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Queen of Broken Hearts

Review

Queen of Broken Hearts

Clare Ballenger is an extraordinary woman who has finally come
into her own after many years of being in the shadows. Since her
marriage ended in tragedy, Clare has focused exclusively on her
lucrative career as a divorce therapist. While helping hundreds of
men and women mend their broken hearts, Claire chooses not to
follow the sound advice she dishes out to her clients. Falling in
love again is the last thing she wants.

Clare is furious when her best friend, Dory, decides to reconcile
with estranged husband Son. After all, Son doesn’t really
deserve Dory…or so Clare thinks. Finally realizing that Son
and Dory will be staying together, her attention shifts to her own
situation. Although fully aware of how lonely her life has become,
she constantly beats herself up about her husband Mack’s
shocking death. Was it her fault?

As if her demons couldn’t haunt her any more, Clare has her
hands full with her daughter. Haley, the product of a fling her
husband had before they were together, experienced a horrible
childhood, but Clare found it in her heart to welcome the girl with
open arms. Mack never liked Haley’s spouse, Austin. Always
the one to spot things, Clare drops the ball on Austin and is
blind-sided when he leaves Haley and her grandchildren for another
woman. Wanting to be there for her daughter, Clare is unconsciously
forced into confronting her own mishaps and skeletons. It’s
amazing what you see when you take the time to look in the
mirror.

Wanting to be loved, but trapped in the comfortable position of
shutting herself out, Clare has some difficult decisions to make.
Should she open up and confront her past, move on and live somewhat
happily ever after? Or should she wallow in self-pity, guilt and a
psychotic need to constantly relive the not-so-perfect life she had
with her deceased husband? It’s bad enough that Rye,
Mack’s cousin, has been chasing Clare since his death. But
then there’s also Lex, a retired sea captain and new owner of
the marina, who’s very interested in her --- though
Lex’s ex-wife is hell-bent on rekindling their relationship.
When does the madness end?

Cassandra King pens a novel full of self-reflection, truth and
honesty that will compel readers to think about their own lives as
well. Witty and light-hearted with some grim and poignant moments,
the storyline shows how very hard it is to face your demons,
whatever they may be. King does an excellent job of portraying how
life has its own way, whether we like it or not. But what we choose
to do with it is an entirely different story.

If you’re looking for an inspiring read, QUEEN OF BROKEN
HEARTS certainly does the trick. One thing is for sure: When
traveling on the road to self-discovery, it can be a long ride
home.

Reviewed by Belinda Williams on January 23, 2011

Queen of Broken Hearts
by Cassandra King Conroy

  • Publication Date: March 6, 2007
  • Genres: Fiction
  • Hardcover: 414 pages
  • Publisher: Hyperion
  • ISBN-10: 1401301770
  • ISBN-13: 9781401301774