Review: Heart on a Chain by Cindy C Bennett

Title: Heart on a Chain

By: Cindy C Bennett

A Createspace Ebook (January 2011)

My Copy: Review Ebook provided by Author

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

17-year-old Kate has lived her whole life in abject poverty, with an alcoholic father and drug-addicted mother, who severely abuses Kate. At school, her second-hand clothing marks her as a target. Her refusal to stand up for herself makes her the recipient of her classmates taunts and bullying. That is, until Henry returns.
Henry Jamison moved away six years earlier, just as he and Kate had begun an to develop feelings for one another. He returns to find the bright, funny, outgoing girl he had known now timidly hiding in corners, barely speaking to anyone around her, suspicious of even him.
Kate can’t figure out what game Henry is playing with her - for surely it is a game. What else would the gorgeous, popular boy from her past want with her?
Kate finally decides to trust Henry’s intentions, opening her heart to him. Just when it seems he might be genuine in his friendship, tragedy strikes, threatening everything Kate has worked so hard to gain. Can Henry help her to overcome this new devastation, or will it tear them apart forever?

Heart on a Chain is another heart stopping story about a young girl surviving a life of abuse at the hands of her own mother. This story is a horrifying realization about what such a life experience entails. Kate was a typical child until life changes result in a broken home that proves a danger everyday. The romance for Kate and Henry is bitter sweet, and a calming addition for such a brutal novel. With a stolen kiss in middle school and love across time this story offer a tragic story with a smooth happy ending. Beginning slowly I was concerned at first if this story  would carry me through, but a short struggle was relieved as the story picks up in intensity and pace. While this is a story based on the darkness and secrets; I love her ability to highlight the good. Kate begins reminiscing on the past shows what a truly remarkable person Henry was and is. When the story turns, and their love builds I see the writer focusing on the good of Kate character without directly highlighting the comparison of these two people. Amazingly, two people from completely different backgrounds have managed to become people with quite similar morals and ethics. Understandably, Henry’s values can be a result of such a loving and inspiring family. It was easy to see the attraction Kate carries for not only Henry, but also for his entire family. Especially that unique and witty Grandpa Henry. This character was a shining gem in this book; that readers will love during his short role. Altogether the story is a memorable read and eye opening experience for readers. It would be a very good experience for the young adult readers it has targeted.