Comments on: REVIEW: Broken Wing by Judith James

By: Pam P

Pam P — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 03:48:15 +0000

Fabulous book, definitely a keeper, great review Sandy. I could see how Gabriel went back to his self-doubts about having a life with Sarah in the second half, this new life and the hope of love was still too new and fragile to him at that point. I think he grew more in that second half, and maybe needed to, finding he could make a way in life outside of the brothels. Even with those doubts resurfacing, deep down he still had that small hope that she’d still want him still, he did return to England after all. She was what kept him going through all he went through. I’m hoping she does Valmont’s story next.

By: Sandy M

Sandy M — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:21:09 +0000

I agree with you wholeheartedly, Kristie. For me, I think it’s the fact that BW is an historical, in a time where what’s happened to Gabriel will never be totally accepted by society, not readily forgiven; whereas FFG is a contemp and modern society, while some may feel contempt for what the hero has done, the majority will forgive easier. Just the thought of Gabriel not being accepted because of social mores when what he went through was no fault of his own tears at your heart so much more. But both are well worth the read!

By: KristieJ

KristieJ — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:14:22 +0000

I loved Fallen From Grace too! And there are similarities aren’t there? But I think Gabriel’s suffering was worse and thus he had a much worse sense of self-worth. And as much as I love FFG – BW pulls at my heartstrings even harder.

By: Sandy M

Sandy M — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:02:25 +0000

Thanks, Kristie.

This one is definitely going on the keeper shelf for me too. It just digs deep into your soul and won’t let go. Ms. James does a wonderful job taking the reader from the depths of despair to the heights of joy and back again, it’s simply amazing.

The only other book I’ve read similar to this is Laura Leone’s Fallen From Grace. For some reason that male POV of being used in such a way just burrows under my skin and brings up so much emotion.

I hope Ms. James receives tons of accolades for this book. Both deserve it.

By: KristieJ

KristieJ — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:54:17 +0000

*Happy, happy sigh* What a great review Sandy!

“Every now and again a story comes along that pulls at your heart, wrings emotion out of you until nothing is left, defies you to hope for that happily ever after that you take for granted in every romance book you pick up. This is definitely one of those books for me. The fact that this is Ms. James’ debut book makes it all the more special.”

Your first paragraph says is all. I went slightly crazy when I read Broken Wing and emailed a whole bunch of readers and practically begged them to read this book it affected me that much. And I still get very excited when I see someone else who has experienced the same kind of feeling when reading this one. I gave it a 6 out of 5 – the only book I’ve given that grade to and it went straight to the top of my all time favourite romance book – knocking a few books down a peg that had been on that list for YEARS including Dreaming of You and Lord of Scoundrels

“This is a wonderfully written book. Your heart will break, then soar, break again, and then wonder if it will ever soar again during this story. I did want to scream at Gabriel during the second half of the book when he seemed to give up too quickly, but I simply couldn’t because not only of what he’d been through, but also because of how he sees himself, which without Sarah, is something he doesn’t see very clearly. Ms. James has given us a beautiful romance and love story with characters who will stay in your heart for a long time to come.”

Ditto, Ditto, Ditto, Ditto