Title: Shattered
Author: J.L. Drake
First published May 8, 2015
226 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781680581287 (ISBN10: 1680581287)
Rating: 4.36
Overview
When Savannah thought she had lost everything, she was surprised to find a glimmer of hope in the form of a new love. But just when she thought she had a second chance at happiness, she realizes that some wounds run too deep to heal.
The lies and betrayals of the past threaten to shatter her once again. Is there any way to pick up the pieces and move on from the pain?
Or will Savannah forever remain shattered? Find out in J.L. Drake’s heart-wrenching novel, Shattered.
About the Author
J. L.
Drake, an accomplished author with international bestsellers under her belt, hails from the beautiful province of Nova Scotia, Canada. She now resides in Southern California with her husband and two children.
Her extraordinary trilogy, Broken, is a must-read! All of her books are interconnected, offering a comprehensive reading experience. Here is the suggested reading order:
1. Broken
2.
Shattered
3. Mended
4.
Honor
5. Escape
6.
Trigger
7. Demons
8.
Unleashed
9. Freedom
10.
Omerta – Short story (Mafia)
11. Courage
12.
Darkness Lurks
13. Darkness Follows
14.
Darkness Falls
15. Behind My Words
16.
Christmas at the Cabin – Short Story
17. All In
18.
Quiet Wealth
19. Quiet Secrets
20.
Quiet Power
21. Quiet Empire
22.
Shadows
23. Whiskey
24.
Alpha
25. Tango
You can find her on her social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. She also has a reader group and newsletter that you can join.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach her via email at JL[email protected]. Visit her website for more information.
Editoral Review
Shattered by J.L. Drake is a gripping novel that explores the complex themes of love, loss, and redemption. First published on May 8, 2015, the book is a standout in the contemporary romance genre, with its richly drawn characters, vivid setting, and heart-wrenching plot.
The author, J.L. Drake, has a talent for crafting stories that are both emotionally compelling and intellectually stimulating. Her writing style is clear and concise, with an eye for detail that brings the world of the story to life.
Throughout the book, she explores the themes of trauma, recovery, and the power of human connection.
The plot of Shattered centers around the character of Ryan Kendall, a veteran who returns home from Afghanistan with severe PTSD. Struggling to cope with his memories of the war, Ryan finds solace in the company of his childhood friend, Jackie.
As they reconnect, their friendship turns into something more, but their relationship is threatened by the traumas of their past.
One of the strengths of Shattered is its character development. Both Ryan and Jackie are complex, multi-dimensional characters that readers will find themselves rooting for.
They are flawed and vulnerable, but also resilient and determined. Drake does an excellent job of showing the reader how their experiences have shaped their personalities and actions, and how they must overcome their inner demons to find happiness.
The pacing of the story is also well done, with a steady buildup of tension that keeps the reader engaged throughout. There are several twists and turns in the plot that will keep readers guessing until the end.
The setting of the book is also vividly described, with Drake painting a picture of small-town life that is both nostalgic and grounded in reality.
One of the weaknesses of the book is that it can be overly dramatic at times, with scenes that feel contrived or forced. Additionally, some readers may find the portrayal of PTSD to be oversimplified, although Drake does make an effort to show how complex and debilitating the condition can be.
Overall, Shattered is a well-crafted novel that is sure to resonate with readers who enjoy contemporary romance and stories of resilience and redemption. It is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking book that is well worth the read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.