Fractured Facade Reviews
"Love is in the air...or is it?" -- I wasn't sure what to make of this book at first.
Once I got where the author was coming from I immediately
sympathized with her and understood her cry for justice.
This book is a wonderful precautionary tale for anyone with a
widowed parent who wants to keep him or her protected from the cons and
deceit of a ruthless gold digger.
I like that it was written in first person. It felt like she was telling me her story one on one. To think what this family went through with the police department, the coroners office and the judicial system, I can only hope this never happens to me or anyone else I know.
By Stephen Cipolla - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
"Fractured Facade" -- Excellent cautionary tale of the need to keep close to your elderly loved ones, if you don"t someone else certainly will.
By Donna Bowker - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
"Couldn't Put It Down!" -- I loved this book, couldn't put it down. I felt that I really got to know the author and her characters. They were like family by the time I finished. I didn't want the book to end. I got this book as a freeie and I can say I wasn't disappointed. I have looked up her blog and plan on becoming a regular visitor. I don't like short stories, but I may even check out her short story "The Valentine's Day Curse". Great job and please keep it up!!
By Luv To Read - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
"Compelling page turner" -- was pleasantly surprised by this book! There is nothing I enjoy more than a good mystery novel but if my interest is not gripped in the first few pages I usually do not have the patience to pursue it any further.
Ms De Rosa had me hooked in the first page! I devoured the story and was skillfully ensnared by the characters.
I quickly lost patience with her Father and hated the 'pig' within sentences of being introduced!
This is a truly excellent first novel and I applaud Ms De Rosa for her talent.I look forward to reading the next!
By Julie M. Taylor - 5 stars - Amazon
*****
"Takes the cake regarding what goes on today with the dating scene. Older individuals have no clue (especially if they have been "in" a marriage a long time - and then lose their partner or divorce). Our "me" society has evolved to such a degree that the many people out there with emotional problems are no longer separated from the rest of us, so if you add in the access provided by the internet, you have prime pickings for scam artists and worse. This is a very good portrait of what does go on, and from personal experience I can speak to the truths written in the book. It is brutal out there in the land of 'dating' and especially if one uses the internet to find a potential partner. Even though this was not the avenue for the character's father to meet his troubled girlfriend, it was her venue to bilk him of money as well as cause the family horrendous problems. Also covered rather well is the bureaucracy found at state and local government levels when there is an 'accidental' death in the family - a good read for anyone who has not experienced this passage of life."
By Chances R - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
Very Good. When I first began reading this story, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it, but I'm glad I carried on reading because I really enjoyed it. I especially loved the 'battle' (I won't give spoilers) and was delighted how it progressed.
This story was well written and allowed the reader to 'feel' the ups and downs of the story-teller, which is very important in my opinion.
Recommended.
By "Jewels" England - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
You Won't Be Able to Put This One Down! First of all, I'm the pickiest reader on the planet, but the title drew me in and once I started reading, I was hooked! This book only took me a week to read - I read every night before bed. This author uses words to paint her characters like a trained artist, making each a multifaceted masterpiece.
But she doesn't stop there.
She then takes each character and shows how they fall into this fascinating family dynamic. There are too many issues she manages to deal with in this book - death, murder, fraud, forgiveness, love, revenge, healing - I could go on forever.
I can't wait for the next!
By Barbs13 - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
Better than some on the New York Times Best Sellers List!
I know the author through a mutual friend and got connected through reading her blogs - which I absolutely love! I was so excited to hear she was writing a book and could not wait to read it. I must admit that I was a bit leary - what if I didn't like the book? What would I say to the author? Silly me - this book was absolutely riveting! Truly better than some I have read that have been on the NY Times Best Sellers List! The author was so descriptive that at times I felt like I was right alongside Marie. It was a very emotional journey for me reading this book and I cannot imagine how the author was able to pen this. Kudos!!! I cannot wait for her next work. More importantly, WHY HASN'T THIS AUTHOR BEEN SIGNED TO A MAJOR PUBLISHING HOUSE???
by Nicey - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
Highly recommended! "The story is compelling and engrossing and rings very true. At the same time it's highly educational about how to prepare for a loved one's demise. I can't tell the difference between what parts are true and what might have been fictionalized, that's how real it is.
Congrats and thanks to Elena for writing such a meaningful book. I look forward to reading more from you."
by Laurie Lamson, co-editor Now Write! Screenwriting and Now Write! Mysteries - Five Stars - Amazon & Smashwords
*****
A "Gripping", couldn't put it down, book! "I was hooked as soon as I read the overview! This book is sure to hit home for many readers. The characters come to life and you feel like you are part of their world; ready to give advice, a hug or a shoulder to cry on when you know they must have needed it. It is also an eye opener as to how the legal system may not actually protect those that need it. One can feel the frustration of the author as she recounts the events that lead to the writing of this memoir. Although cathartic, I believe DeRosa is hoping to protect others from a similar fate, so they can truly mourn their loved one with the respect that is due them."
by Mariecie - Five stars - Barnes & Noble
*****
Captivating! "Although I have never lived in New York City, after reading Elena Derosa's Fractured Facade, I feel as though I have a friend there who welcomed me to her kitchen table for a cup of coffee and an intimate, true story that she chose to tell to me alone.
Derosa's characters are so full of life that they had me laughing in agreement or frowning in disapproval and I just know I could pick them out on any given New York street. I appreciate the way the bureaucracy of death and the arresting manner of regret are handled in this book and I was sorry when I closed the last page. I highly recommend Fractured Facade and anxiously await a new title from this talented author."
by Cheryl Dolby - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
"A Captivating Read - A hard hitting, authentic and transparent novel that has the ring of truth about it. Well written and a brave accomplishment. A terrific debut."
by Robert - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
"Great Story! - Although we live in the same area of Virginia, I do not know the author. I have visited her blog and had a few exchanges with her on a local news/opinion blog so that is how I found out about her book. I support local writers and have yet to be disappointed and certainly not here.
It is a very interesting, and brutally honest book. Anyone who has not lost someone or who has not dealt with law enforcement, courts or family issues might not feel the gritty integrity it took to tell this story but I have had some traumatic experiences and I believed and felt every word. You find yourself trying to guess how something is going to unfold, and shaking your head a lot. It is a good read.
Excellent effort for a first book, I will look for more."
by Sandra M. Saunders - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
"Excellent read for anyone who is a child of someone - This book was amazing. I could not put it down I so easily connected with Marie and felt every ounce of pain and frustration that she experienced. I have recommended it to everyone I know, it was literally my fastest read ever I couldn't put it down."
by Margaret - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
You'll think you are hiding in the closet of a Brooklyn family.
The author takes you inside a Brooklyn NY family, while investigating the unusual circumstances of the father. With many twists and turns, this book will keep you riveted.
Though we've never met, I've known Elena for many years through her writing and several forms of correspondence. Be sure to check out her short story, The Valentine's Day Curse -- A short story, she nails the O. Henry style ending perfectly.
By Alton - 4 Stars - Amazon
****
":) - Excellent Book. Written well. Couldn't put it down once I started reading it. Can't wait for next book to come out by this Author !!!"
by Janet Conti - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
"Exciting tale of greed and murder - This is the type of crime mystery I love to read. It drew me in on the first page and kept me interested until the very end. Very well written and I hope to see this author in the bookstores again soon. I am already a big fan!"
by Wren - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
The Valentine's Day Curse Reviews:
Only One Problem
The only thing wrong was the story ended too soon. I loved it. I'm a "hard sale"
on 1st person POV, but DeRosa carried it off perfectly. I had fun "traveling"
with the heroine, and she was a good heroine. Loved how DeRosa used the curse
in the story. Was impressed and moved by her style and talent. This was an easy
5 star ranking.
By Jan Taylor - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
Exceptional
This is a great short story, a tale with a twist. The author has a strong voice and smooth style. I look forward to future works from her. Great story for Valentine's Day...great story for ANY DAY! Recommended read...Enjoy!
By Brooklyn Hudson - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
A great follow up to "Fractured Facade"
I first noticed Elena's writing some years ago. I was delighted with Fractured Facade, this short story continues the excellence. If you like O. Henry, you'll like Elena's short story!
By Alton - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
A fantastic story!
This short story is proof that this gifted writer has a fantastic voice and wonderful storytelling chops. What a wonderful ending, too!
By A. Condayan - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
Great story!
I loved this story, read it on Valentine's Day. The ending was just awesome. What an excellent twist in such a short story. Thank you author for showing us another side of our human frailties. I enjoyed this so much. A quick read with a punch.
By BillMac - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
I want more
Having read this soon after reading the Fratured Facade I can't help but want something more from this talented author. I will keep my eyes open for the next one!
By Margaret - Five Stars - Amazon
*****
Another great read from this author!
I was thrilled to see something more from this author and was not disappointed. Another great read! A great short story leaving me wanting more!
By Nicey - Five Stars - Amazon
*****