Cleo Neilson is a typical 17-year old trying to spread her wings and operate in independence. She has always done exactly what her over-protective mother has wanted her to do. But this time she makes a decision that will prove to have consequences that threaten to tear her world apart.

The last night her best friend will be in town before she moves and the girls have free tickets to a christian concert. The problem - Lola can't drive her mom's car and Cleo's mom won't let her drive into the city alone. Disappointed because she feels her mother is once again being too overprotective she decides to do what she thinks all teenagers do at least once - sneak out.

This one decision turns Cleo's world upside down - her life is shattered by one fatal choice. The guilt and shame and self-hatred from this eats away at Cleo. To try to numb this she turns to pills. However, as her life spirals out of control and she tries everything to numb the pain and memories her Aunt Kelli speaks life altering truth into her life and shares a secret that haunted her all through her childhood.

The question to be answered is will Cleo accept the forgiveness she needs from Christ and allow that grace and love to heal her and change her forever.

This book had me crying from chapter 4 on! Melody Carlson's ability to develop characters that are life-like is shocking. The entire book is heart-wrenching as you exam in your own life the aftermath of decisions that have rocked your own world, and the devastating guilt that follows.

I think this is by far one of my favorite books for teens - well I have to include Pitch Black also. This book is part of the Secrets Series and I can't wait to purchase more. The quality and style of Carlson's writing brings the gritty, dark truth of what teens are facing and thinking to the forefront. She deals with these things in such a way that teens who read these books will be pointed to Christ and His redeeming love and forgiveness.

Highly Recommended.

Special thanks to Glass Road Public Relations and NavPress for this review copy. ( )

I thought this was a great book it was a great story it seem to flow very well. Liked it alot because we all could have put ourselves in Cloe's shoes at any point in the book. We all have done things and said things that we wish with every thing that we have sometimes that we could have taken it back or been able to go back and be able to make a different choice. This book did make me think at times about my life and some of the things I have done but am not proud of. But also I see in my self that I have grown from those things in to the person that I am today. I guess i would say as long as your able to grow and learn from the choices that you make throughout your life and be able to use what you learn for the betterment of your self and others i think that is the big goal in life that we show look at trying to reach. ( )

Shattered ~ A Daughter's Regret is powerful, gut wrenching, emotional and a truly outstanding book! This is a story that will stay with me for a long, long time. Honestly, I kept wishing this book had been out when I was a teenager.

Ms. Carlson has such an deep understanding of young adults. Through out this story she addresses so much of what many teens are going through in this stage of their lives. She also leads the reader to understand that for each choice, there is a consequence and that through it all God's love can heal and forgive but in a way that isn't soppy or preachy.

While this book is targeted for young adults, I encourage it for readers of all ages; there is truly something for everyone to enjoy and learn in this wonderful book!

Many thanks to Glass Road Public Relations for the opportunity to review this book. The above review is a reflection of my honest opinions and views of this book. ( )

Cleo Neilson is a typical 17-year old trying to spread her wings and operate in independence. She has always done exactly what her over-protective mother has wanted her to do. But this time she makes a decision that will prove to have consequences that threaten to tear her world apart.

The last night her best friend will be in town before she moves and the girls have free tickets to a christian concert. The problem - Lola can't drive her mom's car and Cleo's mom won't let her drive into the city alone. Disappointed because she feels her mother is once again being too overprotective she decides to do what she thinks all teenagers do at least once - sneak out.

This one decision turns Cleo's world upside down - her life is shattered by one fatal choice. The guilt and shame and self-hatred from this eats away at Cleo. To try to numb this she turns to pills. However, as her life spirals out of control and she tries everything to numb the pain and memories her Aunt Kelli speaks life altering truth into her life and shares a secret that haunted her all through her childhood.

The question to be answered is will Cleo accept the forgiveness she needs from Christ and allow that grace and love to heal her and change her forever.

This book had me crying from chapter 4 on! Melody Carlson's ability to develop characters that are life-like is shocking. The entire book is heart-wrenching as you exam in your own life the aftermath of decisions that have rocked your own world, and the devastating guilt that follows.

I think this is by far one of my favorite books for teens - well I have to include Pitch Black also. This book is part of the Secrets Series and I can't wait to purchase more. The quality and style of Carlson's writing brings the gritty, dark truth of what teens are facing and thinking to the forefront. She deals with these things in such a way that teens who read these books will be pointed to Christ and His redeeming love and forgiveness.

Highly Recommended.

Special thanks to Glass Road Public Relations and NavPress for this review copy. ( )

I was always an avid reader as a teenager and as a new blogger I thought it would be fun to read some of the teen fictions books of the day. Shattered by Melody Carlson had me engaged from the first chapter, forgetting that I was even reading a ‘teen’ fiction book. Tears are streaming down my face by chapter 7 and again later in the book.
An intense story about Cleo age 17, and her over-protective mother “Helicopter Mom” who is constantly hovering over Cleo’s life. Cleo’s best friend Lola is moving and Cleo wants to make her last evening in town memorable by attending a concert in the city nearby. Lola’s Mom is busy packing, Cleo’s Dad is out of town, and Cleo’s Mom has a party to attend. Melody Carlson leads us through the repercussions of Cleo’s willful disobedience. The traumatic turn of events brings Cleo to a guilt ridden existence that she longs to escape through pain killers and drugs. Through the love and care of her Aunt Kellie, and God, Cleo is able to see a future without guilt, and a chance at forgiveness.
An intense story filled with pain and tears, but through it all we see peeks of God in His goodness, and the relationship He has with His children if they turn to Him. The characters were well defined and interesting, and the Christian influence was not overwhelming or preachy.
A very enjoyable read, and I think I may be hooked back on teen fiction as an adult!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."