In Broken Places

March 4, 2013
A woman’s life is turned upside down when she relocates to a new country and becomes guardian for the 4-year-old half-sister she didn’t know she had, in the second novel from the author of Tangled Ashes. When their abusive father dies, Shelby and her brother, Trey, struggle with memories of the violence. Now, Shelby is shocked to discover her father has left Trey out of his will and has given everything to her, and has requested that she raise his other daughter, Shayla. Shelby agrees and moves to Germany to teach at a missionary school. With the help of staff friends, students from her drama class, and Scott Taylor—the school’s coach, who takes a romantic interest in her—Shelby struggles through the process of healing. Phoenix pens skillful turns of phrase and vividly brings to life settings as the story toggles from present-day Germany to key moments from the past. She also clearly portrays the father’s abuse. Unanswered questions prevent readers from fully understanding the characters and their choices, however. Agent: Christopher Grant, C. Grant & Company.