This story! How can I find the words to describe my thoughts and emotions? Author Amanda Wen shares a stunning depiction of people who've been wounded by someone that they trust, and the steps they take to overcome the hurt and deception. The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is told as a dual-timeline story. One is current day and the other is set in the 1800s, but the common thread that ties them together is a violin. As the contemporary story progresses we learn that Siobhan and Matt have both been deceived by a person they trusted and respected. Will their new friendship be the first step to recovery?

Both timelines in The Rhythm of Fractured Grace are filled with hurt and betrayal, with many of the characters struggling to fully trust again. I found myself turning the pages to see if these hurting people would find healing, peace, and finally, the amazing grace of forgiveness!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review. ( )

I just have to say how beautifully written this book is. It seems that I am once again at a loss for the right words to describe the journey I have just taken through a new Wen story.

This gritty, dual-time story weaves effortlessly together while dealing with the hard topic of church abuse coupled with coercive authority. The historical thread describes a physical attack (not graphic) that leaves deep emotional scars, insecurity and bitterness. Both accounts speak to restoration and forgiveness.

Wen has again crafted characters that are resilient, contemplative and just trying to find the life after the enormous hurt. She does this in a respectful way, all the while echoing that we are all broken people that need Jesus.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased a print copy of this book. ( )

A luthier spiritually damaged at the hands of a man of the cloth with a nefarious appetite, and a pioneer woman that was physically and emotionally damaged after a savage attack took half her family, and permanently disfigured her, brought together by one special violin.

The connection of past and present by a single instrument is especially powerful for me. Music is something that has been threaded throughout my family for generations, with some instruments being passed down from one generation to another, and I’ve often wondered what their stories were before they ended up here with us.

Forgiveness can be so incredibly hard, and the bigger the transgressions the harder it is for us to forgive. The prayer to have the strength to forgive is something that hit me so deep while I was reading this novel. Seeing a characters vulnerability, especially when you can empathize, is very powerful and tethered me to this novel on a profound level.

The writing is passionate and deep, getting into the depths of these characters. The situations are not ideal, and I’m sure the subject matter itself can be triggering for some, but the road to forgiveness is compelling and gives so much hope. Though there were moments that hit a distressing place in my heart, it opened up an inner dialogue within myself about areas in my own self where I could be harboring unforgiveness from hurtful things in my past.

This is the first novel that I’ve read by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. Powerful writing, memorable characters, and the influence of a single instrument makes this a must read.

*I have reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. ( )

If ever there was a book title that fit the story on the pages, Amanda Wen’s The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is that title!

Wen tackles the difficult topic of abuse in the church in a compelling and refined way. I couldn’t help but root for Siobhan and Matt as they become friends, and he shows her he’s trustworthy. The two could have easily parted ways with all the conflict of Siobhan’s past experiences at the place where Matt has a new job.

And then there’s the historical thread of the story. While people can’t see Siobhan’s wounds, Deborah covers hers every day. And the wound on her head isn’t nearly as tragic as the ones in her heart.

The little bonus with The Rhythm of Fractured Grace is that those who have read the first two books in the series get to catch up with a few of those characters. At the same time, if you’re new to the author’s books, you will not be lost at all. And I think this book is the best of the series.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Wow! I didn’t think I could like a book more than I already liked the first two books in Amanda Wen’s Sedgwick County Chronicles, that is, until I read The Rhythm of Fractured Grace. Another dual timeline novel set in modern day Wichita and the late 1800s Kansas frontier, this novel has powerful themes of forgiveness, identity, and worthiness in God. Modern day Siobhan has been damaged by the church. Manipulated and abused by a person in authority, then shunned by fellow church members, she keeps a low profile with her dyed hair and baggy plaid shirts. That is until Matt hobbles into her life on crutches holding a violin certainly damaged beyond repair. The second story centers on Deborah, a woman wounded physically and emotionally by an attack in her childhood. Both women feel less than, unworthy of love from man or God. I loved how the author used the old, broken violin as a bridge to the women’s stories and as a symbol of restoration. God is everywhere in the two women’s lives, though they either don’t see it or don’t want to. The men in their lives aid in the healing of their hearts, but it is God who works His will in their lives. I loved, loved, loved that!

With novels with two or more timelines, I generally like one story over the other, but in The Rhythm of Fractured Grace, I was immersed in both. The characterization is strong, the themes were relevant to my life, and I just did not want either story to end! This one is a highly recommended read!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to Kregel for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )