I have been a huge fan of, Melody Carlson, for years. She is now writing moving stories directed for young adults facing issues no one wants to speak about. "Shattered", blew me away. It is the second book of the, "Secrets Series". This book moved me to tears and opened my heart to the pain, Cleo, was facing. In this moving novel, Cleo, isn't happy with her mother. In fact, she pretty much wishes she was gone from the face of the earth. Her mother might be a little over protective, but she loves her daughter with all her heart. We see this family face a trial no one wants to face. Cleo's mother is murdered and now Cleo is left with guilt and anger. She wants nothing more than to cover up her pain and she begins doing so with prescription drugs she finds in the medicine cabinet. Soon, that simply isn't enough and she turns elsewhere. Cleo is holding on to secrets. Secrets that are eating her alive. Many times it is our actions that not only hurt us, but those who love us. Cleo faces so much at one time. Her best friend is moving away, and now she loses her mother. She feels so alone and wants nothing more than to just disappear in silence.
Cleo's Aunt Kellie is staying with her and her dad. Kellie sees the pain Cleo is facing. She knows this deep pain all to well. At first, Cleo, isn't wanting her aunt there. She just wants to be alone. As Cleo's father is trying to find healing, he is missing his daughter's pain. He is blindsided, but Kellie sees and is not giving up so easy. Once, Cleo, opens up and shares what really happened, her father isn't forgiving. He stays clear of his daughter. This broke my heart. There is such pain in these open wounds. He had to find forgiveness in his time. Healing cannot be rushed.
Sometimes nothing in this world seems to make sense. We face trials we feel lost in. If the story ended there it would be even more shattering, but we have a mighty God who brings healing and comfort. He restores and gives strength to those who cannot stand anymore.
This was an awesome book. It dives into the shattered life of Cleo, but it also shows us not to take our family for granted. It shows us what secrets and deception can do. This is one every young person should read and one every adult will grasp with thankfulness.
This book is published by NavPress and was a gift from Glass Road Publications for it's review.
Melody Carlson:
Over the years, Melody Carlson has worn many hats, from preschool teacher to youth counselor to political activist to senior editor. But most of all, she loves to write! Currently she freelances from her home. In the past eleven years, she has published more than 150 books for children, teens, and adults, with sales close to three million and many titles appearing on best sellers lists.
Several of her books have been finalists and winners of various writing awards, including The Gold Medallion and The Rita Award. And most recently, she is in the process of optioning some of her books for film rights.
Carlson’s passion for writing has been greatly focused on teens. Informed and aware of the challenges and struggles teens face today, she writes young adult novels that she hopes will change lives. Her popular series Diary of a Teenage Girl (Multnomah) has sold more than 300,000 copies. Her TrueColors series (Nav Press) focuses on hard-hitting issues such as suicide, addiction, and cutting. Her series The Secret Life of Samantha McGregor explores the paranormal from a godly perspective. And her latest series, The Carter House Girls, offers readers a cleaned-up alternative to the popular Gossip Girl books.
She has two grown sons and lives in Central Oregon with her husband and chocolate lab retriever. They enjoy skiing, hiking, gardening, camping and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains. www.melodycarlson.com
