Book Review of 'Broken Bondage' by Carmen Peone

Happy Taco Tuesday Bookworms!

My oldest son works at a Mexican restaurant and Tuesdays are a big deal there since it is Taco Tuesday. I've never been one to "celebrate" per se but since he's started working there, and me always freaking out with how crazy busy it always is when I drop him off, I can't help but see Tuesday's in a more festive light now. Do you celebrate Taco Tuesday? Leave me a comment below and let me know if you do. I have an uncle that is seriously obsessed, to the point that it's been years since he hasn't had a taco on a Tuesday. But enough about tacos...

The novel that I am featuring today is one that tackles the heaviest of subject matters, yet I was completely blown away with how simple yet powerful it is. It was a tough and at times triggering read for me, but one that I am so thankful I gave a chance on. I hope you enjoy my review of Broken Bondage by Carmen Peone and if you get a chance to eat a taco today by all means eat a taco! :)

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Broken Bondage by Carmen Peone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Broken Bondage
Series: Seven Tine Ranch #2
Author: Carmen Peone
Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Clean/Christian Contemporary Western Romance

A Road Trip to Redemption

Rita Runninghorse is about to marry the wrong guy. She has to get away from him. Now. She flees to a guest ranch in Eastern Washington State that offers a safe haven for women in need only to find the owner on a month-long speaking tour.

Robert Elliot has one thing on his mind: bronc riding. The Indian National Finals Rodeo is within reach, and he’s not about to let anything ruin his chances of going pro. Not even the woman he finds asleep in the stall of their rankest horse.

When Rita’s fiancé discovers where she’s hiding out, she takes Robert’s offer to go with him on the road and prays her fiancé gives up the hunt. Saddled together, Rita and Robert must rely on each other as they go on the road to keep her alive.

My Review

Before I picked up this note I knew there was a trigger warning that went along with it, but after reading quite a few Christian fictions that were lacking depth I was craving something more real, and boy oh boy did I get that with Broken Bondage.

Rita is in an abusive engagement and knows it will not end well for her unless she makes an escape, so she takes a chance and runs away to a safe haven, Seven Tine Guest Ranch, where she meets Robert. Robert is fighting to obtain his pro-rodeo status and nothing is going to stand in his way, but there is something different about Rita that makes Robert realize that he just might be fighting for the wrong thing, and Rita gets to see how a woman should be treated.

This is a darker novel in terms of topics that are prevalent which includes physical and verbal abuse, sexual assault, miscarriages, panic attacks, suicide, and even murder. I was honestly surprised with how many triggering topics were brought up, especially with it being a Christian fiction. I applaud the author for including these as many Christian fictions shy away from them, but they are topics that many, many people can identify with. Life is messy and holding onto your faith when you don’t understand why these things happen is something we all struggle to comprehend, which is why I believe I personally felt such a connection to Rita.

Rita experiencing multiple panic attacks throughout the story hit so close to home for me, and was incredibly accurate, which could be triggering for some to read, but for me it made me feel seen. When I’m in the throes of one of my attacks I always feel so alone, like no one understands, but that’s a lie! There are many that struggle right along with me and it was comforting to see how Rita handled them, and remind me that I am not alone.

As far as being triggered, I honestly wasn’t as triggered as I thought I would be. Sure, there were moments in the story that brought me back to similar instances in my own past, but because I have grieved, forgiven, and moved on from my own experiences those memories don’t bother me as much as they used to. Thinking back on my own trauma for a moment allowed me to praise God for how far I’ve come from those dark times, and that is my prayer for everyone that has been a victim of abuse.

When I read the author’s note at the end of the book it crushed my soul, as she states why she wrote this particular story. There are truly no words and I am so sorry for her loss, but I know that God is going to use this story for good. I am so proud of her for getting deep down in the muck and writing about these tough topics with such heart.

This was such a powerful read that I could not put it down for even a moment, and has made me fall in love with this seres. I haven’t had a chance to read the first book yet, but I do plan on it in the future. If it’s anything like Broken Bondage I know it’s going to be amazing!

My Rating: ★★★★★

About the Author

Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Inspirational Contemporary Western Romantic. She worked with a Tribal Elder, Marguerite Ensminger, for three years learning the Arrow Lakes Language and various cultural traditions, which led to her writing career. With the love of history and the Western woman's lifestyle, she weaves threads of healing, hope, and horses into her stories that lead to happily ever after. She lives with her husband in northeast Washington and on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation.

Connect with Carmen by visiting carmenpeone.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a signed copy of Broken Bondage, an $25 Amazon gift card, and photo cards that pertain to the series!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 10, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 17, 2023. 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 for prize as described. Winners outside of the US will receive an ebook of Broken Bondage only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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