Mary Not Broken

By: Deborah L. King

Narrated by: Lisa Reneé Pitts

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1930s Mississippi, Mary Johnson hates the oppressive heat, working on her family farm, and having to attend her minister father's church several times a week. But she loves Mason Carter, her musician boyfriend. Both fantasize about living the high life up north in the big city.

When William Bevers, a wealthy old preacher, comes to court her, he promises a life of luxury along with money and status for her family. Mary wants nothing to do with him, but her parents decide for her. Determined to avoid a forced marriage, Mary elopes with Mason to the bright lights of Chicago.

But life up north is not the dream they expected. Multiple tragedies push Mary to the brink, and she soon returns home to the very world she tried so desperately to escape.

Too numb to stave off the pressure from her father, Mary considers accepting William's proposal. But she soon realizes that life as the preacher's wife might not provide the safety and security she craves.

©2023 Deborah L. King (P)2023 Tantor

A very rich and beautiful book. Must read!

Very different from most books I read but it left me wanting more! I felt like I was watching a great movie with the perfect plot. The story line was very interesting and different. The characters came to life as the book developed. This is a must read!

Great Read

It was great historical fiction. It also showed how someone can saved and be no earthly good bc of the trauma they have suffered. Excellent read!

MARY DOESNT BEND NOR DOES SHE BREAK

First off, the narrator did an AMAZING job. She really helped bring this story and characters to life.

I really enjoyed this one for the most part. So much so that I thought it would at least be 4.5 stars but towards the middle the plotting hit a wall.

If you don’t like religion, specifically Christianity, being a big part of the plot of your books then avoid this one. Religion is used to control and shame others and oneself. Growing up in that atmosphere it was very much believable.

Initially I loved Mary’s character. So brash and rebellious. Eventually all the things that I liked about her became so grating. I’m not sure if it was a writing choice or just bad character development but many times in the book I just kept thinking, “Sis, at some point you’ll have to evolve and grow up.” Then her character takes a drastic turn and her personality does a complete 180 that I thought I missed some plot point that made this change come about.

What truly caused me not to get immersed in the story was the repetitiveness of hitting the same plot points that it made Mary feel so stunted.

What saved the book was the pacing and just the overall melodramatic, over the top plotting. I love a soap opera style story approach.

Great series starter!

This was a good read. Loved the characters and seeing how that evolved. Could make the start of a AWSOME series! There are characters I would love to find out what happened to in the authors mind as Mary!

Amazing Read

This book was good from start to finish. It takes you on a ride through Mary's life that you wouldn't suspect. This book is a must listen/read!!

Christian going too far

That is my review. Overall I loved the story. Im sure and sad to know some where this was a lived experience

Excellent book!!

This story was so realistic. I was hooked and wanted to know what happened next!! This was a great book. Can’t wait for the next book!!

Excellent Story!

This book was great from beginning to end. Mary sacrificed for her family. But some of the things that she went through were too much. In the end she found her happiness ❤️

Outstanding!

I absolutely love this book!
A fantastic engaging read from beginning to end. Wonderful narrations. This book will not disappoint!

Excellent read

I could not stop listening...Mary's life had my full attention from the beginning until the end, the story is so realistic.
Deborah L. King you are an excellent writer. Narrator, Lisa Renee' Pitts you did an amazing job bringing all the characters to life. Bravo 👏🏾