Fractured Not Broken by Kelly Craig Schaefer and Michelle Weidenbenner {Book Review}

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Genre:

Memoir, Inspirational

Pages:

320

Rating:

5 out 5

New Release…

AWARD-WINNING and BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Parts of this memoir appeared on ESPN and in Rosie.

Fractured Not Broken is a true story of loss, faith, and a rare love that only happens in nonfiction.

In a sweeping and heart-wrenching narrative, Kelly exposes the truth about what happened after a drunk driver rendered her a quadriplegic. She shares how she found her way back—through faith and pain, her community, her family, and the love of a man she’d prayed for.

Book available to buy from….

“This book has been a true encouragement to me. Thank you Kelly for sharing your story— the loss and the unexpected joy— so that each reader can be uplifted knowing there is a full, rich life available to those who lean in to our Lord Jesus.”

—Renee Bondi Award-Winning Singer and Songwriter

“Life has its tragic moments of defeat, setbacks, and fracturing for everyone. Kelly’s story proves, however, that individual momentum, personal progress, and genuine achievement can still be attained. Her courage and optimism are uplifting. Open these pages and experience the joy of ultimate victory.”

—Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, Author Jesus in All Four Seasons

“This is a real life story of heroic virtue—especially of courage, humility, and generosity—a triumph of faith, hope and love. This story involves the very essence of the human spirit, family, and community. To know Kelly and her journey of miracles is to know that with God all things are possible.”

—Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson Bishop of Evansville

Fractured Accident Scene

My Thoughts

I didn’t initially intend to read this book. The cover appealed to me, but what I kept hearing it be described as, wasn’t really something I thought I would like. Obviously, I ended up changing my mind and I am glad that I did.

All of my life, I have looked up to Helen Keller. She was blind, deaf, and mute, yet she still manage to go to school, graduate college, and be a successful woman.

That is one thing that kept replaying in my mind as I read Fractured Not Broken, because Kelly can be seen the same way.

Unlike Helen Keller, Kelly wasn’t born with her “ability”. A horrific car crash (that I still cannot wrap my mind around having to witness in person) left her paralyzed and wheel chair bound (as well as a dead driver, and her brother with severe brain trauma.)

Like Helen Keller, Kelly still managed to go to school, graduate college, and be a successful woman. She is a public speaker which I think is amazing and even more amazing is that she is a teacher. A teacher who I have no doubt in my mind is the best teacher to everyone around her – not just the children.

My beliefs do not 100% fully align with Kelly’s, but I am a strong believer that our path is pre-determined and our life is full of lessons on the way to our destiny. I also believe all things happen for a reason.

I could never imagine surviving all that Kelly survived (there were several times that I thought to myself that I could never do that, nor would I wish to survive through that) but she survived. She succeeded. She is a brilliant woman who is giving everyone such an amazing lesson.

I love children and their innocence and we certainly get a sneak peek into that in Fractured Not Broken.

I don’t care who you are. I don’t care what your abilities are. I don’t care what your beliefs are. What I do know is that you need to read this book.

Kelly Schaefer

Kelly is a true heroine, finding God as she battles with a life as a quadriplegic. Overcoming obstacles every day, she’s a speaker, teacher, and Skittles lover. Michelle, Kelly’s aunt, is an award-winning and bestselling author who penned Kelly’s memoir to bring others hope. She writes stories that move her, and this one is close to her heart.

Find Kelly on the following pages…

Time for celebrations

Michelle Weidenbenner

Michelle is a fulltime employee of God’s kingdom, writing and encouraging writers every day. She’s often a sucker for emotional stories, her sensitive side fueling the passion for her character’s plights, often giving her the ability to show readers the “other” side of the story.

She grew up in the burbs of Detroit with five brothers. No sisters. Each time her mom brought the boy bundle home from the hospital Michelle cried, certain her mom liked boys better than girls. But when her brothers pitched in with the cooking, cleaning, and babysitting—without drama, Michelle discovered having brothers wasn’t so bad. They even taught her how to take direct criticism without flinching, which comes in handy with book reviews.

Michelle is living her dream—writing every day and thanking God for the stories He puts in her path. When Michelle isn’t writing she’s winning ugly on the tennis court. She’s known as “Queen of the Rim Shots.” No joke. It’s ugly.

Find Michelle on the following pages…..