$50 Amazon GC-WW-Scattered Links-Michelle Weidenbenner-Ends 5/4 | Miki's Hope

$50 Amazon GC-WW-Scattered Links-Michelle Weidenbenner-Ends 5/4

Tuesday, April 8, 2014


What a heart rendering book this is. Oksana, a thirteen year old, is living on Russia with her drunken Mom and an Aunt who makes a living somewhat. There is very little food and the aunt gets Oksana to steal from vendors to keep them from totally starving. When she ends up stealing from a priest, instead of having her locked up, he take her under his wing. She helps with the "soup kitchen" at the church. When she is left at an orphanage by her aunt after having delivered her Mom's baby (by herself I might mention). The baby is also dropped at a baby orphanage a couple of feet away. Oksana has a deep dark secret about the birth which follows her to the United States when she was adopted by an American couple, which she had wanted to tell her mother but never got the chance. Well, actually the couple has adopted the baby but felt bad when they realized that Oksana really loved her little sister and adopted her as well.

Oksana, never having had a good relationship with her Mom, or at least the love that a mother normally provides has a lot of trouble coping with her new environment. She does not really know how to give or receive love-she was never shown how. Oksana really can not believe her Mom knew about her going to an orphanage and imagines that her Mom is looking for her and that some day they will be reunited. About the only thing that brings her around is an abused horse being rehabilitated at her now aunts ranch. It seems that Oksana is a natural with horses.

Then the unthinkable happens, Oksana's little sister is diagnosed with leukemia and only a bone marrow transplant will save her life-----what happens next will both make you sad and extremely joyful all at the same time. More goes on and yes, Oksana goes back to Russia with her new Aunt to discover that her memories may not be all that she remembers them to be.

Definite 5 stars for this book. I would love to have everyone read this book, it is truly a winner.

Thirteen-year-old Oksana lives on the streets of Russia with her pregnant mama and abusive aunt—both prostitutes. When Mama swells into labor, Oksana makes a decision to save herself from abandonment, a decision that torments her forever. But her plan fails when her aunt dumps her in an orphanage before she has the chance to say goodbye to her mama or tell her the secret that haunts her.

Scattered Links is a story of family and the consequences that come from never learning how to love. It’s a story of a girl’s inability to bond with her adopted family and the frustrations that follow.

How can a child understand the mechanics of forming a healthy relationship when she never had a mother who answered her cries, held her when she was frightened, fed her when she was hungry, or loved her unconditionally?

Only when the child meets a rescued abused horse, and recognizes the pain in his eyes, does she begin to trust again.

"CAPTIVATING!
SCATTERED LINKS takes you down the street of nearly any Eastern European town, arm-in-arm with the orphaned. Michelle has captured the beauty and horror millions of children live everyday. The attention to detail is impressive. Having lived in a post-Soviet country for a time, visiting orphaned children, this fictional account rings with truth, from the heart-wrenching pain of abandonment to the realization of self-worth, and the love family and faith brings. Thank you for such an uplifting book, appropriate for the young reader, as well as adult. May your heart be encouraged, as mine was."
- Kim de Blecourt, speaker and award-winning author of "Until We All Come Home: A Harrowing Journey, a Mother's Courage, a Race to Freedom"

 “Scattered Links is a novel that pulls its characters from the gutters and, in the end, celebrates the tenacity of the human spirit.” A reviewer comment.
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About the Author

Michelle grew up in the suburbs of Detroit with five brothers.  She enjoys writing her novels and encouraging writers and readers alike. She is living her dream writing stories of real people searching for their dreams and confronting their fears, showing the passion of the characters' plights, often giving her the ability to show the reader the 'other' side of the story. When she is not writing she enjoys life on the tennis court and is known as “Queen of the Rim Shots.”

Her debut novel, CACHE a PREDATOR, a geocaching mystery. was launched in July, 2013 and has been an Amazon best-seller in the crime/thriller category.  Her other works include: Willow, Scattered Links, Kelly’s Story, Eclair Series, and The Vision in a Kiss.  She has won contests in both The Writer’s Journal and The Writer’s Digest. Love is Just a Word (Scattered Links) was a bronze medalist is the 2010 Frasier Contest, a 2011 semi-finalist in the ACFW Genesis Contest, and won the Aspiring Writer’s Contest withe THE READING ROOM, 2013.

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY


 

ONE LUCKY WINNER will win a $50 Amazon Giftcard
Open Worldwide
Ending on Sunday 4th May at 11.59pm EST



Enter Below and Good Luck !!







I received an ebook for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook.

41 comments :

Czjai said...

I have a feeling I'll be needing tissues for this one. Thanks for hosting the giveaway, by the way. :)

Unknown said...

That looks like a really great read. Great giveaway too.

Michelle F.

Masshole Mommy said...

This book sounds so sad, but yet I think it's one of those books that would draw me in and I would not be able to put down until I was finished!

Beck Valley Books said...

This was such a beautiful read, I thoroughly enjoyed it too x

Holly @ Woman Tribune said...

This sounds like a really riveting story of a very tough life and something I can sadly relate to in a way. I love that this is a story of an animal changing the life of a human because I think my pets have done something profound for me.

ReviewsSheRote said...

your review TOTALLY pulled me in! I'm ordered the kindle version ASAP!

auntygeek said...

I completely spoiled my wife on her birthday, I set up balloons and bunting and bought her loads of presents - she was totally overwhelmed :)

Diane Estrella said...

I like to send notecards out to friends as a pick me up. I love REAL mail. Awesome giveaway, fingers crossed I win!

debra pauley said...

I like to send notecards out to friends as a pick me up. I love REAL mail.

Anonymous said...

I give her confidence and advice about her mental illness.

Lame Shrill Owl said...

Awesome! Thanks for the giveaway. Sounds like a book I might like.

Jennifer said...

Okay, so part of me feels like this would be too heartwrenching to make it all the way through, and yet the other part wants to know what the secret is and how she would transition to living in an American home. I'll admit, I'm sucked in by this one... Thanks for the awesome review!

Oh, and to answer the giveaway question - I love when I can take a little extra time out of my day to take my girls out for ice cream. It gives us a chance to talk about our days and connect.

Natalie said...

I once gave my mom an angel ornament when I was mad at her and she said it was the best gift she has ever received.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like an interesting plot, I have several friends I'll suggest it too,

Julie Lynn Bickham said...

I made my Mom a book of all the reasons I love her. She cried happy tears!

Jenn said...

This looks like another good read, I don't know how you keep up. I have to get back into reading I miss it.

Unknown said...

Another great story about orphanage and drama genre and so nice to have giveaways too.

rebeka deleon said...

My daughter has had a fever all day and I stayed on the couch and cuddled with her while she slept or watched cartoons.

Unknown said...

I want to read the back and somehow, I know I will be crying a lot while reading it

Kimberly said...

I gave my puppy to an elderly woman down the street who I knew needed her to love more than I did. It absolutely was the right thing to do and she still brings her around to visit a couple times a year.

Raka said...

I've never heard of this book, but it's something I'll have to check out at some point.

Suzi Satterfield said...

It sounds like a fabulous read!

Scott said...

Fiction isn't my cup of tea, but exactly what my wife prefers. Will pass along!

Unknown said...

This story sounds like a great book. I hope it isn't too sad!

Rh0ze said...

That book looks interesting to rear....
I think the story of this books is beautful...
Anyways, goodluck to your contest...
And also goodluck to all participants...


Xoxo,
My Online world
http://broken-promises.info

Sherry Butcher said...

A hug wheen really needed and words just didn't do it.

Sara said...

I make hand made chocolates as a little gift of love

bn100 said...

baked cookies

Candie L said...

I just love to give friends and family small gifts (especially the kids at their birthday). Thank you

candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I spent time with children at our church. :)

Mommy 2 J.A.M. said...

I would really like this book. I really mean this I need to get it. I have to find out what happens. Your writing captivated me and I am hooked.

Unknown said...

That sounds super interesting, definitely the kind of book I would read. :)

Unknown said...

I love sending thank you cards. It's amazing to me how little it is done anymore. Just a small gesture that can mean so much!

jbsun40a said...

Made another "nappy" blanket today for the Migrant Day Care

mandala said...

Put together a care package for a friend who got sick. Thanks!

Deb PelletierC said...

Flowers always work. :-) DebP

Mai Tran said...

that I skipped work to take care of my sick man...

Cali W. said...

This mother's day I am giving my mom her favorite CD to make her smile. <3 Thanks for the giveaway.

Funky Town said...

This looks like a book to read when you need a good cry!

Unknown said...

I gave my daughter a grocery store gift card right after she moved so she could do a stock up.

Lisa F. said...

I always take the time to help my neighbor with her dog. I work with animals, so she calls on me often for advise. I never mind. :)

 
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