Two Thousand Lines by Michelle Jester is a raw, visceral look at the effects and aftermath of trauma and abuse, and a poignant tale of forgiveness and letting go. Olivia Brooks lives in Sugar Mills, where she tries to keep her past far away. A victim of sexual abuse and neglect as a child has left her with mental scars she still struggles to deal with. When Luke Plaisance moves into the house beside hers, it causes her to panic. Luke is her friend Mama Gigi's grandson, returning after his grandmother's passing. As a former soldier, Luke's wrangling with his own demons. Can the two help each other heal?

Jester has a great insight into the mental turmoil those who suffered abuse and trauma go through. Olivia's actions and mindset ring true, as do Luke's. He suffers from PTSD. This story shows the second-guessing and low self-worth abuse victims are prone to, the fear of never being good enough. Of never being able to see their own true value. Olivia is a baby vet, an intern almost done. She has a kind and generous heart when it comes to animals. People, too, though she's pretty skittish around most.

I really liked the Clarke's, who run the Hollows. It was the place Olivia stayed after finally turning on her abuser. They really had a way with people. Everyone who stays us broken in some way or another. They give them the space to heal. The cinnamon roll 'process' was a pretty neat metaphor for the healing process. Forgiveness plays a big part of the story too, both in learning to forgive those that hurt you, and in learning to forgive oneself.

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & RopeSpring Press for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for XPresso Blog Tours.

Two thousand Lines is my first book by Michelle Jester. The opening pages come with a warning and I think this book needs it.

Olivia Brooks has suffered a childhood that leaves scars. The type that changes alive. Now she’s trying to figure out how to move forward while her past haunts her.

This is a gritty read and won’t be for everyone. I would suggest sampling the first chapter as this lays down our story. When Olivia loses her parents she is left in the hands of someone who turns out to be abusive.

The story is written in both the present and past. It tells the story of Olivia and Luke. The survival and courage to move forward.

This book isn’t my usual read. The beginning of the story is heartbreaking and the aftermath is the story you want to read. Olivia is a character you want to see pull through her past. This book also shows a heartbreaking story which involves animals. The artwork is beautiful and the story has a few twists.

4 stars out of 5. I wanted to read the story but at the same time, I wanted to look away. This will suit some readers perfectly but for me, it was a little too heavy, yet addictive.

"Your worst day to you is no worse than anyone else’s worst day is to them, it’s still the worst day."

This is my second experience with a Michelle Jester book, with Love Cutter being the first. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to read an ARC of Two Thousand Lines.

The use of flashbacks can be jarring and bring the reader out of the flow of the story, by this was done perfectly. I never felt lost or taken out of Olivia's arc. There are Whys that will NEVER be answered, but the understanding of why Olivia had certain reactions and responses to her circumstances was such a gift. Knowing that such a strong man, Luke, could not only shed tears, but do it in front of someone else is a vulnerability that is so beautiful. There are so many characters that support this journey, that leave a lasting impression on the reader. I know I will be thinking of Mary Margaret, Lisa, and Tabitha for years to come.