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Parting Burden
When it comes to starting over, shedding your skin is the easy part... Melissa Shuler is an expert at running away. Unfortunately, doing so always lands her in more trouble than she was trying to escape. This time, she's running back to her hometown. Her family needs her, and she needs them—more than she's ready to admit. She doesn't need a new romance, and certainly not two. Melissa never dreamed that finding home would take her on a journey like this. Parting Burden is a stroll through the lives of several twenty-somethings, told from the perspective of the main character, Melissa Shuler. Melissa, Catherine, Angela, Seth, Travis, James, and each is searching for their path in life, love and friendship. As in life, drama and comedy walk hand-in-hand, soul-searching and self-analysis are evil necessities, and moving forward sometimes means leaving something, or someone, behind.
458 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2014
2 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Sinead MacDughlas
8 books78 followersI was born in 1970, (I'll wait while you do the math, lol) I'm Canadian, a bit of a patriot, and I live in a small town North of Toronto, Ontario. I have a hard-working husband, two children, and a black, medium-haired cat who thinks I'm his pet.
My addictive personality is appeased by coffee, cheese, chocolate, books, music, the internet...and nicotine which I'm trying to give up.
I have an ongoing love affair with semi-colons, commas and ellipses. Punctuation, self-doubt and moths are my personal nemeses. People have called me an encyclopedia of useless information and I talk...Way.Too.Much.
My addictive personality is appeased by coffee, cheese, chocolate, books, music, the internet...and nicotine which I'm trying to give up.
I have an ongoing love affair with semi-colons, commas and ellipses. Punctuation, self-doubt and moths are my personal nemeses. People have called me an encyclopedia of useless information and I talk...Way.Too.Much.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 7, 2014
I read this as a beta reader, received from the author.
Mel is going home. Home, as in, home town, where she was raised. Its scary, but long over due. Its a fresh start. A new start. A chance to be who she wants to be. But that, in itself, is scarier than anything she's ever done.
I have NO CLUE where to begin. The characters are easy to relate to. I loved them, laughed with them, cried with them. And not just any cry..an out and out ugly cry that had my husband laughing at me. I'd laugh out loud and he'd give me strange looks. They aren't "characters" to me. They are like friends you've known forever. You want the best for them. You want to see them happy. With every twist and turn, you are right there, turning the page, hanging onto every word.
Are you, like me, a book boyfriend collector? Oh, you are! Well there are a few more in this book to add to your list! I have my favorite, and you will, too! But I don't wanna spoil anything, so you have to read it to find out! :)
This book left me wanting nothing but MORE MORE MORE! And, you will want more, too!
Mel is going home. Home, as in, home town, where she was raised. Its scary, but long over due. Its a fresh start. A new start. A chance to be who she wants to be. But that, in itself, is scarier than anything she's ever done.
I have NO CLUE where to begin. The characters are easy to relate to. I loved them, laughed with them, cried with them. And not just any cry..an out and out ugly cry that had my husband laughing at me. I'd laugh out loud and he'd give me strange looks. They aren't "characters" to me. They are like friends you've known forever. You want the best for them. You want to see them happy. With every twist and turn, you are right there, turning the page, hanging onto every word.
Are you, like me, a book boyfriend collector? Oh, you are! Well there are a few more in this book to add to your list! I have my favorite, and you will, too! But I don't wanna spoil anything, so you have to read it to find out! :)
This book left me wanting nothing but MORE MORE MORE! And, you will want more, too!
August 18, 2014
This story is out of this author's writing style, but this just goes to show that a true author can write any genre. Ms. MacDughlas did just that. She stepped out of her genre and wowed me from beginning to end. This book was phenomenally written and extremely fast paced. I had a really hard time putting this book down. This story connected with me on so many levels. I found myself connecting with the character and the plot of the story. Granite, my story growing up was different but I was able to relate on a personal level. I highly recommend this story to all, but be warned, a part of your heart and soul may stay in the pages of this story just as mine has.
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received a complementary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 14, 2014
I could make this review very simple: Buy the book, you will not regret it. Oh… Remember to read it too ;-)
But I never did things the simple way, so… I’ll try and get my jumbled thoughts in order and explain what is so absolutely freaking awesome about Parting Burden. Because it is – awesome that is.
Parting Burden is the kind of book that draws you in gently, tosses you around a few times (and knocks you on the head for good measure), to spit you out on the other side with a book hangover of epic proportions. In the mean time you lost track of time, dinner was served without your notice and it has become dark outside, despite the fact that you only sat down to read ONE chapter.
Parting Burden is told from Melissa (or Mel) Shuler’s point of view, but the book isn’t just about her. We meet a lot of other characters; Cat, Mel’s childhood best friend. She’s a witch (yes a witch, literally), who has a unique talent that is both a gift and a curse. She’s quiet, sweet and sees more than you think. We have James; Mel’s brother. Mel and James drifted apart many years ago during and after their mother’s death. They rarely speak together, but when their grandmother turns for the worse, they all scramble back to their childhood town to help her and their father.
Let’s not forget the Burstrom’s brother’s; Seth and Travis. These two boys have a way of…. Well, you’ll see.
Parting Burden is from Mel’s POV, BUT! We see soooo much more. I have lived in small towns pretty much my entire life, and Arzinacky is a prefect picture of it. Everyone knows everyone. Nothing happens that the rest of the town don’t know about five seconds later – or so it seems. Small towns do have their secrets, some are more known than others, and Mel is in for a rough awakening when skeletons come crawling out of the closets all around town. Both good and bad ones. At the end of the day all you have is your family and friends and Mel is about to find out who is on her side through it all.
Parting Burden is an emotional ride to guide through. One second you’re laughing out loud because of something Mel said or did, the next you’re in tears because you just found out what actually happened all those years ago, just to jump into horror the second after because of something someone else did right now, only to turn the page and a grin as wide as the cheshire cat again. More importantly; it also makes you reflect on yourself.
I love how Sinead has incorporated the spiritual into Parting Burden, it felt so natural and gave it a nice touch. A strength on its own, if you can understand me? Another great thing is how well she has mixed all the different stories into each other. They’re intertwined in a way that is beautiful and makes you sit back afterwards to try and absorb it all.
So… in case you’re wondering; I loved this book, all +400 pages. It didn’t even feel that long because I just kept reading and reading and was so caught up in it. Pure bliss. Now if you’ll excuse me… I am going to hunt down a few more of Sinead’s books, because I’m FAR from done!
But I never did things the simple way, so… I’ll try and get my jumbled thoughts in order and explain what is so absolutely freaking awesome about Parting Burden. Because it is – awesome that is.
Parting Burden is the kind of book that draws you in gently, tosses you around a few times (and knocks you on the head for good measure), to spit you out on the other side with a book hangover of epic proportions. In the mean time you lost track of time, dinner was served without your notice and it has become dark outside, despite the fact that you only sat down to read ONE chapter.
Parting Burden is told from Melissa (or Mel) Shuler’s point of view, but the book isn’t just about her. We meet a lot of other characters; Cat, Mel’s childhood best friend. She’s a witch (yes a witch, literally), who has a unique talent that is both a gift and a curse. She’s quiet, sweet and sees more than you think. We have James; Mel’s brother. Mel and James drifted apart many years ago during and after their mother’s death. They rarely speak together, but when their grandmother turns for the worse, they all scramble back to their childhood town to help her and their father.
Let’s not forget the Burstrom’s brother’s; Seth and Travis. These two boys have a way of…. Well, you’ll see.
Parting Burden is from Mel’s POV, BUT! We see soooo much more. I have lived in small towns pretty much my entire life, and Arzinacky is a prefect picture of it. Everyone knows everyone. Nothing happens that the rest of the town don’t know about five seconds later – or so it seems. Small towns do have their secrets, some are more known than others, and Mel is in for a rough awakening when skeletons come crawling out of the closets all around town. Both good and bad ones. At the end of the day all you have is your family and friends and Mel is about to find out who is on her side through it all.
Parting Burden is an emotional ride to guide through. One second you’re laughing out loud because of something Mel said or did, the next you’re in tears because you just found out what actually happened all those years ago, just to jump into horror the second after because of something someone else did right now, only to turn the page and a grin as wide as the cheshire cat again. More importantly; it also makes you reflect on yourself.
I love how Sinead has incorporated the spiritual into Parting Burden, it felt so natural and gave it a nice touch. A strength on its own, if you can understand me? Another great thing is how well she has mixed all the different stories into each other. They’re intertwined in a way that is beautiful and makes you sit back afterwards to try and absorb it all.
So… in case you’re wondering; I loved this book, all +400 pages. It didn’t even feel that long because I just kept reading and reading and was so caught up in it. Pure bliss. Now if you’ll excuse me… I am going to hunt down a few more of Sinead’s books, because I’m FAR from done!
October 23, 2014
This Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review
Want a great book with a small town feel, then pick up Parting Burden. We meet Melissa as she is returning home to help care for her grandmother. She is leaving behind a relationship that is has been toxic to her self esteem. She embarks on an journey that will lead her to reevaluate everything in her life.
This book is set in a small town where everyone know everyone else. You will embark on meeting two handsome brothers vying for Melissa's attention, Melissa's dad and brother who she has not been close to since her mothers death, her Nana, her best friend who is a witch and many other colorful people. It is a setting that makes you feel like you are there right alongside the characters laughing, crying, soul searching and learning about love. Ms. Macdughlas does a great job of describing the setting and characters. It pulls you right into the book.
There are some bad moments thrown in there but it just ends up proving that when a community pulls together they can support each other and get through the bad times. It is a true romantic read that makes you respect friendship, family and finding love. It is the type of book that when you are finished you truly miss the characters and the story.
Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.com
Want a great book with a small town feel, then pick up Parting Burden. We meet Melissa as she is returning home to help care for her grandmother. She is leaving behind a relationship that is has been toxic to her self esteem. She embarks on an journey that will lead her to reevaluate everything in her life.
This book is set in a small town where everyone know everyone else. You will embark on meeting two handsome brothers vying for Melissa's attention, Melissa's dad and brother who she has not been close to since her mothers death, her Nana, her best friend who is a witch and many other colorful people. It is a setting that makes you feel like you are there right alongside the characters laughing, crying, soul searching and learning about love. Ms. Macdughlas does a great job of describing the setting and characters. It pulls you right into the book.
There are some bad moments thrown in there but it just ends up proving that when a community pulls together they can support each other and get through the bad times. It is a true romantic read that makes you respect friendship, family and finding love. It is the type of book that when you are finished you truly miss the characters and the story.
Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.com
August 12, 2014
This book is truly is one of those page turners that you just do not want to put down! I started reading Parting Burden two days ago, and have already finished it! This is a monster of a book, and I just could not let it sit.
Right from the start, I was captured by the characters that weave throughout the novel. I felt like I was right there with them through everything. At one point I even felt like I WAS them. I was completely and utterly engrossed. I felt every single emotion they did, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Much to the amusement of my fiancé, I even did the ugly cry. You know the one…The one that makes you want to stick a knife inside and twirl it around just to pull those emotions out so you don’t have to see the incredulous look on the faces of whoever is around? Yeah, that one!
Parting burden has everything a reader could want, and I have to say that I want more! Once you get your hands on this amazingly written novel, you are going to want more as well. I can’t wait to read more from this author, and I will be hanging on the edge of my seat for her next book to make an appearance.
Right from the start, I was captured by the characters that weave throughout the novel. I felt like I was right there with them through everything. At one point I even felt like I WAS them. I was completely and utterly engrossed. I felt every single emotion they did, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Much to the amusement of my fiancé, I even did the ugly cry. You know the one…The one that makes you want to stick a knife inside and twirl it around just to pull those emotions out so you don’t have to see the incredulous look on the faces of whoever is around? Yeah, that one!
Parting burden has everything a reader could want, and I have to say that I want more! Once you get your hands on this amazingly written novel, you are going to want more as well. I can’t wait to read more from this author, and I will be hanging on the edge of my seat for her next book to make an appearance.
June 3, 2015
This story was a bit slow, but Very interesting!!
Mel, the main character, keeps getting thrown curve balls through out her life. She was an average young lady. Always trying to please her husband and his family. Estranged from her own family due to life's past horrors. She was living one day at a time, becoming someone she was not. She felt trapped and had to get away.
Perfect timing for an accuse to leave her life behind...Mel's aunt had hurt herself and needs care. She decided she would move back to her hometown were her family was broken from life's past tragedy happened.
Heartbreak comes in a blink of an eye and stays with your heart forever. Picking up the broken pieces of her life she learns many secrets while she was away. Some are best unknown, others bring hope.
Life is good....a great group of friends....mended the lost time with her dad and brother. And found some love on the side. Mel's aunt dies and once again everyone's life changes!
I recommend this read, I cried and I laughed, bits reminds me of my own life :)
Mel, the main character, keeps getting thrown curve balls through out her life. She was an average young lady. Always trying to please her husband and his family. Estranged from her own family due to life's past horrors. She was living one day at a time, becoming someone she was not. She felt trapped and had to get away.
Perfect timing for an accuse to leave her life behind...Mel's aunt had hurt herself and needs care. She decided she would move back to her hometown were her family was broken from life's past tragedy happened.
Heartbreak comes in a blink of an eye and stays with your heart forever. Picking up the broken pieces of her life she learns many secrets while she was away. Some are best unknown, others bring hope.
Life is good....a great group of friends....mended the lost time with her dad and brother. And found some love on the side. Mel's aunt dies and once again everyone's life changes!
I recommend this read, I cried and I laughed, bits reminds me of my own life :)
September 21, 2014
Melissa is good at running away. This time she runs back home because her family needs her. Follow Melissa as she leaves her fiance - takes care of her Nana and the journey of people she knew in school along with her brother James. This is a definite must read and would definitely recommend to everyone. Congrats Sinead MacDughlas
November 22, 2014
Reads like a first draft
I wish this would have been edited better. I felt like the author could not decide if her characters were living in the early 1900's or in this decade. There were a few decent hooks that kept me reading,but ultimately I was disappointed and I feel little foolish for the time I invested.
I wish this would have been edited better. I felt like the author could not decide if her characters were living in the early 1900's or in this decade. There were a few decent hooks that kept me reading,but ultimately I was disappointed and I feel little foolish for the time I invested.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews