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Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allan - REVIEWED “Maybe God’s not mute.

Maybe I needed hearing aids.” (p. 161)

Leah Thornton’s story is painful. It is tragic. In a way, it is everyone’s story though, because we all come to Christ wounded, broken, battered and torn. Leah numbs the pain of her life with alcohol. When she decides to seek treatment, Leah sets her life upon a path of discovery and recovery, and it is a path she must take one day, one hour, one moment at a time. By the end of the story….tears, grateful, honest, heartfelt tears were the only way to respond.

Walking on Broken Glass is an amazing story. The writing itself is incredible, and I know I spent time just savoring the word-pictures. Check this out… “…she chiseled off the red polish, the chips drifting to the floor like bloody snowflakes.” (p. 141) Or this… “My losses were like globby scabs that would crust and heal and leave darkened remnants on my skin.”(p. 154) And catch this… “Not once had rage crept into his voice. But quiet resignation and defeat crawled all over him.”(p. 335) Every emotion pops off the page. There is a wittiness and dry sense of humor that sharpens the effect, but it results in characters that are as real and believable as anyone you know in your world. This story is one that lingers in your heart and mind and gently prods you to examine your heart and place the broken pieces in God’s hands instead of ripping your own life to shreds.

As many of you know, I volunteer at a rehab center and work with women who battle addictions. I can tell you right now the character of Leah Thornton is realistic - painfully real. I don’t know how Christa Allan captured it, but she placed the hellish essence of addiction upon the pages of this story, and sat it side by side with friendship, grace and the will to survive. Walking on Broken Glass leaves the reader in a raw, unfinished place in many ways, but that’s real too, and it makes you long for the next story to fall from this writer’s pen.

Walking on Broken Glass is an amazing story that I highly recommend! I am thrilled to know that I have more to look forward to from this very talented writer!! Amazing!! 

The mother of five and grandmother of three, Christa teaches high school English. She and her husband, Ken live in Abita Springs, Louisiana where they play golf, dodge hurricanes, and anticipate retirement. 
Excellent review of a compelling book. I posted my review today as well!

February 11, 2010 at 7:49 AM christa said...

I deeply appreciate your review of Leah's story, especially because of your own background. Thank you for bringing it to your readers.

February 11, 2010 at 8:46 AM CSterken said...

I definitely want to check this out, thanks for telling about it!
Christa (not the author) :)

February 11, 2010 at 11:19 AM