Book Review: Tough Scratches Book 2: Finding the Path by Eichin Chang-Lim

Tough Scratches Book 2: Finding the Path

By Eichin Chang-Lim

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Published: February 18, 2014

ASIN: B00I0EAZRQ

Amazon Synopsis:

"Earlier that morning, Russell signed the paperwork mechanically. Upon Russell's completion, the security guard brusquely set a gray sweatshirt on the table, ushering him to follow him to freedom. 
Freedom... 

A concept previously so elusive was now his to grab. But with it came the fact he was starting from scratch. Freedom felt foreign. Scary, even. 
Russell walked out the gate feeling like he was walking for the first time, expecting to fall." 

For seven years straight, the sole thought on Kayla's mind is the moment she would reunite with her husband. She looks at her daughter and dreams of the day she will have a father once again. When that day finally comes, however, many conflicts continue to plague her. 

What she doesn't expect is the type of life they will have after they are brought back together. When surprises and tragedy befall Kayla and Russell, they must look within themselves for strength once again. This time, life and livelihood are threatened like never before.

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My Thoughts:

Tough Scratches Book 2: Finding the Path finds Russell being released from prison and on his way back to Kayla and their daughter. Now they just have to figure out how to make it together as a family.

I think Tough Scratches Book 2: Finding the Path does a good job of touching on some of the issues that a couple might have once one of the pair is liberated from prison. Self-esteem is a huge issue, particularly for men who often have their identity wrapped up in being the breadwinner. It really can be devastating for them when, like Russell, it seems like no one will take a chance on them and hire someone with a criminal record.

I liked that this book was realistic in that it showed that Kayla was not perfect. She did not have blinders on and she did find herself attracted to other men. However, it’s what she did with those feelings that was important.

I also loved the importance of family values in Tough Scratches Book 2. I loved how not just the nuclear family pulled together, but the extended family worked together.

No relationship is perfect because we are not perfect. All we can do is make choices that will benefit the all the people involved or affected by that relationship. Communication was the key. When they weren’t communicating, things went downhill, but when they talked things out, they were able to work things out. Russell and Kayla show that despite the difficulties, it can be done, and if both parties are willing to work together, both parties can be happy.

I enjoyed this book very much. I think it might be a good book as a starter for a group discussion or counselling session on relationships. I gave this book 4 stars out of 5.

Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

About the Author:

Dr. Eichin Chang-Lim was born in Taiwan. She received her BS degree from National Taiwan University and her Masters degree from the University of North Texas.  She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern California College of Optometry and is currently in a private practice with her husband, Dr. Andrew Lim, near Los Angeles.  They live in Orange County, CA and have one son, Theodore and one daughter, Victoria.  She is passionate about writing and enjoys listening to classical music and opera.  She does modeling and acting when opportunities arise, for her love of performing and media arts.

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