A Shattered Moment
Series: Fractured Lives #1
By: Tiffany King
ISBN: 0425279502 (ISBN13: 9780425279502)
Author’s Website: http://www.authortiffanyjking.blogspot.com/
Review brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Synopsis:
In the new series by Tiffany King, the USA Today bestselling author of the Woodfalls Girls novels, six friends—fresh from high school graduation—discover that the future can come at you from out of nowhere.
This is Mackenzie’s story…
Mackenzie Wilson once had hope for what life had to offer, but everything changed on the night of her graduation. A year later, the only way she can find comfort is by keeping her head down and hoping she remains unnoticed at college.
When Bentley James discovered Mac in that twisted SUV, he was just a newbie EMT on his first call. It was a gut-wrenching moment that made him realize not everyone can be saved—and sometimes they don’t want to be.
A chance encounter on campus brings Bentley back into Mac’s life. Despite her initial resistance, he sets out to discover the girl hiding beneath a shield of seclusion. He evokes painful memories in Mac—but also feelings. As the spark between them grows, Mac must decide if she can let go of the past and believe in something as fragile as love.
Review:
Wow, Wow, WOW!!! A very riveting read. The prologue is SO intense. Once I got through that….I did not want to put the book down. So literally… 24 hours later …I had finished the book. WOW!!!
The storyline is the recovery process of Mac from a fatal car crash with 4 of her life long buddies from high school on their graduation night (the brat pack as the parents referred to the 5 kids). This process is multifaceted, not just physical but also emotional as well. During the graduation night, Mackenzie learns of a secret between a couple of her buddies (hard to say anything without leaving spoilers…but I am trying). This takes a toll on Mac as she is plagued with more guilt over and above her survivor’s guilt. The process also includes many people in Mac’s life – the other survivors, her parents, parents of the deceased and those people who Mac meets during her year at college.
I was struck by the sheer depth of the emotional aspect of the story. It was at times difficult to read (but in a good way). I certainly cannot imagine having to live through this tragedy while not all of the ‘brat pack’ survived. This of course added survivor guilt on top of the physical and emotional scarring that took place. Being immersed in Mac’s recovery and return to her previous zest for life (and sense of humor) was both awe-inspiring and engaging. Often I rooted for Mac to see her way clear of self-pity, etc. But of course, the journey is different for every person.
Bentley was the EMT at the scene of the accident (this accident was in fact his first call out in his then new job). Now, a year and a half later, they meet up again in the university library. He is intrigued by Mac. I loved that he was able to be patient and adjust how he approached the friendship (in the beginning) and then the emerging deeper relationship with Mac is such a sensitive way. He never seemed pushy and gave Mac the space to figure herself out. The romance was delightful to read.
The switch from present day back to the day of the accident and back again was very powerful and thought provoking. I felt this added depth to what could have been just a romance. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that, as a reader, I was taken on. Not indicating who survived the crash right at the beginning was also an ingenious story telling twist. We discovered the survivors throughout the story, when the storyline dictated their introduction (one survivor was actually a surprise to me).
As this is just the first in the series, I must say…I am hooked and can hardly wait for the next book in the series. Well done, Tiffany King. You have a new fan. Thank you for writing such an engaging, entertaining book.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
