REVIEW: Scattered Links by M. Weidenbenner

Title: Scattered Links

Author: M Weidenbenner

Series: none

ISBN: 9781494366957

Publisher: Random Publishing LLC

Published Date: Jan 20, 2014

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Oksana lives on the streets of Russia with her pregnant mama and abusive aunt—both prostitutes. When Mama swells into labor, Oksana makes a decision to save herself from abandonment, a decision that torments her forever. When her plan fails and her aunt dumps her in an orphanage, she never has the chance to say goodbye to her mama or tell her the secret that haunts her. Scattered Links is a story of family and the consequences that come from never learning how to love, of a girl’s inability to bond with her adopted family and the frustrations that follow. How can a child understand the mechanics of forming a healthy relationship when she never had a mother who answered her cries, held her when she was frightened, fed her when she was hungry, or loved her unconditionally? Only when the child meets a rescued abused horse, and recognizes the pain in his eyes, does she begin to trust again. 

Review: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The beginning of this book was just heartbreaking and terrifying all at the same time. To try to put myself in Oksana's shoes, to experience what she was....it was a tear-jerker. The situations and decisions that she was put into at such a young age was horrifying.
At the same time, she doesn't do much better in the orphanage even though she tries, and continues to be a caretaker for her baby sister. At such a young age, she has to make a life-altering decision, and its overwhelming.
The author does such a good job of writing the book that you truly feel like you're beside Oksana as she battles through her difficulties. I cheered with her as she struggled for closure with her mother, and cried with her when reality set in. And through it all, the struggles of the adoptive family as they open their heart to the baby who just wants love, and the rebellious girl who doesn't understand her life.