Broken Wings

by Carla Stewart

Onstage, the singing duo of Gabe and Mitzi Steiner captured America's heart for more than two decades. Offstage, their own hearts have throbbed as one for sixty years. Only now, Gabe has retreated into the tangles of Alzheimer's, leaving Mitzi to ponder her future alone.

On the other side of Tulsa, everyone believes Brooke Woodson has found the perfect man -- a handsome lawyer with sights on becoming Tulsa's next District Attorney. If only Brooke felt more sure. If only her fiancé could control his anger. If only love didn't come with so many scars.

When an accident lands Brooke in the hospital where Mitzi volunteers, the two women quickly develop an unlikely friendship birthed by providence and bathed in grace. And with Mitzi's help, kindness, and insight, Brooke learns how to pick up the broken pieces of her life.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Book Club, Contemporary, Historical Fiction, Adult, Relationships

319 pages, Paperback

First published June 3, 2011

About the author

Carla Stewart’s writing reflects her passion for times gone by as depicted in her first highly-acclaimed novel, Chasing Lilacs. Carla launched her writing career in 2002 when she earned the coveted honor of being invited to attend Guidepost's Writers Workshop in Rye, New York. Since then, her articles have appeared in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, Saddle Baron, and Blood and Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine.
In her life before writing, Carla enjoyed a career in nursing and raising her family. Now that their four sons are married and they’ve become empty-nesters, she and her husband relish the occasional weekend getaway and delight in the adventures of their six grandchildren.
Carla enjoys a good cup of coffee, great books, and hearing from you, her readers. You’re invited to contact her and learn more about her writing at www.carlastewart.com

Reviews

[Cookielover · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say than the fact I'm utterly speechless? Besides a small typo, this book was perfect. Like, there was no flaw. The plot, the characters...the whole story in itself was simply fantastic.
This story was about learning to fly again--and learning to fly for the first time. This novel soared beyond my expectations and I have to say this was a breathtaking read that will leave you with something you thought you already had. I skipped breakfast to finish it, and people, I like pancakes so that should tell you everything.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book of Carla Stewart's I have read and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Every aspect of this beautifully written novel had my rapt attention. The book takes the reader through the lives of two women who meet by "coincidence" and form a friendship seemingly from ages past.

Mitzi, the 81 year old ex-jazz singer and faithfull wife of Gabe (currently living in a care center with Alzheimer's), is on her shift as a volunteer hospital "Pink Lady", when she meets a beaten, bloodied Brooke. Brooke, the barely 30 paralegal, has literally reached the breaking point in the abusive relationship with her rising political-star fiance. After Brooke and Mitzi's first encounter in the hospital waiting room, they're brought together again when another attack leaves Brooke frightened, with an arm in a sling, and desperately needing respite. So begins the journey of their new friendship. Mitzi offers Brooke a safe haven in her home. She relives her broken, yet beautiful, past with Brooke who's needing the inspiration found in the elderly woman's stories. The novel switches from the 1st person present, to Mitzi's 1st person accounts of years past. Normally, I don't like novels that "go back in time" so to speak, but I must say I was equally enraptured by all three elements of this story. Each character's personal stories were so beautifully written and combined to create a magical read. I truly found myself on the edge of my seat at moments.

This novel has it all:
A story of a love that lasts through the ages, with Mitzi and Gabe.
Danger and suspense are brought to life with Brooke's relationship with the abusive Lance.
Hope, for things that may come to pass.
Faith, that even in the worst of times - God will never leave us or forsake us.
And a hint of fresh love on the horizon for Brooke.

This was such an inspirational book. I'm a huge fan of Carla Stewart's now and can't wait to read her previous title, "Chasing Lilacs".

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: BROKEN WINGS
Author: Carla Stewart
Publisher: Faith Words
June 2011
ISBN: 978-0-446-55656-9
Genre: Women’s fiction


Onstage, the singing duo of Gabe and Mitzi Steiner captured America's heart for more than two decades. Offstage, their own hearts have throbbed as one for sixty years. Only now, Gabe has retreated into the tangles of Alzheimer's, leaving Mitzi to ponder her future alone.

On the other side of Tulsa, everyone believes Brooke Woodson has found the perfect man--a handsome lawyer with sights on becoming Tulsa's next District Attorney. If only Brooke felt more sure. If only her fiancé could control his anger. If only love didn't come with so many scars.

When an accident lands Brooke in the hospital where Mitzi volunteers, the two women quickly develop an unlikely friendship birthed by providence and bathed in grace. And with Mitzi's help, kindness, and insight, Brooke learns how to pick up the broken pieces of her life.

BROKEN WINGS is Ms. Stewart’s second book, the debut being Chasing Lilacs. I read Chasing Lilacs but a long time ago, and don’t remember it well. I’m behind on book reviews (obviously, since this one came out almost two years ago).

I had no idea what this book would be about when I picked it up. But the opening is engaging. I felt so bad for Brooke and for Mitzi. I had to keep reading to see why Brooke would stay with such a jerk, and my heart broke for Mitzi who loved her husband to distraction and now faced losing him. I had to admire her for finding an outlet—volunteering at the hospital.

When Mitzi discovers Brooke’s truth and Lance’s abuse, she tries to talk Brooke out of his life—providing her a safe haven. But Lance starts stalking her and the tale of terror continues. A sweet love story on one hand—a tale of redemption on the other. Recommended. $13.99. 320 pages.

[ClaraBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot: Mitzi is a 70 year old childless woman struggling to cope with her husband, Gabe’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis while remembering “the good ole days” when they were a pop music duo sensation of the 1940s-70s. She finds purpose in her faith in God and in volunteering at a charity hospital. And that’s where she meets and forms an unlikely friendship with Brooke, a aspiring 30 year old lawyers assistant who’s clearly a victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse but she’s covering it up, saying she just “got clumsy, tripped, and fell down hard!”
Will these women allow God to heal their mutual broken wings of their past and give them a better future?
Rating: 5 stars
Recommend 👏for any reader ages 17+
Warning: disturbing details about sexual abuse, domestic violence, drunkenness, suicide, pimping, and a dangerous but sadly successful back alley abortion.
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK! SO ABSORBING, TIMELY AND INSPIRING! THIS WAS MY FIRST BOOK TO READ BY CARLA STEWART, BUT IT WON’T BE MY LAST!

[Sarah Sundin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written with great voice, Broken Wings tells the story of a touching friendship between a young woman trying to escape an abusive relationship and an elderly woman who was a jazz singing sensation. This book handles tough subjects with honesty and sensitivity, and still manages to warm your heart.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what this book was about when I picked it up, but I was pulled into the story through the opening scene, and once I got started I wanted to keep reading through to the end. Having worked with many women involved in domestic violence over the years, I can attest to how believably written the characters were in this novel. A lot of the details reminded me of former situations I'd seen with DV victims. Add to that the precious story line about the husband with Alzheimer's and it became a beautiful love story on one end, and a redemption story on the other.

Mitzi was a precious friend and mentor as she stuck by Brooke and provided just enough support to inspire her to get out of the dangerous situation. It didn't surprise me that people didn't believe her at first, because abusive men work hard on convincing outsiders that they would never hurt the person they loved. The fact that Lance's father abused his mother and the father abused him as well is all too common of a theme in DV cases. I used to tell young girls that I worked with never to marry a man who hates his mother. That's the perfect recipe for abuse right there. And unless the man gets therapy, it's just a matter of time before the ugliness is unleashed. And God bless Drew who saw the beauty in Brooke and believed in her spirit. He was a true hero indeed.

I really enjoyed this book and can see it being used as a tool to help people understand the cycle of violence and the way victims see things in a distorted way until they get help. Broken Wings is a great story and very well written. I found it realistically inspiring and not depressing despite the subject matter. I highly recommend it.

[Christina Hoyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice read with a feel good ending. I love it when books wrap everything up for you in a nice little bow. Perfect. I felt connected to the characters emotions and even teared up a little sometimes. I enjoyed reading about Mitzi and Gabe, the retired singing duo, but I found the parts about Brooke and her abusive fiance a little scripted and over done though. The abusive boyfriend story reminded me of a bad life time movie. The parts of the book that described the altercations between Brooke and her abusive boyfriend seemed forced and kind of cheesy sometimes. Let me end on a positive note by saying.... sometimes a cheesy bad lifetime movie is just what you need. I enjoyed it. 3 stars.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! It's great when you come across another by an author whose previous story made such an impression, that I automatically ordered this and another one of hers when I saw them on Thriftbooks. It was a totally engrossing and engaging story with an unusual friendship, some elements of domestic abuse, and plenty of faith aspects throughout. I was engaged and didn't want to stop reading it. Even an intriguing suspence situation in this one. I read Carla's other one Stardust a little while ago which ended up being a keeper too :)

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book from a Little Free Library more than a year ago based on its cover and I finally read it for a book challenge where I had to read a book chosen for its cover. A couple of love stories accross the generations. One knows no boundries despite an alzheimers diagnosis. A story of abuse, again across the generations. A story of personal strength and growth, of frienship, and most importantly, a happy ending. I loved it!

[Britni · Rating 4 out of 5]

ometimes unlikely pairings are the best. Peanut Butter and BBQ chip sandwiches, Romeo and Juliet, Milo and Otis. Broken Wings is made up another one of those strange pairings that that just works.

Mitzi, an eighty-one year old woman who is caring for her husband with Alzheimer's, and Brooke, a young engaged legal assistant trying who is still trying to figure out who she is and what she wants to do with her life. They meet when Brooke comes into the hospital where Mitzi is volunteering and begin a friendship on what appears to be Mitzi's concern for others' well-being, but it soon turns into more than that as the two of them realize that without knowing it, they need each other.

I absolutely loved Mitzi's character. She's a famous singer, now retired, who spends her days in the same spit-fire way I'm sure she spent the rest of her life. She lives for every moment of every day and slowly teaches Brooke to do the same. I probably liked her so much because I want to be like her character, not afraid of chasing after my dreams and wearing that red sparkly dress. And then there's Brooke, who because of circumstances comes off as the weaker character of the two, but hey, Mitzi had another sixty years to live.

This book was a pretty quick and easy read. It touches lightly on a number of issues but sticks mainly to dealing with Alzheimer's and abuse and portrays them in a fairly realistic but not difficult to read way. The one main complaint I had was how the book ended. Throughout the book Mitzi tells her life story to Brooke and at one point it just stops. I actually found her history to be a better story than the present day one between Mitzi and Brooke and was intrigued to hear it how it played out. There was a little bit of closure at the very end, but I wanted to know more. Other than that, a good read.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Wings
Carla Stewart
Published by Hatchette Book Group
Source: Faithwords Review

Mitzi is a retired jazz singer whose husband Gabe ails with late stages alzheimers and Brooke a young woman engaged to an up and coming lawyer and physical abuser Lance. Their stories come together as Mitzi a hospital volunteer sees Brooke in the emergency room after Lance has attacked her. Brooke claims it an accident of her cat tripping her, Mitzi in her years of wisdom knows better. Mitzi connects with Brooke and their friendship grows as Brooke begins to trust Mitzi and realizes the horror of a life she is about to commit to.
Brooke is much like the granddaughter Mitzi never had. Mitzi shares her life story with Brooke, reminiscing as if it is happening in flashback. She shares the abuse her own mother encountered by the hand of her father, their escape and loss of her mother in a storm, caring for younger siblings, striking out on her own, friends along the way, and how God kept her in the palm of His hand. Mitzi’s care and wisdom helps Brooke to seek out the direction in her life that she longs to find. At the same time Brooke is a comfort to Mitzi as she daily visits and reminisces about her past life with Gabe.
A beautiful story about 2 women who share a rare type of friendship that ministers to both of them in many ways. Mitzi’s hope in Christ and his having His eye on the sparrow brings healing to Brooke and hope for both of them for their future.
I couldn’t put this book down, it was so heartwarming and rich in history. I loved hearing about Mitzi’s time in the early years of her singing days in Tulsa and about the jazz era of the time. Great research went into Carla Stewart’s book and I appreciate the depth of knowledge she shares.
I received this book from Faithwords in exchange for an honest review.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written and undeniably heartfelt, Broken Wings tells the story of amazingly strong Mitzi whose husband is overcome with Alzheimer's, and Brooke who is lost and trapped in an abusive relationship. The novel is about how their lives cross and become inevitably intertwined with each other, and how they are able to share life in a way that neither one expected.

Stewart's writing style is full of great imagery and her characters are all full of life in such a way that their own personal stories are bursting at the seams. The story changes between Mitzi and Brooke's point of view, as well as stories from Mitzi's past. The emotionally driven dialogs make this breathtaking story of pain, strength, and forgiveness hard to ever forget.

Broken wings is a heart wrenching and inspiring novel that will be impossible to put down for most readers. I personally found the story so captivating I had to read it in one sitting - I couldn't bring myself to put it down. I highly recommend it and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.



*I received this book free through a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Broken Wings Carla Baker does as good a job with an "issue" book as any I've seen. Brooke is abused by her fiancee and every element of the classic abuse case is there--the charming man, the apology, the lies, the isolation from family, the adoption of a lifestyle not her own. Gabe has Alzheimer's and we get a full run-down on what that means. Still, Broken Wings manages to be a story that educates rather than a text book. Mitzi remembers her childhood and early adult life and tells Brooke about it. Brooke breaks free from the abusive relationship and claims the life she was meant to live. In some ways the ending is too good, but I much prefer ending a book with a smile on my face to having tears streaming down my face.

The book is Christian fiction but not in an in-your-face manner.

I'd like to thank the publishers for making a review copy available via NetGalley. Grade: B.

[Deborah Leathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the love story of Mitzi and Gabe, and I liked the way the story was revealed, bit by bit, weaving past with present. This story touched my heart so deeply and made me very well educated of how difficult it would be dealing with someone suffering from Alzheimer's. It is such a heartbreaking disease.

Carla Stewart does a good job at getting you attached to the characters of this book, you feel so connected to them it is sad when the book comes to an end. I loved this book for the story and for the delicate, yet truthful ways she unfolds the issues of Alzheimer's and Domestic violence.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a story to read that will tug at their heart and make them think about friendship, struggles and how the two can beautifully intersect. There are many books out there that are good reads, and then there are some that are great and will stay with you long after you read the last page; for me, this book is one of those!

[Maureen Mullis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with Carla Stewart's writing! I read her first book, Chasing Lilies, a couple of months ago and was blown away by her sensitivity and insight. In her second novel Broken Wings my initial impressions have not only been confirmed, but surpassed.

Two women, one 30 and one in her 80s, meet. One is dealing with an abusive fiance, and one with a husband struggling with the effects of alzheimers. As their friendship grows they learn more about each other and offer help and support for the trials they are going through, and find in each other the lifeline they both need.

A tender, sweet book, Broken Wings is a book that offers hope. I plan on reading whatever Carla Stewart writes. She's simply amazing.

[Sterlingcindysu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another of those 2 stories in one, and (for me anyway) the past story was much, much better than the current one. Strange since it's the same writer after all! I don't know why authors are in the fashion now of flipping back and forth between chapters when a straight-line narrative would be fine.

Now here's my philosophical slant on this. In both stories (past and present) women are abused. This is a Christian novel so bits of the song, "For his eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me" are incorporated throughout the book. Someone who is abused may take that to mean that God is watching over you so you are protected without doing anything. I think a better message would have been "God helps those who help themselves." At some point prayer isn't enough...the woman needs to get out, take legal action, get out of town, something.

I wish Stewart would have shown why Lance started dating Brooke. The reader assumes it's because she looked like his mother but was that it?

A sweet read.

[Lilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis: Onstage, the singing duo of Gabe and Mitzi Steiner captured America's heart for more than two decades. Offstage, their own hearts have throbbed as one for sixty years. Only now, Gabe has retreated into the tangles of Alzheimer's, leaving Mitzi to ponder her future alone.

On the other side of Tulsa, everyone believes Brooke Woodson has found the perfect man—a handsome lawyer with sights on becoming Tulsa's next District Attorney. If only Brooke felt more sure. If only her fiancé could control his anger. If only love didn't come with so many scars. When an accident lands Brooke in the hospital where Mitzi volunteers, the two women quickly develop an unlikely friendship birthed by providence and bathed in grace. And with Mitzi's help, kindness, and insight, Brooke learns how to pick up the broken pieces of her life.

Review: Not much can be added to the above detailed synopsis without giving a lot of way but I will say that Broken Wings is an extremely well-written and emotional book. The subjects of Alzheimer’s and domestic abuse are handled very carefully and with immense compassion, though I will give my normal caveat that if your life has been touched by domestic abuse, this book may trigger memories so be mindful.

Broken Wings is a two-part story, one part tells Brooke’s story from the present and the other Mitzi’s from the 1930s. This title falls under the genre of Christian Fiction, and I don’t normally read this genre--as I’m not a Christian--but the story is so touching that the faith aspect was easily overlooked for me. I recommend this for fans of Francine Rivers, Nicholas Sparks, Fannie Flagg and Joshilyn Jackson. 3/5.

[I'd So Rather Be Reading {Nat} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Wings was such a good book! The tenderness of the love story, Mitzi's faith, and Mitzi's devotion to Gabe really touched me. I finished the book feeling really happy that I read it.

One of my favorite things is a first person narration, and when authors write in alternating points-of-view, both first-person narratives, that makes it even better. I felt like I really got to know both Mitzi and Brooke. Reading a first-person narrative really lets you in to a character's thoughts and makes the reading experience more powerful for me.

There were two things that bothered me about Broken Wings. The first is that I wanted to yell at Brooke at times. It took her forever to see Lance for what he really was. I do think that Stewart did a good job at portraying an abusive relationship, but it is frustrating to read about a character whom you care about making poor choices over and over again. But, in the end, Brooke and her mother both had great character growth, which I loved.

My second problem with Broken Wings was Mitzi and Hadley's relationship. Actually, the relationship wasn't the problem so much as the ending paragraphs. It felt to me like Stewart was ushering in Mitzi's next love before the first love exited stage left. I felt that was disrespectful to Gabe and out of character for Mitzi.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Mitzi has the kind of quiet faith that I love to read about. I enjoyed the flashbacks the most, especially how she overcame her past. I would definitely read more from Carla Stewart in the future. I would recommend Broken Wings to fans of contemporary fiction and Christian fiction.

[Catherine Richmond]

Elderly Mitzi is volunteering at the hospital one night when a bleeding young woman stumbles into the emergency department. Mitzi recognizes the haunted look in the woman's eyes - Brooke is a victim of abuse. Yet Brooke doesn't open up to Mitzi... until her second hospital trip.

Author Carla Stewart tackles some tough issues - domestic violence and Alzheimer's - but this is anything but a grim book. Here's what I loved about it:

The intergenerational friendship between Mitzi and Brooke reminded me of the delightful relationship between Ruth-Anne Miller and Ed Chigliak on Northern Exposure. We have so much to learn from each other - why do we restrict our friendships only to people just like us? Broken Wings' Brooke and Mitzi went outside their comfort zone and both benefitted from it.

So few stories show elderly people in a positive light, but Broken Wings did. Mitzi continued to love Gabe, in spite of Alzheimer's. She reached out to other spouses in the nursing home and through volunteer work at the hospital. She drove and sang. She opened her heart and home to Brooke. I'd love to have a friend like Mitzi!

What fun to learn about the history of jazz in Tulsa! Mitzi's past, back to 1935, was skillfully woven in with the contemporary story.

An excellent read!

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken Wings for me was a very emotional book. It actually tells two different stories. One is of Gabe and Mitzi Steiner, who are now elderly, with Mitzi having had to put the love of her life in a nursing home due to Alzheimers. The other story is of Brooke Woodson who is finding out that the man she loves is the not the man for her. As Brooke finds the strength to carry on with her life in spite of the danger that surrounds her, she befriends Mitzi who tells her own story of her life to help Brooke heal. The author deals with Alzheimers and domestic abuse in a very compassionate way. I found myself getting angry in certain parts and being tearful in others. A very uplifting story, that I highly recommend

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a GoodReads First Read book giveaway. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this book. I am not that familiar with spousal abuse. But I have wondered at times when I see something on TV or in the paper why someone would stay in a relationship like that. This book shows the different aspects of life and what goes on that could cause someone to stay in a relationship where they are being abused. Ms. Stewart also show the goodness in people and how the unlikeliest people can become friends and care for one another.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely recommend to my friends.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts: I loved, loved, loved this book. Mitzi and Brooke, the most unlikely women to end up friends, meet in the hospital where one is a volunteer and the other an ER patient. Their paths cross not once but twice and from there a friendship is established. Mitzi whose husband has Alzheimer's and Brooke abused by her fiance are there for one another in their times of need. The story is told through both women's points of view in alternating chapters; some are flashback-like in that one woman is relating her past to the other. I highly recommend this outstanding work of fiction which will educate readers at the same time.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story!!!!!!!!! Through tears and laughter, I entered Brook and Mitzi's lives. Having lost both of my grandmothers to Alzheimers, I could relate to this story!! Many thanks Carla for blending abuse and Alzheimers into a story that unfortunately is an everyday occurance!! I would highly recommend this book to everyone!!!!!!!!

[Shannon Rochester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I found while I was choosing another...I had to get it because of the cover. Honestly, the story didn't seem like one that would interest me too much but... this book grabbed me from the very first page...One of the best I have ever read and I could go so far as to say one of my all time favorites. :)

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I thought this would be your typical issue novel about domestic abuse. It had some of that flavor, but there was much more to it than that. A real, honest look at the subject with a parallel story taking place sixty years prior.

[Sheila Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two lives intersect for the good of both! Abuse is an ugly fact of this broken world we live in...follow as one victim helps another decades later...no man (or in this case, woman) is an island! Great story! It made me want to play some jazz music and be aware of opportunities to help others!

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked the book up because of the beautiful cover, but the story really drew me in. I finished it in one sitting and would like to read more by the same author. I am a sucker for happy endings, so of course it didn't hurt that the author wrapped everything up neatly at the end.

[Heaven is a bookstore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon to my blog heavenisabookstore.blogspot.com

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab the tissues!!!!


Review to come.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise for the book - the intertwining of two stories, both good storylines - was very promising and they played out well, leaving the odd surprise for the end of the book. The writing, however, was dreadful. Had I not been reading this book for research purposes, I would have consigned it to the "did not finish" pile. There are so many cliches and the characters were wooden and two-dimensional. What nearly had me binning the book was the use of the word "spastic" which one of the characters uses about herself when she does something she considers stupid. Even in 2011 this word would definitely have been considered highly offensive and I am really surprised got past the edits and proof-reading. The book is published by a division of Hatchette Books called Faith Words as the book refers to the Christian Faith in terms of the characters and their actions. The only reason the book got two stars rather than one, was the perpetrator of the domestic violence does get prosecuted and that's been a rare find so far.