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Pieces To Mend
Can enduring love heal a shattered soul and broken body?
In their small agricultural town, Scarlett’s family is the picture-perfect variety. The mother encourages juvenile delinquents at the local detention center and her father coaches the church’s youth group. All is right until Scarlett lets a shameful secret slip. Blaming her for the indiscretion, the family silences Scarlett’s accusation but the arrival of a new high school student threatens the delicate balance.
Everett’s giant frame and fractured skull are compliments of his father, but his world shifts after an accidental touch from Scarlett. Starved for affection, they forge an inescapable bond. Their relationship is encouraged by Everett’s grandmother, Marjorie Ashley, a woman with an unnatural gift, the ability to witness painful memories of those around her.
Fifteen years later, Marjorie is fading, her impending death a blow to Scarlett. Everett enjoys a flourishing legal career while Scarlett writes weekly investigative articles—keeping her own secrets hidden. An old police report is found in Marjorie’s house, revealing a web of deception spun by Scarlett’s family.
The deeper Scarlett digs, the more unsettling the discoveries. No longer aided by Marjorie’s gift, Scarlett is given an impossible ultimatum, she must choose between the family who raised her and the man who loves her—or risk losing both.
In their small agricultural town, Scarlett’s family is the picture-perfect variety. The mother encourages juvenile delinquents at the local detention center and her father coaches the church’s youth group. All is right until Scarlett lets a shameful secret slip. Blaming her for the indiscretion, the family silences Scarlett’s accusation but the arrival of a new high school student threatens the delicate balance.
Everett’s giant frame and fractured skull are compliments of his father, but his world shifts after an accidental touch from Scarlett. Starved for affection, they forge an inescapable bond. Their relationship is encouraged by Everett’s grandmother, Marjorie Ashley, a woman with an unnatural gift, the ability to witness painful memories of those around her.
Fifteen years later, Marjorie is fading, her impending death a blow to Scarlett. Everett enjoys a flourishing legal career while Scarlett writes weekly investigative articles—keeping her own secrets hidden. An old police report is found in Marjorie’s house, revealing a web of deception spun by Scarlett’s family.
The deeper Scarlett digs, the more unsettling the discoveries. No longer aided by Marjorie’s gift, Scarlett is given an impossible ultimatum, she must choose between the family who raised her and the man who loves her—or risk losing both.
- GenresEbooks
322 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2020
About the author
Clarissa Kae
22 books376 followersClarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She's the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.
Since her first novel, she's explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.
Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.
She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.
Since her first novel, she's explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.
Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.
She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 4, 2020
I am so proud of Clarissa Kae for having the courage to tackle this. It isn’t a fun book. It isn’t a light, easy read. It is a book about pain and abuse and evil and how love can patiently heal. I am glad I read it.
September 12, 2020
Pieces to Mend is a book that is hauntingly beautiful. I don’t know how else to describe it. The writing is masterfully done. I was turning pages as fast as I could read, barely putting it down as I followed Scarlett and Everett in their relationship not only with each other but with their family members.
The characters have such depth that I felt like I really knew them and felt their individual plights. I wanted to reach right into the book and rescue them from the hardships they had faced and help them realize what they have together.
I struggled with the sexual abuse in this book. Mostly because the subject is heavy and something I wish wasn’t a reality. The author does a great job bringing awareness to this topic and I commend her for being able to write about it so accurately. I feel like I NEED to do more to protect victims and protect potential victims because no one should have to go through that and feel gratitude for the people already doing so.
I enjoyed the split time as it slowly added more and more knowledge with each chapter. It was easy to follow despite jumping around and allowed me, as a reader, to try and put the pieces together before the story wrapped up.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
The characters have such depth that I felt like I really knew them and felt their individual plights. I wanted to reach right into the book and rescue them from the hardships they had faced and help them realize what they have together.
I struggled with the sexual abuse in this book. Mostly because the subject is heavy and something I wish wasn’t a reality. The author does a great job bringing awareness to this topic and I commend her for being able to write about it so accurately. I feel like I NEED to do more to protect victims and protect potential victims because no one should have to go through that and feel gratitude for the people already doing so.
I enjoyed the split time as it slowly added more and more knowledge with each chapter. It was easy to follow despite jumping around and allowed me, as a reader, to try and put the pieces together before the story wrapped up.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2020
While reading Pieces to Mend, I had the distinct feeling that I was circling around something big. Then half way through, the feeling changed to something big was circling around me. Then it pounced! And I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. I knew it was coming but CK’s writing made it so subtle that before I knew it, the book snatched me up and held me in its clutches. Or jaws?
I did not want to be “preachy” in this review so I’ll just say this: after you read this book have your daughters and sisters and perhaps more importantly, have your husbands, brothers and sons read it. Then talk about it! Have lengthy discussions about the subject matter and how it is not in fact “fiction.” These things happen and it is vital that they are talked about and understood.
We all know someone or are someone just like the characters in this book. In one way or another, we’ve experienced what they experience. Reading Pieces to Mend was not always comfortable but it left me with such a feeling of hope and possibility. It is eye opening and powerful.
I did not want to be “preachy” in this review so I’ll just say this: after you read this book have your daughters and sisters and perhaps more importantly, have your husbands, brothers and sons read it. Then talk about it! Have lengthy discussions about the subject matter and how it is not in fact “fiction.” These things happen and it is vital that they are talked about and understood.
We all know someone or are someone just like the characters in this book. In one way or another, we’ve experienced what they experience. Reading Pieces to Mend was not always comfortable but it left me with such a feeling of hope and possibility. It is eye opening and powerful.
November 13, 2020
Heartfelt, delightful, and a must-read. This book has so much to offer that you shouldn't miss!
September 25, 2020
I honestly don't know where to start with this review. I liked this book, but I did not enjoy this book. Let me explain. The writing is well done. The dual perspective and the way the author reveals the past from Everett's point of view and present day from Scarlett's was super interesting and I enjoyed the insights it gave me as a reader into both of their characters and their relationship. What I was not expecting, even though I read the cover blurb, was how heavy this book would be. I hope what I say next isn't a spoiler, but honestly, I think it important to know going into this book so you can determine if it is a fit for you. Not only has Everett been physically abused by his father, which is sad in and of itself, but Scarlett has been sexually abused and much of it has taken place within her home as a child which was just totally heartbreaking. The author doesn't go into any graphic detail regarding the assaults, but as the plot unfolds it becomes pretty clear to the reader the kind of traumatic abuse and assaults, she faced. Much of the story is dealing with the after math and emotional trauma something like this may cause. It was definitely hard for me to read because of how devastating it is that this occurs and because the focus of this book was the sexual abuse there wasn't much else in the plot. I don't typically read books like this because of the content, I can handle emotional depth, but this one really left me feeling down. The epilogue was probably the best part since it did show some healing and hope for the characters so I was grateful for that.
This wasn’t as much a romance novel as it is more two individuals who have faced extreme pain coming together and healing with each other.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. I plan to read Once and a Future Wife by this author, but I have heard it isn't as heavy as this book is. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This wasn’t as much a romance novel as it is more two individuals who have faced extreme pain coming together and healing with each other.
I received an advance reader copy of this novel. I plan to read Once and a Future Wife by this author, but I have heard it isn't as heavy as this book is. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 9, 2020
This book is not at all like the books I usually read. It is hard and deals with the after effects of abuse. It is beautifully written and if you are looking for an ownvoices or metoo book it ticks those boxes masterfully. The characters are well developed and the book is hard to put down. Well done, Clarissa Kae.
March 7, 2021
It took me a long time to get through this book because it’s slow moving and much of what happens is through conversation. The subject matter is heavy but important and this story takes a lot of mental focus to truly appreciate.
October 24, 2020
Everett has had a hard life. After his father lands himself in jail he is sent to live with his grandmother, Marjorie. On his first day at his new school, he meets Scarlett. They develop a deep friendship. He soon learns that Scarlett is scared from her past. He tries very hard to help her overcome that which haunts her, but it is not an easy task. She dubs him “Superman” for his heroic efforts. Scarlett also develops a very close attachment with Marjorie.
Now, several years later, Scarlett is at Majorie’s bedside as she enters the final chapter of her life and Everett is in London on assignment. Everett catches a plane to return home so he can say his final goodbyes to Majorie. Will he be saying his final goodbye to Scarlett too, or will they finally be able to overcome the past and save their marriage?
I found this book to be heartbreaking, heartwarming and haunting. It is masterfully written. The characters have a depth that few authors ever achieve. The struggles they face seem insurmountable and the truths that lie in them are agonizing. This story deals with sexual abuse and its aftermath. It does contain some foul language and some violence. Therefore I only recommend it for the adult reader, but it comes highly recommend.
Now, several years later, Scarlett is at Majorie’s bedside as she enters the final chapter of her life and Everett is in London on assignment. Everett catches a plane to return home so he can say his final goodbyes to Majorie. Will he be saying his final goodbye to Scarlett too, or will they finally be able to overcome the past and save their marriage?
I found this book to be heartbreaking, heartwarming and haunting. It is masterfully written. The characters have a depth that few authors ever achieve. The struggles they face seem insurmountable and the truths that lie in them are agonizing. This story deals with sexual abuse and its aftermath. It does contain some foul language and some violence. Therefore I only recommend it for the adult reader, but it comes highly recommend.
July 24, 2024
This was not a light or fun read, but it was very good. The subject matter is very heavy, and I spent a large portion of the book frustrated that I didn’t quite understand what was happening. It is a bit slow in the beginning, mostly due to the alternating POV which also alternates timeline. But the slow start was not a hindrance for me, like it is in most books. As I got further along, I was glad that it wasn’t all just word vomited out because, as mentioned, the subject matter is very heavy and had it all been just spewed out in the first few chapters, I probably would have abandoned reading. There was a slow trickle of information, rather than trying to drink from a fire hydrant. All that being said, the subject matter makes for an emotionally exhausting story. I’ve never been a victim of abuse, but I think most of us have some small understanding of emotional trauma at the very least. This book may even earn a reread somewhere down the line, but I will need to distance myself first. Even though it was exhausting, I did enjoy it. Just be aware of trigger warnings if you are considering this one.
August 3, 2020
This was not at all like her debut (Once And Future Wife). There was a slight paranormal element to the story but overall it has a foreboding feel to it. The ending was not what I expected but I actually loved, LOVED the epilogue.
I went ahead and did a little digging (because the manuscript felt a little memoir-ish) and now I have so many questions. There was a jeweler that was slapped with a law suit and he (with his wife) DID adopt four kids. The town was Visalia, not Tule like the book--but then I found out Tule was a fictional town. The more I dug, the more intrigued I became with this story.
When COVID is over, I really hope the author does interviews because I am here for it. So many questions.
Story was well written. The prose was so sad but realistic. And the ending was definitely happy.
**received ARC from publisher**
I went ahead and did a little digging (because the manuscript felt a little memoir-ish) and now I have so many questions. There was a jeweler that was slapped with a law suit and he (with his wife) DID adopt four kids. The town was Visalia, not Tule like the book--but then I found out Tule was a fictional town. The more I dug, the more intrigued I became with this story.
When COVID is over, I really hope the author does interviews because I am here for it. So many questions.
Story was well written. The prose was so sad but realistic. And the ending was definitely happy.
**received ARC from publisher**
September 1, 2020
(I received a free copy of this book through BookFunnel, but all opinions in this review are my own.)
First, I will say that this is the second book I have read by Kae and it shows tremendous growth in her work as a writer. If only this novel were as interesting as the one the synopsis seems to promise. Unfortunately, the characters are never fully realized and so fail to really connect with the reader as anything more than an embodiment of their trauma. We are stuck in a loop of conversations that never seem to go anywhere while all the intensity and emotion seem to be happening elsewhere. So much untapped potential here.
First, I will say that this is the second book I have read by Kae and it shows tremendous growth in her work as a writer. If only this novel were as interesting as the one the synopsis seems to promise. Unfortunately, the characters are never fully realized and so fail to really connect with the reader as anything more than an embodiment of their trauma. We are stuck in a loop of conversations that never seem to go anywhere while all the intensity and emotion seem to be happening elsewhere. So much untapped potential here.
March 19, 2022
This is a very heart moving story of Scarlett, Everett, and their relationship with Marjorie who is like a substitute mother to them both. Scarlett was sexually abused as a child and raped as a teenager. Everett was physically and emotionally abused by his father. The two meet each other in high school and become good friends. Scarlett's low self esteem make her wonder if Everett will get tired of her and leave her. She and Everett get married when she is young so she can legally escape her evil family. They go through trials and struggles that reach a climax when Marjorie is in hospice care dying.
May 30, 2025
a hard story
Did you ever want to get to some characters and slap sense and decency into them? Unfortunately, while the story is fiction, there is great reality in it that too many girls and women suffer abuse and rape but are never believed. Scarlett’s parents should have been put under the jail for what they did to her physically and psychologically. Thank goodness for Marjorie and her scarred grandson Everette and his goodness and steadfastness! This was a hard story to read, but it kept my attention. It is a sad reminder of the evil in this world that we good people need to work against and the victims who need mercy and justice.
Did you ever want to get to some characters and slap sense and decency into them? Unfortunately, while the story is fiction, there is great reality in it that too many girls and women suffer abuse and rape but are never believed. Scarlett’s parents should have been put under the jail for what they did to her physically and psychologically. Thank goodness for Marjorie and her scarred grandson Everette and his goodness and steadfastness! This was a hard story to read, but it kept my attention. It is a sad reminder of the evil in this world that we good people need to work against and the victims who need mercy and justice.
January 6, 2025
Stitched Together
Everett and Scarlett — you lean on me and I’ll lean on you and we’ll prop each other up. It takes a compassionate man to love a broken woman. It takes time, maybe a lifetime, but the truth is always revealed. This is a hard book to read, heartbreaking and raw and real.
Everett and Scarlett — you lean on me and I’ll lean on you and we’ll prop each other up. It takes a compassionate man to love a broken woman. It takes time, maybe a lifetime, but the truth is always revealed. This is a hard book to read, heartbreaking and raw and real.
August 3, 2020
**publisher gave ARC**
Overall, good book with solid characters and an ending that was a surprise but very needed.
Very Wuthering Heights type of feeling and does not have the same paranormal elements of Once And Future Wife.
Overall, good book with solid characters and an ending that was a surprise but very needed.
Very Wuthering Heights type of feeling and does not have the same paranormal elements of Once And Future Wife.
June 28, 2023
Not completely knowing what this book was about, I was surprised by the unfolding plot line as I read. While it was an unexpected twist, it added depth to the story that I enjoyed. I look forward to reading more from Clarissa Kae
April 12, 2021
Between 3 1/2 and 4.
Read
August 8, 2023DNF 🙄
October 2, 2024
Sometimes, a girl needs a love story without the smut. This is the one! There's family drama, pain, redemption, love.
November 19, 2020
“Pieces to Mend” a book by Clarissa Kae. I was given an advanced reading copy, in exchange for an honest review, by “Loving the Book”. Everett is 6’4” inches. Abused by his father, leaving a jagged scar on his face. His mother is nowhere to be found. Marjorie Ashley is Everett’s grandmother and court appointed guardian. Everett is to start at a new school. The main office sends for Scarlett Delphin to help Everett navigate to his classes. This story is told from present day to 15 years earlier. Clarissa Kae does a great job in telling the story between Scarlett and Everett. The ups and downs of their friendship that turns into something more. Secrets that they have both kept hidden inside. Scarlett has secrets that she is not telling Everett. Everett always protects her! Marjorie Ashley has a positive impact on both Everett and Scarlett. Things appear to be okay, but you never really know what someone has been through! Clarissa Kae has written an amazing story that will make you view people differently!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews