About the Book

Book: Broken Together

Authors: Brenda S. Anderson & Sarah S Anderson

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: December 1, 2021

How do you persevere when you have no more will to fight?

Jennifer and Chad Taylor had dreamed of opening a coffee and cocoa shop since before they said, “I do.” When Chad is sent to prison for murder despite claiming innocence, that dream—along with their family—is shattered.

After years of fighting for Chad’s release, Jennifer finally breaks free from her shame, anger, and hopelessness, and forges ahead with the dream the two of them once shared. With the help of their college-aged twins, she begins to move forward.

Without Chad.

When their lawyer arrives with news of evidence that may prove Chad’s innocence, a strange mixture of emotions overtakes her. Does she want Chad to return home? He isn’t the same man he once was, and she certainly isn’t the same woman. She’s worked hard to piece the remnants of their family back together, and his coming home could fracture the family once again.

It all comes down to one question. She loves her husband enough to fight for his release from prison, but does she love him enough to fight for their marriage?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Authors

Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic, gritty, life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She enjoys live music and theater, walking the shores of Lake Superior, and sharing hot cocoa with friends and family. She lives near Minneapolis with her newly retired husband. Together, they plan to travel across the United States, checking items off their bucket list, beginning with a bus trip to Niagara Falls.

Readers can learn more about Brenda S. Anderson at www.brendaandersonbooks.com

A former barista, Sarah S. Anderson loves all things coffee, so when her mother asked her to help with a book set in a coffee shop, the answer was an enthusiastic “Yes!” When not creating imaginary coffee shops, Sarah spends much of her time at the theater, either on stage acting, singing, and dancing, or offstage as musical director. She lives near the heart of Minneapolis with her two cuddly kitties.

 

More from Brenda

Why I Wrote Broken Together

Years ago, I watched a late-night interview with a woman who’d fought to free her husband from prison, and she finally won that fight. Near the end of the show, when the interviewer asked how she and her husband were doing now, she replied that they were divorced. It shocked me that she’d fought so hard for him, but then couldn’t hold their marriage together. I knew then that I needed to explore, through fiction, how that could happen.

I’d put off the idea for years, fearing the topic was larger than I could handle, but the story kept pushing its way through.

My daughter, Sarah, and I had often talked about writing a story together, one that would be set in a coffee and cocoa shop, and Broken Together seemed to be the perfect match. As a former barista, Sarah brought the coffee expertise to the story. As a non-coffee drinker, I insisted equal billing for non-coffee beverages.

Then the legal director for the Great Northern Innocence Project graciously offered to walk me through the many the legal hoops someone has to go through to be released once evidence is found.

With her help, I could no longer avoid writing Jenn and Chad’s story. It was a difficult one to write, but it’s also a story filled with hope.

 

Chad’s Choco-Latte Recipe

Ingredients 

2 shots of espresso

3/4 cup whole milk

3 tablespoons of milk chocolate (chips or sauce)

2 tablespoons English toffee sauce (Chad’s secret recipe)

Whipped cream

 

Instructions:

1. Steam milk with chocolate chips or sauce to 150°F
2. Pull 2 espresso shots (Make sure your shots don’t sit longer than 20 seconds or they will expire!)
3. Add English toffee sauce to the bottom of your cup or mug
4. Add espresso shots to your toffee sauce
5. Pour steamed milk into your cup or mug, making sure the milk hits the far side of your mug to help incorporate the ingredients
6. Stir if needed
7. Top with whipped cream and extra English toffee sauce if desired

MY REVIEW 

This is one of those stories that for me will have a lasting imprint on my life. I enjoyed the journey of Jenn and Chad as they struggled through a very difficult period in their marriage. The story explores pain, loneliness, anger and fractured lives when one is sent to prison. One of the hardest truths they faced was knowing that Chad was innocent. It made me think of all the men and women who are behind  bars  right now who are innocent. 

I really was touched by Chad’s story and what he faced being in prison. It was hard to know that while his life was put on hold, his wife and children had to keep going. There were times he was angry that God wouldn’t answer his prayers. Oh he knew the Bible and what it said about forgiveness, but right now he was too angry to show grace to anyone. There is hope for him as someone is working on getting him released. Will he be able to hold on and trust God?

Jenn is having a hard time adjusting to being a single mom. Her husband is in prison for something  he didn’t do. She has lots of emotions going on, but one thing she knew for certain was she loved her husband. Jenn never once doubted his innocence and worked closely with someone to help free him. The relationship between her children and her are strained most days. I liked how the author illustrated how the entire family was struggling with their new lives. 

The beautiful story shows how one misstep can cause many people to suffer. I never thought what it might be like when someone is released from prison.  They have to start over, reacquaint themselves with not only their family but the world. The part about the coffee  shop was very inspiring and to me honored Chad and brought his dream to reality. The faith element is strong and weaves through each situation. The story taught me to not judge, learn to forgive  and never give up hope. This story  is the first on my list for best  book for 2022. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

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Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 5

An Author’s Take, January 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 6

By the Book, January 7

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 8 (Spotlight)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 8

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 10

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 11

lakesidelivingsite, January 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 12

Pause for Tales, January 13

The Sacred Line, January 13

deb’s Book Review, January 14

For Him and My Family, January 15

Spoken from the Heart, January 16

Inklings and notions, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

Texas Book-aholic, January 18

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Brenda and Sarah are giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1718c/broken-together-celebration-tour-giveaway