Shattered Hearts

by Rich Schiesser

The powerful tale of three very different Atlanta families whose lives intersect and collide in violent and unexpected ways. One is a middle-class family struggling with the challenges of raising two teen-aged sons who are far apart in age, temperament and needs. Another is a law enforcement family with surprising conflicts of its own. The third is a family of bikers ruthlessly focused on growing their drug business to teens, no matter the costs. The intertwining of these very diverse lives is an emotional drama with surprise twists that ultimately renews a reader's faith in the
human condition.

254 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2016

Reviews

[Don Nagdeman]

When I pick up a book it is normally non-fiction, but when I started reading this novel, I couldn't put it down. The character introductions and backgrounds are excellent and allows the reader to really get into and feel part of the story itself. The author has found a way to tell just enough of the story line, leave you hanging for a few chapters, then bring you back into the plot and not leave you wondering. The story is about you and me in an American family today, going through the trials and tribulations of raising two teenage boys with all the modern situations involved with doing just that. Even when I thought the story was over, the author brings me back for an encore...Bravo!

[Brian H]

Truly an enjoyable read that draws you into the character's lives, surprises and entertains throughout. The different perspectives of the characters are especially well done and help the reader gain a better appreciation for their actions as the plot develops. Surprises and plot twists are also well timed, providing multiple instances of 'gotchas' that only become obvious after reading as the puzzle begins to fill in. You'll want to finish the book in a single sitting.

[Melinda]

If you have raised or are raising a challenging teen whose unique gifts and personality make these years fraught with conflict, anxious parental nights, and deep concern for the outcome, Rich Schiesser’s Shattered Hearts will ring true. This story portrays a decent middle-class family who love one another yet encounter teen drug use in their home. The author captures the confusion and pain the parents face as they strive to understand and help their struggling son. Simultaneously, this seventeen-year-old on the cusp of manhood is shown from many viewpoints with all his flaws and his strengths. The reader sympathizes with all involved as they interact with a teen whose lack of judgment and quick temper spur his decisions. Doug, the challenging but good-hearted rebel, is well fleshed out and was my favorite character. In a realistic and nonjudgmental way, the author portrays how family conflict spirals out of control on both sides, bringing law enforcement and the ToughLove program into the picture. Remorse, confusion, and angst on the parental side clashes with bravado, deception, and finally faltering growth on the teen side. Law enforcement and a wonderfully balanced and kind grandmother play strong supportive roles.

High praise goes to Schiesser for his sympathetic look at troubled teens and their anxious family members. Adult and YA readers will root for all involved as they face more than one event that produces urgent concern and hope that this family will work it all out in time to prevent disaster.

[Mary Arno]

Still madly in love and celebrating their 20th anniversary in Paris, Julie and Greg have the perfect life. But perfection is fragile, and a family can be broken into pieces as easily as a crystal ornament. Rich Schiesser’s novel soars as high as the Eiffel Tower and then plummets through Atlanta’s gangs to a parent’s worst nightmare. Absolutely un-put-downable.

[Ronald Belfort]

From the onset, Shattered Hearts grabbed my attention and held it until the end. Rich Schiesser's characters are intelligent, charming and relatable. The MacDonald's story is intensely sad, delivering a powerful message of love, understanding, family togetherness, and the ability to overcome. I cannot wait to see what he writes next.

[Betsy Ashton]

I can't say much more than this:

Three families. Three separate conflicts. One collision. With twists that will keep you engrossed until the end.

[Heather]

“Shattered Hearts, where three very different families’ lives collide in a tale of violence and sadness, mixed with a good dose of hope.”

[Carinda Mickelsen]

When you pick up a book written by a first time author, you never really know what you're going to get. Well with this book you get a story that will make you stop to realize how quickly your life can change from being a relatively happy (normal) family to heartache and despair, and finally, to healing and moving forward. The characters are all very well thought out and the story moves at a perfect pace. You'll laugh a bit, and cry a bit, and you may even find yourself looking at life and life experiences a bit differently after reading this book. I immediately handed it to my 22 year old son to read, as I think there are life lessons that all ages can learn from. I'm really looking forward to future books from Rich. In the meantime, this book has a place on my permanent library shelf!

[Colleen Fox]

When I picked up this book, I was skeptical as to how so much could be portrayed in what felt like a short novel. I was pleasantly surprised that upon completion, I felt satisfied.

The story was one that hits close to home a bit as everyone knows someone that was struggling the way Douglas was. And everyone knows that family that's at their wit's end trying to help that person. I enjoyed the roller coaster of emotions.

I would definitely recommend this book to fellow book lovers and look forward to Rich's next novel.

[Leslie Gross]

The book drew me in from the start. Rich develops the characters in a way that I felt I knew each one of them personally. The story was adoring and hopeful, then tragedy strikes! There were twists and turns in the book that kept me on the edge of my seat. The emotions of a family burdened with a troubled teen was relatable to me and I found myself holding my breath as the story unfolded. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to read an emotional, realistic and enjoyable story.

[Debe]

This book grabbed me from the beginning. It brings real life humor, tragedy and surviving day to day onto every page. It was hard to put down. It resonates with the issues many families deal with today. Mr. Schiesser's ability to transform words on a page to being able to bring you into the story is truly a gift. Before I knew it I was caught up in the joy, fear, struggles and sadness right along with the characters. This is definitely a must read. I am looking forward to his next book!

[Cheri]

I am an avid reader, every day I have my nose in a book. To me, a great book is like a good movie. You are there, you are part of the story, you relate to the characters, you care about them. This is a story that I can't forget. This author brings you to the point of emotion that you aren't expecting.

[Kathy Heare Watts]

A dramatic tale of three families that lives will intersect and how this will change them forever.

I won a signed copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am donating it to a senior assisted living facility.

[Frederic L.]

It is an excellent book. I enjoyed reading it. It was so easy to become involved in the characters and their family situations. The book was well written and was fun it read. I recommend Shattered Hearts. Enjoy!!