Michelle Jester
Author of The Funeral Flower
Works by Michelle Jester
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Occupations
- author
editor-in-chief
media consultant
publisher - Awards and honors
- Louisiana Distinguished Civilian Service Medal (2007)
- Short biography
- Michelle Jester is the author of several novels that fall into the Coming of Age, New Adult contemporary romance, Social Issues, Women’s Lit categories. Michelle’s titles, published through RopeSwing Press, include The Funeral Flower, Love, Cutter, and Two Thousand Lines (due out November 21, 2019.) In addition, Michelle is releasing a children’s book, Grasshopper Eye and the Lost Vial, through Yellow Duckie Press on the same day as Two Thousand Lines. It is featured in the contemporary novel, however is a stand-alone publications for a younger audience.
Michelle also writes several professional and personal blogs, contributes articles for independent publications, and is the Editor-in-chief for a lifestyle magazine. In addition, she is a Media and Publishing consultant, photographer, and graphic designer. - Places of residence
- Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- Greenwell Springs, Louisiana
Members
Reviews
Two Thousand Lines by Michelle Jester is a raw, visceral look at the effects and aftermath of trauma and abuse, and a poignant tale of forgiveness and letting go. Olivia Brooks lives in Sugar Mills, where she tries to keep her past far away. A victim of sexual abuse and neglect as a child has left her with mental scars she still struggles to deal with. When Luke Plaisance moves into the house beside hers, it causes her to panic. Luke is her friend Mama Gigi's grandson, returning after his show more grandmother's passing. As a former soldier, Luke's wrangling with his own demons. Can the two help each other heal?
Jester has a great insight into the mental turmoil those who suffered abuse and trauma go through. Olivia's actions and mindset ring true, as do Luke's. He suffers from PTSD. This story shows the second-guessing and low self-worth abuse victims are prone to, the fear of never being good enough. Of never being able to see their own true value. Olivia is a baby vet, an intern almost done. She has a kind and generous heart when it comes to animals. People, too, though she's pretty skittish around most.
I really liked the Clarke's, who run the Hollows. It was the place Olivia stayed after finally turning on her abuser. They really had a way with people. Everyone who stays us broken in some way or another. They give them the space to heal. The cinnamon roll 'process' was a pretty neat metaphor for the healing process. Forgiveness plays a big part of the story too, both in learning to forgive those that hurt you, and in learning to forgive oneself.
***Many thanks to the Netgalley & RopeSpring Press for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for XPresso Blog Tours. show less
Jester has a great insight into the mental turmoil those who suffered abuse and trauma go through. Olivia's actions and mindset ring true, as do Luke's. He suffers from PTSD. This story shows the second-guessing and low self-worth abuse victims are prone to, the fear of never being good enough. Of never being able to see their own true value. Olivia is a baby vet, an intern almost done. She has a kind and generous heart when it comes to animals. People, too, though she's pretty skittish around most.
I really liked the Clarke's, who run the Hollows. It was the place Olivia stayed after finally turning on her abuser. They really had a way with people. Everyone who stays us broken in some way or another. They give them the space to heal. The cinnamon roll 'process' was a pretty neat metaphor for the healing process. Forgiveness plays a big part of the story too, both in learning to forgive those that hurt you, and in learning to forgive oneself.
***Many thanks to the Netgalley & RopeSpring Press for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for XPresso Blog Tours. show less
Before the story gets started the author gives a warning for those who may be triggered by sensitive topics like violence , rape and neglect. I appreciate this because it allows readers to know that the book contains subjects that could be hard to read. With this information readers can determine if they are able to read the story without having anything to cause them anxiety. I applaud the author for being up front and letting us know that this may not be an easy story to get through.
As I show more dove into the book I realized just how difficult this journey would be. The author is very diligent in describing the horror that Lena is in. The reality that she has been kidnapped sinks in and I could feel the terror she felt. In one brief moment in time her world has suddenly changed from peace into a nightmare that cannot be described without screaming.
Human trafficking is something that I can’t grasp. What makes a person take someone off the street and put them through acts of violence and unthinkable bodily harm? The author does an excellent job of giving us a look inside the world where humans are treated with disgrace and used as a way to make money for themselves. My skin crawled every time someone approached Lena. Her faith was strong and cried out to God to rescue her. In the midst of darkness, she forgave those who violated her. As time goes by and she is rescued by another group she begins to have hope again. Then her story only becomes darker when she is sent to The Camp. She is still a prisoner but within the group is someone very special who will make a difference during her captivity.
Gabriel has been looking for Lena since the day she was kidnapped. He has never given up hope that one day he will find her. The day she walks into the shelter for food you could feel his heart beat a little faster. I liked how gentle he was with her and never pushed her even though his heart was breaking. How would you feel seeing your loved one after two years knowing that they had been through something awful? Will she acknowledge that she recognizes him? With Lena now living on the streets it is hard for him to grasp but he sees the physical scars and knows that she has been through a nightmare. Will he ever find out from her what happened?
This book has a deep message about forgiveness, redemption and unconditional love. It is a powerful look at a woman’s journey from despair and hopelessness to finding hope. It also shows the undeniable faith that Gabriel had in finding his wife. He never gave up and when she was found, his gentle spirit drew her back slowly to him. His faithfulness is a testament to how much he loves his wife. He showed gentleness to her, prayed for her and helped her find her way home. I loved his character especially because it illustrates the deep love a husband has for his wife. Gabriel never made her feel used or unwanted. What he did show her was that she was loved. Her scars didn’t matter to him, because all he wanted was for her to be free from the past.
I cried at the end especially because in those last moments we hear two testimonies that clearly show how God can turn something that was meant to kill and destroy and change it to healing, hope and freedom. “He will bring good out of the bad in your life.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. show less
As I show more dove into the book I realized just how difficult this journey would be. The author is very diligent in describing the horror that Lena is in. The reality that she has been kidnapped sinks in and I could feel the terror she felt. In one brief moment in time her world has suddenly changed from peace into a nightmare that cannot be described without screaming.
Human trafficking is something that I can’t grasp. What makes a person take someone off the street and put them through acts of violence and unthinkable bodily harm? The author does an excellent job of giving us a look inside the world where humans are treated with disgrace and used as a way to make money for themselves. My skin crawled every time someone approached Lena. Her faith was strong and cried out to God to rescue her. In the midst of darkness, she forgave those who violated her. As time goes by and she is rescued by another group she begins to have hope again. Then her story only becomes darker when she is sent to The Camp. She is still a prisoner but within the group is someone very special who will make a difference during her captivity.
Gabriel has been looking for Lena since the day she was kidnapped. He has never given up hope that one day he will find her. The day she walks into the shelter for food you could feel his heart beat a little faster. I liked how gentle he was with her and never pushed her even though his heart was breaking. How would you feel seeing your loved one after two years knowing that they had been through something awful? Will she acknowledge that she recognizes him? With Lena now living on the streets it is hard for him to grasp but he sees the physical scars and knows that she has been through a nightmare. Will he ever find out from her what happened?
This book has a deep message about forgiveness, redemption and unconditional love. It is a powerful look at a woman’s journey from despair and hopelessness to finding hope. It also shows the undeniable faith that Gabriel had in finding his wife. He never gave up and when she was found, his gentle spirit drew her back slowly to him. His faithfulness is a testament to how much he loves his wife. He showed gentleness to her, prayed for her and helped her find her way home. I loved his character especially because it illustrates the deep love a husband has for his wife. Gabriel never made her feel used or unwanted. What he did show her was that she was loved. Her scars didn’t matter to him, because all he wanted was for her to be free from the past.
I cried at the end especially because in those last moments we hear two testimonies that clearly show how God can turn something that was meant to kill and destroy and change it to healing, hope and freedom. “He will bring good out of the bad in your life.”
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. show less
I received this book in return for an honest review.
This book has the ability to grab your attention and keep you reading... even if you aren't enjoying it all that much. the writing was amazing and I think it also keeps you wondering if justice will ever be served. It took all I had to not flip to the end of the book to find out. Lol
The cover and the story line just sucked me in. I couldn't wait to read it and I didn't want to put it down once I started. It's not often you come across a show more book that pisses you off so much but you actually WANT to keep reading. Lol
I wanted so much justice for the main character in this book. She was done so wrong but literally everyone. Her parents stayed checked out, she was betrayed by friends, the bad boy was exactly what his title is-bad. I think the only person who didn't screw her over was her childhood -fence- friend. Lol
I'm sad to say, the bad outweighed the good of this book for me.
When she got older, she was finally on a great path getting her life together and she was gonna do so much with her life. I mean, you could just see it. But then in strolls a boy. But not just any boy. THE boy. The one who derails any train that comes in contact with him. The boy who is so possessive, it is borderline abusive.
I HATED that she fell for him. I really did.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!
I think the breaking point with me over the book was the abortion. I'm against abortion 100% - though I tried really really hard to not let my thoughts take over and affect my judgment on this book.....it did. So I am sorry. It's so jacked up that literally only 2 people would have helped. 2 people who told her to keep it. Even sadder that those two people weren't even her parents. But am I shocked? Heck no. That is about the most they have talked to her in this whole freaking book because they don't care. So many excuses were made as to why they are this way, but I call bullshit because - well... the start of the book for example. How low do you have to be to continue to allow your child to go to a school where she comes home DAILY with fresh bruises? yeah, I know - her mother tried to help. Once. Once that we are told about but nothing happened. Sorry but if you were ever a caring mother, you would be raising all kinds of hell. Not to mention after the death of her grandfather the main character goes into a deep depression. Do the parents try to talk to her? Nope. She needs "therapy" *dramatic eyeroll* Because they would rather pay someone thousands of dollars than sit and talk to her themselves. That is just me though.
I wish this book had ended differently. I don't think I have ever read a book and wanted a different ending. Well, maybe except TFIOS, I wish everyone could have lived happily ever after but... you get what I mean. Lol I think this book sets a bit of a bad example. Get pregnant - abort it. have a choice between a good guy and borderline abusive boyfriend - go for the abusive one.
There was a lot of talk about God in this book, which I didn't mind. It was when they wanted to blame Him for everything that ever went wrong. Which is about right I guess. Lol.
I did like the forgiveness concept though. That was a breath of fresh air. Close to the end, I did start to like the book. A lot. until "bad boy" made his way back on scene. So she let good guy go and went running back into the other guys arms.
I expected more from this book though to be honest. I may reread this at a later time and see if my thought changes at all. Because who knows. Sometimes you read and miss things because you are so fixated on one part that you miss something else. Who knows. Till this.... this is where I stand. show less
This book has the ability to grab your attention and keep you reading... even if you aren't enjoying it all that much. the writing was amazing and I think it also keeps you wondering if justice will ever be served. It took all I had to not flip to the end of the book to find out. Lol
The cover and the story line just sucked me in. I couldn't wait to read it and I didn't want to put it down once I started. It's not often you come across a show more book that pisses you off so much but you actually WANT to keep reading. Lol
I wanted so much justice for the main character in this book. She was done so wrong but literally everyone. Her parents stayed checked out, she was betrayed by friends, the bad boy was exactly what his title is-bad. I think the only person who didn't screw her over was her childhood -fence- friend. Lol
I'm sad to say, the bad outweighed the good of this book for me.
When she got older, she was finally on a great path getting her life together and she was gonna do so much with her life. I mean, you could just see it. But then in strolls a boy. But not just any boy. THE boy. The one who derails any train that comes in contact with him. The boy who is so possessive, it is borderline abusive.
I HATED that she fell for him. I really did.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!
I think the breaking point with me over the book was the abortion. I'm against abortion 100% - though I tried really really hard to not let my thoughts take over and affect my judgment on this book.....it did. So I am sorry. It's so jacked up that literally only 2 people would have helped. 2 people who told her to keep it. Even sadder that those two people weren't even her parents. But am I shocked? Heck no. That is about the most they have talked to her in this whole freaking book because they don't care. So many excuses were made as to why they are this way, but I call bullshit because - well... the start of the book for example. How low do you have to be to continue to allow your child to go to a school where she comes home DAILY with fresh bruises? yeah, I know - her mother tried to help. Once. Once that we are told about but nothing happened. Sorry but if you were ever a caring mother, you would be raising all kinds of hell. Not to mention after the death of her grandfather the main character goes into a deep depression. Do the parents try to talk to her? Nope. She needs "therapy" *dramatic eyeroll* Because they would rather pay someone thousands of dollars than sit and talk to her themselves. That is just me though.
I wish this book had ended differently. I don't think I have ever read a book and wanted a different ending. Well, maybe except TFIOS, I wish everyone could have lived happily ever after but... you get what I mean. Lol I think this book sets a bit of a bad example. Get pregnant - abort it. have a choice between a good guy and borderline abusive boyfriend - go for the abusive one.
There was a lot of talk about God in this book, which I didn't mind. It was when they wanted to blame Him for everything that ever went wrong. Which is about right I guess. Lol.
I did like the forgiveness concept though. That was a breath of fresh air. Close to the end, I did start to like the book. A lot. until "bad boy" made his way back on scene. So she let good guy go and went running back into the other guys arms.
I expected more from this book though to be honest. I may reread this at a later time and see if my thought changes at all. Because who knows. Sometimes you read and miss things because you are so fixated on one part that you miss something else. Who knows. Till this.... this is where I stand. show less
It Never Occurred to Her provides an intense look into the world of human trafficking, forgiveness, and redemption. When Lena finds herself taken captive and finds herself forced to endure things that take away her dignity and respect, she initially clings to the hope that her husband will find her. Eventually her captors break her will, and she believes she can never return home.
Throughout the entire time Lena is gone, her husband Gabriel leaves no stone unturned while searching for her. show more His faith, courage, and love shine through the pages of this book. It took so,e unexpected twists and turns that captured my attention. Jumping from times in the past to the present, I found it easy to determine where in time the author was exploring.
I loved seeing Lena and Gabriel make their way back to each other and the steps he is willing to take to love his wife as Jesus Christ loves us.
So if you like reading books with intense story lines that include second chances, redemption, and being reunited, check out this book for yourself. I definitely recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. show less
Throughout the entire time Lena is gone, her husband Gabriel leaves no stone unturned while searching for her. show more His faith, courage, and love shine through the pages of this book. It took so,e unexpected twists and turns that captured my attention. Jumping from times in the past to the present, I found it easy to determine where in time the author was exploring.
I loved seeing Lena and Gabriel make their way back to each other and the steps he is willing to take to love his wife as Jesus Christ loves us.
So if you like reading books with intense story lines that include second chances, redemption, and being reunited, check out this book for yourself. I definitely recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. show less
Statistics
- Works
- 9
- Members
- 27
- Popularity
- #483,026
- Rating
- 4.2
- Reviews
- 8
- ISBNs
- 11
