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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Tear Me Apart is the first novel I’ve read, written by J. T. Ellison. It follows the story of Mindy Wright - a competitive skier who, during a competition, crashes and ends up in life-threatening condition when doctors realize she’s suffering from a severe form of leukemia. Things take an extra turn when her parents are tested to see if they’re a match for a stem cell transplant and realize that Mindy is not actually their daughter. The biggest question Ellison explores in this read is: How far will parents go to protect their children?
Admittedly, as I began reading this novel I wondered if I had read it before as aspects of plot seemed familiar (likely many years ago), however since I couldn’t remember the ending, I decided to continue with it. That being said, while I enjoyed the plot, at times I found it a bit dragged out (the book is just shy of 500 pages), which is why I’m only giving it a 3.5 star rating.
However, that doesn’t deter me from reading other reads by this novel. Lie to Me is still on my TBR list -
I’m just working my way down to it!
Admittedly, as I began reading this novel I wondered if I had read it before as aspects of plot seemed familiar (likely many years ago), however since I couldn’t remember the ending, I decided to continue with it. That being said, while I enjoyed the plot, at times I found it a bit dragged out (the book is just shy of 500 pages), which is why I’m only giving it a 3.5 star rating.
However, that doesn’t deter me from reading other reads by this novel. Lie to Me is still on my TBR list -
I’m just working my way down to it!
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The author’s note is very important.
I've written this review for Really Into This
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
TEAR ME APART BY J.T. ELLISON BOOK REVIEW
I am utterly wrecked from Tear Me Apart by J.T. Ellison. You know that expression, “all the feelings”, right? As I finished this book, I cried & my heart ached.
THRILLER CHICK TURNS ROYAL
We already know J.T. Ellison is a thriller chick. Although I didn’t give her the name, it makes sense to me. Thriller Chick is J.T.’s social media handle, and once you read one of her books, you’ll get it. She writes these type of mysteries that are gritty & smart. I’ve read several of her books. I believe her writing style continues to evolve, her characters deepen & the storylines are more irresistible. Honestly, J.T. outdid herself with Tear Me Apart. She may not like this, but I think she needs to change her social media handles. After Tear Me Apart, I think she is more suited for Thriller Queen.
SHE’S KEEPING ME IN SUSPENSE
I could not & would not put this book down. We had a kid-free 4-hour block & I couldn’t even enjoy dinner because I needed to get back home & finish this story. Now you’re warned – you too may skirt all responsibilities until you reach the end of this story!
One thing I love about J.T. is she doesn’t take the easy way out. Her storylines are deep & complex. So, when the opportunity arises for things to work out so easy for the characters, she could easily take the bait. BUT SHE DOESN’T! She keeps the story & the mystery moving which adds layer after layer of suspense & the tension continues to build.
LET’S GET REAL ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
Tear Me Apart has a character suffering from a mental illness. The way J.T. writes about this character’s struggles are raw, emotional & so real to me that I felt physically ill after reading one particular part towards the end. I began to cry & my stomach ached. For me, this portrayal is spot on.
Similar to this character, I’ve struggled with depression that at times is so crippling it is near impossible to see outside of the darkness. J.T. explores this issue delicately & in an impactful way. Mental illness plays a small but pivotal role in this novel. I believe it’s impossible to read Tear Me Apart & not think of those around us who struggle with mental health.
THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! Tear Me Apart is a stellar thriller with a gritty & real portrayal of a mental illness. It’s also a tale of family, loss, sacrifice & forgiveness. J.T. Ellison broke my heart into a thousand pieces with this story. But, in the end, my heart soared, my tears dried & there was light.
Check out my review for Lie to Me by J.T. Ellison
Special thanks to J.T. Ellison, Harlequin/MIRA Books & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
TEAR ME APART BY J.T. ELLISON BOOK REVIEW
I am utterly wrecked from Tear Me Apart by J.T. Ellison. You know that expression, “all the feelings”, right? As I finished this book, I cried & my heart ached.
THRILLER CHICK TURNS ROYAL
We already know J.T. Ellison is a thriller chick. Although I didn’t give her the name, it makes sense to me. Thriller Chick is J.T.’s social media handle, and once you read one of her books, you’ll get it. She writes these type of mysteries that are gritty & smart. I’ve read several of her books. I believe her writing style continues to evolve, her characters deepen & the storylines are more irresistible. Honestly, J.T. outdid herself with Tear Me Apart. She may not like this, but I think she needs to change her social media handles. After Tear Me Apart, I think she is more suited for Thriller Queen.
SHE’S KEEPING ME IN SUSPENSE
I could not & would not put this book down. We had a kid-free 4-hour block & I couldn’t even enjoy dinner because I needed to get back home & finish this story. Now you’re warned – you too may skirt all responsibilities until you reach the end of this story!
One thing I love about J.T. is she doesn’t take the easy way out. Her storylines are deep & complex. So, when the opportunity arises for things to work out so easy for the characters, she could easily take the bait. BUT SHE DOESN’T! She keeps the story & the mystery moving which adds layer after layer of suspense & the tension continues to build.
LET’S GET REAL ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
Tear Me Apart has a character suffering from a mental illness. The way J.T. writes about this character’s struggles are raw, emotional & so real to me that I felt physically ill after reading one particular part towards the end. I began to cry & my stomach ached. For me, this portrayal is spot on.
Similar to this character, I’ve struggled with depression that at times is so crippling it is near impossible to see outside of the darkness. J.T. explores this issue delicately & in an impactful way. Mental illness plays a small but pivotal role in this novel. I believe it’s impossible to read Tear Me Apart & not think of those around us who struggle with mental health.
THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book! Tear Me Apart is a stellar thriller with a gritty & real portrayal of a mental illness. It’s also a tale of family, loss, sacrifice & forgiveness. J.T. Ellison broke my heart into a thousand pieces with this story. But, in the end, my heart soared, my tears dried & there was light.
Check out my review for Lie to Me by J.T. Ellison
Special thanks to J.T. Ellison, Harlequin/MIRA Books & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
It was pretty predictable. Still a good read and I enjoyed seeing how the story played out.
There are a lot of twists and unexpected things that pop up in this mystery/ thriller, but after about half way it’s pretty easy to piece together.
It had a good plot but then I thought it was all over the place. Didn’t really like all the jumping around with the different characters. Did like the twist though.
I've been obsessed with J.T. Ellison since reading No One Knows last year, and this book doesn't disappoint. I often consider my first encounter with an author to be the best story from them, regardless of age of book, so I'm pleasantly surprised to love this one in the same way that I loved (and ripped through!) No One Knows.
The thing I liked most about this was that the story is convoluted - even when you think you've figured it all out, there's more to be revealed, but not in a way that's awkwardly shoved in like some modern thrillers. Basically read this in one sitting over a few hours because it was THAT GOOD.
The thing I liked most about this was that the story is convoluted - even when you think you've figured it all out, there's more to be revealed, but not in a way that's awkwardly shoved in like some modern thrillers. Basically read this in one sitting over a few hours because it was THAT GOOD.