Fresh Scars, (Paperback)

Donna Mumma's novel, Fresh Scars is one of my favorite books. I say this for many reasons and my opinion has surprised many since I usually read novels by horror and thriller writers, Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Jeremy Bates. First, Donna captured what it's truly like to live in Florida. From the air conditioner not being able to keep up with the heat to the awful humidity. She also spoke of typical Florida places and roads such as Hwy 301 and our beloved grocery store, Publix. If you live in or have lived in Florida, you will appreciate the time that she took to describe the scenery, people, and lifestyles. Secondly, it seemed that with every turn of a page, I was faced with another piece to the ever-evolving puzzle of this family. What did all the pieces create when they were all put together? Well, you will just have to read the novel to find out. I can tell you; it is not what I thought it would be! Finally, and I say this lightly because there is so much more that I love but I don't want to give away any spoilers, I related to this story. If you have been affected by childhood trauma, you will understand and feel for the characters. There were a few parts of the book that really spoke to me and really opened my eyes and heart to the process of healing and forgiveness. That's something that I haven't found anywhere else. I can't guarantee that you, as the reader, will have the same outcome, but I did so it is possible! The thing that I didn't like about the novel? I wanted to read more. So much more! I even knew that the story was coming to an end, and I took breaks throughout the day so that I could make the story last longer. Donna Mumma is an exceptional writer and I can't wait to read what she comes up with next!

Fresh Scars was so moving. The dysfunctional family dynamics were realistic. Asia and Ivy had the same disturbing childhood, but each handled things differently after they left home. All the raw ugliness that surfaces mirror real life. Traumas are addressed, and the resolutions are so much harder than either imagined. The story unfolded in unexpected ways that kept me turning pages. I found myself meditating on the story when I put it down to go to sleep. I couldn't wait to get back to it the next morning. I finished it in a few days while on a road trip and was very pleased with the believable ending. Mumma has apparently done a lot of research to bring mental health issues to light. Well Done! I cant wait for her next book.