Blast Radius: Shrapnel, shards and scars from the lies I lived

by Ally Brown

2024 Author Shout Reader Ready Recommended Read
2023 Literary Titan Gold Book Award Winner
2023 BookFest Silver Award Winner - NF - Self-Help - Inspiration
2023 Firebird Book Award First Place Award Winner - Personal Growth
2023 Firebird Book Award Second Place Award Winner - Inspiration
2023 Firebird Book Award Third Place Award Winner -Women's Issues
2023 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winner
2023 Honorable Mention at the Paris Book Festival - Memoir
2023 Honorable Mention at the Paris Book Festival - Wild Card

“ Angel, everything will be fine.

Words spoken by the man she loved and trusted her whole life.

Moments later, Ally would face a new reality that “blew up” her life forever.

In the summer of 2009, her high school sweetheart and husband was sentenced to prison and the truth upon which her very existence was built began to shatter.

And that was just the beginning…

Each day she would discover a new lie, a new revelation of betrayal; a new challenge. Each day the obstacles grew larger.

She had trusted those around her and did things without question.

As repayment for that loyalty and trust, she would soon be standing, legs shoulder-width apart, frantic and scared, while a U.S. Probation Officer tethered the now single mother to her home for the next 6 months.

Blast Radius is a real-life story of how a life built on deception brought profound consequences engulfing not only Ally, but her children, her family, friends, and so many more. It is the story of how trying to be the perfect wife, daughter, and friend makes you ignore your internal turmoil and blinds you to the deception, abuse, and fraud surrounding you. It is a story about persevering and putting the pieces of your life back together when life throws you curveballs - even your own family is trying to stop you.

Experience the journey from deception to discovery and the scars that remain.

442 pages, Paperback

Published July 10, 2023

About the author

I grew up reading as many books as I could. Writing has always been a passion of mine, however, life took me on a different path.

I have a BS in Nursing and was a leader and coach in the medical industry for over 25 years. Although it was not the focus of what I was doing, I took every opportunity to be able to write. . . no matter the topic.

Newsletters

Email Communications

Marketing Materials

Policy & Procedure Manuals

and more


When life knocked me down, I found the strength to get up; move forward; and discover who I am. I dug into psychology, emotional intelligence, enneagram, the law of attraction, mindfulness, confidence building, psychological first aid and so much more . . . and I kept on digging deeper and deeper. For years. I learned all I could, obtaining a boatload of certifications and knowledge.

Now after that long journey, I'm thrilled to be able to share my stories with the world.

My writing is a reflection of the world around me, of experiences I've had, and of changes, I hope to encourage so that we can all live a passionate and fulfilling life, today, tomorrow, and in the generations to come. I create content that sparks meaningful change and that is relatable and maybe even thought-provoking to my readers.

In my spare time, I am always up for a new adventure, that is when I am not trying to convince my husband to save just one more cat. Originally from the Boston area, I now live in North Carolina with my husband and our seven rescue cats: The Purrrfect Pride. It’s no surprise my nickname is AllyKat.

https://www.ally-brown.com/

Reviews

[Michael Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Blast Radius and was really blown away. This is a book once you start you can't put down. I could feel the passion of Ms. Brown as we learn about a family shattered by bad decision after bad decision. Ally, the main character showed exceptional strength, resilience, and drive to save her family. Your heart goes out to the young men affected, and saved by a mother's love. Without spoiling, if you are interested in seeing someone go through hardship, pain, and fall down, but pick themselves up and reinvent them-self like the Phoenix, this is your read. This was a lengthy review, that I finished in 3 days. I hope Ms. Brown continues to write, and would welcome the opportunity to read more of her work.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blast Radius, by Ally Brown, is an evocative coming-of-age story with a wonderfully nostalgic backdrop, taking readers to the vibrant world of 1985. The tale centers on Ally Graham, a high school senior, as she encounters the alluring Doyle Dumas. Their senior year becomes a canvas of deepening connections, painting a rich, heartwarming romance. Yet, the fabric of their love is stretched taut when Doyle opts to join the ROTC, casting a shadow of uncertainty on their shared future. Through trials and tribulations, the narrative poignantly delves into the resilience of love amidst adversity.

Brown's ability to craft a world that is both vivid and relatable evident in the opening pages. Readers are treated to an authentic portrayal of young love, the intricacies of family bonds, and the looming unpredictability of what lies ahead. The decision of Doyle to enroll in the ROTC serves as a pivotal point, introducing a layer of tension and emphasizing the themes of sacrifice and commitment inherent in love and service.

The prose is rich with vivid descriptions, immersing readers into the characters' world, making them privy to their most intimate emotions. The dialogues, in particular, are a highlight — they flow naturally, revealing the depths of the characters' souls, their fears, hopes, and desires. The author keeps readers on their toes, intertwining conflicts and posing questions, such as the enigma surrounding Doyle's confession.

Brown's writing resonates on an emotional spectrum, oscillating from moments of light-hearted humor to intense concern and deep affection. The characters are fleshed out with remarkable emotional depth, making it easy for readers to empathize with them. The portrayal of family dynamics, especially the unwavering support from Ally's kin, enriches the story, lending it an additional touch of authenticity.

Blast Radius, by Ally Brown, is more than just a romance novel; it is a testament to love's enduring spirit, the anguish of betrayal, and the indomitable nature of the human spirit. With captivating character development and an engrossing narrative arc, this novel is bound to pull at readers' heartstrings, leaving an indelible mark of warmth and nostalgia long after the last page is turned.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Blast Radius’ - the name of the book didn’t evoke my interest and I thought this must be a fantasy or science fiction. I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading it, as it begins with a perfect description of a fairy-tale romance and an exquisite wedding that sounds blissful.

Written in a simple and informal style, this book has a spontaneous flow and is a page turner. Brown shares her journey of a delusional life, of an emotional turmoil and self-discovery. She engages you in her distressing experiences, her afflictions and her battles. Doyle enhances them with his bizarre behavior. So does Matt. The soul-stirring revelations would bewilder you. The heart-breaking moments would choke you.

I shuddered at the realism and the weaknesses of Ally. Despite the empathy for her, I detest her for complying with the unfair wishes of her parents, for “becoming a pawn in someone’s sick game,” for keeping the channel of communication open with Doyle and for bearing the emotional abuse for a long time.

All through the saga, as Ally shares the miniscule details of her life and the trauma that tore her apart, you would keep wondering will she emerge victorious? Will she rise above her weaknesses? Will she surrender before the circumstances, which get nastier each day?

However, there are many superfluous details that could be eliminated to highlight the more significant aspects of the book. There is repetition and some typos, which need attention. An incisive editor could do wonders to make it a magnificent memoir.

[K.T. Munson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review

I would like to start off by saying it takes an amazing person to bear such a complex and heart wrenching story. This is a cautionary tale about who you choose to love. It is also a good reminder that the most important decision you make in life is who you choose as your partner. The story itself started in the not as distance past and then jumps further back to lead up to the first chapter. That was all great, but then it continued, going into the aftermath. At that point the story lost its structure and became more of a diary then a novel. I also felt like there was a good structure and information when focused on her what her husband did but then the last quarter of the book took a sharp turn. Since it was much more recent it didn't flow as well.

Overall a very enjoyable read! Perhaps if this was divided into two books 'what happened' (5 stars) and the 'aftermath' (3.5 stars) that would help with the flow, but it was still amazing to read. It was wild how tragic it was and how completely caught off guard she was. Also the price is a little steep but it was a tell all in the life of a woman married to a criminal.

Rating

4.5 Stars (rounded down)

Highly Recommend reading this book! Love can make you blind came true in this story and in the worst possible way.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Ally's powerful memoir "BLAST RADIUS" and I found it deeply moving and inspiring. Ally takes the reader on a deeply personal journey through different phases of her life. I appreciated how real and vulnerable she was in sharing some of her most painful memories and hard-won insights. The chapters on learning to forgive oneself and break free from toxic dynamics really resonated with me.

What stood out most was Ally's unwavering message of resilience, growth and self-acceptance. Even through her darkest moments, she maintained her courage and determination to reshape her life. Her willingness to confront societal norms that breed inadequacy is so refreshing. Ally proves that through facing one's flaws and imperfections, true empowerment can be found.

Finishing this book, I felt uplifted and inspired. Ally's story reminded me that healing is always possible when you take control of your own narrative. I will definitely keep her wise words with me as I continue my journey. This memoir has empowered me to fully embrace who I am without apologies. I would highly recommend BLAST RADIUS to anyone seeking hope and validation.

[PJ Wierbowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who has ever trusted another person, whether it be a spouse, significant other and/or partner (and who hasn’t!), this is a MUST READ! ... and this comes from someone who does not like books! I read it in one sitting; I simply could NOT put it down! A true story about high school sweethearts’ young love that led to a storybook courtship and fairytale marriage, only to learn it was far from a fairytale but more of a thriller-crime story, and one 20+ years in the making! Every time I turned the page my emotions were all over the place! I found myself gasping, cursing and cheering all at the same time. Blast Radius is proof-positive to be “careful what you wish for.” Ally’s life lesson is one to be taught and never forgotten!

[Ann Birdgenaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally Brown shares her story with us, and the title says it all. She was blindsided by a bomb that detonated her once idyllic life. It’s also about how love can blind you to the truths that you don’t want to see. Her husband’s deception, fraud and eventual imprisonment, left her to pick up the pieces of her life and that of her young sons. Her story will immerse you in the tragedy of a young wife, mother and friend who must find a way to stabilize her shattered world and keep going. I don’t want to give too much away, but her story is very relatable and significant to so many people. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to cheer for the underdog or who feels like the underdog in their life. Great read!

[Abby Binz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The strength that this author has to endure all that’s she’s gone through over the years is incredible and the fact that she shared her story along with resources to help others in similar situations truly is inspiring. It did at times take me a little to get into this novel, I felt some parts could be condensed, but with that being said nothing can take away from the actual context of this novel and how raw and unfiltered the story is. I found this book in a neighborhood free book library and inside was a hand written note from the author making that an even more special read for me. I plan to pass it along to a friend or at least hope it ends up in the hands of someone who also needs to hear this story! Thank you for being strong enough to share!!

[Wuz-A-Whiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was rivetted from the very first paragraph! A rollercoaster of emotions from beginning to end! Ally’s story is one of inspiration and caution. Inspiration to those who feel they may never be able to escape their own personal chaos; and Caution to others who might not even be aware of the deceptiveness around them. Blast Radius clearly demonstrates that tenacity and determination and, yes, even some stubbornness, CAN lead to perseverance and, eventually, your “happily ever after”, even if that happily ever after is nothing what your younger self thought it would be! Have a seat, put your feet up and be ready for the literary ride of your life!

[Malik Touré · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story, as heartbreaking and poignant as it is shocking. As someone who has endured my fair share of trauma and turmoil in life, this book resonated with me from the moment that I read the subtitle. Each chapter unveils new challenges and builds out the author’s harrowing journey in disturbing and excruciating detail. The story is articulated in a style that is easily accessible, pleasant to read and added a charming element to the experience. As a matter of course, I enjoy reading stories that display both human frailty and vulnerability, as well as the uniquely human propensity for perseverance, resilience and reinvention. Highly recommend this one.

[Snigdha Jha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Blast Radius was a roller coaster of emotions. It was a long read but you kind of get pulled in once you start and then can't keep the book down. I felt really heavy at times feeling the weight of the bad decisions taken by the man who Ally trusted and loved for most of her life.

Your heart goes out to the family who were thrown into the deep end of problems out of nowhere, especially the little boys. A riveting read and highly recommended.

[Sass Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a mesmerizing story of an "everyday woman" who followed the fairytale by marrying a man she trusted. Things went awry. and with incredible fortitude, she was able to get a separation and shepherd her sons through a normal life. Reading it seemed like a peek into a woman's secret diary! Enjoyed this vicarious experience