What do you think?
From What's Broken
Amanda and Matthew are on the cusp of their happily ever after. They have a stable marriage and a lovely daughter, and they are eagerly awaiting the birth of their second. Suddenly tragedy strikes and the couple’s picture-perfect life crumbles. Ivory, their firstborn child, dies in an accident. Not knowing how to deal with their pain, Amanda and Matthew blame each other for their loss and drift apart. They soon realize their relationship might not bear the burden, leaving their surviving daughter to cope with the aftermath of two grief-stricken parents.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2019
About the author
R.M. Demeester
25 books675 followersR.M. Demeester, from Saskatchewan, loves being a mom, reading books, and writing. She's been writing since she was very young. Today, she's known for her stories in women's fiction, romantic suspense, and thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 11, 2026
R.M. Demeester’s work is very character driven, as is this book.
The author gives us a story about pure grief, finding each other back as a couple and trying to go on… every step ahead and two steps back … but slowly and steady together in the same direction.
It’s about the worst thing that can happen to people, losing your child. R.M. Demeester does a good job, experiencing the grief of the characters, it felt very intense, I had tears in my eyes and after reading this book, I had to let things sink in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author gives us a story about pure grief, finding each other back as a couple and trying to go on… every step ahead and two steps back … but slowly and steady together in the same direction.
It’s about the worst thing that can happen to people, losing your child. R.M. Demeester does a good job, experiencing the grief of the characters, it felt very intense, I had tears in my eyes and after reading this book, I had to let things sink in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2026
⭐ 2.5/5
This book had such a heartbreaking premise. Amanda and Matthew's marriage is falling apart after the death of their daughter, Ivory, and the story follows both of them as they deal with grief, guilt, and the damage left behind.
The strongest part of this book was definitely the grief. The scenes involving Ivory's bedroom, visiting her grave, and the process of finally letting go of her things were genuinely emotional. The author did a great job showing how grief lives in small, everyday reminders and how difficult it is to move forward after such a loss.
I also liked the dual POV. Seeing the same events from Amanda's and Matthew's perspectives added some depth because it showed how differently they experienced the same situations.
That being said, I had a hard time connecting with either of the main characters. Both Amanda and Matthew make choices that are difficult to forgive, they lie, cheat, hurt each other, and at times use their baby as a way to get back at one another. I understand that grief can make people act in ways they normally wouldn't, but I felt like the book didn't spend enough time dealing with the consequences of those choices. The reconciliation at the end also felt too quick for everything they had been through.
Rebecca was another character I struggled with. She was mostly portrayed as the jealous and controlling ex, and I wish we had gotten more insight into her side of things. Her final comment about Amanda leaving Ivory unsupervised was one of the most painful moments in the book, but I wanted her to feel more like a real person rather than just an obstacle in the story.
I also felt the pacing was uneven. The middle of the book dragged in places, especially with some of the office scenes and conflicts that didn't seem to move the story forward. The writing could have used another editing pass as well, with some repetition and a few formatting inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story.
Overall, this was a very emotional story with a powerful theme of grief and loss, but the relationship drama sometimes overshadowed the deeper issues the book was trying to explore. I think readers who enjoy messy family dramas and emotional second-chance romances may connect with it more than I did.
This book had such a heartbreaking premise. Amanda and Matthew's marriage is falling apart after the death of their daughter, Ivory, and the story follows both of them as they deal with grief, guilt, and the damage left behind.
The strongest part of this book was definitely the grief. The scenes involving Ivory's bedroom, visiting her grave, and the process of finally letting go of her things were genuinely emotional. The author did a great job showing how grief lives in small, everyday reminders and how difficult it is to move forward after such a loss.
I also liked the dual POV. Seeing the same events from Amanda's and Matthew's perspectives added some depth because it showed how differently they experienced the same situations.
That being said, I had a hard time connecting with either of the main characters. Both Amanda and Matthew make choices that are difficult to forgive, they lie, cheat, hurt each other, and at times use their baby as a way to get back at one another. I understand that grief can make people act in ways they normally wouldn't, but I felt like the book didn't spend enough time dealing with the consequences of those choices. The reconciliation at the end also felt too quick for everything they had been through.
Rebecca was another character I struggled with. She was mostly portrayed as the jealous and controlling ex, and I wish we had gotten more insight into her side of things. Her final comment about Amanda leaving Ivory unsupervised was one of the most painful moments in the book, but I wanted her to feel more like a real person rather than just an obstacle in the story.
I also felt the pacing was uneven. The middle of the book dragged in places, especially with some of the office scenes and conflicts that didn't seem to move the story forward. The writing could have used another editing pass as well, with some repetition and a few formatting inconsistencies that pulled me out of the story.
Overall, this was a very emotional story with a powerful theme of grief and loss, but the relationship drama sometimes overshadowed the deeper issues the book was trying to explore. I think readers who enjoy messy family dramas and emotional second-chance romances may connect with it more than I did.
June 23, 2019
The author has written a heart touching story that is also heart wrenching. The story has a special place in my heart as I have lost two children. The author has a great talent in creating believable characters. In this story the two main characters are Amanda and Matthew. The author takes readers into the couple lives as they deal with the worst tragedy imaginable. The tale shows what stress can do and how hope, tragedy, love and life can change our lives. Well done.
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November 23, 2021
This was an okay read …
My first observances were that the author is big on telling and not very prone to showing. It made for a very slow-paced, dull-at-times read. I almost DNF’d it a few times but eventually, I did become invested in it enough to see it though.
I enjoyed hating Rebecca so the author does have some talent … I think if they either honed their craft and/or used a stronger editor, they’d put out a better end result.
At times I was distracted by instances of very poor grammar, such as “have went” and “hadn’t ate” for example, so again … they’re either not using an editor at all, or not using one who’s actually qualified.
I do admire the way they really wove in drama throughout this and I thought they did a good job of portraying grief and what it can do to a marriage.
Audio:
I hate to say this but … honestly the narrator was absolutely awful. She sounded robotic at times … sounded exactly like Siri (yes, iPhone Siri) other times … and as dull as that is to listen to, that is the least of her problems. For some reason, her voice was extremely pitchy at times … I was reminded of a prepubescent teenager, in that awkward voice-cracking stage. Or the teenager from ‘The Simpsons’, with the on & off high-pitched voice … it was truly painful to listen to. This isn’t someone who is in the right line of work at all.
Overall? I might be open to reading more from this author, though I’d hope their craft improves a bit and/or they hire a stronger / more-qualified editor.
I would absolutely NOT be open to listening to anything from this narrator, ever again. You couldn’t pay me to do it.
3 stars for the book itself.
1 star audio performance.
My first observances were that the author is big on telling and not very prone to showing. It made for a very slow-paced, dull-at-times read. I almost DNF’d it a few times but eventually, I did become invested in it enough to see it though.
I enjoyed hating Rebecca so the author does have some talent … I think if they either honed their craft and/or used a stronger editor, they’d put out a better end result.
At times I was distracted by instances of very poor grammar, such as “have went” and “hadn’t ate” for example, so again … they’re either not using an editor at all, or not using one who’s actually qualified.
I do admire the way they really wove in drama throughout this and I thought they did a good job of portraying grief and what it can do to a marriage.
Audio:
I hate to say this but … honestly the narrator was absolutely awful. She sounded robotic at times … sounded exactly like Siri (yes, iPhone Siri) other times … and as dull as that is to listen to, that is the least of her problems. For some reason, her voice was extremely pitchy at times … I was reminded of a prepubescent teenager, in that awkward voice-cracking stage. Or the teenager from ‘The Simpsons’, with the on & off high-pitched voice … it was truly painful to listen to. This isn’t someone who is in the right line of work at all.
Overall? I might be open to reading more from this author, though I’d hope their craft improves a bit and/or they hire a stronger / more-qualified editor.
I would absolutely NOT be open to listening to anything from this narrator, ever again. You couldn’t pay me to do it.
3 stars for the book itself.
1 star audio performance.
May 6, 2026
I received this as an ALC, and it was a wonderful and very emotional story. You’d story takes us through the lives of a husband and wife that disconnected from one another after the loss of their first child. Both grieved immensely but never recovered or even attempted to find a way for them to with through it. Husband turned to alcohol, and mom just let herself wallow. Communication and the marriage itself broke down. Finally Amanda asked for a divorce. Matt just agreed. He didn’t push to want to fix things. He packed up and moved in with his ex fiancé. And boy, Rebecca was so easy to hate. But I was angry with Matt for simply just walking away. He didn’t even try, but then neither did Amanda.
This story takes us on the journey of how they navigated through their divorce while also raising and splitting time with their eight month old daughter. Rebecca felt as though Amanda was using the baby as a pawn. She was to a degree. But seeing their continued lack of communication had me practically pulling my hair out. They were learning nothing. They still weren’t growing, moving forward, or resolving anything.
Matt wasn’t happy with Rebecca. She was a witch and that’s outing it nicely. And Amanda was starting to feel better about herself and have dating a try. Neither of these two had still had a genuine conversation. Not even about the divorce😡 I felt like I was on a rollercoaster coaster ride with the anger and hatred. The lack of communication and the hurt both harbored. Just when I thought they would worth things out, Matt would go back to Rebecca 🤦🏽♀️
Overall, this was a really good story. It had depth and touched on the emotions and how difficult loss was and the strain it can take on a marriage. I was beyond excited when the two of them finally sat down and got real about everything and had an in-depth conversation about the pain, their loss, they grief, and the fact that they still did love one another.
The narrator did an excellent job with this story. Especially with Rebeccas part. I do wish though it had dual narrators because she wasn’t the best at the male roles. She flowed smoothly, but had a little bit too much of a feminine flare for a male. Other than that, I totally enjoyed listening to her narrate this story.
This story takes us on the journey of how they navigated through their divorce while also raising and splitting time with their eight month old daughter. Rebecca felt as though Amanda was using the baby as a pawn. She was to a degree. But seeing their continued lack of communication had me practically pulling my hair out. They were learning nothing. They still weren’t growing, moving forward, or resolving anything.
Matt wasn’t happy with Rebecca. She was a witch and that’s outing it nicely. And Amanda was starting to feel better about herself and have dating a try. Neither of these two had still had a genuine conversation. Not even about the divorce😡 I felt like I was on a rollercoaster coaster ride with the anger and hatred. The lack of communication and the hurt both harbored. Just when I thought they would worth things out, Matt would go back to Rebecca 🤦🏽♀️
Overall, this was a really good story. It had depth and touched on the emotions and how difficult loss was and the strain it can take on a marriage. I was beyond excited when the two of them finally sat down and got real about everything and had an in-depth conversation about the pain, their loss, they grief, and the fact that they still did love one another.
The narrator did an excellent job with this story. Especially with Rebeccas part. I do wish though it had dual narrators because she wasn’t the best at the male roles. She flowed smoothly, but had a little bit too much of a feminine flare for a male. Other than that, I totally enjoyed listening to her narrate this story.
July 28, 2024
Told, Not Shown; Needs Trigger Warnings; Immorality
This is the first book I've read or listened to by this author, and I did not like it. The description at the book review site I got the promo code from suggested the story would take place after the death of the couple's young child and would show how this horrifically tragic event impacted their relationship, their family—as the wife is pregnant with their second child when this happens—and marriage. But that's not where the book actually starts. Instead, the book begins much later, when the new sister is already 8 months old; in fact, the first scene is the wife asking the husband for divorce. The book felt like an extended infodump, with very little action happening. This story is mostly told, not shown, and mostly in flashbacks. That's a very tedious way to present any story. The author needed to show us so much more, including what the couple’s relationship was like before the death, the pivotal scenes leading up to and including the young girl's death, and how the relationship between the parents fractured over time. To just be told about it does little to move the reader beyond what would be felt by common humanity or help us understand—and therefore appreciate—character. The parents acted nonsensically at times, and often in ways I found morally repugnant. While they were still separated, not yet divorced, both had sexual flings with others—the grieving mother having a sleazy booty-call affair with her boss (whom she believes to be married) and the husband moving in immediately with the woman who was his ex before his wife. Ewwww on both counts! Just not right. This book should certainly come with trigger warnings, too. If you have experienced a child's death, have had prolonged grief, have had a contentious divorce, or have been cheated on, this book may very well trigger you. Not recommended.
TRIGGERS: child death, prolonged grief, contentious divorce, infidelity
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
This is the first book I've read or listened to by this author, and I did not like it. The description at the book review site I got the promo code from suggested the story would take place after the death of the couple's young child and would show how this horrifically tragic event impacted their relationship, their family—as the wife is pregnant with their second child when this happens—and marriage. But that's not where the book actually starts. Instead, the book begins much later, when the new sister is already 8 months old; in fact, the first scene is the wife asking the husband for divorce. The book felt like an extended infodump, with very little action happening. This story is mostly told, not shown, and mostly in flashbacks. That's a very tedious way to present any story. The author needed to show us so much more, including what the couple’s relationship was like before the death, the pivotal scenes leading up to and including the young girl's death, and how the relationship between the parents fractured over time. To just be told about it does little to move the reader beyond what would be felt by common humanity or help us understand—and therefore appreciate—character. The parents acted nonsensically at times, and often in ways I found morally repugnant. While they were still separated, not yet divorced, both had sexual flings with others—the grieving mother having a sleazy booty-call affair with her boss (whom she believes to be married) and the husband moving in immediately with the woman who was his ex before his wife. Ewwww on both counts! Just not right. This book should certainly come with trigger warnings, too. If you have experienced a child's death, have had prolonged grief, have had a contentious divorce, or have been cheated on, this book may very well trigger you. Not recommended.
TRIGGERS: child death, prolonged grief, contentious divorce, infidelity
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
February 11, 2026
Interesting.
FROM WHAT’S BROKEN - An earlier writing from this author about relationships and a child's death. Interesting story lines, good characters, and decent dialog. A bit boring here and there, but still a page turner. Source: Booksprout and my Kindle library. 3*
THE GIRL ONCE KNOWN Series:
THE GIRL ONCE KNOWN, #1 - Holy cow, the start of this book had me cross eyed and almost ready to toss it. BUT, then the story kicked into gear and became so intriguing and immersing that I could not put the book down. The story lines, the multiple character narrators and their dysfunctional relationships, and the unexpected kinks were intense. The ending chapter may set up a continuation of this story or just proof that not all goes well. Hopefully, this ARC goes through a final editing before its release. Source: StoryOrigin. 5*
THE BOND ONCE BROKEN, #2 - A good story but a tad boring and repetitive. I enjoyed the first book more but this is still an OK read. Source: Booksprout. 3*
THE NAME ONCE ERASED, #3 - Although this story needs editing, it is the best of the three. Good characters with interesting story lines told a a constant pace. A large variety of emotions and outcomes. Source: Booksprout. 5*
THE FLOWER ONCE WILTED, #4 - This the best book of this "trilogy". I could not put this book down. It's a train wreck and you cannot look away. Intense. Interesting. Filled with life of all sorts and plenty of emotions, this story is too difficult to put down. Jody is unbelievable and I like her ending. Source: Booksprout. 5*
THE VINE ONCE TWISTED, #5 - This is probably the best of this series. How easy it is for life to go to Hades in a handcrafted. A well written, immersing story with intriguing story lines and interesting characters. Sad. yet poignant. Source: Booksprout. 5*
FROM WHAT’S BROKEN - An earlier writing from this author about relationships and a child's death. Interesting story lines, good characters, and decent dialog. A bit boring here and there, but still a page turner. Source: Booksprout and my Kindle library. 3*
THE GIRL ONCE KNOWN Series:
THE GIRL ONCE KNOWN, #1 - Holy cow, the start of this book had me cross eyed and almost ready to toss it. BUT, then the story kicked into gear and became so intriguing and immersing that I could not put the book down. The story lines, the multiple character narrators and their dysfunctional relationships, and the unexpected kinks were intense. The ending chapter may set up a continuation of this story or just proof that not all goes well. Hopefully, this ARC goes through a final editing before its release. Source: StoryOrigin. 5*
THE BOND ONCE BROKEN, #2 - A good story but a tad boring and repetitive. I enjoyed the first book more but this is still an OK read. Source: Booksprout. 3*
THE NAME ONCE ERASED, #3 - Although this story needs editing, it is the best of the three. Good characters with interesting story lines told a a constant pace. A large variety of emotions and outcomes. Source: Booksprout. 5*
THE FLOWER ONCE WILTED, #4 - This the best book of this "trilogy". I could not put this book down. It's a train wreck and you cannot look away. Intense. Interesting. Filled with life of all sorts and plenty of emotions, this story is too difficult to put down. Jody is unbelievable and I like her ending. Source: Booksprout. 5*
THE VINE ONCE TWISTED, #5 - This is probably the best of this series. How easy it is for life to go to Hades in a handcrafted. A well written, immersing story with intriguing story lines and interesting characters. Sad. yet poignant. Source: Booksprout. 5*
November 12, 2021
For a good chunk of this book, I really wondered who the hell would ever want to read this. Having just now read the summary (Audible version), it’s very misleading. All of the events in the summary happened before the story takes place. It’s entirely a back and forth drama between a couple who were once in love and are now getting a divorce. Which is why I wondered, who the hell would want to ever read this (or listen)?
I actually found an answer to that and I think it’s brilliant. Despite being a wedding officiant with 2 ceremonies under my belt, I’ve never been married. I always found the concept to be idiotic and outdated. Having been around people who’ve been married and divorced all my life, this story very all too real to me. That’s when I realized the perfect audience for the book.
I think this story should be mandatory listening for all starry-eyed couples who want to get married for the first time in their life. Tell them this is what they’re potentially in for if or when things don’t work, so choose your mate carefully.
Aside from newlyweds, I think this book could be an educational listen if you’ve never been married or divorced; somehow never known anybody who has been and you’re curious. ‘Cause this book really couldn’t be more accurate, if you ask me.
If you’ve made it this far and you’ve either been through a messy divorce, known somebody close who has or you’re the child of parents who have. Abandon hope all ye who enter here. This is not the story for you.
As for the narration, overall, the narrator did a good job of narrating. However, she really lacked in the voices department. I often found it difficult to tell which character was talking which led to confusion when the story changed perspective on me. The audio is free of any repeat dialogue, audible background noise, or other errors.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
I actually found an answer to that and I think it’s brilliant. Despite being a wedding officiant with 2 ceremonies under my belt, I’ve never been married. I always found the concept to be idiotic and outdated. Having been around people who’ve been married and divorced all my life, this story very all too real to me. That’s when I realized the perfect audience for the book.
I think this story should be mandatory listening for all starry-eyed couples who want to get married for the first time in their life. Tell them this is what they’re potentially in for if or when things don’t work, so choose your mate carefully.
Aside from newlyweds, I think this book could be an educational listen if you’ve never been married or divorced; somehow never known anybody who has been and you’re curious. ‘Cause this book really couldn’t be more accurate, if you ask me.
If you’ve made it this far and you’ve either been through a messy divorce, known somebody close who has or you’re the child of parents who have. Abandon hope all ye who enter here. This is not the story for you.
As for the narration, overall, the narrator did a good job of narrating. However, she really lacked in the voices department. I often found it difficult to tell which character was talking which led to confusion when the story changed perspective on me. The audio is free of any repeat dialogue, audible background noise, or other errors.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
February 4, 2026
From What's Broken tells a sad tale of how parents, Matthew and Amanda, cope with the tragic loss of their three-year-old daughter. Both Matthew and Amanda hold each other responsible for the passing of their beloved girl. From What's Broken explores the aftermath of that dreadful day.
This narrative will tug at your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes on multiple occasions. We experience the world through the perspectives of both Amanda and Matthew, witnessing how they are each navigating their lives, or at least attempting to, following the tragic loss of their beloved daughter, Ivory. At the time of Ivory's passing, Amanda was expecting their second child, a daughter named Joy.
From What's Broken is a masterfully crafted story that captivated my attention from beginning to end. The suspense kept me engrossed in every sentence. I felt deep sympathy for both Amanda and Matthew as they each confronted the grief of the loss of their daughter, each blaming the other and, I would surmise, themselves as well.
Make sure to pick up a copy of From What's Broken today!
This narrative will tug at your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes on multiple occasions. We experience the world through the perspectives of both Amanda and Matthew, witnessing how they are each navigating their lives, or at least attempting to, following the tragic loss of their beloved daughter, Ivory. At the time of Ivory's passing, Amanda was expecting their second child, a daughter named Joy.
From What's Broken is a masterfully crafted story that captivated my attention from beginning to end. The suspense kept me engrossed in every sentence. I felt deep sympathy for both Amanda and Matthew as they each confronted the grief of the loss of their daughter, each blaming the other and, I would surmise, themselves as well.
Make sure to pick up a copy of From What's Broken today!
June 13, 2024
What a devastating story. As a parent you never imagine the tragedy of losing your child. I don’t think any parents would know how to deal with it and what kind of emotional stress it would put on the family.
Ivory tragically died very young. Her parents Matthew and Amanda were left struggling to deal with the nightmare of losing a child. Not only that, but they also had Ivory’s little sister to raise. Can they keep their marriage together or are they unable to withstand the extreme circumstances of losing a child?
I really feel for Ivory’s mom throughout the book. On the other hand I have mixed feelings about the dad and how he handles his relationships.
I would recommend this book to anyone who can handle reading the situation presented.
I have enjoyed all the books I have read by R.M. Demeester.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ivory tragically died very young. Her parents Matthew and Amanda were left struggling to deal with the nightmare of losing a child. Not only that, but they also had Ivory’s little sister to raise. Can they keep their marriage together or are they unable to withstand the extreme circumstances of losing a child?
I really feel for Ivory’s mom throughout the book. On the other hand I have mixed feelings about the dad and how he handles his relationships.
I would recommend this book to anyone who can handle reading the situation presented.
I have enjoyed all the books I have read by R.M. Demeester.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2024
Amanda and Matthew are on the cusp of their happily ever after. They have a stable marriage and a lovely daughter, and they are eagerly awaiting the birth of their second. Suddenly tragedy strikes and the couple’s picture-perfect life crumbles. Ivory, their firstborn child, dies in an accident. Not knowing how to deal with their pain, Amanda and Matthew blame each other for their loss and drift apart. They soon realize their relationship might not bear the burden, leaving their surviving daughter to cope with the aftermath of two grief-stricken parents.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 4, 2026
This book follows a mother trying to survive the loss of her young daughter while her marriage slowly falls apart. It’s a heavy story about grief, guilt, and the messy ways people cope when life completely falls apart. 
What I liked most was how real the emotions felt. The characters aren’t perfect and they make some questionable choices, but that actually made them feel more believable. The grief especially felt very raw and honest, and it’s clear the author wasn’t afraid to show the ugly side of loss and trauma.
At times the story repeats some of the same emotional thoughts, and a few conversations felt a little direct. Tightening those parts might have made the story flow a bit better.
Overall though, it’s a very emotional and human story. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories about grief, relationships, and healing will probably connect with this one.
What I liked most was how real the emotions felt. The characters aren’t perfect and they make some questionable choices, but that actually made them feel more believable. The grief especially felt very raw and honest, and it’s clear the author wasn’t afraid to show the ugly side of loss and trauma.
At times the story repeats some of the same emotional thoughts, and a few conversations felt a little direct. Tightening those parts might have made the story flow a bit better.
Overall though, it’s a very emotional and human story. Readers who enjoy character-driven stories about grief, relationships, and healing will probably connect with this one.
May 4, 2026
Right from the start of this book the tension between Amanda and Matthew just rolls off the page in waves. It sensitively tackles the grief of losing a child and the impact that it can have on the parents and their relationship. It accurately portrays what can happen when parents aren’t supported through such a difficult time. But that’s nothing compared to when Rebecca shows her true colours. The narrator’s whinny voice that she uses for her is perfect and she has you clenching your fists and hunching your shoulders with pure rage. This book is so well written you really get drawn into the drama and pain that the couple experience. It really has you rooting for them and hoping that will be able to resolve their problems in the long term.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 9, 2021
My second story from R.M Demeester . The author wrote a heart gripping story that will have your heart broken with the scenes. The characters are strong but they stopped believing in each other and true love . Everything happens when their first child is no longer around because of an accident. Meanwhile Amanda is pregnant with their second child Instead of leaning on each other they argue among each other. Amanda blames Matthew . Both Amanda and Mathew forget that they have a young child that they ignore.
Grab it and see do they remember their second child. Do they bypass their hurt and anger or do they go their separate ways.
Hannah Fuerst performance was fantastic, she did all the feels , her voice is clear and strong.
Grab it and see do they remember their second child. Do they bypass their hurt and anger or do they go their separate ways.
Hannah Fuerst performance was fantastic, she did all the feels , her voice is clear and strong.
June 24, 2019
I suggest you have a box of tissues handy when you sit down to read this amazing book. This is my first time reading anything from this author and she has produced a heart wrenching plot. I couldn’t help but feel for the main characters as they attempted to navigate their relationship and the love for their surviving child whilst dealing with the unexpected loss of their first child. This is one very emotional story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2019
The author, R.M. Demeester, did an excellent job with character and plot development in this tear-jerker, "From What's Broken".
Amanda, Matthew, are a contented couple with one child and another on the way. The unthinkable happens when their firstborn, Ivory, dies in an accident. Unable to cope, Amanda and Matthew start making allegations towards one another and their relationship begins to crumble. An emotional ride, so have the tissues handy. Well-written and realistic, this story is one readers will not forget.
Amanda, Matthew, are a contented couple with one child and another on the way. The unthinkable happens when their firstborn, Ivory, dies in an accident. Unable to cope, Amanda and Matthew start making allegations towards one another and their relationship begins to crumble. An emotional ride, so have the tissues handy. Well-written and realistic, this story is one readers will not forget.
May 6, 2026
This was an emotional and heavy listen. As the narrator reads the story, you can feel/hear the tension between the characters pour off the pages. At times the characters were relateable. Not a fan of the narrator. Unfortunately the narraration of this story didn’t do the story any justice. At times the narrator seemed as if she were whining as she read which became a distraction and took away from the story. Overall I will continue to READ R.M. Demeester’s novels as she does a great job.
Thank you R.M. Demeester and Booksprout for the ALC. This review is that of my own.
Thank you R.M. Demeester and Booksprout for the ALC. This review is that of my own.
June 21, 2019
The anger and grief in this book really draw you into the story. It’s every parents worst nightmare and where you would think you can rely on your partner for support in times like these, sometimes the grief is too much and that break is all that’s needed to appreciate what you still have left. Really enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2024
Amanda and Matthew are still grieving the death of four-year old Ivory a year after she ran into the street and was hit by a car. With each blaming the other, Amanda asks for a divorce and so they now have to deal with the pain alone. This story talks heavily about guilt and grief ending with a HEA. Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2024
When this book starts out, Amanda is throwing her husband out and probably regretting it. Telling the story from each person's perspective makes you want to scream at the parties involved that a mistake is being made. It makes you think about how many people suffer and have no one to really assist them to properly to get through the grief stage.
Well-written and definitely something to pass on to others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well-written and definitely something to pass on to others.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2024
3/5 STARS! Ouch, this one hurts. This was real and raw and just heartbreaking. You can feel every moment of this couples grieving process and it just puts you right in the room with them. The characters are human & make mistakes, & thats one thing I loved. They arent perfect & mess up, & hurt each other in the process. Really loved the ending, & found myself shedding a tear. Definitely recommend to anyone wanting a tearjerker!
*I received a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2026
This is a heart wrenching story about grief, forgiveness and second chances. Matthew and Amanda experience the worst possible tragedy and instead of clinging to each other, they blame one another. Just as it seems like things will never be the same, something else happens to set them back. I would recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
July 6, 2026
Oh my goodness, this was such a fantastic book, definitely a rollercoaster of emotions. This was such a relatable story and the characters were so relatable. I actually felt like I was going through the same emotions as the characters were. I absolutely loved it!!
If you like audiobooks, definitely listen to this one. The narrator is absolutely fantastic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you like audiobooks, definitely listen to this one. The narrator is absolutely fantastic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2019
Story of two people who had a great relationship until their child was killed. Then it all fell apart, they both went their separate ways with other people but always ended up back with each other because of their remaining child. It is a nice story I won't give out the ending. Just read it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2019
This is the 2nd book I've read written by R. Demeester; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
November 16, 2021
This is a very emotional story. I wanted to hate Matthew then I wanted to hate, Amanda. I definitely hate the girlfriend !! Matthew and Amanda lost a child, Which in my option is the worst, parents should never outlive their children.
This book hit every emotion, I was so sad, I was angry, I was happy and I cried. I will have to say R.M. Demeester hats off to you excellent book.
This book hit every emotion, I was so sad, I was angry, I was happy and I cried. I will have to say R.M. Demeester hats off to you excellent book.
March 26, 2024
Really couldn't connect to the characters. As SD as shat they went thru was yes, the hatred and anger was over done and repetativse. Also, you would think an author telling a story to reach the heart of a reader would utilize better vocabulary and not dumb down the writing by degrading it with trash language with swear words. Seriously, step up and be an actual sophisticated writer.
May 30, 2024
You know that characters are well fleshed out when you want to physically slap one or all of them. Matthew is a man torn between two women and his way of dealing with his dilemma is "drinking or sucking up". This is a (fictional) window into a marriage after the death of a child. I was gifted this from the author through Booksprout.
February 8, 2026
As the story of Amanda and Matthew continues, it delves into the difficulties of losing a child and the impact it has on their marriage. The sadness pulls at your heart strings, but overall I found it was a slow read and predictable. I received an advance review copy from Booksirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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