Broken Wings by Carla Stewart, Book review

Publisher: Center Point; Large print edition (August 1, 2011)

ISBN-13: 978-1611731538

Publisher: FaithWords; 1 edition (June 3, 2011)

ISBN-10: 0446556564

Synopsis:

Onstage, the singing duo of Gabe and Mitzi Steiner captured America's heart for more than two decades. Offstage, their own hearts have throbbed as one for sixty years. Only now, Gabe has retreated into the tangles of Alzheimer's, leaving Mitzi to ponder her future alone.

On the other side of Tulsa, everyone believes Brooke Woodson has found the perfect man--a handsome lawyer with sights on becoming Tulsa's next District Attorney. If only Brooke felt more sure. If only her fiancé could control his anger. If only love didn't come with so many scars.

When an accident lands Brooke in the hospital where Mitzi volunteers, the two women quickly develop an unlikely friendship birthed by providence and bathed in grace. And with Mitzi's help, kindness, and insight, Brooke learns how to pick up the broken pieces of her life.



Here are my thoughts:


In 'Broken Wings' Carla Stewart  reaches this time the heart of her fans and new readers with her loving approach to two subjects many of us would prefer to sidestep given half the chance: Alzheimer and physical abuse.

Written from the prospective of 81 year old Mitzi, half of a singing duo and thirty something Para legal Brooke, this novel hints at such a depth of compassion, you essentially know deep in your heart this story is filled with Christian love! 
Carla Stewart's work rises to a new level for me as I discovered rich characters, an emotionally charged plot and a few lessons to boot.

'Pink lady' Mitzi knows instinctly the younger woman in ER is the victim of abuse and cannot step aside without offering some sort of help. Reaching in her pocket, she pulls a lemon coloured card featuring a tiny sparrow hovering at the edge of a nest...Printed on the back is the chorus to one of her favourite songs:

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Brooke is in denial and scared, and hopes to deflect any outburst from her volatile fiance in the future. Handsome and debonair Lance' plans includes a promising political career and wants Brooke by his side. His anger is always followed by sweet promises, but Brooke comes to realize the danger he represents and feels drawn to the safety of Mitzi's home. 

Sweet Mitzi with her Pink Salsa lipstick is still caring daily for the love of her life, her husband Gabe, now living at the Guardian Light Alzheimer's Unit. Together now for 61 years, their singing careers spanning two successful decades, Mitzi focuses on each day with Gabe, finding each precious moment a gift from God.  His body ravaged by his condition, Gabe might  no longer recognizes her yet she still hums their favourite songs hoping to reach him.

This is Mitzi's and Brooke's stories, each finding the will to go on, one day at a time, dealing with the past and the present. 

Through these two spirited survivors and the loving people who stands by them, Carla subtly weaves a heartfelt message for those of us who might just face similar circumstances. 
A story you will once more feel drawn to from an author who continues to surprise! The mark of a talented storyteller? 

Don't miss it! Worth every 5 stars!


Note to readers: I deliberately chose to feature both covers as my heart reached out to the first despite the obvious appeal of the second, perhaps more easily recognized by most fans!



Meet the Author:

(Carla Stewart with fellow Author Sarah Sundin) - (Source HERE)

Carla Stewart's writing reflects her passion for times gone by. Carla launched her writing career in 2002 when she received the coveted invitation to attend the Guidepost's Writers Workshop in Rye, New York. Since then, her articles have appeared in Guideposts, Angels on Earth, Saddle Baron, and Blood and Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine.

Her debut novel, Chasing Lilacs, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, was an Oklahoma Book Award Finalist, the trophy winner for the 2011 Best Fiction Book for Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. and received 2nd place honors in RWA's Inspirational Readers Choice Award for 2011. Carla loves to hear from readers and invites you to contact her and learn more about her writing at www.carlastewart.com.

Second note to my regular readers: Shall I admit to a pre senior moment as I couldn't remember whom brought Carla's work to my attention?! One look at the above photo and voila! (Ask and you shall be given...)

Finally you know the drill...unless stated otherwise, reviews reflects only my opinion and were not requested!