Blog+Review Tour: Fresh Scars by Donna Mumma

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Fresh Scars by Donna Mumma, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Fresh Scars
Author: Donna Mumma
Publisher: Firefly Southern Fiction (Iron Stream Media)
Release Date: June 15, 2021
Genre: Southern Fiction

Time heals all wounds . . . or does it? 

Asia Butler and her sister, Ivy Butler Morelli, have not spoken in fifteen years. As children, they endured brutal emotional abuse from their mother, Veronica, and want only to forget the past . . . and each other. 

But the past comes calling when they each receive a letter from Veronica s attorney promising much-needed cash if they will fulfill her dying wish and consent to cleaning out their childhood home. Asia and Ivy reluctantly return to their hometown of Emerson, Florida, only to discover the house is a hoarder's nightmare filled with strange mementos and clues hinting that they were not the only victims of Veronica's sadistic nature. 

Can this new pain be the path to their healing? Will they be able to choose forgiveness over resentment? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | Christianbook | BookBub

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My Review 🖤

It's been awhile since a book has gripped me from the first sentence, and got so into my psyche that I got only a few hours of sleep, waking up in the wee hours of the morning after reading late into the night, just to find out what happens.  That happened with Fresh Scars.

This novel is like no other!  I instantly saw myself in so many ways in this story, especially the sisters that stuck together when their life implodes, and sadly some of the abuse, though my abuse was from an ex, and not a parent.  Still, abuse is abuse, and I could see my own experiences mirrored in Asia and Ivy's story.

The mystery behind the travesties they suffered as children, as well as their mother's secrets, kept me up all night, and had me finishing this novel within hours of starting it.  The writing is superb and I cannot believe this is a debut novel!  Fresh Scars is fantastic storytelling that instantly grips you and doesn't let go, despite the tough subject matter.  I tried to sleep, but the story haunted my dreams until I couldn't take it anymore and again engrossed myself in this living nightmare, entwined with grace and faith, right along with Asia and Ivy.

Though Fresh Scars is an absolutely fantastic novel it is not for the faint of heart, and not for every reader.   Though it is marketed as a Christian suspense, and does have aspects of faith, there is some tough subject matter tackled, like physical abuse, mental and emotional abuse, and alluding to an instance of sexual abuse, so if any of these are triggers for you, I would tread lightly, and really think if you will be able to handle reading these instances.  Though everything is very tastefully handled, and nothing is overtly graphic, I myself had moments that were brought back to my own mind of unsavory actions I endured in my past, so I know what I'm talking about.

There is a darkness that shrouds this entire book, but at the same time I felt a glimmer of hope that was silently woven throughout, mostly due to Asia's incredible faith, despite dealing with the childhood she endured, and the mental issues she struggles with now as an adult.  She has a strength that is not always found in a heroine, and I admired her faith and strength of character so much.  Asia really was an inspiration to me.

Though there are aspects that are predictable, it in no way takes away from the mystery and suspense, and there are a few little surprises that were thrown in that I truly didn't expect, making it the perfect balance, with the perfect ending.  

I seriously cannot rave about Fresh Scars enough!  It is a must read, and an emotional journey, that will stay with you long after you close the book.  I can't wait to see where this author goes.  Just wow!!

My Rating: ★★★★★

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Donna Mumma perfected storytelling in her first grade classroom, spinning tales exciting enough to settle a roomful of antsy six-year-olds. She is an award winning author, and loves to write about flawed people who find a way to overcome and thrive. A Florida native, she loves spending time with her husband, adult children, and their energetic collie, Duke.

CONNECT WITH DONNA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Fresh Scars plus a $10 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 21, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 28, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

**I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read through Kindle Unlimited. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.