Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Shattered Pieces Can Still Shine: Georgie's Story by Gloria Eveleigh is a powerful, moving work of historical fiction that offers hope and healing to trauma survivors. And not just for the individual, but for communities, groups, and houses of worship. The author takes her own abusive history and turns it into a ray of hope for survivors everywhere. What's most intriguing about this book is that it is an absorbing work of fiction with gems of inspiration and compassion running through it. The main character is Georgie, and the story is based on true events. Georgie was born a post-WWII baby to a single mother and was abused and neglected as a child. But the dream of being a dancer kept her alive, hopeful, and resilient. A homeless runaway, she found herself being forced into prostitution. But God had other plans for her, and Georgie went on to live her dream of dancing and finding faith.

Eveleigh is a sensitive fiction writer, introducing you to three-year-old Georgie and her life at home, which is pleasant with her parents in the beginning, like the fact that her father Alfie was a big part of her life. She has an advanced vocabulary at such a young age because her mother Florrie talked to her so often. Little seeds like this were planted along the way, which added to Georgie's character, and the person she would grow up to be. But along that path were some dark moments. This author has a talent for making her characters seem real and writes with emotion and insight. She writes from a place of authenticity and experience. You get a real sense of what abuse survivors go through and how they can rise above the pain to lead a better life. As a former social worker, I appreciate the value of this book and the author's willingness to help others through her writing. You will love Shattered Pieces Can Still Shine by Gloria Eveleigh if you like emotional novels about strength and grace.