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Beautiful
The Fragile Line Series
Book One~ Sadie's story
Sadie Montgomery’s life truly begins to spiral out of control in college. Consumed by an addiction she cannot control, she falls in love, battles demons in her mind, fights for her sanity, and searches for a god who seems to have disappeared from her life.
Her strength is tested when she has to choose between a man from her past whose life seems to have been woven into the fabric of hers, and a man who doesn’t love her for what she once was, but for who she is now. Once she makes her choice, she has to live with it and wonder what life would have been like had she chosen the other man.
Love, complicated by the darkness of addiction, can be a tricky thing. Things that seem right end up being wrong, and the wrong things seem so right. No one understands. No one has the right answers. There’s a downside for every upside. And no matter what, someone will be hurt, just never more than the addict herself.
Content drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, swearing, pregnancy/abortion/miscarriage
Readers of The Fragile Line Series can enjoy either Beautiful or Damaged as their first book or jump right into Falling . Beautiful and Damaged tell Sadie and Jenny’s separate stories before their friendship begins in Falling .
Book One~ Sadie's story
Sadie Montgomery’s life truly begins to spiral out of control in college. Consumed by an addiction she cannot control, she falls in love, battles demons in her mind, fights for her sanity, and searches for a god who seems to have disappeared from her life.
Her strength is tested when she has to choose between a man from her past whose life seems to have been woven into the fabric of hers, and a man who doesn’t love her for what she once was, but for who she is now. Once she makes her choice, she has to live with it and wonder what life would have been like had she chosen the other man.
Love, complicated by the darkness of addiction, can be a tricky thing. Things that seem right end up being wrong, and the wrong things seem so right. No one understands. No one has the right answers. There’s a downside for every upside. And no matter what, someone will be hurt, just never more than the addict herself.
Content drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, swearing, pregnancy/abortion/miscarriage
Readers of The Fragile Line Series can enjoy either Beautiful or Damaged as their first book or jump right into Falling . Beautiful and Damaged tell Sadie and Jenny’s separate stories before their friendship begins in Falling .
269 pages, ebook
Published December 2, 2015
7 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Dawson Powell
18 books28 followersSarah Dawson Powell was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, and currently lives in Central Illinois with her kidlings and too many cats. Her hobbies include doing laundry, washing dishes, petting cats, writing, reading, and talking to kids who have selective hearing. In her spare time, she enjoys working sixty hours a week, sleeping, and drinking lots of coffee. When she grows up, she wants to change the world.
Sarah has a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Illinois and has worked in social services since graduating. Her life hasn't always been peachy, but she's made the best of every situation. No one likes to talk about the dark side of life- addiction, domestic violence, abortion, rape, teen pregnancy, suicide, mental illness, child abuse & neglect, etc.- so she decided to write books that would give people a glimpse inside of this world. She hopes her readers take something away from her stories and loves to interact with them on social media.
Follow Sarah on Facebook for subpar stolen memes & occasional updates about her books/writing:
www.facebook.com/authorsarahdawsonpowell
Twitter: @sarahpowell8
Instagram: sarah_dawson_powell
Sarah has a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Illinois and has worked in social services since graduating. Her life hasn't always been peachy, but she's made the best of every situation. No one likes to talk about the dark side of life- addiction, domestic violence, abortion, rape, teen pregnancy, suicide, mental illness, child abuse & neglect, etc.- so she decided to write books that would give people a glimpse inside of this world. She hopes her readers take something away from her stories and loves to interact with them on social media.
Follow Sarah on Facebook for subpar stolen memes & occasional updates about her books/writing:
www.facebook.com/authorsarahdawsonpowell
Twitter: @sarahpowell8
Instagram: sarah_dawson_powell
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 27, 2016
I couldn't put this book down! It has to be so frustrating to be an outsider looking in and wanting to help someone you know is in trouble. But unless they want to help themselves, there isn't much you can do. I've been that girl, and it's a terrifying place to be.
As someone who made a series of horrible choices in my teens and 20's, I can absolutely relate to Sadie. I have no idea how things will turn out for her (I can't wait to read on and find out), but I am thankful that everything turned out so well for me. It is possible to rise above and I have high hopes for this girl.
As someone who made a series of horrible choices in my teens and 20's, I can absolutely relate to Sadie. I have no idea how things will turn out for her (I can't wait to read on and find out), but I am thankful that everything turned out so well for me. It is possible to rise above and I have high hopes for this girl.
February 11, 2016
There may be some spoilers in this. So many emotions were left when I finished this book and I just had to get them out. I tried not to let spoilers slip and I think I did pretty well, to be honest. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
First, let me get the unprofessional bit out of the way….
OMG!!
Okay, now that I have that out of my system, let’s dive into this review.
I seriously finished this book so heartbroken, frustrated, and just disgusted (in a good way I swear). I loved this book and could not put it down. I read one chapter the first night before bed. The next day I sat down and finished the entire book. With how I read in January, you can see how important this is. I didn’t finish a single book last month, then I start this one and finish in one day. It was so captivating, intriguing, and jaw dropping really.
You have three main characters that I really focused on. Sadie, Ryan, and Aaron. Sadie is an alcoholic who also dabbles in drugs. Ryan is the good boy Sadie has known all her life and loves with all her heart. Aaron is the drug dealer who gives Sadie what she wants, but has fallen in love with Sadie.
Then, Sadie drags Ryan down with her. Well, I say she dragged him down with her, but it was his own choice. She introduces him to drugs. This changes the good boy that Ryan has been all his life. He becomes violent and it ends with him destroying his life, yet blaming it on Sadie. Jerk.
Aaron is the college boy that Sadie spends all of her time with when Ryan is away. A relationship forms and once the violent Ryan shows himself, she seriously debates leaving Ryan for Aaron.
Through most of this book I was rooting for Aaron, because Ryan ends up being such a jerk. I’m sorry, but a guy hitting a girl is never okay! Aaron promises Sadie that he will never hurt her, and you just know deep in your core that you can believe him. I wanted Aaron to save Sadie from the abusive relationship she had developed with her childhood friend.
Then, here is the kicker. Sadie is an alcoholic and a drug addict at this point. Aaron may be a great guy, but he is also a drug dealer. In order for Sadie to get her life together she needs to let go of the alcohol and drugs. If she leaves Ryan and goes running to Aaron, how is she ever going to gain control of her life again.
Of course, at this point we are all thinking, “Hey, Aaron said he would do anything for her. Maybe he would stop selling drugs and make an honest man of himself, help Sadie fight her addictions, and they can live happily ever after.” UGH! I want it to happen that way so bad.
This book is one of those books that as soon as you finish it, you instantly need the next book. Even if you don’t start the next book, there is a comfort in knowing you have it and can dive back into the lives of these characters when you are ready. I had to put the book away and start another one to calm my mind so that I could get some sleep.
I don’t usually read books like this. I’m not huge into real life situations in my reading. I read to escape, but I feel like this book is so important. It puts you in the mind set of a true addict and all the things that go through their minds. Sadie knows that she is in a dangerous relationship and that her habits are going to kill her. She knows she needs to set the bottle down and get her life straight. But knowing and doing are to totally different things and saying you are going to get clean is so much easier than doing so.
What we find in this book is that no matter what you personally think, alcoholism and addiction are a disease that warrants serious help. When everyone around you is either adding your addiction, or telling you that it’s all your choice and you just need to stop, it’s hard to get out of that life. I have never had a problem with drugs or alcohol, I have always been too afraid of the repercussions. This book put me in Sadie’s shoes and helped open my eyes to the truth behind the abuse. Maybe it’s different for every addict or alcoholic, but this has helped me understand the lies that are being told to oneself through these problems.
You learn to love Sadie, the part of her that is not an addict. You want nothing but the best for her, and you may get confused as to what is best for her, because you become her and think you know what is best. (Aaron!!) But when you put the book away and really think about it, you want to shake every character and tell them to wake up.
Dead serious, there were a few times I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room because I was so frustrated with these characters. I think I came close to breaking my poor little Kindle in half from gripping it so hard.
Please, check this book out. It is a wonderful read and also an important read.
**Read more reviews and author interviews on my blog at link: Awkward Heather
First, let me get the unprofessional bit out of the way….
OMG!!
Okay, now that I have that out of my system, let’s dive into this review.
I seriously finished this book so heartbroken, frustrated, and just disgusted (in a good way I swear). I loved this book and could not put it down. I read one chapter the first night before bed. The next day I sat down and finished the entire book. With how I read in January, you can see how important this is. I didn’t finish a single book last month, then I start this one and finish in one day. It was so captivating, intriguing, and jaw dropping really.
You have three main characters that I really focused on. Sadie, Ryan, and Aaron. Sadie is an alcoholic who also dabbles in drugs. Ryan is the good boy Sadie has known all her life and loves with all her heart. Aaron is the drug dealer who gives Sadie what she wants, but has fallen in love with Sadie.
Then, Sadie drags Ryan down with her. Well, I say she dragged him down with her, but it was his own choice. She introduces him to drugs. This changes the good boy that Ryan has been all his life. He becomes violent and it ends with him destroying his life, yet blaming it on Sadie. Jerk.
Aaron is the college boy that Sadie spends all of her time with when Ryan is away. A relationship forms and once the violent Ryan shows himself, she seriously debates leaving Ryan for Aaron.
Through most of this book I was rooting for Aaron, because Ryan ends up being such a jerk. I’m sorry, but a guy hitting a girl is never okay! Aaron promises Sadie that he will never hurt her, and you just know deep in your core that you can believe him. I wanted Aaron to save Sadie from the abusive relationship she had developed with her childhood friend.
Then, here is the kicker. Sadie is an alcoholic and a drug addict at this point. Aaron may be a great guy, but he is also a drug dealer. In order for Sadie to get her life together she needs to let go of the alcohol and drugs. If she leaves Ryan and goes running to Aaron, how is she ever going to gain control of her life again.
Of course, at this point we are all thinking, “Hey, Aaron said he would do anything for her. Maybe he would stop selling drugs and make an honest man of himself, help Sadie fight her addictions, and they can live happily ever after.” UGH! I want it to happen that way so bad.
This book is one of those books that as soon as you finish it, you instantly need the next book. Even if you don’t start the next book, there is a comfort in knowing you have it and can dive back into the lives of these characters when you are ready. I had to put the book away and start another one to calm my mind so that I could get some sleep.
I don’t usually read books like this. I’m not huge into real life situations in my reading. I read to escape, but I feel like this book is so important. It puts you in the mind set of a true addict and all the things that go through their minds. Sadie knows that she is in a dangerous relationship and that her habits are going to kill her. She knows she needs to set the bottle down and get her life straight. But knowing and doing are to totally different things and saying you are going to get clean is so much easier than doing so.
What we find in this book is that no matter what you personally think, alcoholism and addiction are a disease that warrants serious help. When everyone around you is either adding your addiction, or telling you that it’s all your choice and you just need to stop, it’s hard to get out of that life. I have never had a problem with drugs or alcohol, I have always been too afraid of the repercussions. This book put me in Sadie’s shoes and helped open my eyes to the truth behind the abuse. Maybe it’s different for every addict or alcoholic, but this has helped me understand the lies that are being told to oneself through these problems.
You learn to love Sadie, the part of her that is not an addict. You want nothing but the best for her, and you may get confused as to what is best for her, because you become her and think you know what is best. (Aaron!!) But when you put the book away and really think about it, you want to shake every character and tell them to wake up.
Dead serious, there were a few times I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room because I was so frustrated with these characters. I think I came close to breaking my poor little Kindle in half from gripping it so hard.
Please, check this book out. It is a wonderful read and also an important read.
**Read more reviews and author interviews on my blog at link: Awkward Heather
May 12, 2023
The title says it all…Beautiful
This story is so beautifully told about topics that aren’t particularly beautiful. This story is very real and intense. It kept my interest and I read it in a matter of days, which is not normal for me. Sadie is lost and doesn’t know how to get what she really wants, if she even knows what that is. I don’t know what to think of the guys in her life. Neither seem like a good choice for her. I want Ryan to change and be who she needs, or maybe Aaron can change. The author gives great detail making it easy to have this story unfold like a movie in your head. I cannot wait to start reading the next book and am so glad this is a series.
This story is so beautifully told about topics that aren’t particularly beautiful. This story is very real and intense. It kept my interest and I read it in a matter of days, which is not normal for me. Sadie is lost and doesn’t know how to get what she really wants, if she even knows what that is. I don’t know what to think of the guys in her life. Neither seem like a good choice for her. I want Ryan to change and be who she needs, or maybe Aaron can change. The author gives great detail making it easy to have this story unfold like a movie in your head. I cannot wait to start reading the next book and am so glad this is a series.
February 21, 2023
This book shares details that most of us keep to ourselves!! I really related to this book and couldn't put it down!! I have read the entire series!! Writing flows well and makes you feel as though you are in Sadie's world!
January 24, 2024
Thought Provoking, Powerful, Intriguing
Genres: Young Adult/Coming Of Age/Addiction
Beautiful; Books 1 of the Fragile Line Series by Sarah Dawson Powell- author👱♀️
When the mistakes of your past are infiltrating your present, and threatening your future, you are plagued by the knowledge that you had the opportunity to change it all, and yet you didn't take it because of the vision of how it was supposed to be, and even though that vision hasn't played out, you cannot leave, because of the small amount of hope that you still have, and cling to it like a life raft in a turbulent sea, willing for the waters to calm, has you pinned down and you just keep drowning. What choices are left?
Until recently, I'd never been one to read books that were written in a series, but now felt the right time to do so, the Fragile Line series being one of a few that I have committed to recently. In the relatively short time that I have followed this very gifted indie Author online, I have admired the time and dedication that she has put into creating her characters and continuing with this impressively extensive narrative. I'd read enough on Sarah's media page to have familiarised myself with the subject, which greatly appealed to me, as my favourite stories are that of 'human interest' and how individuals cope with their own fragility, be it in Fiction or reality.
Sadie has always been an extremely insecure individual, going back to her childhood, she is strongly influenced by what others may think and expect of her. But somewhere along the way, she made a wrong choice which has taken her in a direction that, as she sees it, she wasn't meant for. In a desperate bid to have the 'Happy ever after' that she feels is her fate, she tries to push aside what would really make her happy and ploughs on with a future that is now tainted, perhaps beyond repair. Even with all that has happened, she still cannot get the notion out of her head, that the boy that she has known forever is her destiny, however hard it is to make that work, and if she was to return to her former life and a man who loves her and takes care of her, it would somehow be another failure. I understood this character, but also felt frustrated with her, as she doesn't appear to learn from her mistakes, and in fact whilst trying to cover up each faux pas, makes them a lot worse. But then having your thoughts muddled by your lifestyle choices was never going to help.
The change in Ryan when he has been away is sudden and shocking, but then when I thought about it, whilst his behaviour was not neccessarily inevitable, seemed fairly fated.
I felt for Aaron, whilst he has chosen to earn money via nefarious means and has therefore played a part in Sadie's downward spiral, he seems to understand her in a way that Ryan has never taken the time to do, and accepts her errors in judgement. He seems to provide the security that Sadie needs, but he appears to be in competition, not with Ryan, but with an unfounded reality that exists in Sadie's imagination.
To say I 'enjoyed' this book seems somewhat inaccurate because it is gritty and real, and some parts were hard to read. However, this is a compelling narrative for me and I look forward to seeing how this tale of epic proportions continues.
Genres: Young Adult/Coming Of Age/Addiction
Beautiful; Books 1 of the Fragile Line Series by Sarah Dawson Powell- author👱♀️
When the mistakes of your past are infiltrating your present, and threatening your future, you are plagued by the knowledge that you had the opportunity to change it all, and yet you didn't take it because of the vision of how it was supposed to be, and even though that vision hasn't played out, you cannot leave, because of the small amount of hope that you still have, and cling to it like a life raft in a turbulent sea, willing for the waters to calm, has you pinned down and you just keep drowning. What choices are left?
Until recently, I'd never been one to read books that were written in a series, but now felt the right time to do so, the Fragile Line series being one of a few that I have committed to recently. In the relatively short time that I have followed this very gifted indie Author online, I have admired the time and dedication that she has put into creating her characters and continuing with this impressively extensive narrative. I'd read enough on Sarah's media page to have familiarised myself with the subject, which greatly appealed to me, as my favourite stories are that of 'human interest' and how individuals cope with their own fragility, be it in Fiction or reality.
Sadie has always been an extremely insecure individual, going back to her childhood, she is strongly influenced by what others may think and expect of her. But somewhere along the way, she made a wrong choice which has taken her in a direction that, as she sees it, she wasn't meant for. In a desperate bid to have the 'Happy ever after' that she feels is her fate, she tries to push aside what would really make her happy and ploughs on with a future that is now tainted, perhaps beyond repair. Even with all that has happened, she still cannot get the notion out of her head, that the boy that she has known forever is her destiny, however hard it is to make that work, and if she was to return to her former life and a man who loves her and takes care of her, it would somehow be another failure. I understood this character, but also felt frustrated with her, as she doesn't appear to learn from her mistakes, and in fact whilst trying to cover up each faux pas, makes them a lot worse. But then having your thoughts muddled by your lifestyle choices was never going to help.
The change in Ryan when he has been away is sudden and shocking, but then when I thought about it, whilst his behaviour was not neccessarily inevitable, seemed fairly fated.
I felt for Aaron, whilst he has chosen to earn money via nefarious means and has therefore played a part in Sadie's downward spiral, he seems to understand her in a way that Ryan has never taken the time to do, and accepts her errors in judgement. He seems to provide the security that Sadie needs, but he appears to be in competition, not with Ryan, but with an unfounded reality that exists in Sadie's imagination.
To say I 'enjoyed' this book seems somewhat inaccurate because it is gritty and real, and some parts were hard to read. However, this is a compelling narrative for me and I look forward to seeing how this tale of epic proportions continues.
February 25, 2024
The experience of this novel is akin to witnessing a train wreck; there is chaos surrounding you but you can’t look away. The author, Sarah Dawson Powell, tells the story of Sadie, a hard-core addict, and the two men she loves, Ryan, an abuser, and Aaron, a drug dealer. Dawson Powell’s prose is starkly simplistic, a masterful way to relate a tale where the main character is obsessively single-minded, altering her behavior only as much as it will ensure her next drink or her next high. If anyone has experienced addiction in friends, family or co-workers, there is no doubt to the realism in Sadie’s story. If I could, I would add a .5 to my 4 stars. I couldn’t stop reading and I will continue the series after a bit of time to recover from the frustration of experiencing well-drawn characters who refuse to acknowledge their self-destruction.
December 13, 2024
I found this author by chance and as it is a genre/topic I rarely read I decided to give it a go.
It was an interesting read. You follow Sadie as she changes, and her life gradually gets worse.
It focuses on how addiction, desperation and love can change you and hurt you.
The fact that this can happen to anyone hits hard. Addiction can truly change anyone.
I did really like Aaron. He did care for her. He was a dealer but still a better person than the Marine, proving anyone can be good or bad.
Well worth a read. I can't say I am invested enough to read all ten books in the series right now but I would consider reading them gradually. They are hard topics, but well written.
It was an interesting read. You follow Sadie as she changes, and her life gradually gets worse.
It focuses on how addiction, desperation and love can change you and hurt you.
The fact that this can happen to anyone hits hard. Addiction can truly change anyone.
I did really like Aaron. He did care for her. He was a dealer but still a better person than the Marine, proving anyone can be good or bad.
Well worth a read. I can't say I am invested enough to read all ten books in the series right now but I would consider reading them gradually. They are hard topics, but well written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
When I started this book I felt very heartbroken and sad for Sadie. This book puts you in all your emotions. This poor girl makes some really bad life choices for herself. She is surrounded by people who don’t even offer to help her, they just keep giving her what she needs for her addiction. It makes me so sad that she doesn’t have the strength to leave Ryan. Sadie deserves so much better than him but won’t listen to anyone. The amount of tears and feelings I had during this book are unreal. Can’t wait to read more.
January 17, 2024
This story had my heart breaking again and again. I felt her struggle and her sorrow. The way the addition and love stole her spirit! I wanted to shake her and tell her to use her head at the same time as praying Ryan would be the boy he once was. I'm definitely going to need more!!!
March 1, 2024
Difficult to put down!
This drew me in from the first page. The characters are well developed, and the plot moves seamlessly.
I found myself becoming very emotional during some of the scenes. It is extremely well written, and I can't wait to read the next book!
This drew me in from the first page. The characters are well developed, and the plot moves seamlessly.
I found myself becoming very emotional during some of the scenes. It is extremely well written, and I can't wait to read the next book!
January 10, 2024
A very powerful and emotional read. The story of love and heartbreak portrayed gave a glimpse into real life. This was a well written story with characters who provoked a lot of emotion. The highs and lows were powerful in the way they pulled you into the story and didn’t let go even at the very end. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next one.
February 13, 2016
Gut wrenchingly real
This is a book that parents of a teenager should read. I felt Sadie's conflicts and struggles in the depth of my soul. As someone who has not experienced Sadie's addictions and avuse it opened my eyes to a whole different mind set. I will be encouraging my teenage daughters to read this book.
This is a book that parents of a teenager should read. I felt Sadie's conflicts and struggles in the depth of my soul. As someone who has not experienced Sadie's addictions and avuse it opened my eyes to a whole different mind set. I will be encouraging my teenage daughters to read this book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews