of comfort to her as far back as she can remember.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 23, 2022
I don’t read many memoirs, but every now and then I come across one that seizes my attention like Kimberly Kearns’ vulnerable journaling of her freedom from addiction. In On the Edge of Shattered she offers a candid, heartbreaking, and inspiring trek through her personal childhood, teen, and adult years.
I like the alternating timelines (then and now) because the light of present-day Kimberly is needed to soften and ease the shadowy past. I admire the strength it took for her to not only discover sobriety, but to be vulnerable about her struggles. She allows readers to better understand how past traumas, suppressions, fears, etc. can shape us and lead us down unhealthy and disastrous paths.
This is an emotional read that not only reveals how someone can become submerged in alcohol addiction, but also an emergence to self-discovery and freedom is possible.
First Line: My first line of defense is always our dog, and tending to him is the perfect excuse to be alone in the house.
Genre: Memoir, Alcohol Recovery
Author: Kimberly Kearns
Page Count: 254
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
I like the alternating timelines (then and now) because the light of present-day Kimberly is needed to soften and ease the shadowy past. I admire the strength it took for her to not only discover sobriety, but to be vulnerable about her struggles. She allows readers to better understand how past traumas, suppressions, fears, etc. can shape us and lead us down unhealthy and disastrous paths.
This is an emotional read that not only reveals how someone can become submerged in alcohol addiction, but also an emergence to self-discovery and freedom is possible.
First Line: My first line of defense is always our dog, and tending to him is the perfect excuse to be alone in the house.
Genre: Memoir, Alcohol Recovery
Author: Kimberly Kearns
Page Count: 254
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
August 26, 2023
I love books like this.. it takes such courage to put yourself out there for the world to “see”.
November 18, 2022
This is a raw and emotional account of Kearns descent into alcoholism and her determination to overcome it. She lays it all out there as she describes her blackouts, her lost moments with her children, and the past that brought her to this moment.
I was spellbound by her descriptions of when she recognized she needed help and the struggle she went through to prevail over her addiction. I found myself skipping much of the portions describing her childhood and adolescence. I know she had to face all that in order to begin her journey, but that part just did not interest me. One incident from her past that did stand out to me was that she was too drunk to remember when she met her future husband and had to make up stories for their children when asked how their parents met.
There were several times I had to stop and let what she said sink in. She recognized early on in her journey to sobriety that there were others who had the same struggles as she, others who drank and hid it, others who needed support, even her support.
Her story will speak not to just alcohol addiction, but to any addiction – food, gambling, etc. If you find you can’t stop at just one of whatever it is and it interferes with your life, you will be able to relate.
I was spellbound by her descriptions of when she recognized she needed help and the struggle she went through to prevail over her addiction. I found myself skipping much of the portions describing her childhood and adolescence. I know she had to face all that in order to begin her journey, but that part just did not interest me. One incident from her past that did stand out to me was that she was too drunk to remember when she met her future husband and had to make up stories for their children when asked how their parents met.
There were several times I had to stop and let what she said sink in. She recognized early on in her journey to sobriety that there were others who had the same struggles as she, others who drank and hid it, others who needed support, even her support.
Her story will speak not to just alcohol addiction, but to any addiction – food, gambling, etc. If you find you can’t stop at just one of whatever it is and it interferes with your life, you will be able to relate.
November 22, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Kimberly Kerns and iRead Book Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
On the Edge of Shattered is Kimberly Kearns story of addiction, hiding herself from the world, and shame. This book is told from alternating POVs of then and now and walks the reader through Kimberly’s life story. Beginning with her traumatic childhood moving into her misuse as a teenager, the full-blown addiction as an adult. Told with honesty, this book is a look into how vulnerable we are to addiction and how quickly it can take over our lives without us really realizing the impact.
Kimberly’s story resonates with, not because I drink but because of the deep dive into how pervasive and deeply woven alcoholism is in our culture. I’m the person at the party who felt uncomfortable being the designated driver, I often felt like something was wrong with me versus realizing the barbs came from a place of false security one feels from alcohol. This story also resonates because of the many women I’ve known who have struggled with alcoholism. As I’ve aged, I’m not sure I know very many families who have not been impacted by alcoholism is some way. My own family is no different and many of the things described here I’ve witnessed and done my best to support the person as best I can.
This book is well written and describes a difficult topic with dignity and respect. I commend the author for their bravery in sharing this story and hope others will be inspired by her words. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interesting in an honest and raw account of the impact of alcoholism and the damage it leaves in its wake.
On the Edge of Shattered is Kimberly Kearns story of addiction, hiding herself from the world, and shame. This book is told from alternating POVs of then and now and walks the reader through Kimberly’s life story. Beginning with her traumatic childhood moving into her misuse as a teenager, the full-blown addiction as an adult. Told with honesty, this book is a look into how vulnerable we are to addiction and how quickly it can take over our lives without us really realizing the impact.
Kimberly’s story resonates with, not because I drink but because of the deep dive into how pervasive and deeply woven alcoholism is in our culture. I’m the person at the party who felt uncomfortable being the designated driver, I often felt like something was wrong with me versus realizing the barbs came from a place of false security one feels from alcohol. This story also resonates because of the many women I’ve known who have struggled with alcoholism. As I’ve aged, I’m not sure I know very many families who have not been impacted by alcoholism is some way. My own family is no different and many of the things described here I’ve witnessed and done my best to support the person as best I can.
This book is well written and describes a difficult topic with dignity and respect. I commend the author for their bravery in sharing this story and hope others will be inspired by her words. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interesting in an honest and raw account of the impact of alcoholism and the damage it leaves in its wake.
December 15, 2022
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK @iReadBookTours
On the Edge of Shattered is Kimberly Kearns' story of her own alcohol addiction. Kearns doesn't sugarcoat anything, you will get the raw truth of what her life was like as an alcoholic. And it sure wasn't the pretty picture Hollywood gives us. They make it look as though everyone is doing it, why not me. I'm thankful that Kearns was willing to put her story out there for all to see, not for people to bash her about it, but for those in the same place she was to be able to find help as well. It's not easy to read parts of the book, but they are important so readers can see the whole picture. Thank you goes to this author. I pray that everyone seeing or reading her story will find the hope Kearns found. If this is something you need help with, please follow her advice. A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
On the Edge of Shattered is Kimberly Kearns' story of her own alcohol addiction. Kearns doesn't sugarcoat anything, you will get the raw truth of what her life was like as an alcoholic. And it sure wasn't the pretty picture Hollywood gives us. They make it look as though everyone is doing it, why not me. I'm thankful that Kearns was willing to put her story out there for all to see, not for people to bash her about it, but for those in the same place she was to be able to find help as well. It's not easy to read parts of the book, but they are important so readers can see the whole picture. Thank you goes to this author. I pray that everyone seeing or reading her story will find the hope Kearns found. If this is something you need help with, please follow her advice. A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 10, 2022
” For all of my children. I can no longer hide and escape to the imaginary world at the bottom of a bottle. I can no longer wear a mask of my own. I can no longer keep these secrets. “
This book hit home. Alcoholism, an addiction that runs deep in my family. One of the reasons I choose not to smoke or drink. I admired Kimberly Kearns’s courage to tell her truth.
The beginning takes us back a couple of years, and right then we can see the severity of her need for a drink. It’s so vivid, you feel as if you need to take a swig with her. This begins the journey to sobriety.
She takes us over the course of her lifetime, from childhood, teenage years, young adult, to adult. We got to see where the addiction started, how it progressed, and how it affected her everyday life.
” All of the morning of not being able to look in the mirror – I’m finally doing something about it. I’m not hiding anymore, and I’m dealing with the problem. I’m not finding comfort in a bottle of booze. Instead, I’m admitting the booze is the problem. I’m not drowning in my feelings in alcohol anymore. I’m finally dealing with it all. “
We can see how her childhood played a part in her turning to depend on alcohol. For one, most of her adolescence, her mother always had a glass of wine in her hand sipping on it. The time of day did not matter. Her mom was also an alcoholic. Her father was hiding the fact that he was attracted to other men from her and her sisters for years. Her parents’ relationship was no where near picture perfect, and they argued a lot.
Kim began drinking in her teenage years, as most kids do. But she reveled in the feeling the alcohol gave her. She longed for it. She smoked cigarettes and weed at times. You see where she starts to contemplate why she’s doing all these things. Is it because of her parents, the excitement of rebelling, or was it for the simple joy it bought her in that moment?
Drinking did always give her a courage boost. There were time when Kim was placed in harms way because of the alcohol.
Unfortunately, she learned at an early age how to hide and avoid the truth, even when it’s staring you right in the face. She never faced the negative impacts drinking had on her life. She buried those fears and truths in the furthest parts of her mind. She buried the trauma.
Once Kim sobers up, she finally faces a lot of her early traumas. Being sober and forced to face difficult truths with a clear mind is a lot to bear. You no longer have a safety net to hide behind.
She realizes the pain her father must have felt when coming to terms with his sexuality and trying to hide who he was for so many years. Her mom’s loneliness and what led to her mom’s drinking.
Kim has had to deal with all the lies her parents told her, and realize she’s been lying to her kids the same. She has let her own shame keep her from seeing the truth just as her parents had. It’s a vicious cycle, but you can see she was determined to break it.
I admire her strength. She decided to start her recovery, and stuck to it. She did it for her husband, she did it for her kids, but most importantly, she did it for herself. Her husband and her friends gave her unwavering support. She put the alcohol down and she picked up her freedom.
” I decided to finally be seen. Face it all head-on and start feeling for the first time in a long time. From that day forward, there was no more hiding. That was the day I fully embraced vulnerability. I found the courage I needed to start living and feeling again. That was the day I quit drinking alcohol. That was the day I chose freedom.
On The Edge of Shattering is about self discovery, vulnerability, and facing truths. This was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend. And if you have anyone in your life facing addiction, think twice before judging them. You never know what skeletons lie in their closets, or the awful truths they are running away from.
This book hit home. Alcoholism, an addiction that runs deep in my family. One of the reasons I choose not to smoke or drink. I admired Kimberly Kearns’s courage to tell her truth.
The beginning takes us back a couple of years, and right then we can see the severity of her need for a drink. It’s so vivid, you feel as if you need to take a swig with her. This begins the journey to sobriety.
She takes us over the course of her lifetime, from childhood, teenage years, young adult, to adult. We got to see where the addiction started, how it progressed, and how it affected her everyday life.
” All of the morning of not being able to look in the mirror – I’m finally doing something about it. I’m not hiding anymore, and I’m dealing with the problem. I’m not finding comfort in a bottle of booze. Instead, I’m admitting the booze is the problem. I’m not drowning in my feelings in alcohol anymore. I’m finally dealing with it all. “
We can see how her childhood played a part in her turning to depend on alcohol. For one, most of her adolescence, her mother always had a glass of wine in her hand sipping on it. The time of day did not matter. Her mom was also an alcoholic. Her father was hiding the fact that he was attracted to other men from her and her sisters for years. Her parents’ relationship was no where near picture perfect, and they argued a lot.
Kim began drinking in her teenage years, as most kids do. But she reveled in the feeling the alcohol gave her. She longed for it. She smoked cigarettes and weed at times. You see where she starts to contemplate why she’s doing all these things. Is it because of her parents, the excitement of rebelling, or was it for the simple joy it bought her in that moment?
Drinking did always give her a courage boost. There were time when Kim was placed in harms way because of the alcohol.
Unfortunately, she learned at an early age how to hide and avoid the truth, even when it’s staring you right in the face. She never faced the negative impacts drinking had on her life. She buried those fears and truths in the furthest parts of her mind. She buried the trauma.
Once Kim sobers up, she finally faces a lot of her early traumas. Being sober and forced to face difficult truths with a clear mind is a lot to bear. You no longer have a safety net to hide behind.
She realizes the pain her father must have felt when coming to terms with his sexuality and trying to hide who he was for so many years. Her mom’s loneliness and what led to her mom’s drinking.
Kim has had to deal with all the lies her parents told her, and realize she’s been lying to her kids the same. She has let her own shame keep her from seeing the truth just as her parents had. It’s a vicious cycle, but you can see she was determined to break it.
I admire her strength. She decided to start her recovery, and stuck to it. She did it for her husband, she did it for her kids, but most importantly, she did it for herself. Her husband and her friends gave her unwavering support. She put the alcohol down and she picked up her freedom.
” I decided to finally be seen. Face it all head-on and start feeling for the first time in a long time. From that day forward, there was no more hiding. That was the day I fully embraced vulnerability. I found the courage I needed to start living and feeling again. That was the day I quit drinking alcohol. That was the day I chose freedom.
On The Edge of Shattering is about self discovery, vulnerability, and facing truths. This was a fantastic read, and I highly recommend. And if you have anyone in your life facing addiction, think twice before judging them. You never know what skeletons lie in their closets, or the awful truths they are running away from.
November 17, 2022
Kearns Opens Her Life Story in On the Edge of Shattered. The author shares a lot of her life story in this book as she shares the life events, stories, and memories that drove the choices leading to her alcoholism--and the memories and motivations leading to the day she chose sobriety. In an almost diary-like style, she flips back and forth between the partying and family life impacting her youth/teen/young adult years to her recent shift toward sobriety. Readers may find some relatable stories in Kimberly's life--and may also find some motivation in her strength to make much-needed changes for herself and her family.
On the Edge of Shattered Is Personal--Yet Relatable. Anyone who has struggled with addiction, or grew up in a family with such struggles, will find relatable topics in Kimberly's story. She shares the stories of her past and present in a very conversational, easy-to-read style. Short chapters take readers back and forth to moments in her life that define her struggle with alcohol. Other shared moments detail her thoughts and motivations faced in her efforts toward recovery.
Would I Recommend On the Edge of Shattered by Kimberly Kearns? In recent years, there has undoubtedly been normalcy given to wine-drinking mommies, booze-filled holidays, and even play dates. The number of women struggling in situations similar to Kimberly's may surprise many. Kimberly shares a story that many young parents may find not only relatable--but inspiring and motivational. Many of the eye-opening reflections and realizations that the author shares as she gains clarity and becomes a different mom and woman serve to inspire and encourage readers. I recommend this book to anyone coming to terms with alcoholism, especially women (moms) considering steps toward sobriety.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
On the Edge of Shattered Is Personal--Yet Relatable. Anyone who has struggled with addiction, or grew up in a family with such struggles, will find relatable topics in Kimberly's story. She shares the stories of her past and present in a very conversational, easy-to-read style. Short chapters take readers back and forth to moments in her life that define her struggle with alcohol. Other shared moments detail her thoughts and motivations faced in her efforts toward recovery.
Would I Recommend On the Edge of Shattered by Kimberly Kearns? In recent years, there has undoubtedly been normalcy given to wine-drinking mommies, booze-filled holidays, and even play dates. The number of women struggling in situations similar to Kimberly's may surprise many. Kimberly shares a story that many young parents may find not only relatable--but inspiring and motivational. Many of the eye-opening reflections and realizations that the author shares as she gains clarity and becomes a different mom and woman serve to inspire and encourage readers. I recommend this book to anyone coming to terms with alcoholism, especially women (moms) considering steps toward sobriety.
I received a copy of this book from the author or publisher for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
February 2, 2025
Kimberly Kearns recounts the pervasiveness of alcoholism within her family and the mother wound. She felt forced to grow up in her young twenties as her parents were essentially completely withdrawn. Avoidance was how her parents kept her protected. It is much easier to escape reality with booze than to face the traumas of our past…this eventually catches up to us tenfold. Kimberly discusses the impact of this taught avoidance with her healing. A story about trauma, resilience, & prevailing through life’s tough and messy bits. I connected deeply with this book. A beautiful life awaits on the other side of sobriety. We find freedom through sobriety.
May 12, 2025
Well, this was truly a courageous memoir. Kearns writes with unflinching vulnerability. Her candid account of how motherhood helped fuel her path to freedom adds a powerful emotional core to the narrative. Battling an addiction while trying to be a good mom… mom guilt is so real and I felt it. I felt her pain throughout. Her addiction stole experiences with her kids she’ll never get back. Her journey was a long one and she had to really hit her rock bottom before she could find freedom. The part where Kearns explains her struggles to her kids brought me to tears. She unwillingly hurt them, yet they loved her unconditionally and were so proud of her.
This deeply personal and unfiltered story is a testament to resilience, offering hope and strength to anyone navigating trauma, recovery, and the fierce love of a parent determined to build a better life. Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t live in the past. You make mistakes. You’re human. Love yourself and be your best you ❤️
This deeply personal and unfiltered story is a testament to resilience, offering hope and strength to anyone navigating trauma, recovery, and the fierce love of a parent determined to build a better life. Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t live in the past. You make mistakes. You’re human. Love yourself and be your best you ❤️
February 9, 2026
Lots of typos on the Kindle version — I almost put it down. Otherwise, it was a quick and good read.
November 2, 2022
Kimberly is a wife and a mother , before she stopped drinking for good Kim was lying and hiding her addiction from everyone. Kim realized that her drinking was destroying her and her relationship with everyone that she loved. So she makes a very brave and hard decision to give up drinking for good and it definitely isn't easy but she has written this memoir with courage and honesty.
I don't know Kim personally but I just want to say that I am proud of her. I am not an addict myself but I can only imagine how much courage and strength it took to give up and then to write about it is absolutely amazing.
It was a heartbreaking story but it is so beautifully written and I loved everything about it.
I don't know Kim personally but I just want to say that I am proud of her. I am not an addict myself but I can only imagine how much courage and strength it took to give up and then to write about it is absolutely amazing.
It was a heartbreaking story but it is so beautifully written and I loved everything about it.
June 12, 2023
One of my favorite quit lit books! I could relate to SO much of Kim’s story. I also live in a Boston suburb (the town next to hers actually!) and she gave a couple examples of the shenanigans she pulled to “get that next drink in” I instantly felt connected to her. I actually did some of the same things!
I was already AF when I read her book, so reading her book reassured me I was on the right path. I also related to not identifying myself with a label. I do not identify as an alcoholic. I drank a lot. The pandemic lifestyle didn’t help. It was like a knee jerk reaction for me. If available, I had a drink.
After reading Quite Like A Woman, a decided I was “up for the challenge” to go AF for a bit. I felt a strong internal gut feeling that my body was telling me something. In my readings, I learned it’s ok to NOT say, “I will never drink again.” I found putting that pressure on myself anxiety provoking. Instead, I simply went with the fact that after 5 days AF I was feeling great. My skin was glowing, my chronic cough was gone 😳. Two weeks AF I was sleeping better than I have in years! Now, 2 1/2 months AF I’m still rolling with it. It’s not easy but I know it feels good to be in control of alcohol vs the other way around.
I’ve read over a dozen quit lit books in the past 2 months and at least 40 podcast episodes (yes, I went all in! 🤓) and Kim’s The Edge of Shattered is in my TOP 3!!
My experience sounded like this… Do yourself bored with more down time now that your kids are in school full time, or you feel a lack of purpose when you wake up each day, or you haven’t really “slowed down” after the pandemic binge drinking, or you and your friends drink at every lunch date, or you choose the movie theater that serves wine. All of these lead me to question my relationship with alcohol.
If you are a suburban mom and looking to explore an AF lifestyle I highly recommend this book. If you find yourself wondering if you drink too much, or wake up saying that you’re going to drink less today, or feel bad about how much you drank last night, I recommend you read this book…and a couple other quit out books.
I was already AF when I read her book, so reading her book reassured me I was on the right path. I also related to not identifying myself with a label. I do not identify as an alcoholic. I drank a lot. The pandemic lifestyle didn’t help. It was like a knee jerk reaction for me. If available, I had a drink.
After reading Quite Like A Woman, a decided I was “up for the challenge” to go AF for a bit. I felt a strong internal gut feeling that my body was telling me something. In my readings, I learned it’s ok to NOT say, “I will never drink again.” I found putting that pressure on myself anxiety provoking. Instead, I simply went with the fact that after 5 days AF I was feeling great. My skin was glowing, my chronic cough was gone 😳. Two weeks AF I was sleeping better than I have in years! Now, 2 1/2 months AF I’m still rolling with it. It’s not easy but I know it feels good to be in control of alcohol vs the other way around.
I’ve read over a dozen quit lit books in the past 2 months and at least 40 podcast episodes (yes, I went all in! 🤓) and Kim’s The Edge of Shattered is in my TOP 3!!
My experience sounded like this… Do yourself bored with more down time now that your kids are in school full time, or you feel a lack of purpose when you wake up each day, or you haven’t really “slowed down” after the pandemic binge drinking, or you and your friends drink at every lunch date, or you choose the movie theater that serves wine. All of these lead me to question my relationship with alcohol.
If you are a suburban mom and looking to explore an AF lifestyle I highly recommend this book. If you find yourself wondering if you drink too much, or wake up saying that you’re going to drink less today, or feel bad about how much you drank last night, I recommend you read this book…and a couple other quit out books.
February 6, 2023
A enthralling story
Kimberly goes into great detail of her life leading up to and during Her drinking days. There is much that is relatable for women and moms. She changed her life and became successful in many areas. She does not specifically address the AA program but she references it in a general way.
Kimberly goes into great detail of her life leading up to and during Her drinking days. There is much that is relatable for women and moms. She changed her life and became successful in many areas. She does not specifically address the AA program but she references it in a general way.
February 26, 2023
This book was like feeling a warm hug in book form. When you’re on a sobriety journey, it can feel very lonely and isolating at times. Kim’s words and stories were so relatable and comforting. I could see myself in so many of her stories. Definitely read especially if you’re a mom questioning your relationship with alcohol.
November 21, 2022
The is a captivating page turner. It is a fascinating vulnerable and raw story about a woman’s journey to sobriety. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend!
November 28, 2022
On The Edge of Shattered is a honest sharing of the author's journey with addiction to alcohol, from her teens years through early motherhood. As I have several friends who have dealt with (or are dealing with) addiction, I found myself thinking time and time again on the struggles they face daily. For me, Kearns' book includes three important points.
First is a window into how it all looks from the viewpoint of an addict. She captures her thoughts and why's beautifully - how she justified her drinking, the black-outs, and how she was enabled by friends and family. Second is a look at something I have been concerned about for a long time - the culture of drinking so prevalent now. You can't turn on a TV show without seeing drinking a big part of every social get together and over drinking looked at with a smile as if it is something funny. Wine tastings seem to have become de rigueur for event organizers. I can't imagine trying to walk a sober path in today's reality. Lastly is probably the most important. The book offers hope. Here is a woman who drank from her teen years, using alcohol to both to numb her pain and to cope with her insecurities. There was the social aspect of being a part, there was the feel of being high, but even more important to note, it also was about the pain she was trying to bury. Yet she finds a way after two decades of serious addiction to becomes sober and claim the life she always dreamed of.
I highly recommend this book for anyone either dealing with addiction or supporting someone struggling with addiction. Hope is there. A new life awaits.
First is a window into how it all looks from the viewpoint of an addict. She captures her thoughts and why's beautifully - how she justified her drinking, the black-outs, and how she was enabled by friends and family. Second is a look at something I have been concerned about for a long time - the culture of drinking so prevalent now. You can't turn on a TV show without seeing drinking a big part of every social get together and over drinking looked at with a smile as if it is something funny. Wine tastings seem to have become de rigueur for event organizers. I can't imagine trying to walk a sober path in today's reality. Lastly is probably the most important. The book offers hope. Here is a woman who drank from her teen years, using alcohol to both to numb her pain and to cope with her insecurities. There was the social aspect of being a part, there was the feel of being high, but even more important to note, it also was about the pain she was trying to bury. Yet she finds a way after two decades of serious addiction to becomes sober and claim the life she always dreamed of.
I highly recommend this book for anyone either dealing with addiction or supporting someone struggling with addiction. Hope is there. A new life awaits.
November 16, 2022
Kimberly Kearns does not hold back in her On The Edge of Shattered: A Mother’s Experience of Discovering Freedom Through Sobriety. I admired her courage in telling her story and determination to help those who are affected by alcohol and addictions. She tells how she took back her power and how she faced her demons and trauma by getting sober and learning how to heal. She was able to come to realize how she needed to do so for herself and able to break the chains to become free from it. I know so many readers would be able to connect with the words within the pages and understand the struggles the author endured to find her freedom. Other readers would get a better understanding how many become so dependent on alcohol and other substances. I know I have learned to be less judgmental and more compassionate by reading the author’s story.
I am giving On The Edge of Shattered: A Mother’s Experience of Discovering Freedom Through Sobriety a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading memoirs and how people are able to overcome turmoil, trauma and addictions in their lives. Kimberly Kearns has a special ability to speak to her readers and would love for her to continue to write books to inspire her readers.
I received a paperback copy of On The Edge of Shattered: A Mother’s Experience of Discovering Freedom Through Sobriety from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving On The Edge of Shattered: A Mother’s Experience of Discovering Freedom Through Sobriety a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading memoirs and how people are able to overcome turmoil, trauma and addictions in their lives. Kimberly Kearns has a special ability to speak to her readers and would love for her to continue to write books to inspire her readers.
I received a paperback copy of On The Edge of Shattered: A Mother’s Experience of Discovering Freedom Through Sobriety from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
November 21, 2022
On The Edge of Shattered: A Mother’s Experience of Discovering Freedom Through Sobriety is written by Kimberly Kearns. This story was so amazing to read. I grew up with an alcholic mother. She has been sober now for about two years. While our relationship is very fractured, I am grateful that she is now on the road to healing.
The author has done a wonderful job at being raw and real. She describes what her life was like. The descriptions of blacking out, regrets and being at an all time low are going to be helpful if someone finds themselves in the same situation as the author. The author writes as if she is sitting down and sharing her life story with a friend. I felt it was personable and connected with her.
As I stated above, my mother is an alcoholic. I feel this book came along at the right time to help on healing journey of her being sober now. I am so thankful that the author shared her memories with us.
Thank you to the author, publisher and IRead Book tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
The author has done a wonderful job at being raw and real. She describes what her life was like. The descriptions of blacking out, regrets and being at an all time low are going to be helpful if someone finds themselves in the same situation as the author. The author writes as if she is sitting down and sharing her life story with a friend. I felt it was personable and connected with her.
As I stated above, my mother is an alcoholic. I feel this book came along at the right time to help on healing journey of her being sober now. I am so thankful that the author shared her memories with us.
Thank you to the author, publisher and IRead Book tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
December 25, 2022
I don't read memoirs much, but this one caught my attention since I once dealt with alcoholism. This book didn't disappoint. You experience Kimberly's raw emotions and the itch for just one sip as your journey alongside her road to recovery.
She shares the ups, downs, fears, failures, and accomplishments as she joins an AA group. The withdrawals she suffered and how drinking affected her relationship with her husband and children pull at your strings as you read about her struggles to overcome drinking, guilt, and home tension due to her addiction.
I love her talented way with words, and it was truly hard for me to put down. With her heart and vulnerability in every word, I highly recommend this inspiring book to anyone suffering in silence, afraid to admit what happens behind closed doors. You are not alone. I rate it 4.5 stars. I was given a copy of this book but was not required to provide a good review.
She shares the ups, downs, fears, failures, and accomplishments as she joins an AA group. The withdrawals she suffered and how drinking affected her relationship with her husband and children pull at your strings as you read about her struggles to overcome drinking, guilt, and home tension due to her addiction.
I love her talented way with words, and it was truly hard for me to put down. With her heart and vulnerability in every word, I highly recommend this inspiring book to anyone suffering in silence, afraid to admit what happens behind closed doors. You are not alone. I rate it 4.5 stars. I was given a copy of this book but was not required to provide a good review.
March 27, 2025
I won this book off of Goodreads and I don’t think I would normally have read it but I’m so glad I did. Such an empowering story for women and all the struggles we go through while also raising a family. Personally I don’t have a problem with alcohol but I do with other things and I believe it translates to any addiction you have in your life that’s weighing you down, not allowing you to really be FREE.
Congrats Mama, you did a good job with this one.
Congrats Mama, you did a good job with this one.
May 10, 2024
waste of time
Rarely do I not finish a book but didn’t/couldn’t finish this. This author to me seems pathetic and looking to blame her perceived misfortunes on everyone but herself. Didn’t learn a thing and it wasn’t entertaining, just a long list of people that haven’t lived up to her expectations.
Rarely do I not finish a book but didn’t/couldn’t finish this. This author to me seems pathetic and looking to blame her perceived misfortunes on everyone but herself. Didn’t learn a thing and it wasn’t entertaining, just a long list of people that haven’t lived up to her expectations.
Read
January 4, 2025I really liked it. I recommend it. It was easy to read and very relatable.
November 8, 2022
Despite the difficult subject matter, this book was an excellent read. Kim's writing style is superb and it is a riveting memoir! All about her journey recovering from alcoholism, On the Edge of Shattered deals with the ways in which she was able to free herself from past traumas in order to emerge as the badass, sober-for-life mom she was always meant to be!
From one mom to another, I’m so proud of all she has accomplished! The clarity and freedom she discovered on this road made the hardships all worthwhile. Such an amazing and inspiring story needs to be heard by so many because this is a disease in which those afflicted often suffer in silence.
If you or someone you know is walking in Kim’s shoes, just know…YOU CAN BREAK THE CYCLE! Sobriety is possible!! We’re all rooting for you!
From one mom to another, I’m so proud of all she has accomplished! The clarity and freedom she discovered on this road made the hardships all worthwhile. Such an amazing and inspiring story needs to be heard by so many because this is a disease in which those afflicted often suffer in silence.
If you or someone you know is walking in Kim’s shoes, just know…YOU CAN BREAK THE CYCLE! Sobriety is possible!! We’re all rooting for you!
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