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| Christa Allan |
“So that was my epiphany for sobriety. Apple juice.”
Christa Allan’s Walking on Broken Glass was the bright surprise I clicked on when looking for the next read amongst a billion books downloaded on my kindle.
I scanned the first pages of many, but Christa’s book held my attention from the first line.
“Cruising the sparkling aisles of Catalano’s Supermarket, I lost my sanity buying frozen apple juice.”
I had no idea what the book was about because I hadn’t even read the backcover blurb. Downside of kindle books.
How does a woman lose her sanity buying juice? I read on.
What I discovered about Christa and WoBG.
As a reader, I was hooked, immersed in the story and into Leah’s–the main character– life, thoughts (which cracked me up often), and sensory details.
As a writer, I was mesmerized by Christa’s fresh voice, interesting and new metaphors, and style of writing. And that is why as a reader, I was hooked.
I kept thinking, “This is briliant. What a fabulous debut novel!” (I had to immediately find out who Christa Allan was and I discovered WoBG was her first book.)
Leah Thornton is a strong character, with many flaws, who fights for sobriety by admitting herself into rehab at the suggestion of a close friend.
Who wants to read a whole book in one character’s head about rehab?
YOU DO!
Leah is a witty, snarky character, full of sass and strength. I loved her. I loved the journey she took, as her painful past surfaced and answers to why she relied on alchohol came to light.
I shed a few tears in this book and I laughed a lot, mostly at her sarcastic wit. As me and my husband say when watching movies/TV, “That’s good writing.”
My only disappointment
I walked on broken glass with Leah through the entire book. I stayed up late to finish it up, because I had to know how her marriage was going to turn out as well as a few close personal relationships involving illness, but those things weren’t resolved.
Leah’s husband had some serious issues and I never knew where all of them stemmed from. I wanted to know if he and Leah would end up the way I wanted them to. It eluded to that, but I didn’t know for sure.
So I’m disappointed the book ended! I would have read on and on, but alas, I suppose all good things must come to an end.
Will Christa write a sequel and dive deeper into Leah’s husband’s past? (amongst other questions, but I don’t want to spoil any of it for you)
I don’t know. I can only hope. In the mean time, I’ll be reading her new novel, The Edge of Grace, because Christa Allan is a fabulous author, even if her book ended before I wanted it to! 🙂
4 out of 5 stars
Here’s a peek at Walking on Broken Glass:
“Leah Thornton, already sloshed from one-too-many at a faculty party, is cruising the supermarket aisles in search of something tasty to enhance her Star-bucks—Kahlua, for example. Two confrontations later—one at the grocery and the other with her friend Molly—Leah is sitting in the office of the local rehab center facing an admissions counselor who fails to understand the most basic things, like the fact that apple juice is not a suitable cocktail mixer. Rehab is no picnic, and being forced to experience and deal with the reality of her life isn’t Leah’s idea of fun. But through the battle she finds a reservoir of courage she never knew she had, and the loving arms of a God she never quite believed existed.”
Question for you: What book/s have had you screaming, “No! Don’t end! Not yet!”
Jessica, I love the way Christa writes and I'm excited about the release of Edge of Grace today.
Great review!
~ Wendy
I love this book! Christa's a phenomenal writer!
I have this book, and it's at the top of my list to read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I've loved Crista's blog, and can't wait to read her fiction.
Ooh, I read that book earlier this year – loved it. Loooved the writing. Such a mix of snappy voice with serious content. Like you, I wished for a sequel, though. Fun review!
This one's been on my TBR list for awhile.
As to a book that ended before I was ready…The Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters. I was not ready to let go of Amelia and Emerson. I'm glad she created a series with these characters.
Looks good, I hate when loose ends aren't tied off though.
Awesome review. I need to read this one now. I downloaded it for my Kindle but haven't read it yet. :o)
I feel in love with Ronie Kendig's Dead Reckoning. I would have been fine with about 50 or so more chapters of that book. Even though it did tie up nicely at the end. 🙂
Thanks for all the kind words. Pom-pons for all!
Hey everyone, it's great to see how many of you have read and loved WoBG!
Chris, thanks for dropping in. I hope you feel welcome hanging out with all of us!
Christa, thanks for graciously stopping in and leaving a comment. All of us who love your writing will be purchasing The Edge of Grace! Oh and…write a sequel!!! 🙂 *BIG SMILE*
It's all in my head…just need to find a publisher to buy it!
But what if it doesn't end the way you suspect it will? And how do you think it would?
Love the review! This must go on my TBR list. Thanks Jess and Christa. =)
That sounds like it has a really funny side to it. P.S – Like your new blog design!
Sounds like an interesting book! Always like reading reviews before I pick up the book (or download it to my Kindle!). Have a great week! God bless!
You know I'm mostly a suspense/thriller reader, but this sounds like a good book. Your review is so well done and enthusiastic I'll have to check it out.
Every single Harry Potter book. It should never have ended. Ever. Ever.
Thanks to everyone who dropped by to visit. Jessica has such a great audience!
Appreciate letting me hang out. And if you haven't read my novel, I hope you enjoy it.
I'm happy to send you a signed
bookplate (sorry, haven't figured out how to do it electronically at a feasible price!). Drop by my blog and there's a comment page that goes to me–or you can pick up my email there, send me your address, and I'll send one to you
I wasn't crazy about the ending 🙁
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