Leah Thornton’s life, like her Southern Living home, has great curb appeal. But a paralyzing encounter with a can of frozen apple juice in the supermarket shatters the façade, forcing her to admit that all is not as it appears. When her best friend gets in Leah’s face about her reliance on alcohol to avoid dealing with her life, Leah must make an agonizing choice. Seek help against her husband’s wishes? Or—put herself first for once? Joy and sadness converge and unwelcome insights intrude, testing Leah’s commitment to sobriety, her marriage, her motherhood, and her faith.
I have been excited about this book since I first seen the cover and read the subject. Not that alcoholism is a fascinating topic, but that it is coming from a new author who is hitting on a tough subject – and a tough subject from a Christian perspective.
I like my books to be a bit of the good (but not too good), the bad and the ugly. That makes them real. Real issues, real life… not sugar coated. And this is what Walking On Broken Glass is about.
This book to me read – real. Friends who can see the changes in behavior in Leah and a husband who is too close and thinks his wife does not have a problem and people are just over reacting. Author Christa Allen gives Leah a likable voice. The flashbacks give us the bigger picture into what is really happening behind the scenes.
Well written, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christa Allan, a true Southern woman who knows any cook worth her gumbo always starts with a roux and who never wears white after Labor Day, weaves stories of unscripted grace with threads of hope, humor, and heart.
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.
My Amazon Rating
I received my review copy from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
Book Journey 
This book has been popping up here and there lately and the more reviews I read the more I’d like to read it myself!!
Vicki, It was a good read with a “real feel” to it if you follow what I mean. I could understand why Leah felt she needed to bury the pain.
This sounds like a book worth investigating!
Laurel I think you would enjoy this!
Ooh, sounds like it might be worth seeking this one out.
I enjoyed it wordlily, I found it to be a good and edgy read. I like it when these reads go into real issues that people deal with today.
Oh, me too, definitely.
I can’t wait to read this one!
Good Lydia – I want to hear your thoughts on this one!
Dare I say this out loud? I am an alcoholic and while for me it is no longer a tough battle, I do find strength in reading about alcoholism in fiction or nonfiction. I need to grab a copy of this.
You do dare say that out loud. I think you will like the story in the book murphygracehome. 🙂
Your review is very well written. Yes, I like “real” life events in my books too. I like the fact this book is written by a Christian author too.
I liked that too tea. I really appreciate Christian authors who do not feel they have to write the sugar coated story. Too sweet for me. I like my books real and this one met that need.
Sheila:
Thanks so much for bringing Leah’s story to your readers.
And to all of you who have commented, I truly appreciate your encouragement. My prayer is that her story reaches out to families facing any addictions, and I’m thrilled that Abingdon had the courage to publsih this novel!
I don’t know anything about the book but “Walking on Broken Glass” is one of my favorite songs by Annie Lennox.
Ryan – LOL, I had forgot about that song. It is a good one!
This sounds like an interesting read…and a topic that seems rarely touched on by a Christian author. Good review!
Like Ryan, I am also a fan of the Annie Lennox song. It was in my head as I was reading your review. LOL!
Michelle I agree that the topic is impressive for this genre and I appreciate that.
You and Ryan crack me up! 🙂
Thanks, Sheila, for introducing my novel and Leah to your readers. I appreciate your review, and I’m so proud of Abingdon for stepping out to publish my book.
Michelle and Ryan: I adore Annie and that song, and it was no accident that I chose it for the title. In fact, many of her song titles are books waiting to happen!
And if alcoholism was or is an issue in your life or someone in your family, I pray this book gives you hope.
Christa thank you for a real book. Funny and witty but also sad and true…. I really liked what you covered in this book.
I think I’ll give this one a try. Have been meaning to read more christian fiction.
Lenore this would be a wonderful read in the Christian fiction genre!
Like you, I like my books to have a bit of good, bad, and ugly and from your review this sounds like one I’d enjoy.
Teddyree I hope you have a chance to read it. I would love to read your thoughts on it.
This is a bigger problem than many people will admit. It is a difficult thing to deal with as an individual, as a family and as a friend. It sounds like this will be a good book to expose people to the realities of the problem in our polite socoety.
I agree librarypat.
Pat…I agree as well. I think any kind of addiction issue is always the big elephant in the room–everyone knows it’s there, but no one wants to talk about it.