Broken Wing

I have read literally thousands of books and this is one of my favorites.

I've always been a fan of the tortured hero. Not only from the perspective of a reader witnessing the redemption of the hero as he battles to triumph over his personal demons, but also as a writer interested in the study of craft. For generations, writers have used their skill at portraying the soul in torment to create heart-wrenching stories with unforgettable characters. "Broken Wing," the debut novel by author Judith James, contains one such memorable tortured hero in the form of Gabriel St. Croix, a young man who was grown up in the tawdry environment of a Parisian brothel. Gabriel has learned to insulate himself completely from the world around him in order to protect his soul from the endless parade of strangers who want only his body. Beneath Gabriel's harsh, cynical, often uncivil exterior beats the heart of a good man who cannot bear to see a child abused in the manner Gabriel has been abused. Gabriel takes it upon himself to protect the young boy Jaime from predators who would debase and ruin the child. In doing so, Gabriel sets in motion a chain of events that will eventually lead to his own salvation when Jaime's widowed sister Sarah comes to liberate her brother. "Broken Wing" is an engrossing love story with themes of redemption and the power of love at its core. While some readers might find the subject matter unsettling, the author has navigated Gabriel's dark world with sensitivity and compassion. From the moment Gabriel and Sarah first set eyes on each other, the spark of attraction between them is palpable. Even when Gabriel is consistently rude and deliberately shocking, Sarah remains undaunted and increasingly curious about this unfriendly stranger who suffered untold hardships and new humiliations in order to spare her brother the same fate Gabriel has experienced. There are no false notes in this story; the relationship between Gabriel and Sarah unfolds at a believable pace, with scenes of revelation and tenderness that are heart-breaking yet thoroughly engaging as Sarah slowly reveals the sensitive, tender man beneath Gabriel's gruff, wounded exterior. Sarah's initial feelings of gratitude over Gabriel's rescue of her brother yield to deeper emotions as Sarah realizes that Gabriel's exterior is an artifice built out of self-loathing. It is Sarah who is able to make Gabriel see himself as she sees him; convincing Gabriel that he is greater than the sum of degrading experiences forced upon him during his short life. In the end, Gabriel is redeemed through Sarah's love, earning "Broken Wing" a permanent place on my keeper shelf.

This is not what would normally catch my eye. But since it came highly recommened and that it was such a great love story. I had to read it. This book was truly amazing. It tells of one of the greatest love stories I have read in a very long time. From the first page it captured me. The author has done such a degree of research about the time that the writing is nothing but stellar. I really loved this book and like all my fellow bloggers I highly recommend reading it. The love that Gabriel and Sarah have is something I believe every person wants for themselves, or at least I would hope so. When the couple were parted and Sarah got that first letter... that's when I really could relate to them and their situation. At one time I was in a long distance relationship for five years. So, I know what its like to have that longing and the heartache. It's very hard to deal with. I have a long list of favorite books. But it's rare that a book really moves me like this one did. When the couple were finally reunited I cried like a baby. It really is a great love story.

Broken Wing is not a mere romance, but a grand story of love, acceptance and forgiveness, which spans over five years. This wonderfully poignant story both warmed and ripped at my heart. I was left breathless and bleary-eyed several times throughout the budding friendship/romance between Gabriel and Sarah. My heart ached for Gabriel due to the horrid, unspeakable acts dealt him during his years as a whore in France, before being rescued by Sarah and her brother for keeping their young brother, James, safe. The innocent air between them was so remarkably written, I could do nothing but fall helplessly into their world and believe with my whole heart of their true and honest love for one another. The strong characterization of Gabriel packed a powerful punch to the gut. Watching him grow over the year, his emotions and feelings toward both himself and his Sarah, was beautiful and raw. The respect and kindness, regardless of his past, given to him by Sarah and her older brother, Ross, allowed for that inner-growth and his self-worth. Broken Wing is a beautiful love story, centered around Gabriel and the peace he finds within the relationship formed with Sarah. He flourishes due to her compassionate and understanding nature. Yet, he finds himself, a year later, setting out for a grand adventure at sea, to build a fortune so that he may support his Lady Sarah properly. It's also very critical for him as a man who has never been allowed to make decisions or explore opportunities of his own choosing. Little does he know of the dire circumstances that await him. During the four years of his ill-fated adventure, Judith James built tension, creating a deep longing to see Gabriel find his way back to his Sarah. And what sweet bliss it was. (have tissue handy) I hope Ms. James gets all the recognition due her for writing one of the best romance books of 2008 I have read, and quite possible one of the best love stories I've ever read. I loved this book and it will sit proudly amongst my shelves.

Unplug the phone, ignore the doorbell and shut off the computer. Within momemts of starting this glorious novel, you will find yourself transported back in time and place, unable to return until you've completed the very last page. Upon finishing, you are satiated briefly, and yet saddened that you no longer exist in the world of Gabriel and Sarah. This is an epic novel that dances on the dark side and revels in the powerful love and passion between its two main characters. Find yourself a nice bottle of wine, a comfy couch and several hours with no interruptions. Be prepared to be swept away! I already want more.

Every so often, if your lucky, you will read a book that you can't stop thinking about; that you obsess over, that you wish would never end but you rush through it get to it. And then you want to read it all over again. Such is the case with Broken Wing. What makes this book so good? The hero is phenomenal. When we talk tortured, he is the ideal example!! I ached - just ached for him. And if I were ever a heroine in a romance novel, I'd want to be just like Sarah. She is a perfect heroine - and I don't mean perfect in that she never makes a mistake or anything - I mean perfect as in written perfect. the writing is so good that you feel like you are really there. And the historical details are VERY WELL DONE. You can tell the book is a labor of love by the author.