A Life Less Broken

By: Margaret McHeyzer

Narrated by: Meghan Kelly

Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

On a day like any other, Allyn Sommers went off to work, not knowing that her life was about to be irrevocably and horrifically altered.

Three years later, Allyn is still a prisoner in her own home, held captive by harrowing fear. Broken and damaged, Allyn seeks help from someone that fate brought her.

Dr. Dominic Shriver is a psychiatrist who’s drawn to difficult cases. He must push past his own personal battles to help Allyn fight her monsters and nightmares. Is Dr. Shriver the answer to her healing? Can Allyn overcome the broken?

©2014 Margaret McHeyzer (P)2019 Margaret McHeyzer

prepare your tear socket

this book was very very emotional and very very good I cried a lot it was very interesting and very well written but it wasn't a simple book it's one of those books that you need to be in the mood for the anxiety
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review

Wow!

This is an amazing story which is wonderfully told. Never expected the ending. Could not stop listening.

Brave!

In my opinion A Life Less Broken has MANY hero's in it. First of all Margaret McHeyzer was very brave to write a story about a survivor of a gang rape left for dead. This is not the likely HEA story anyone would think of but she knocks it out of the park. Honestly, when bad things happen to all of us, we always wish for "what goes around comes around" to be present to witness what goes around. The best parts of this story are the epilogues, but you won't know it unless you listen to the whole story first -

Meghan Kelly narrates this story and executes each character's pitch and attitude with ease. I was captivated how she inflicted grief, self doubt, and strength in Allyn's voice, while giving Dr. Dominic Shriver patience, love and insight into Allyn's small victories. Of all the audio books I've listened to, not just anyone has this talent.

The other thing I enjoyed about this book is, it starts out telling about the horrific scene, but doesn't go into graphic detail. Yes, we know that gang rape is traumatic, but this story focuses on the survival and getting past the event, more than it does the event itself. I also appreciate how Margret McHeyzer brought to light that not all physiologists are the same. Much like car mechanics and family doctors, some are better than others. Margret makes this very evident when Allyn dismisses her therapist, and I mentally cheer and applaud Allyn's decision.

I know I'm repeating myself by saying the best part of the story is found in the epilogues but in order to understand it and truly appreciate it, you have to listen to the whole story.

The story is amazing BUT the narration puts it OVER the top!!

Wow-O-Wow! I can’t even! Arg!! This girl! This poor poor girl! Even THREE YEARS later she is still so affected! I can totally understand and I really REALLY felt her fears. Then to watch her baby steps was amazing!

This is not a first time author for me. Ugly was my first book by her and i was just as affected by that story. This author takes me to the edge of my emotions then....gives just a little push to take me over. Then she reels me back in for more. I LOVE the title of this book!

KUDOS to Meghan Kelly who really put her emotions into this as well. She took the story and went one step further playing Allyn. She made what Allyn’s felt so real it was terrifying. The quiver in her voice during her “moment” drew me in. Simply Amazing!!

Recommended

A difficult story to listen to (read). Not to say it isn't worth it, just hard to face such evil and such goodness. What is done to this young girl and others like her is so abhorrent. Watching while this one survivor finds her power and healing is a testament to the spirit and in this case dedication of someone to nothing away or give up on helping. I know the story itself will be with me for a long time.

Meghan Kelly did an awesome job being the story to life.

I was given an Audible copy of this story in exchange for a honest review.

Gut-wrenching

Margaret McHeyzer is the type of author that makes you reevaluate your life. Most of her books have made me look at myself and question what I see. A Life Less Broken is an incredibly angsty read that seriously tugged at my heart. The words McHeyzer uses helps you to feel right along with the main character, Allyn. It's really an emotional roller coaster and tugged at my heart the entire audiobook.

There could not have been a better narrator for this book. Meghan Kelly tells a painful story with her lovely, yet emotional voice. This is a tough one to hear but the author writes a story with so much thought and the narrator put in so much heart that I couldn't help be love the story. I'll be completely honest, it's so painful... keep tissues handy!!

Great Read

A Life Less Broken was a great read by Margaret McHeyzer. Allyn Sommers went to work as if it was any other day. She would've never guessed that her life would change drastically that day. Three years later, she finds herself as a prisoner in her home due to that day and the damage it created. Dr. Dominic Shriver is a psychiatrist who wants to help but is fighting off his personal feelings for her. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

Emotional and Psychological Journey!

This story of a tragic event that changed Allyn's life forever is so haunting, heartbreaking, and hopeful. My heart broke for Allyn as she questioned her actions and was fearful every moment of everyday. Until she met Dominic, who would help her see that she could live and love life again. It was a difficult journey that had it's setbacks, but the beautiful moments of healing made it well worth it. This was a very emotional and heartrending story made all the more powerful by Meghan Kelly's narration. Her portrayal of Allyn's anxiety, fear, and vulnerabilities, then her hopefulness, renewal, and joy was so captivating. She also really creeped me out with her voices haunting Allyn in her mind, they were so good. This is my first book by McHeyzer and she and Kelly really held me captive on this emotional and psychological journey!

Phenomenal ❤️

Fantastic writing, and such an incredible story. There were parts that were hard to listen to, but I couldn’t stop listening and will definitely be reading more from this author!!

good story

I enjoyed this book and I am happy that it closed off all characters before ending