On This Page
Description
After 40 years of marriage, Olivia's husband unexpectedly passes away. But when Ben's will reveals a life-altering secret, she suffers a blow no widow should ever experience.Olivia learns that she gave birth to a baby who later died in the nursery. Instead of telling his wife what happened, Ben switched the child with another. And as if that's not enough, Ben's will doesn't reveal which of their five sons is truly not hers.Olivia visits each of her sons to share a final connection before show more facing the truth that will change their family, and discovers that each of them has been harboring a painful secret, just like their father. But will the secrets destroy their family, or bring them closer together? show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
"Watching Glass Shatter" is the debut novel of James J. Cudney and it is phenomenal!
Olivia and her sons and the rest of the characters are well-rounded, developed, complex characters. There were points where I wanted to "Gibbs' slap" each of them in turn, but they're all terrific characters. I can also identify with each of them in turn as they deal with the various pressures and secrets in their lives. Zach and Caleb are my favorites. They seem to have a hidden depth to them and I want to get to know them even more than we do in this book.
The character development in this novel is wonderful. We watch several characters go from being obsessed with their own lives and their own feelings, to the exclusion of others, to reaching out and show more enjoying the fact that they have a family to rely on. Everyone grows to some degree, some more than others, but everyone grows and changes a little in this book and it’s fabulous to watch.
The setting descriptions were slightly wordier than I tend to like, but they worked in this book. I didn't feel as though they pulled me out of the story as setting descriptions sometimes do. I tend to prefer more basic descriptions, but the wordiness worked in this novel and it didn’t detract from anything at all.
The plot line is so dramatic and amazing. How Ben’s secret affected Olivia, how the secrets of the boys affected their relationships in the family, everything was excellent. There was just the right amount of suspense for a dramatic novel without there being too much suspense.
All in all, I’m totally in love with this book and would put it in my top 5 books of 2017 list. It’s phenomenal, amazing, and you really need to read it! I’m hoping that James will write a sequel! show less
Olivia and her sons and the rest of the characters are well-rounded, developed, complex characters. There were points where I wanted to "Gibbs' slap" each of them in turn, but they're all terrific characters. I can also identify with each of them in turn as they deal with the various pressures and secrets in their lives. Zach and Caleb are my favorites. They seem to have a hidden depth to them and I want to get to know them even more than we do in this book.
The character development in this novel is wonderful. We watch several characters go from being obsessed with their own lives and their own feelings, to the exclusion of others, to reaching out and show more enjoying the fact that they have a family to rely on. Everyone grows to some degree, some more than others, but everyone grows and changes a little in this book and it’s fabulous to watch.
The setting descriptions were slightly wordier than I tend to like, but they worked in this book. I didn't feel as though they pulled me out of the story as setting descriptions sometimes do. I tend to prefer more basic descriptions, but the wordiness worked in this novel and it didn’t detract from anything at all.
The plot line is so dramatic and amazing. How Ben’s secret affected Olivia, how the secrets of the boys affected their relationships in the family, everything was excellent. There was just the right amount of suspense for a dramatic novel without there being too much suspense.
All in all, I’m totally in love with this book and would put it in my top 5 books of 2017 list. It’s phenomenal, amazing, and you really need to read it! I’m hoping that James will write a sequel! show less
Watching Glass Shatter by James J Cudney is a poignant story of love and loss, hope and redemption. After the unexpected and untimely death of Ben Glass, his wife Olivia is given a pair of envelopes by the estate lawyer. One is for her. The second is for one of her sons, though she doesn't yet know which.
The first letter, her letter, reveals a secret her husband has kept for over two decades. A secret that could shatter the family, or bring them closer. As the lawyer searches for a lady named Rowena Hector, Olivia visits each son in turn, spending time with them. Learning each has their own deep secret. Some are good, like Caleb's, and part of Teddy’s. Most are disasters, and one tragic. As Olivia tries to help each son recover and show more process these secrets, she carries Ben’s with her, not yet ready to share it. She learns a lot about family, and how things are rarely as they seem. Can she, and her family, come through tempered stronger, or will the Glass family shatter altogether?
This was a deep psychological read. Philosophical, too. You never know the secrets those closest to you may hold. Some may be from actions taken in kindness, others from a fear of rejection. Fear and despair can weave secrets, too. Each of these boys’ secrets hit Olivia hard. Me, too, for that matter. With Teddy's secret, and Caleb’s, I felt the strongest resonance.
Teddy resented the path he'd been shunted along, never given a true say in his future, and it nearly ate him alive. My family tried that with me, but I dug my heels deep, and never gave in. They wanted me to be a pharmacist, never bothering to acknowledge I loathe math, and suck at it. I earned a doctorate, first in our family, and they've never acknowledged pride in that because it wasn't in an area they found value in. While not sharing Caleb's exact secret, I did for the longest time hide the fact that I'm pagan-oriented from my family. No longer, and that's another point of contention between us. I'm glad Olivia strove to be understanding, though it took mental adjustment. I loved how each son grew from these experiences, even though some were really hard.
In the end, her visits got these secrets in the open, and allowed healing to begin on so many levels. It's worth it to consider honesty and openness as a life policy, because it's only through sharing that growth can occur, and poisonous secrets lanced and drained. For the Glass family, this brought them closer together. In my case, it didn't, but I don't hide anymore. That stress is gone. My family can accept me or not, as they will.
***This book was purchased on my own, and read for my own enjoyment show less
The first letter, her letter, reveals a secret her husband has kept for over two decades. A secret that could shatter the family, or bring them closer. As the lawyer searches for a lady named Rowena Hector, Olivia visits each son in turn, spending time with them. Learning each has their own deep secret. Some are good, like Caleb's, and part of Teddy’s. Most are disasters, and one tragic. As Olivia tries to help each son recover and show more process these secrets, she carries Ben’s with her, not yet ready to share it. She learns a lot about family, and how things are rarely as they seem. Can she, and her family, come through tempered stronger, or will the Glass family shatter altogether?
This was a deep psychological read. Philosophical, too. You never know the secrets those closest to you may hold. Some may be from actions taken in kindness, others from a fear of rejection. Fear and despair can weave secrets, too. Each of these boys’ secrets hit Olivia hard. Me, too, for that matter. With Teddy's secret, and Caleb’s, I felt the strongest resonance.
Teddy resented the path he'd been shunted along, never given a true say in his future, and it nearly ate him alive. My family tried that with me, but I dug my heels deep, and never gave in. They wanted me to be a pharmacist, never bothering to acknowledge I loathe math, and suck at it. I earned a doctorate, first in our family, and they've never acknowledged pride in that because it wasn't in an area they found value in. While not sharing Caleb's exact secret, I did for the longest time hide the fact that I'm pagan-oriented from my family. No longer, and that's another point of contention between us. I'm glad Olivia strove to be understanding, though it took mental adjustment. I loved how each son grew from these experiences, even though some were really hard.
In the end, her visits got these secrets in the open, and allowed healing to begin on so many levels. It's worth it to consider honesty and openness as a life policy, because it's only through sharing that growth can occur, and poisonous secrets lanced and drained. For the Glass family, this brought them closer together. In my case, it didn't, but I don't hide anymore. That stress is gone. My family can accept me or not, as they will.
***This book was purchased on my own, and read for my own enjoyment show less
"Watching Glass Shatter" is the debut novel of James J. Cudney and it is phenomenal!
Olivia and her sons and the rest of the characters are well-rounded, developed, complex characters. There were points where I wanted to "Gibbs' slap" each of them in turn, but they're all terrific characters. I can also identify with each of them in turn as they deal with the various pressures and secrets in their lives. Zach and Caleb are my favorites. They seem to have a hidden depth to them and I want to get to know them even more than we do in this book.
The character development in this novel is wonderful. We watch several characters go from being obsessed with their own lives and their own feelings, to the exclusion of others, to reaching out and show more enjoying the fact that they have a family to rely on. Everyone grows to some degree, some more than others, but everyone grows and changes a little in this book and it’s fabulous to watch.
The setting descriptions were slightly wordier than I tend to like, but they worked in this book. I didn't feel as though they pulled me out of the story as setting descriptions sometimes do. I tend to prefer more basic descriptions, but the wordiness worked in this novel and it didn’t detract from anything at all.
The plot line is so dramatic and amazing. How Ben’s secret affected Olivia, how the secrets of the boys affected their relationships in the family, everything was excellent. There was just the right amount of suspense for a dramatic novel without there being too much suspense.
All in all, I’m totally in love with this book and would put it in my top 5 books of 2017 list. It’s phenomenal, amazing, and you really need to read it! I’m hoping that James will write a sequel! show less
Olivia and her sons and the rest of the characters are well-rounded, developed, complex characters. There were points where I wanted to "Gibbs' slap" each of them in turn, but they're all terrific characters. I can also identify with each of them in turn as they deal with the various pressures and secrets in their lives. Zach and Caleb are my favorites. They seem to have a hidden depth to them and I want to get to know them even more than we do in this book.
The character development in this novel is wonderful. We watch several characters go from being obsessed with their own lives and their own feelings, to the exclusion of others, to reaching out and show more enjoying the fact that they have a family to rely on. Everyone grows to some degree, some more than others, but everyone grows and changes a little in this book and it’s fabulous to watch.
The setting descriptions were slightly wordier than I tend to like, but they worked in this book. I didn't feel as though they pulled me out of the story as setting descriptions sometimes do. I tend to prefer more basic descriptions, but the wordiness worked in this novel and it didn’t detract from anything at all.
The plot line is so dramatic and amazing. How Ben’s secret affected Olivia, how the secrets of the boys affected their relationships in the family, everything was excellent. There was just the right amount of suspense for a dramatic novel without there being too much suspense.
All in all, I’m totally in love with this book and would put it in my top 5 books of 2017 list. It’s phenomenal, amazing, and you really need to read it! I’m hoping that James will write a sequel! show less
I mainly read books in the psychological thriller, mystery, horror,paranormal genre, however , I have enjoyed many stories about families and relationships in the past and I'm glad I decided to give this one a try.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style and each character felt real to me.
I come from a big family and was able to relate to the story as it unfolded. Real life has a way of taking over sometimes despite all the best laid plans....
It didn't take me long to get caught up in the story and I couldn't stop reading till the end.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more of his writing.
I really enjoyed the author's writing style and each character felt real to me.
I come from a big family and was able to relate to the story as it unfolded. Real life has a way of taking over sometimes despite all the best laid plans....
It didn't take me long to get caught up in the story and I couldn't stop reading till the end.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more of his writing.
"Watching Glass Shatter" is a moving and emotional examination of family secrets and the intricate web of love, fear, and life-altering decisions. Olivia Glass, a mother of five sons, is confronted with an unthinkable tragedy when her husband, Ben, is killed in a car accident.
When Olivia discovers a shocking secret hidden by Ben the novel's premise takes a dramatic turn. This revelation sends Olivia on a journey resulting in a series of unexpected revelations and heartbreaking moments.
The story captures the complexities of family dynamics and the unexpected turns that life can take beautifully, drawing readers into a deeply emotional narrative.
"Watching Glass Shatter" stands out for its ability to evoke genuine, heartfelt emotions. show more The book's ending, in particular, is profoundly touching and memorable, leaving a lasting impact on readers. It serves as a powerful reminder that life is filled with unexpected challenges and that the bonds of family can be both tested and strengthened by the choices we make and the hand of fate itself.
Overall, this novel offers a compelling exploration of the intricate relationships within a family, making it a captivating and emotionally resonant read. show less
When Olivia discovers a shocking secret hidden by Ben the novel's premise takes a dramatic turn. This revelation sends Olivia on a journey resulting in a series of unexpected revelations and heartbreaking moments.
The story captures the complexities of family dynamics and the unexpected turns that life can take beautifully, drawing readers into a deeply emotional narrative.
"Watching Glass Shatter" stands out for its ability to evoke genuine, heartfelt emotions. show more The book's ending, in particular, is profoundly touching and memorable, leaving a lasting impact on readers. It serves as a powerful reminder that life is filled with unexpected challenges and that the bonds of family can be both tested and strengthened by the choices we make and the hand of fate itself.
Overall, this novel offers a compelling exploration of the intricate relationships within a family, making it a captivating and emotionally resonant read. show less
Watching Glass Shatter is a page-turning family drama by James J. Cudney. It is an amazing debut book. I have to say, when I started, I though okay, but after a few chapters, I was sucked right into this family and all their issues. The patriarch of the Glass family, Ben, died in a tragic car accident. At the reading of the will, the lawyer presents Olivia with two mysterious letters that puts everyone on edge. Olivia, Ben's widow and matriarch of the family, realizes that she needs to spend time with each of her boys. She has been so busy with her own life, that she has lost touch with them. The secrets that she uncovers causes the family to shatter, and now she has to put tit back together.
I loved the way this book was written. Each show more chapter was about a character, or two characters interacting. It gave us the opportunity to really get to know these characters, their issues, hopes, dreams and demons. We are able to see the relationships in the family between Olivia and her sons, the brothers with each other, and the couples together. It is interesting to see how different each of the brothers are as well as how they grieve. It is obvious they all loved Ben very much, but there were issues with Olivia. As time passes, we see them grow, admit their mistakes, follow their dreams and mend those family relationships as best they can. There were twists along the way as revelations were made and that made the story even more interesting.
This book is so realistic. It could and does happen to families all the time. Sometimes it is too late or people are too ingrained in their feelings and behaviours to mend families, but it was nice to see this one could. Characters were laid bare and it was easy to get emotionally involved in this story. I think every reader would be able to identify with someone in this book. Olivia has the biggest transformation in the story, but once that starts, it snowballs with the rest of the family and they try as well. If you enjoy a good family drama, you need to read Watching Glass Shatter. show less
I loved the way this book was written. Each show more chapter was about a character, or two characters interacting. It gave us the opportunity to really get to know these characters, their issues, hopes, dreams and demons. We are able to see the relationships in the family between Olivia and her sons, the brothers with each other, and the couples together. It is interesting to see how different each of the brothers are as well as how they grieve. It is obvious they all loved Ben very much, but there were issues with Olivia. As time passes, we see them grow, admit their mistakes, follow their dreams and mend those family relationships as best they can. There were twists along the way as revelations were made and that made the story even more interesting.
This book is so realistic. It could and does happen to families all the time. Sometimes it is too late or people are too ingrained in their feelings and behaviours to mend families, but it was nice to see this one could. Characters were laid bare and it was easy to get emotionally involved in this story. I think every reader would be able to identify with someone in this book. Olivia has the biggest transformation in the story, but once that starts, it snowballs with the rest of the family and they try as well. If you enjoy a good family drama, you need to read Watching Glass Shatter. show less
https://mjmallon.com/2020/09/10/book-review-watching-glass-shatter-by-james-cudn...
I loved this. Fantastic family drama, strong female characters, so moving it made me cry! Enjoyed the characterisation of all the 5 brothers. All so different and engaging. Great characters, and dialogue. Interesting look at how shocking secrets exist in families and how circumstances can alter how we deal when they are revealed. The story line elaborates on many important concerns within the family dynamic: vulnerabilities, mistakes made and forgiven, pressure to succeed, the far reaching consequences of drug dependency, 'coming out,' and accepting a love one's different lifestyle choices and learning to forgive a husband's decision. To cope with the show more most terrible heartbreak and be strong. The beginning and end are powerful. My recommendation 5 stars read this! show less
I loved this. Fantastic family drama, strong female characters, so moving it made me cry! Enjoyed the characterisation of all the 5 brothers. All so different and engaging. Great characters, and dialogue. Interesting look at how shocking secrets exist in families and how circumstances can alter how we deal when they are revealed. The story line elaborates on many important concerns within the family dynamic: vulnerabilities, mistakes made and forgiven, pressure to succeed, the far reaching consequences of drug dependency, 'coming out,' and accepting a love one's different lifestyle choices and learning to forgive a husband's decision. To cope with the show more most terrible heartbreak and be strong. The beginning and end are powerful. My recommendation 5 stars read this! show less
Members
- Recently Added By
Author Information
16 Works 237 Members
Series
Common Knowledge
- Canonical LCC
- PS3563.A7239
Classifications
Statistics
- Members
- 58
- Popularity
- 527,872
- Reviews
- 8
- Rating
- (4.23)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 2
- ASINs
- 2
