Breaking Free by Jennifer Slattery

This book is really good, but for me it was a challenge to read. It was emotionally high strung and honestly at times I just had to take a break. Maybe its just because it hit a little too close to home with all the struggles, family issues, addictions, etc... These are real problems and I think every family knows at least someone who has them. Jennifer writes a realistic story, with hope and healing and forgiveness, but not without struggles, pain, heartache, and despair.

Alice Goddard, seems to have the perfect life, and she has been putting on a good show in front of all her "perfect" friends. But truthfully, she is hiding behind a front. Her home life is a mess, her husband an alcoholic, her children veering out of control. As things get worse, Alice struggles with transparency, seeking help, and her relationship with God. Some of the people
she turns to encourage, but others just shy away and let her face her problems alone. She has a hard time choosing and deciding what the best route to take is - staying in her marriage and watching the affect it is having on their children, as well as herself, or leaving - for who knows where?

Jennifer writes about some serious stuff in this book - lies, shame, guilt, and things that hold us captive. There are parts of the story that just tore my heart out. (Probably cause I get a little too involved in the books I read) I would say this book would hit home to a lot of people though. Even if your struggles are different, the concept is there. Jennifer offers hope, the kind that only comes from Christ. She encourages you to be a friend to those in need, and look for ways to help them.

I do wish that Jennifer had chosen to write an epilogue, giving a little more information wrapping up the family's story. Maybe she was leaving it open for a sequel, I don't know. If just felt like as the book ended, there was more I wanted to know.

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review.

SYNOPSIS:
Sometimes it takes losing everything to grab hold of what really matters. Women s ministry leader and Seattle housewife, Alice Goddard, and her successful graphic-designer husband appear to have it all together. Until their credit and debit cards are denied, launching Alice into an investigation that only leads to the discovery of secrets. Meanwhile, her husband is trapped in a downward spiral of lies, shame, and self-destruction. Can they break free from their deception and turn to the only One who can save them? And will it be in time to save their marriage? Breaking Free, part of NHP contemporary fiction line, is a great reminder that God can take any broken life and redeem it for His plan and purpose. Readers will fall in love with the realistic characters and enjoy the combination of depth, heart-felt emotion, and humor that makes Jennifer's novels so appealing. Readers will be inspired to break free and find God in the complexities of their own lives! This book is a great resource for a book club, discussion group in women s Bible studies, or as a ministry resource to spark conversation about practical ministry needs."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer writes missional romance novels for New Hope Publishers, Christian living articles for Crosswalk.com, Internet Cafe Devotions, and oversees the social media and blog for Takin’ it to the Streets, an Omaha Metro ministry that serves Omaha’s working poor and homeless. She  co-hosts Living by Grace, a modern-day “meet at the well” Facebook community. As a content editor for Firefly, a southern fiction imprint for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, she loves working with writers to help them strengthen their manuscripts and grow in their gifting. When not writing, you’ll likely find her at one of Omaha’s many coffeehouses.
Keep up with Jennifer at Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud
You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.