by Beccy and Jenn (link)
Genre drama/angst, romance
Pairings Isaac/OFC, Taylor/OFC, Zac/OFC
Length prologue and 21 chapters
Status Unfinished
Writers are often advised to avoid prologues; they rarely add any relevant information to the story. While Beccy and Jenn’s prologue does set up the story well enough, I can’t say that it’s as exciting or heart-wrenching as I’m sure it’s meant to be, which doesn’t bode well for how much Weak and Broken will capture my emotions.
The basic plot is pretty cliche given the era when the story was written. Girls being forced to move to Tulsa where, of course, they end up right next door to the Hanson brothers, is a plot from an earlier time. The relationship between the two sisters dealing with their parents’ death adds a little more interest, tempering the cheesiness of their relationships with Isaac and Taylor. Joni’s burgeoning alcohol problems only add to the cheese, since they aren’t described in a particularly realistic or believable way.
From there, the story takes an interesting turn that actually does tug on my heartstrings. I’m starting to wonder if Isaac agreeing to father a child that isn’t actually his is a trope I wasn’t aware of. Either way, I like it, although I can’t say that I like the way other characters in Weak and Broken react to the plot twist.
Although there are some cliche plot elements here and some time skips that make it a little difficult to follow, Beccy and Jenn are clearly skilled writers if not skilled plotters. It’s rare to find authors who can nail both elements of writing. Still, Weak and Broken tugs on my heartstrings just enough and has some surprisingly well written passages. It’s all just enough to make it disappointing that the authors never finished it.
Review by Bethany (website)