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| At the Edge of a Dark Forest by Connie Almony |
Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pages
5 Stars *****
Cole Harrison is a veteran amputee with severe PTSD and is a full blown alcoholic. Who would have thought that Connie Almony could get the reader to care for a hero who will eventually suffer Delirium Tremens (also known as the DTs)?
Carly Rose is trying to save her father's company. He makes prosthetic limbs and early in the story Cole has an encounter with Mr. Rose that is very important to the story. Their romance blossoms when Carly moves into Cole's mansion to work with him on rehab and on fitting him.
Connie's Beauty and the Beast story was unique despite it being a twist on this plot. At the Edge of a Dark Forest is especially authentic because of Connie's background working in mental health.
This compelling novella by Connie Almony is my top candidate for Best Bibliotherapy Book for 2014 on my blog. I am not a big contemporary romance reader but her story was so well written and so unique that I couldn't stop reading the story until I was done! Strong characterization and a nicely layered storyline. Will be looking for more from this talented author!
Highly recommend, particularly for those dealing with PTSD, alcoholism, coping with amputation and rehabilitation, and for their loved ones!
This compelling novella by Connie Almony is my top candidate for Best Bibliotherapy Book for 2014 on my blog. I am not a big contemporary romance reader but her story was so well written and so unique that I couldn't stop reading the story until I was done! Strong characterization and a nicely layered storyline. Will be looking for more from this talented author!
Highly recommend, particularly for those dealing with PTSD, alcoholism, coping with amputation and rehabilitation, and for their loved ones!
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This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others.
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This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and others.
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GIVEAWAYS! We are giving away TWO copies of Connie's book this week (choice of format), a Starbuck's $10 Gift Card Giveaway AND also a a $10 Gift Card to an online bookseller. Please "like" Connie's FB author page and put FB on your comment. Leave your e-mail so that we may contact you if you win!
Thank you so much, Carrie. I'm honored to be on your Best Bibliotherapy Book List!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat job with this book, Connie!
DeleteI always enjoy your wonderful and informative reviews, CARRIE! CONNIE tackled some topics that weren't pretty at all, but instead of it being a dark story -- she turned it into one of hope, love, and beauty.
ReplyDeleteTY! I know, Connie really did a great job, didn't she, Diana!
DeleteCARRIE I always get excited to read your reviews, you always know just the right words to say. This book really touched my heart to learn more about what our brave soldiers go through to ensure our freedom. :-)
ReplyDeleteTeresa, you are funny. I don't review the same way as the wonderful OWG angels do but I'm looking for something a little different in my reads! TY!
DeleteSounds thought-provoking, and I like that. I feel that stimulating empathy should be a goal of Christian novelists, and it sounds as if Connie does too.
ReplyDeletewandrnlady @aol.com
Well put, Janice! Thanks for coming by and commenting!
DeleteConnie, Sounds like a book to make us think about our blessings and a reminder to us to reach out to those in need. Hope to read it! Best wishes, Katherine
ReplyDeleteKatherine, this was a wonderful novella! I encourage you to read the story!
DeleteSuch a great review !!!! Such a sensitive topic, one I am really not aware of !!!! We don't always know what our wounded warriors are going through .... I really want to read this book !!! Thanks for the chance to win a great prize !!!
ReplyDeleteRosemary Foley. rfoley (@) salemstate (dot) edu
Chicki, you are so right. We need to pray for our wounded warriors. Great story!
DeleteHello my OWG friends. Good review Carrie. not real sure it's my kind of book but will give it a try. I need your prayers right now. My step-daughter's hubby passed away late yesterday evening. He was in his car going to where their son lived and had to be rushed by Ambulance to hosp. in OKC and was put on life support. All of his organs were shutting down. This was Wed. afternoon. They took it off yesterday afternoon and not long later he died. This is dad to 3 of my grandchildren and 7 greats. They need your prayers. Please put my name in the pot. Love you gals.
ReplyDeleteMaxie mac262(at)me(dot)com PS: my son's Prostate cancer surgery was Thursday. Around 8 hours, but doctor said it went great. So, he is home for a week. Glad it's over.
Oh Maxie, I am so very sorry to hear this. Praying for all of you. Glad your son's surgery went well. Will continue to lift you up in prayer. Love and hugs to you Maxie.
DeleteSo sorry to hear also Maxie... I'll be keeping you and your family in my prayers too. Lots of Love to you! xx
DeleteReally would like to read this book.
ReplyDeleteoh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
It is only $1 on Kindle, Danie, and more than worth it!
DeleteMaybe I will just have to buy it. On amazon. 😊
DeleteThank you for your wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteFB
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
TY Mary and if you get a chance, go buy this for your Kindle!
DeleteCarrie, from reading what you have to say about this novella, I feel that At the Edge of a Dark Forest is a must read. I think the title is powerful and I hope to read it soon. It sounds like Connie has a winner on her hands.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
Melanie, with the $10 gift certificate you won from Connie, you can buy a paperback book and give someone a Kindle copy of it, too! Congrats!
DeleteGreat review CARRIE! I love how you highlight the points that really make a reader stand up and take notice - I know I'd want to read this book after that review IF I hadn't already! ;) I had the same reaction as you... I couldn't put this story down either!! And I completely agree how well-written and unique this story was... And it's ALSO going to be on my list - of my favourite books of 2014! :)
ReplyDeleteYes it was one of those where I had to keep reading the next page!!! TY Noella!
DeleteSorry, I've been out all day, ladies. Long day at work yesterday. I've missed your community. Maxie, I'm praying for you. Lots going on that needs a Mighty hand to heal. I wanted to mention, again, the Military Ministries resource that helped me learn more about this issue a few years ago when I researched it for a series I did on my blog. It is now called CruMilitary--an outgrowth of Campus Crusade for Christ (now called Cru). If you want to learn more, here is a link: http://crumilitary.org/. They have so many wonderful resources for churches to use to help military families. There is a lot of silent suffering going on. More military die at home from the effects of depression, PTSD, etc. than actually die on the battlefield. When I wrote about "The David Project" (those of you who've read the book may remember), I secretly hoped someone would take that idea and run with it. Maybe one day ... But for now, I hope people will take some time to learn more. Thanks again for having me on this site. You all have been very generous. I am in awe! We serve a wonderful Creator, don't we?
ReplyDeleteWe do serve a wonderful Creator, Connie, and we've been so happy to have you on! Thanks for sharing the link. Praying someone picks up the project!
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