PearlS

by Jacqueline Sanders

Pearl Sinclair’s life was forever altered by a car accident at the age of seven. She didn’t suffer any broken bones, blunt force trauma, or even a death in the family, however, the injuries that she sustained slashed far deeper and took over twenty-five years to heal.

After decades of constant rejection and the death of her disconnected father, Pearl’s world disintegrates into the void of depression. The lingering aftermath of the car accident has reached its crescendo, and leaves Pearl with a choice. Will she let society dictate what she can and can not achieve in her life, or will she dictate to society what she is capable of?

With the help of two pugs, a magical tree, a ghost, and her family and friends, Pearl will finally be able to confront her past, find joy in her present, and plan for her future. Pearl’s journey of redemption may begin with a shattered spirit, but as she heals, it will transform into a beautiful mosaic filled with history, love, community, and the destiny that she never knew existed.

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 2012

Reviews

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this book opens, a terrible tornado has hit Plano, Texas, Pearl Sinclair's home town. WHile her house was not hit, several in her neighborhood were, including that of Pearl's best friend. We soon learn of Pearl's giving nature as she soon runs a lemonade stand in order to raise money for her friend's family. Pearl's life then takes a devastating turn when she, her mother, brother, and sister are involved in a terrible automobile accident. Then seven year old Pearl was the only one seriously injured but her injuries would prove to be life altering. She had been riding in the front seat before the days of seat belt laws and air bags and the shattered windshield had made deep cuts into her face. She recovered from her injuries but had 4 prominent and permanent scars in her face. While growing up, she endured bullying and many other indignities due to the scars on her face. It didn't help either that her father was emotionally bereft. Though most would have thought it an impossible dream, Pearl grew up knowing that she wanted to be an actress, singer, and dancer. She did make some inroads into the entertainment industry but was always dogged due to those scars. As a result, by her late 20s, Pearl was hit with a deep depression. She lived with her mother, sister, and two nephews, doing her part to support the family by being the household's housekeeper. As the story progressses, Pearl indeed does overcome her depression and find her purpose in life. She even finds love. Overall, I found this book very appealing. In many ways, Pearl has been dealt a very difficult hand and yet she plays it with determination. Through a fortunate discovery while running after an errant little pug, she meets a man who will help her meet her life's destiny. Had it not been for the too numerous typos, I would likely have given this book 5 stars. I would readily recommend this book to a friend.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Delightful, Precious Story"


Author Jacqueline Sanders writes a book you don't want to rush through. Every sentence, every scene is beautifully written as with a gentle stroke of a pen. The main character, Pearl, as a child, is injured in an auto accident leaving her with four horrendous facial scars that she carries through to adulthood. These scars take a toll throughout her life and career, and she assumes that she will never have a man to love her or have a family of her own. But Pearl is a determined women to make the very best of her life and to be a person who brings out the best in others within her community. She leads her community in a drive to save an old oak tree, traditionally known as the Sacred Oak of Oleka considered to have healing powers by the Lenape Indian tribe. This story reads like a fairy tale, with sensitivity, beauty, and enchantment. I savored every word of this beautiful, enlightening tale. It's the most wonderful story of compassion,courage and determination that I've read yet this year. It is very uplifting. I highly recommend it to all women, and to those men who have sensitivity.

[Mandy Baggot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It tells the story of Pearl Sinclair, a spunky young girl who is blighted by a car accident that scars her for life. As Pearl grows up she has to deal with living with a facial injury as well as experiencing all the angst that new adults have to cope with.

She campaigns to save a local tree and this is where she finds her niche. Writing a play, bringing the community together, showing how human spirit and determination can overcome everything.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed because the story started out well written and kept my interest. The story has a wonderful story within it. I enjoyed reading that part but once that ended, I thought the story dragged a bit. I was able to figure out the romantic plot as well. I would recommend to readers but with a fair warning.

[Darlene]

This is for Kindle ASIN B006VPN686