I’m so glad you stopped by for my stop on the tour for Empty Cup.
This is Author Suzanne Costigan’s debut novel and I very much enjoyed it.
Please enjoy my review.
And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
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Title: Empty Cup
Publication date: November 3, 2014
Publisher: Rebelight Publishing Inc.
Author: Suzanne Costigan
My Review
While this story delves into a traumatic and,sadly, common subject, it’s also about courage, hope, and strength.
Raven’s home life isn’t perfect but she manages. Until her birthday, when her step-father goes from the usual leers and innuendos to an attack that leaves her beaten and bloody. Saved by her mother arriving home, she’s mistaken to think she’ll be okay. Her mother refuses to believe her, blames her, and throws her out in the winter cold with nothing but a sheet wrapped around her naked body.
Raven now has to find a place to live and face what’s happened to her. She’ll need to be strong, rely on friends, and find the courage to begin her life again.
I was surprised to discover this was the authors debut novel. It’s powerfully written, and while it touches on a delicate subject, it also breathes hope.
Raven is so sweet and so broken. I loved her courage. The people she should have been able to trust and protect her, instead did the opposite, and and while she was ashamed and hurt by what happened, she turned to her friends and a kind teacher, drawing on their loyalty and wisdom.
This was a book I was hesitant to read as it’s a tough topic and one many avoid. The authors writing is tough where it needs to be and delicate too. I’d recommend this to teens and adults.
4 Stars
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Mom’s new boyfriend is creepy.
On the night of her seventeenth birthday, Raven finds out he isn’t just creepy, he’s dangerous. He leaves Raven broken and bleeding, but Mom blames her for what happened. She kicks Raven out of the house with nothing but a blanket to protect her from a frigid winter night.
Alone.
Devastated.
Abandoned.
As Raven struggles with the aftermath of the ultimate betrayal, she seeks solace in her imagination and a teacher who seems to understand her situation. She ultimately discovers that her world won’t change if she relies upon someone else to do it. Real change begins within.
“…Sure to prompt reflection and provocative discussions on important issues.”
-Allan Stratton, author of Leslie’s Journal
“Not an easy story, but an important one. Compelling, powerful, and engaging.”
-Eric Walters, author of Power Play.
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ABOUT SUZANNE COSTIGAN:
Suzanne Costigan is a child welfare advocate, supporting high risk children in her home, and an active member of the Winnipeg writing community. Empty Cup is her first novel.
Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!
This sounds like a novel about the human spirit, and I love books like that. I look forward to reading it. Thanks!
I’m seeing you everywhere this morning, Ty 🙂 Empty Cup is definitely full of human spirit. Good luck in the draw.
It is. Raven thinks her spirit is broken, but it isn’t. She just has to find the courage to claim it again.
Thank you, Laura for writing such a lovely and wonderful review of Empty Cup!
I’ll be around throughout the day checking in on comments and responding.
You’re very welcome and thank you for such a wonderful story. This isn’t an easy read but you made it a must read for me.
Thanks for stopping by. My readers and I enjoy when the author visits!
Your review is getting such a great response! This is so wonderful. Thanks again, Laura 🙂
It is a tough topic, but one that needs to be talked about. Thanks for sharing your review, Laura. 🙂
You’d like this journey and Raven, Sherry.
I love a book that tackles tough subjects, ones that people would like to sweep under the rug and pretend they don’t exist. I would love to read this book. Gonna go enter the giveaway now!
You are one of those writers too, Taylor!
What do you write Taylor? Would love to check it out.
Good luck to Sherry and Taylor both in the draw! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Difficult subjects are difficult because they are not talked about! I’d love to hear from you after you’ve read it 🙂
Difficult subject matter. Best of luck to Suzanne with her debut release.
It is. The writing caught me and guided through the book easily. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to connect, but I did!
Thank you, Emma!
Oh wow. Sounds like a powerful read. Thank you for sharing the new book.
Powerful and needs to be told.
Thanks for stopping in to read Laura’s review, Melissa. Would love to hear your thoughts after you’ve read Empty Cup. 🙂
I cannot wait to read this book! I’ve heard so many great reviews. Looking forward to it!
I’d love to hear what you think about it!