Book Review: Tough Scratches by Eichin Chang-Lim

Tough Scratches

By Eichin Chang-Lim

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Published: Sept. 17, 2013

ISBN: 9781625634948

Amazon Synopsis:

How does young love survive high school? 
Through long distance?
Through prison? 

Kayla is a seventeen-year-old wit who is content to deliver "real-talk" to her boy-crazy best friend, Breeana, while running the high school's environmentalist club. In contrast to Breeana, she has no time or desire for boys, viewing even a crush as a commitment. But when Russell Mancini joins Beach Cleanup Day, Kayla learns she's a sucker for teen love just like her peers.

Even though their relationship seems perfect, fate conspires against the pair. The ambitious Kayla's dreams are shattered when she becomes pregnant. Struggling to make 

ends meet, Russell makes a decision that threatens to destroy their relationship, irrevocably steering his course away from Kayla and their daughter. Kayla finds herself pitted in a conflict she would never have expected. 

As Russell's fate unfolds, Kayla must pick up the pieces. Along the way, her sister, Veronica, and her sassy neighbor Dorothy lift her spirits but tempt her to reconsider her path. Kayla's humor keeps her afloat in tragedy, but how can any couple survive the "tough scratches" her and Russell experience? 

"Tough Scratches Book One: Love, the Tangled Knot" demonstrates the power of young love and the importance of hope through all obstacles. 

Book Links:

Amazon  *  Direct Purchase  *  B&N  *  Goodreads

My Thoughts:

I loved this book! It was full of clean romance, and dealing with the tough stuff of life when facing the consequences of a bad decision. I loved how Kayla and Russell remained devoted and strong in their relationship with one another through teenage pregnancy, single parenthood, prison, forced separation.  

I have the greatest respect for those people who face difficulties and are able to not only face their situations, but improve their situations as Kayla worked at throughout the novel. I found myself practically cheering for Russell as he not to desert Kayla but worked hard to support her as best he could, until one of his actions resulted in tragic consequences.

This was a very inspiring novel showing courage and strength on the part of both Kayla and Russell. Through a seven year prison sentence with only a couple of visits in all that time, their love has remained strong and they have been faithful to one another.

As Russell’s prison term nears an end, Kayla meets someone and she finds herself attracted to him. Then the book ends. I thought that the ending of this book was rather abrupt and there was no real conclusion to this story. It was rather like the cliff-hanger at the end of a season on a television show.

I thought the characters were realistic and believable. The book flowed nicely. I liked the message that love and hope are powerful in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Other than the abrupt ending to the book, I thought it was a delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I gave it 4 stars.

Thank you to the author who provided a free review 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.

Tough Scratches Book 2: Finding the Path will be published by the end of the year and released in February. I am so excited. Another book project is in the incubator now.

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