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October Snow #1
October Snow
WINNER: 2014 READERS FAVORITE AWARDS - DRAMA
Josie Kane is a “difficult” woman, a pure enigma - one who survives her abusive husband by honing her unnerving talent for playing mind games:
she knows exactly how to manipulate a bully.
Finally divorced, she thinks the abuse is over, and she’s free.
She’s wrong. And her cynicism is building.
Josie works with battered women, trying to rescue them from a fate similar to hers. But on the night that yet another battered woman is murdered by her husband, pining for a hero as she dies in Josie's arms, her cynicism becomes a quiet, simmering hatred.
Her one remaining refuge is in her bond with Maxine and Samantha, the two friends whom she loves like sisters. When Samantha becomes pregnant by Jack - an abuser who makes known his intentions to use the baby as a weapon of control - Josie’s hatred ripens to a vengeful fury.
She sets out to take on one more batterer, manipulate one more bully… And she lures Jack into the crosshairs of the ultimate mind game.
Her friends are convinced that she intends to rid Samantha of Jack.
They're right.
But with Josie Kane, as always, there's a twist.
With her friends helpless to stop her - and with Samantha hanging in the balance - Josie squares off with Jack in a life-and-death, winner-lose-all battle of wits to determine which side will win Sammy's future.
And this time, there will be a hero.
Josie Kane is a “difficult” woman, a pure enigma - one who survives her abusive husband by honing her unnerving talent for playing mind games:
she knows exactly how to manipulate a bully.
Finally divorced, she thinks the abuse is over, and she’s free.
She’s wrong. And her cynicism is building.
Josie works with battered women, trying to rescue them from a fate similar to hers. But on the night that yet another battered woman is murdered by her husband, pining for a hero as she dies in Josie's arms, her cynicism becomes a quiet, simmering hatred.
Her one remaining refuge is in her bond with Maxine and Samantha, the two friends whom she loves like sisters. When Samantha becomes pregnant by Jack - an abuser who makes known his intentions to use the baby as a weapon of control - Josie’s hatred ripens to a vengeful fury.
She sets out to take on one more batterer, manipulate one more bully… And she lures Jack into the crosshairs of the ultimate mind game.
Her friends are convinced that she intends to rid Samantha of Jack.
They're right.
But with Josie Kane, as always, there's a twist.
With her friends helpless to stop her - and with Samantha hanging in the balance - Josie squares off with Jack in a life-and-death, winner-lose-all battle of wits to determine which side will win Sammy's future.
And this time, there will be a hero.
370 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
50 people are currently reading
3363 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 22, 2013
I received a copy free through Goodreads First Reads.
This was a wonderful book about friendship and overcoming abuse. It was a very deep read and I had to put it down at times to take a break when emotions ran high. Beautifully written and engaging throughout. The twist at the end was fantastic. The characters were wonderful and very real. I look forward to more from this author.
Cover Art - Kinda dull. The book was so much more interesting than the cover conveys.
This was a wonderful book about friendship and overcoming abuse. It was a very deep read and I had to put it down at times to take a break when emotions ran high. Beautifully written and engaging throughout. The twist at the end was fantastic. The characters were wonderful and very real. I look forward to more from this author.
Cover Art - Kinda dull. The book was so much more interesting than the cover conveys.
January 18, 2013
October Snow is a story about many things... Love, Friendship, doubt and real life scenarios in a fictional page turning novel. I took it with me everywhere I went, hoping to have a few moments to get further into the story. I laughed, cried and worried for the women in this book. They became people I hated, adored, and aspire to be like. This novel is one of those books that no matter how many times you read it, something else becomes clear... It is a story of life and how these women handled it. Friendships that lasted until the very end. I would highly recommend this book to anyone, man or woman who wishes to be transformed for a time into a story with a real hero. I personally hope that there is a sequel...:)
January 5, 2013
When Samantha becomes a victim of relationship abuse, she needs her friends Josie and Maxine more than ever. Josie has worked as a Domestic Violence counselor and knows the Family Court System. As the women plan Samantha’s escape, they find that while they are friends, they don’t really know each other. And once they learn to trust again, they share their pasts with each other. And the women discover that they have more in common than they knew.
I highly recommend October Snow, as it is paced well and polished. While the characters are fiction, abuse is real and happens every day. It has been a week since I finished the book, and I’m still thinking about it. The characters and the story resonate with truth and the twist at the end fits with real life.
I highly recommend October Snow, as it is paced well and polished. While the characters are fiction, abuse is real and happens every day. It has been a week since I finished the book, and I’m still thinking about it. The characters and the story resonate with truth and the twist at the end fits with real life.
January 27, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! Once I picked it up, I just wanted to keep turning pages! The story was fast-paced, with very well-developed characters. I was mostly impressed with the author's ability to bring new understanding to such an ugly, but very important, subject. Well done, Ms. Brooks!
February 4, 2013
OCTOBER SNOW is about friendship and loyalty and witty repartee. It's about sensitivities to subtle clues when friends have secrets, and it provides thought-provoking explanations of behaviour far removed from the original bad stuff that can happen in relationships. It's a tightly written narrative about the after-effects of marital abuse - and the current effects, too - and it illustrates how bad stuff affects people through succeeding generations. But mostly it's a story of the journey of three friends and the waves of influence every person makes when things happen, both good and bad. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and contributed to a bout of insomnia - I couldn't get those characters out of my mind in the middle of the night!
March 28, 2013
I love a book that captures you from the first page, this one captures you from the first line. I found this book was capable of touching the reader on every level.
The characters are so well written that you can visualize them as you are reading. You will see people in the pages that you will know because you have met them before. There will be characters that you will want to know in real life, too.
This is a book about friendship and courage. This is a book about a legal system that needs a whole lot of work.
This is a book that is very deep and multi-layered. I was hard pressed to guess where it was going and how it was going to end.
The ending will leave you in awe.I highly recommend this book. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it an 11+.
This is a book that you really must read. Be prepared to be moved to tears.
The characters are so well written that you can visualize them as you are reading. You will see people in the pages that you will know because you have met them before. There will be characters that you will want to know in real life, too.
This is a book about friendship and courage. This is a book about a legal system that needs a whole lot of work.
This is a book that is very deep and multi-layered. I was hard pressed to guess where it was going and how it was going to end.
The ending will leave you in awe.I highly recommend this book. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it an 11+.
This is a book that you really must read. Be prepared to be moved to tears.
September 16, 2016
This review has some mild spoilers that will not affect the book for you if you choose to read it.
Oh boy. With such sensitive and important subject matter, I really wanted to like this book. But:
- I couldn't connect with, nor did I find any of the characters likeable.
- The story starts out with Jo toiling away at a job she obviously hates and yet she and her co-workers all fear being fired by the evil manager. Then a chapter later she's quitting said job because she really doesn't need to work because she has a nest egg stashed away from her divorce. Really? Who would ever go to a horrible job day after day working for a horrible person if they didn't NEED the money? Just one of several implausible plot points.
- I found a lot of Jo's actions so immature for her age, especially at the beginning of the book. Ditto for her gal pals.
- The story was way too long with a lot of boring patches, especially when you're reading about characters who are difficult to like in the first place.
- I hated Jo's condescending attitude throughout most of the book. Like she knew the right way to handle everything and it needed to be done HER way, but her own life was an absolute mess.
- Melodramatic ending that really does nothing for the plight of battered women, as things are never resolved in such an unrealistic manner and, unfortunately, it's usually a lot more difficult and time-consuming for a woman to be rid of her abuser.
I hate to be negative about such an important subject, but I really don't understand all the 5 star reviews for this book.
(2016 reading challenge category: a book with your birth month in the title)
Oh boy. With such sensitive and important subject matter, I really wanted to like this book. But:
- I couldn't connect with, nor did I find any of the characters likeable.
- The story starts out with Jo toiling away at a job she obviously hates and yet she and her co-workers all fear being fired by the evil manager. Then a chapter later she's quitting said job because she really doesn't need to work because she has a nest egg stashed away from her divorce. Really? Who would ever go to a horrible job day after day working for a horrible person if they didn't NEED the money? Just one of several implausible plot points.
- I found a lot of Jo's actions so immature for her age, especially at the beginning of the book. Ditto for her gal pals.
- The story was way too long with a lot of boring patches, especially when you're reading about characters who are difficult to like in the first place.
- I hated Jo's condescending attitude throughout most of the book. Like she knew the right way to handle everything and it needed to be done HER way, but her own life was an absolute mess.
- Melodramatic ending that really does nothing for the plight of battered women, as things are never resolved in such an unrealistic manner and, unfortunately, it's usually a lot more difficult and time-consuming for a woman to be rid of her abuser.
I hate to be negative about such an important subject, but I really don't understand all the 5 star reviews for this book.
(2016 reading challenge category: a book with your birth month in the title)
October 18, 2013
A friend in need is a friend indeed
‘October Snow’ is a book about an important (pressing) issue, domestic violence. Not enough has been written about it, and that alone would make this novel a worthy read. Raising consciousness and informing people about all aspects of domestic violence (legal, emotional, personal, psychological) is required, and by putting the readers right in the middle of a charged situation, and making us identify ourselves with protagonists who experience the problem at different levels (Jo who survived years of abuse and became and advocate, Maxine who comes to realise she was the child of an abusive marriage, Sam, a victim who with the help of her friends gains the strength to move out and restart her life) Ms. Brooks helps us achieve a better understanding than that possible from reading the news or even academic books or essays on the matter. We are there.
If that did not suffice, ‘October Snow’ is a novel about a group of women, who become stronger together, and whose friendship gives meaning to their lives, enriching them and helping them achieve things they would not have on their own. I love the characters and cried at the end. They are all heroes in their own right. Although I had suspected where things were going for quite a while, that did nothing to reduce the emotional impact of it. I agree with many of the reviewers and I’m sure that ‘October Snow’ will live with me for a very long time.
Although some of the legal issues might be very specific to the US (and even to some States), the psychological and emotional depth of the characters and the effect the abuse has on them is, unfortunately universal.
I will follow Mrs. Brook’s literary career with interest and I hope her novel gets the attention it deserves. The world would be a better place if we did not allow such problems to remain hidden in plain sight.
‘October Snow’ is a book about an important (pressing) issue, domestic violence. Not enough has been written about it, and that alone would make this novel a worthy read. Raising consciousness and informing people about all aspects of domestic violence (legal, emotional, personal, psychological) is required, and by putting the readers right in the middle of a charged situation, and making us identify ourselves with protagonists who experience the problem at different levels (Jo who survived years of abuse and became and advocate, Maxine who comes to realise she was the child of an abusive marriage, Sam, a victim who with the help of her friends gains the strength to move out and restart her life) Ms. Brooks helps us achieve a better understanding than that possible from reading the news or even academic books or essays on the matter. We are there.
If that did not suffice, ‘October Snow’ is a novel about a group of women, who become stronger together, and whose friendship gives meaning to their lives, enriching them and helping them achieve things they would not have on their own. I love the characters and cried at the end. They are all heroes in their own right. Although I had suspected where things were going for quite a while, that did nothing to reduce the emotional impact of it. I agree with many of the reviewers and I’m sure that ‘October Snow’ will live with me for a very long time.
Although some of the legal issues might be very specific to the US (and even to some States), the psychological and emotional depth of the characters and the effect the abuse has on them is, unfortunately universal.
I will follow Mrs. Brook’s literary career with interest and I hope her novel gets the attention it deserves. The world would be a better place if we did not allow such problems to remain hidden in plain sight.
May 30, 2013
The synopsis while correct, is misleading. There's much more to the story that leads up to the point where Jo "squares off with Jack."
All three women struggle in relationships that are all too real. Abuse, misunderstanding, and manipulation are prevalent along with dysfunctional families. All too familiar is the church leader who so inappropriately represents the church with his wonderfulness in public but who is a totally different person behind closed doors. Who is there to protect the innocent and if what the book describes is correct, our judicial system is a misnomer with no justice to speak of.
I like the relationships portrayed among the three women - Max, Jo, and Sam. (Oh to have friends such as these! - sigh). The women have each other and are there for each other. After being friends for so long, they discover things previously unknown about the other. Things that help them understand a bit more what makes them tick.
While the author was keen on mentioning "New Hampshire" along with some of its towns and cities including Manchester and a few of its streets, I was hoping for more background. What makes it unique and such a great and beautiful State.
All three women struggle in relationships that are all too real. Abuse, misunderstanding, and manipulation are prevalent along with dysfunctional families. All too familiar is the church leader who so inappropriately represents the church with his wonderfulness in public but who is a totally different person behind closed doors. Who is there to protect the innocent and if what the book describes is correct, our judicial system is a misnomer with no justice to speak of.
I like the relationships portrayed among the three women - Max, Jo, and Sam. (Oh to have friends such as these! - sigh). The women have each other and are there for each other. After being friends for so long, they discover things previously unknown about the other. Things that help them understand a bit more what makes them tick.
While the author was keen on mentioning "New Hampshire" along with some of its towns and cities including Manchester and a few of its streets, I was hoping for more background. What makes it unique and such a great and beautiful State.
June 5, 2013
what a great book! I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down. The author did a wonderful job of telling a heart wrenching story while still keeping it entertaining. So much of it hit home for me- and left me thinking about some of the feelings that (having lived in an abusive household as a child) I 've carried into adulthood.
Loved the unexpected twists along the way...and the tie in of the title. This is a book I won't soon forget, and I'm looking forward to more from Jenna Brooks!
Loved the unexpected twists along the way...and the tie in of the title. This is a book I won't soon forget, and I'm looking forward to more from Jenna Brooks!
July 1, 2013
I often read stories that make me question my views on different topics but this book had me from the first page wondering..why?I have seen friends and family endure both physical and verbal abuse..not just females and this book had me thinking even after many years of Law and sending people to Jail has this way of thinking continued? Have we stopped talking about it and sent the people further away from getting help? Stories written this well may do a great job at getting the message out ...This must End!
April 15, 2013
I loved this book.
January 21, 2014
Wow. For me this didn't grip me from the start and I probably would have rated it a 3 had it not been for the ending. All in all a good read...definitely left me thinking...
August 23, 2015
really very stereotypical-the good people are near perfect and the bad are just evil. Decent story but I didn't think it should get so high rave stars from people!
February 28, 2013
“Really great books are hard to find, harder to put down, and impossible to forget,” – source unknown.
This quote made me think of October Snow, instantly. It is a book that will stick with me forever. The emotions, thoughts, and personal reflection that this book stirred in me are practically impossible to articulate, but I’m going to give it a try.
October Snow is an in-your-face look at the reality that so many women face each and every day. Centered around the topic of domestic violence, the book is an amazing way for victims to find a character they can fully identify with. It is this common thread of domestic violence that ties the three friends in this book together, but interestingly enough, they don’t even realize it until somewhere towards a quarter of the way into the book. But there is so much more to this book than that.
Most notable is the fact that there is useful information for victims and their families – information that could make the difference between successfully making it out and ending up being back in the clutches of an abuser. But what really snagged me and kept pulling me in was the emotional investment I had in each of the characters. I was able to identify with all of them in one way or another. I also found myself wonderfully bonded to them and their little circle, if for no other reason than they remind me so very much of the bonds that I have formed with other women in my own life. Their mannerisms, their reactions, their emotional scars, their attachment, all of what you see from these three women describe the reality of how domestic violence and trauma affect a person forever. That, above all else, makes October Snow nothing short of an addictive read. And as I continued to turn the pages late into the night, I found myself gripped with fear, sadness, happiness, and concern. I’m not a person that cries over books or movies, at least not easily. But I cried for at least three chapters while reading October Snow because of how deeply and profoundly the book touched some of the deepest parts of my soul and humanity.
I wanted, so desperately, to give October Snow a full five stars. The story definitely deserves it, but there were a couple of minor issues that kept me from doing so. The first was the fact that there were a few instances where I had a hard time following the story. This was particularly true for some of the dialogues; I couldn’t tell who was speaking sometimes and it threw me. But there were also a few scenes that I felt jumped too quickly for me. There were also a few scenes where I felt like the topic or conversation dragged; I just wanted to get back to the story. But please don’t let any of this deter you from reading October Snow because, in all honesty, it wasn’t so distracting or jarring that it took much from the overall story. I still enjoyed the experience of reading it more than I’ve enjoyed reading any book in a very long time. And I’d give it a solid 4.5 stars if there was a half-star option. =)
Jenna Brooks is definitely an author to watch for; I have a feeling she’s going to end up taking the literary world by storm! And, for the record, if there’s ever a book that needs to be made into a movie, this is it! Many thanks to the author for giving me a reading experience that will forever be a part of my life.
This quote made me think of October Snow, instantly. It is a book that will stick with me forever. The emotions, thoughts, and personal reflection that this book stirred in me are practically impossible to articulate, but I’m going to give it a try.
October Snow is an in-your-face look at the reality that so many women face each and every day. Centered around the topic of domestic violence, the book is an amazing way for victims to find a character they can fully identify with. It is this common thread of domestic violence that ties the three friends in this book together, but interestingly enough, they don’t even realize it until somewhere towards a quarter of the way into the book. But there is so much more to this book than that.
Most notable is the fact that there is useful information for victims and their families – information that could make the difference between successfully making it out and ending up being back in the clutches of an abuser. But what really snagged me and kept pulling me in was the emotional investment I had in each of the characters. I was able to identify with all of them in one way or another. I also found myself wonderfully bonded to them and their little circle, if for no other reason than they remind me so very much of the bonds that I have formed with other women in my own life. Their mannerisms, their reactions, their emotional scars, their attachment, all of what you see from these three women describe the reality of how domestic violence and trauma affect a person forever. That, above all else, makes October Snow nothing short of an addictive read. And as I continued to turn the pages late into the night, I found myself gripped with fear, sadness, happiness, and concern. I’m not a person that cries over books or movies, at least not easily. But I cried for at least three chapters while reading October Snow because of how deeply and profoundly the book touched some of the deepest parts of my soul and humanity.
I wanted, so desperately, to give October Snow a full five stars. The story definitely deserves it, but there were a couple of minor issues that kept me from doing so. The first was the fact that there were a few instances where I had a hard time following the story. This was particularly true for some of the dialogues; I couldn’t tell who was speaking sometimes and it threw me. But there were also a few scenes that I felt jumped too quickly for me. There were also a few scenes where I felt like the topic or conversation dragged; I just wanted to get back to the story. But please don’t let any of this deter you from reading October Snow because, in all honesty, it wasn’t so distracting or jarring that it took much from the overall story. I still enjoyed the experience of reading it more than I’ve enjoyed reading any book in a very long time. And I’d give it a solid 4.5 stars if there was a half-star option. =)
Jenna Brooks is definitely an author to watch for; I have a feeling she’s going to end up taking the literary world by storm! And, for the record, if there’s ever a book that needs to be made into a movie, this is it! Many thanks to the author for giving me a reading experience that will forever be a part of my life.
October 30, 2013
*READ IT* *READ IT* *READ IT* *READ IT* *NOW!!!!!* what are you waiting for? :D
I tried to write a review. Many times. I just couldn't find the words to express what this book did to me. I still haven't found them. I loved it. Every minute of it. It is so well written. I loved Josie, she was feisty and she was just beautiful inside and out. Maxine and Samantha were perfect. The end was heartwrenching but somehow it made me love this book even more. I loved it to the moon and back.
This story is harsh, it is about abuse. It gives you a huge reality check. There was so much I did not know. It broke my heart. I have to say, Josie and everyone in her situations, you are all heroes. You really are. And all those who are trying to help, who are available on the phone and just listen to all those stories. You are guardian angels, you are what is best in this world. From the bottom of my heart I admire all of you, victims and helpers, my heart goes out to you all.
Jenna Brooks, what you did here, there are no words for it. Bringing awareness to this issue, trying to change things. It's been a year at least since I've read this and it is still with me. My friends have all been encouraged to read this book. Now I just need this book in french so that I don't have to translate the book all the time :) But I have to say I translate it with pleasure because everyone I have ever read it to loved it. They cried, they hugged. Some got involved in women shelter in France.
I don't know what elso to say. JUST GO READ IT! NOW! If you are not touched or changed by it, you are one heartless person.
Thank you Jenna for this book. It was worth every penny and more! I hope you consider doing more work. I am an unconditional fan.
Okay I'm leaving now
*READ IT* *READ IT* *READ IT* *READ IT* *NOW!!!!!* what are you waiting for? :D
I tried to write a review. Many times. I just couldn't find the words to express what this book did to me. I still haven't found them. I loved it. Every minute of it. It is so well written. I loved Josie, she was feisty and she was just beautiful inside and out. Maxine and Samantha were perfect. The end was heartwrenching but somehow it made me love this book even more. I loved it to the moon and back.
This story is harsh, it is about abuse. It gives you a huge reality check. There was so much I did not know. It broke my heart. I have to say, Josie and everyone in her situations, you are all heroes. You really are. And all those who are trying to help, who are available on the phone and just listen to all those stories. You are guardian angels, you are what is best in this world. From the bottom of my heart I admire all of you, victims and helpers, my heart goes out to you all.
Jenna Brooks, what you did here, there are no words for it. Bringing awareness to this issue, trying to change things. It's been a year at least since I've read this and it is still with me. My friends have all been encouraged to read this book. Now I just need this book in french so that I don't have to translate the book all the time :) But I have to say I translate it with pleasure because everyone I have ever read it to loved it. They cried, they hugged. Some got involved in women shelter in France.
I don't know what elso to say. JUST GO READ IT! NOW! If you are not touched or changed by it, you are one heartless person.
Thank you Jenna for this book. It was worth every penny and more! I hope you consider doing more work. I am an unconditional fan.
Okay I'm leaving now
*READ IT* *READ IT* *READ IT* *READ IT* *NOW!!!!!* what are you waiting for? :D
December 20, 2014
"October Snow," is a beautiful and well-written novel that will no doubt evoke feelings of amusement, sadness, disgust, anger, shock, and triumph. This novel captured my attention right from the beginning, so intriguing I couldn’t get enough. There is so much going on. It’s a story of domestic abuse: the aftermath of surviving such abuse; the hopelessness and despair at the justice system; and its path of destruction. It’s a story of three women and the strength and support they share; a friendship so strong that nothing can come between them. It feels like they’ve been friends for decades when in fact they’ve only known each other for three years. What an amazing read. And the ending? A complete surprise - it was shocking. This is one novel I highly recommend. Should you decide to read "October Snow,", be sure to grab some Kleenex as you’re going to need them.
On a side note, when I began reading "October Snow," I had no idea that it had any religious overtones, in particular, the Christian faith. At no time does it overshadow the story. In fact, I’d have to say the spiritual aspect only enhances the story making it feel more realistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2013
I highly recommend the novel October Snow. I read it straight through because I couldn't put it down. Jenna Brooks creates characters so real, you feel you've met them. The suspense, the clash of good and evil--as well as all the shades in between--makes for an intense read you won't soon forget. In October Snow, Jenna Brooks explores the battered women syndrome: its effects on the battered woman, her friends and family, the legal system and on the status of women in our society. When Josie, a former battered woman, tries to help her friend Samantha escape from Jack, her abuser, Josie's actions still reflect her past victimization and her feelings of failure. Josie believes to stop the violence she still has to be its victim. And the risks she takes brings October Snow to its thought-provoking conclusion. October Snow
March 10, 2013
I just finished reading October Snow and I am sitting here in stunned silence. It has been a very long time since I have read a grown-up novel of this quality. Ms. Brooks flawlessly captures the experience of a woman in or after a violent relationship, the difficulties of escaping and dealing with a system that does more to perpetuate the abuser’s control than to protect the woman and her children. The characters are so believable that you will become emotionally invested in their experience. I recommend having tissues at hand and enough time to finish the book in one sitting because you will not want to put it down. Take the time to read this book and then tell your friends to read it. You will not regret it. To say that it is riveting is actually an understatement. October Snow is all-consuming. It will stay with me, always.
July 4, 2013
This book received such good reviews from Goodreads readers that I feel like a loner, but sorry, I have to give my true opinion.
So, it was a real disappointment (especially considering the positive reviews), I expected more from a book about relationships, abuse etc. It seems to me that all the characters are way too caricatural, the bad really bad (and fairly stupid), the good so perfect (especially Dave, not to be too cynical, but really, would anybody behave like that???). And I could not even like Samantha,immature, irresponsible, simply annoying. Even the friendship between the girls did not work for me, too perfect, not the least realistic (and I am not asking for a book to be totally realistic, it's also good to dream while reading).
I feel I am being quite generous giving the book 3 stars, considering it's cliché after cliché.
So, it was a real disappointment (especially considering the positive reviews), I expected more from a book about relationships, abuse etc. It seems to me that all the characters are way too caricatural, the bad really bad (and fairly stupid), the good so perfect (especially Dave, not to be too cynical, but really, would anybody behave like that???). And I could not even like Samantha,immature, irresponsible, simply annoying. Even the friendship between the girls did not work for me, too perfect, not the least realistic (and I am not asking for a book to be totally realistic, it's also good to dream while reading).
I feel I am being quite generous giving the book 3 stars, considering it's cliché after cliché.
July 13, 2014
“October Snow” by Jenna Brooks is a fantastic book. It left me emotional in a good and a bad way. The subject of domestic violence is difficult to handle and Brooks pulled it off by choosing three women with different levels of experiences of the problem. Knowing cases of domestic abuse myself I felt the story was incredibly authentic and realistic.
It is heart wrenching to see some of the struggles – legally and emotionally, but the friendship between the women is truly beautiful. The book offers great insights, relatable characters and a griping story. A must read.
It is heart wrenching to see some of the struggles – legally and emotionally, but the friendship between the women is truly beautiful. The book offers great insights, relatable characters and a griping story. A must read.
September 12, 2013
This book defines everything anyone would ever want to know about spousal abuse and the effect it has on families. It kept my attention from beginning to end. It definately didn't make me feel happy however, it is something I think everyone whether you have ever experienced it or not should think about. Sometimes it could be a member of your family or a friend who cannot bring themselves to talk about it although the signs are there if you care to look.
November 2, 2013
This is a story of abuse, physically and mentally...of families torn apart because of it...hearts broken.
A story of hope and healing...friends that you would just die for...for justice...for love.
I could go on, just read it please, you will feel a little more whole because of it.
A story of hope and healing...friends that you would just die for...for justice...for love.
I could go on, just read it please, you will feel a little more whole because of it.
October 7, 2013
one of those books that sticks with you after you finished it.
A tale of true friendship between 3 women, domestic abuse and just wishing for a real hero.
A tale of true friendship between 3 women, domestic abuse and just wishing for a real hero.
June 1, 2015
Great book that should be on everyones to read list.
Well written with realistic characters.
July 2, 2018
What an amazing, gut-wrenching book. I've read many books and got teary eyes in a lot of them but never have I sobbed through the last third of a book before, having to lay it aside to get myself under control enough to read on. That's what this book did to me and I'll be talking about it for months, I imagine.
Brooks put this together so well, and had me loving the characters so much, that it broke my heart to finish reading it, because my gut already knew. I could feel each characters emotions, the worry, the fear, and I cried right along with them, almost every time. I honestly don't know how Brooks did it, how she put this together and survived. A clear 5***** rating, only because I couldn't go any higher.
Brooks put this together so well, and had me loving the characters so much, that it broke my heart to finish reading it, because my gut already knew. I could feel each characters emotions, the worry, the fear, and I cried right along with them, almost every time. I honestly don't know how Brooks did it, how she put this together and survived. A clear 5***** rating, only because I couldn't go any higher.
June 2, 2014
As you can imagine, the life of a battered woman is not an easy one. This book offers the perspective of the victims and their families via a cleverly woven tale of friendship and the many faces of love. The writing is smooth, honest, and - when appropriate - even humorous. I was especially impressed with Ms. Brooks ability to hypnotize me with the charm and allure of the small town, making me wish I could step outside my door and visit some of the local businesses, while chatting with a few of its inhabitants. I found it sad that the beauty she created in her descriptions of the landscapes was merely a cover for the ugliness that goes on behind some closed doors.
But not all is grim in OCTOBER SNOW. The friendship of the three main characters, Jo, Sam and Max, is the basis for a support system that everyone should be lucky enough to have. And the love story between Sam and Dave is what great movies are made of.
This story does not disappoint. Be sure to have tissues on hand as Jenna Brooks claws at your soul, daring you not to feel anything for the complex characters she expertly creates on the pages of this novel.
But not all is grim in OCTOBER SNOW. The friendship of the three main characters, Jo, Sam and Max, is the basis for a support system that everyone should be lucky enough to have. And the love story between Sam and Dave is what great movies are made of.
This story does not disappoint. Be sure to have tissues on hand as Jenna Brooks claws at your soul, daring you not to feel anything for the complex characters she expertly creates on the pages of this novel.
August 8, 2014
Tear jerker
This book is about the closest 3 friends that went through some type of abuse in their life and how they tried to deal with it. Jo had two boys that blamed her for what happened to the family even though she was the abused wife. Max grew up watching her mother get abused by her father. Sam lived with a man for 3 years that abused her until she went back to her true love, David. However, Sam was pregnant, and it did not belong to David but to Jack (the man that abused her). Jack wanted to torment her once his baby was born. You will have to read the book to find out what happens. And we don't want to forget Daise which was Jo's loving, loyal dog. And then there is Will that took a fancy to Max. I better stop now.
This book is about the closest 3 friends that went through some type of abuse in their life and how they tried to deal with it. Jo had two boys that blamed her for what happened to the family even though she was the abused wife. Max grew up watching her mother get abused by her father. Sam lived with a man for 3 years that abused her until she went back to her true love, David. However, Sam was pregnant, and it did not belong to David but to Jack (the man that abused her). Jack wanted to torment her once his baby was born. You will have to read the book to find out what happens. And we don't want to forget Daise which was Jo's loving, loyal dog. And then there is Will that took a fancy to Max. I better stop now.
May 6, 2015
October Snow
I had no idea when buying this book I'd need a box of tissues as well. This story ran me from anger to tears. Jenna Brooks is an accomplished writer that brought me right into the story to a point where I had to take a few minutes away several times as I read.
Josie, Max and Sam all worked in a diner with a dragon lady for a boss. Their friendship went way beyond work. They each have histories involving spousal abuse. This too bound them together as only shared experiences can. There is much that made me laugh involving their lives together but as the story develops their trust with each other deepens and past hurts are revealed.
This is as far as I can go in my review without giving away things better discovered when you read the book.
I had no idea when buying this book I'd need a box of tissues as well. This story ran me from anger to tears. Jenna Brooks is an accomplished writer that brought me right into the story to a point where I had to take a few minutes away several times as I read.
Josie, Max and Sam all worked in a diner with a dragon lady for a boss. Their friendship went way beyond work. They each have histories involving spousal abuse. This too bound them together as only shared experiences can. There is much that made me laugh involving their lives together but as the story develops their trust with each other deepens and past hurts are revealed.
This is as far as I can go in my review without giving away things better discovered when you read the book.
October 21, 2023
📚🐕NOVEL THOUGHTS🐕📚
October Snow is a book about friendship between 3 women who have all shared a similar backstory but are at different times in their life. Josie, in her 50s was married and later divorced from a very toxic and abusive relationship couched in religious rhetoric and has 2 sons who have also been affected by this environment growing up. It has colored the way they look at their mother as they are still influenced by their father's demeaning comments about her. Maxine, in her 40s, grew up also in a toxic home whose father was a pastor and used his wife as a doormat and at the same time, belittled his daughter. This has kept her from seeking any commitments and is still single. Her ambition is to go into law. Then there's Samantha who is in her 30s. She was once involved with Dave with whom she had a child Tyler, now 8 years old. When in that relationship, he was pursuing a law degree and wasn't as present for her and her mother pushed her to date Jack who wanted nothing more than to make Sam his whole world, to protect her and see to her 24/7. But what her mother didn't know was that he used this philosophy to manipulate and control her through verbal and physical abuse which he did in front of Tyler because it was his way to dominate the household. Tyler spent a lot of time with his dad who now was going up in the world with his law firm. Sam's mother didn't see this until it was all too late. Jack threatened her to keep her mouth shut because he was the man, in control of everything and everybody, and don't let anyone get in his way....or else!
These three women know they can count on each other whenever things spiral and when Sam has finally reached the limit with Jack and his violence against her as well as her mother's interference, she calls on Jo and Max to pick her up and get her away from him, forever and finally. But that doesn't sit well with Jack who now has his claws out for revenge. Jo has worked counseling other women who have been victims and knows the ropes so she reinstates her advocacy so she can do whatever needs to be done to protect Sam and whisks her to a secluded cabin on a lake that she has loved in the past and has special memories for her. But before leaving Jo's apartment in Manchester, Sam takes a pregnancy test because she is not feeling right and it turns out to be positive. She and Jack have been together for 2 and a half years and Jack has made it clear he doesn't want kids, period. Even Tyler is a burden. Despite their horrible relationship, Sam is pro-life and plans to keep the baby. With this newly found independence in Sam, Dave sees what he has always seen in her and wants to spend more time with her. He realizes the mistakes he made early in their prior relationship and wants to fix that so for a time, Sam moves in with Dave and Tyler. Meantime, Jo and Max begin to settle into the cabin in the woods for the summer, along with Daisy, Jo's aging four legged friend who is a perfect fun landing pad for the reader with all her antics. She is a perfect, noncomplaining, always affectionate, compliant and happy to see Jo companion.
Jack is not taking Sam's disappearance well and gets into trouble with the law when he vandalizes properties in town and then head butts a cop. He also breaks into Jo's apartment trying to find out where she took Sam but doesn't find that info out. He does however find the positive pregnancy test and hatches a plan. With the kid, he will always have access to Sam and he seeks out a lawyer with very under handed ways within the domestic custody system and finds the loopholes needed to keep control of Samantha going forward.
Dave and Samantha rekindle the relationship she left years ago. He confesses to making the hugest mistake ever, after a very short reconciliation, they become engaged. She is happy, he is happy and Tyler has a mom and dad who love each other. It is a sweet moment in the story and wedding planning begins. But because Jo knows the system, she suggests they get married asap to give better control of the new baby situation to Sam over Jack.
It is at this point of the book that the story goes headlong into a hurricane. Dave becomes aware that Jack as seen that disgusting lawyer and he knows about the baby and Jo is now aware. She begins to formulate a way to get Jack out of Sam and Dave's life once and for all and this is the hardest part of the book to read. It is deep and dark and tragic.
The story and the characters jump around a bit in timelines so the reader can understand what Jo and Max faced before they met each other. As close as they are, they admit they don't know alot about who they are and why they are and this is very hard both of them to confront and talk about. In the end, they become closer than ever in the safe space of their friendship. The relationship Jo misses desperately is the one with her sons John and Matt. Both have been so majorly influenced by the domestic abuse within their home as young boys and young men. Jo at one point explains the why of how children turn on the parent being abused instead of the parent who is the abuser. Also the process of custody of children in a toxic home was also eye-opening and so upside down!
One of the best thing about the story was the writing. The witty repartee between Max, Jo and Sam is endearing and shows their closeness as well as even when they have arguments, they find a quick resolution to it so they can move on. They understand that this is the most valuable relationship they have in their lives and do whatever they can do resolve any issues.
This book was so unexpected and profound with characters that readers can't stop thinking about long after the last page.
October Snow is a book about friendship between 3 women who have all shared a similar backstory but are at different times in their life. Josie, in her 50s was married and later divorced from a very toxic and abusive relationship couched in religious rhetoric and has 2 sons who have also been affected by this environment growing up. It has colored the way they look at their mother as they are still influenced by their father's demeaning comments about her. Maxine, in her 40s, grew up also in a toxic home whose father was a pastor and used his wife as a doormat and at the same time, belittled his daughter. This has kept her from seeking any commitments and is still single. Her ambition is to go into law. Then there's Samantha who is in her 30s. She was once involved with Dave with whom she had a child Tyler, now 8 years old. When in that relationship, he was pursuing a law degree and wasn't as present for her and her mother pushed her to date Jack who wanted nothing more than to make Sam his whole world, to protect her and see to her 24/7. But what her mother didn't know was that he used this philosophy to manipulate and control her through verbal and physical abuse which he did in front of Tyler because it was his way to dominate the household. Tyler spent a lot of time with his dad who now was going up in the world with his law firm. Sam's mother didn't see this until it was all too late. Jack threatened her to keep her mouth shut because he was the man, in control of everything and everybody, and don't let anyone get in his way....or else!
These three women know they can count on each other whenever things spiral and when Sam has finally reached the limit with Jack and his violence against her as well as her mother's interference, she calls on Jo and Max to pick her up and get her away from him, forever and finally. But that doesn't sit well with Jack who now has his claws out for revenge. Jo has worked counseling other women who have been victims and knows the ropes so she reinstates her advocacy so she can do whatever needs to be done to protect Sam and whisks her to a secluded cabin on a lake that she has loved in the past and has special memories for her. But before leaving Jo's apartment in Manchester, Sam takes a pregnancy test because she is not feeling right and it turns out to be positive. She and Jack have been together for 2 and a half years and Jack has made it clear he doesn't want kids, period. Even Tyler is a burden. Despite their horrible relationship, Sam is pro-life and plans to keep the baby. With this newly found independence in Sam, Dave sees what he has always seen in her and wants to spend more time with her. He realizes the mistakes he made early in their prior relationship and wants to fix that so for a time, Sam moves in with Dave and Tyler. Meantime, Jo and Max begin to settle into the cabin in the woods for the summer, along with Daisy, Jo's aging four legged friend who is a perfect fun landing pad for the reader with all her antics. She is a perfect, noncomplaining, always affectionate, compliant and happy to see Jo companion.
Jack is not taking Sam's disappearance well and gets into trouble with the law when he vandalizes properties in town and then head butts a cop. He also breaks into Jo's apartment trying to find out where she took Sam but doesn't find that info out. He does however find the positive pregnancy test and hatches a plan. With the kid, he will always have access to Sam and he seeks out a lawyer with very under handed ways within the domestic custody system and finds the loopholes needed to keep control of Samantha going forward.
Dave and Samantha rekindle the relationship she left years ago. He confesses to making the hugest mistake ever, after a very short reconciliation, they become engaged. She is happy, he is happy and Tyler has a mom and dad who love each other. It is a sweet moment in the story and wedding planning begins. But because Jo knows the system, she suggests they get married asap to give better control of the new baby situation to Sam over Jack.
It is at this point of the book that the story goes headlong into a hurricane. Dave becomes aware that Jack as seen that disgusting lawyer and he knows about the baby and Jo is now aware. She begins to formulate a way to get Jack out of Sam and Dave's life once and for all and this is the hardest part of the book to read. It is deep and dark and tragic.
The story and the characters jump around a bit in timelines so the reader can understand what Jo and Max faced before they met each other. As close as they are, they admit they don't know alot about who they are and why they are and this is very hard both of them to confront and talk about. In the end, they become closer than ever in the safe space of their friendship. The relationship Jo misses desperately is the one with her sons John and Matt. Both have been so majorly influenced by the domestic abuse within their home as young boys and young men. Jo at one point explains the why of how children turn on the parent being abused instead of the parent who is the abuser. Also the process of custody of children in a toxic home was also eye-opening and so upside down!
One of the best thing about the story was the writing. The witty repartee between Max, Jo and Sam is endearing and shows their closeness as well as even when they have arguments, they find a quick resolution to it so they can move on. They understand that this is the most valuable relationship they have in their lives and do whatever they can do resolve any issues.
This book was so unexpected and profound with characters that readers can't stop thinking about long after the last page.
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