5 stars
Piece by Piece by Laura Bradford
Utterly absorbing, I lost an entire day to this book!
This is a book that will stay with you for a long time. Bradford has written an emotion-packed book which will stay with you for a very long time. Piece by Piece is raw, real, and has a phenomenal ending. It turned out way different than I imagined it would. But, the ending is beyond perfect. This is an Amish book like no other I have ever read.
Bradford has deftly handled two tragedies and blended an English/Amish storyline perfectly. I so recommend this book to everyone!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.

I have only read one other book by Laura Bradford before but after reading PIECE BY PIECE I will read every book she has written. I instantly felt like I was sitting at the Schlabach kitchen table helping Dani try and figure out what direction her life was heading to. Her friend Lydia, an Amish woman, is trying to give Dani a place to heal and Dani is struggling badly. PIECE BY PIECE is filled with just as much hope as it is with grief. My emotions were all over the place while reading and I was even holding my breath at some parts that I was afraid to keep going. How much more heartache and grief could Dani put up with?

PIECE BY PIECE is filled with struggling with the choices we have to make and once you start reading, it will be impossible to put down. Keep the tissues close by because this will be one heck of an emotional journey. Will Dani ever find her place in the world, overcome her grief, and be happy once again? Laura Bradford does a wonderful job of teaching the reader what Dani is going through. Laura Bradford normally writes cozy mysteries, but let me tell you, she really knows how to write about family drama, heartbreak, and forgiveness. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author.

PIECE BY PIECE is filled with likable and relatable characters that will find their way into the reader’s heart. Laura has a way of grabbing your heart and just squeezing it until you swear it is going to burst. Then she hands it back to you, slightly bruised but still in tact. How an author can do that is beyond me, but I love when it happens. PIECE BY PIECE is going to stay in my heart for a long time to come. My heart is still aching for Dani after losing her entire family.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Publicity Tours. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

Made me cry

This is the first book by Laura Bradford that I have read but it certainly won`t be the last. I cried several times while reading, but the beautiful writing and poignant characters made me read on. I highly recommend this book, especially for those dealing with grief and survivor`s guilt.

Thank you to the publisher (Kensington) who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley. I have no obligation to post a review. The above review is my own honest opinion.

Know up front that this is unrelentingly sad until the end. Every single person (and animal) in the story has some sort of tragedy- Dani worst of all. Her family- her mom, husband, and three children- are all killed in a car accident, leaving her deep in grief and guilt. She takes up the kind offer of Lydia, a childhood friend who is Amish, to come and visit for a while. Lydia is coping with her own issue, which she keeps from Dani, who learns of it from Lydia's brother Caleb, Caleb was not baptized and thus is English. Lydia's sweet little daughter Nettie brings light into the story but even she has a shadow, as do the cow, the sheep, and the cat. I guessed the twist (and suspect other readers will as well) but Bradford didn't go the expected way with it. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, Not an easy read but one I suspect will speak to many.

Dani has been the best wife and mother she can be - but on one fatal day she is the only one not in the car when a drunken driver hits it, killing her mother, husband and three kids. Unable to continue to deal with life in her own home, with memories all around her and friends and neighbours eager to help, she accepts an old friend's invitation to visit her in Pennsylvania’s Amish country. There, she gradually learns to overcome her guilt and to heal - putting her heart back together piece by piece.

This is the first book I've read by the author, but I hope it won't be the last. I was almost put off by the word 'Amish', because I went through a stage of reading a few too many and they got to feeling a bit much 'all the same' - but this was definitely anything but cookie-cutter. Instead, it's an exploration of grief, guilt, and the path to acceptance and healing - but as a touching novel rather than a dry self-help book. Though it deals with some heavy stuff (obviously!), it's hard to put down and draws you into the various characters' lives in a way that makes it hard to say goodbye when the last page arrives - albeit the ending is very satisfying. All in all, while this is not a light and fluffy read by any means, it's a very worthwhile and thought-provoking one. Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I really enjoyed this book but it was so very heart breaking. Danielle aka Dani was happily married to Jeff with three children. Dani was the type of mom who had her kids in every sport they wanted to play, volunteered for school events, had the most amazing birthday parties for her kids, etc. Her parents both worked and she was not able to do these things as a child but wanted this for her kids. When her mom insist that Dani needs some time to herself and Jeff and the kids and her mom go out for the day, tragedy like no other happens. Dani is barely making it through the days when she receives a call from her Amish pen pal to offer condolences and to come visit. Dani visits and watches the interactions with Lydia and her children and feels like she was not the best mom to get children. I enjoyed all of the characters and the gutrenching feelings shown in the book.

Danni's life is a busy life. Full of lists, chores and children's activities. She always gets everything done, but for the first time, she is feeling a bit tired. It's then when her mother intervenes, and noticing her daughter's need of rest, she offers to take care of her children for an afternoon, along with her husband Jeff, to give Danni a chance to spend some time for herself. And it's then when the unthinkable happens. And it's then when her Amish friend Lydia, a good friend she didn't see for decades, will be the one able to help her through the most terrible time.

What a journey!
This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. A story of love, family, survivors, and the search for the richness of life. The author did a wonderful job portraying a very usual issue happening these days. Are we living a fulfilled life? Are we doing things we will treasure? Are we ready to grieve for the loss? Are we ready to live for the gains?
I highly recommend this book. It's my first from this author, and I'm sure it will not be the last. If you're ready for a good read, go ahead. And you'll be grateful for the gift you'll be able to receive.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Raw, poignant, enrapturing, this is a book I couldn't put down once I'd picked it up. Right from the first chapter I was immersed into Dani's world and felt as if I were a part of her journey. I can't imagine being told that my mother, husband, and three children were all killed in an accident while I was having some "me time" regardless of how needed that time was. The emotional turmoil, the survivor's guilt, the avoidance, the anger, the depression, the grief, the what-if's--all gave this novel a masterful air of authenticity and genuineness to Dani's circumstances and how she had to learn how to live again. I also appreciate that while there is a strong supportive male character in this novel, the process of grief is respected and he's not added to have a romance but as a friend. I don't want to say to much to spoil anything from this read, but it was an amazingly well written piece and I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future.

*I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Laura Bradford has penned a heartrending, but beautifully written novel that shattered my heart in a million little fragments and put it back together again—piece by piece. It's a realistic story of life, laughter, children, love, and of death, grief, loss, and heartbreak—an inevitable fate we all must face sooner or later.

Supermom, Dani Parker, virtually stops living the day her family is killed in a car accident. Oh, she goes through the motions, but guilt and grief consume her and she barely exists from day to day. In spite of her deep loss, her kindness to Lydia Schlabach, her Amish friend, and Lydia's children endeared me to her character.

A book of second chances, renewed joy, and love...Piece by Piece is a wonderful novel guaranteed to leave readers rethinking their priorities!

Helen Keller is quoted as saying, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Piece By Piece by Laura Bradford is the most beautiful contemporary novel about love and loss. You will definitely need tissues.
Love does not die when we lose someone. Love remains for all eternity. When we love deeply, we hurt deeply. The novel shows just how painful grief is. It reveals the stages of grief from tears to anger to acceptance. We need support and time to learn to live again.
There is guilt. “Guilt over being the one still alive.” There is guilt associated with beginning to laugh again.
The reader feels the despair over loss, as we constantly run a ‘do-over- in our heads. There are things we wish we’d done and things we wish we had not done.
Seeing grief through the eyes of a three year old is very beautiful. There is the firm belief that her loved ones are safe and happy in heaven.
God knows just what we need and when we need it. He reveals things to us in His good and perfect timing.
Loss affects different people differently. God sends people across our paths ‘for such a time as this.’
Piece By Piece was a hauntingly beautiful novel. My heart is swollen with the love that radiated from the pages. Laura Bradford is a new author to me. I definitely want more, more, more.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

I received a free electronic copy of this ARC on July 15, 2020, from Netgalley, Laura Bradford, and Kensington Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Laura Bradford writes a clean crisp story that echoes in your mind long after the last page is read.

Piece by Piece is an interesting read, one that flexes your emotions often. It was a perfect change-of-pace piece between who-done-it's and western fiction. Laura Bradford is an author I will be on the watch for in the future. This begins with a great deal of angst but it is handled well. The several steps of grief and that necessary move into a totally different mindset where you are finally able to see clearly and handle your crisis are well-drawn. We have also some Amish information to absorb and a possibly sweet closing. Altogether an excellent read
pub date July 28, 2020

Warning: Do not read without boxes of tissues by your side.

The author personally reached out to warn me this book might be hard for me to read so soon to my mama's death. She was right BUT it has been the most healing book I have read.

Through Dani's grief, I was reminded of how my mama is still with me every day. She is in my memories and my heart. Just like Dani's mom, my mom was always there for me. Oh, the times I called her at 3am because I couldn't sleep because of worry. She'd listen patiently, talk me through it, and tell me to get sleep and it would be better when I woke up. You know what? She was always right. My mom was my rock. She was right up to almost the very end.

Both Dani and Lydia's stories will touch your soul. When you turn the last page you will feel as Laura Bradford says in the book that Dani and Lydia are your friends and are the "...rainbow after a storm."

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review entirely my own.

This is a beautifully written, heartfelt and emotionally-full novel about a mother who is facing the worst thing that can happen to a mother. I don’t Agee with tragedies like this being “God’s will” but I love how the author had Dani move very slowly to a place where she became open to the fact that her own life truly mattered. And the “surprises” at the end were so heartwarming.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I have read many books by this author, and many Amish stories, but this one will touch you as no other has.
I can't even imagine placing myself in the main character, Danielle Parker, shoes, no a nightmare so horrific, and yet it is what happens in the first pages of this read.
The people who reach out to you, and in the end are really there for you is surprising, and a friend that she met at age eight, and then pen pal, could not have given her more. As we are with her, and feel her pain, she couldn't have ended in a better place. Amish Country!
Why is it that we remember things differently than what really happened? Our minds start giving us the negatives, and those cherished memories get distorted.
Keep your tissues handy, and you will be page turning this story, and holding your loved ones close.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

This book is very heartwrenching. It is very well written and evokes many emotions. Danielle Parker is a mom of 3 who is very organized and has checklist for everything. On this fateful day, her mom talks her into staying home for me time. So the her husband Jeff, her mom and 3 children go out. There is a car accident And no one survives. Danielle receives a letter from her childhood pen pal Lydia who is Amish to come visit, if she would like. Danielle decides to visit. She feels so guilty and anger towards God. It takes awhile but a healing process begins in the Amish country. I enjoyed this book but don’t read it before bed because you will cry right along with her. Thank you Kensington and NetGalley for the
E-ARC. This is my own opinion.

Wow...this is such a powerful book.

Danielle (Dani) is a very organized mom and wife. She plans out her days and make checklists to make sure that every task is done. She never seems to take time for herself. Then, the day she does get a few hours to herself, she loses her entire family in a tragic accident.

Dani is unsure how to cope since she's always been busy taking care of her family and they are suddenly not there. She soon hear's from Lydia, an old friend who is Amish, and is invited to her home to escape for a little while.

Dani is unsure how going to a farm in the middle of the Amish countryside is going to help but goes anyways and soon finds herself and a way to move forward in her new life.

Though there is grief, guilt, and many other emotions in this book, the big message that came out this book for me is hope.

I received an ARC from Kensington Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read a lot of Laura Bradford's books and I am pretty sure that Piece by Piece is my favorite. I was hooked from the first page and invested completely in the characters and their lives. The story follows Dani, a young mom of three whose entire family is killed in a car accident while she is at home alone. The grief she felt and the guilt and anger at herself were so real to me. I anguished with Dani. But, I also smiled with her when she thought about her children or her husband, when she remembered something her mom said to her. After the accident, Dani goes to stay with her childhood pen pal and friend, Lydia. Once on Lydia's Amish farm, Dani has time to reflect on who she was as a wife and mother and daughter. She struggles with her choices and who she was. The pain and the hope were all so entwined with the anguish and the joy. It was beautifully written. I would definitely give this one more than five stars if I could! Thank you, Laura, for sharing your stories, and your heart, with us! I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this opportunity.

A beautifully written book about grief and the process of putting oneself back together after tragedy. I like the way the author gave Dani the chance to slowly go through the grief process and not hurry the story along. Caleb provided such strength and patience with his sister Lydia's pain. His insight was a valuable source for helping Dani. Little Nettie's complete faith in God speaks volumes. Highly recommended!

This is a well written book that is full of emotions and you can feel every one of them. It is a beautifully written story about grief and how painful it is to make it through. You will need a box of kleenex beside you while reading this book. Thank you Kensington Books via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first book I have read by the author, Laura Bradford. This is by far one of the best books I have read this summer. I wasn't sure by reading the description that I would like this book but after the first few chapters, I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to find more books by Bradford now to add to my summer reading list!

Dani is a wife, mother & daughter who loses her husband, three children & her mother in a car crash while she is at home enjoying some "me" time. The grief process is taking its toll on Dani & then receives a call from a childhood friend who just happens to be Amish.. Her friend, Lydia, offers Dani place to hide out for awhile & try to learn to heal from this unspeakable tragedy. In the meantime, Dani also finds out that Lydia has undergone a major tragedy in her & her family's life about the same time. The women gradually share their hurts along with Lydia's brother, Craig & Lydia's daughter, Nettie. Another tragedy almost befalls Lydia's family but through this, they learn to open up & share their feelings. Lydia also has another surprise that she has to deal with while she is trying to heal from her grief! This book helps us to understand the importance of the healing process and also the importance of having good friends through the process.

Thank you to the publisher, Kensington Books, & Net Galley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy this book. This is my honest & unbiased opinion of the book.