Fiction• Romance

Review: I Was Never Broken by Hazel Anthony

March 25, 2026

Synopsis:

A broken plan, a forgotten past, and a summer that changes everything.

Cedar Springs, Mississippi, 1997. Poppy Turner had her future mapped out: college degree in hand, a new job waiting, and a boyfriend ready to share it with. Then, life unraveled in an instant. Instead of moving forward, she’s driving down a dirt road to her aunt’s farm in the middle of nowhere, in search of a place to breathe and a way to forget.

What began as an escape has turned into something unexpected. Days on the farm bring quiet strength, a job sparks new purpose, and two brothers up the road who remind her what it feels like to hope again. Then, Poppy discovers a box of love letters tucked away in the attic; forgotten words from grandparents she never knew, brings a tale of devotion and resilience that bridges generations.

As summer stretches on, Poppy must confront the heartbreak and secrets she’s been running from. Because sometimes, the only way forward is to look back.

Review:

When someone you love keeps telling you that you’re not enough, criticizing how you behave, controlling who you see, even deciding how you should dress, it leaves a mark. It chips away at your sense of worth until you start questioning yourself instead of the situation. But often, the problem isn’t you at all.

That’s where we meet Poppy. She’s a shadow of who she once was, worn down by constant emotional pressure, and when the abuse turns physical (again), she finally reaches her breaking point. She leaves, returning to the place she grew up, giving herself the chance to breathe, to rebuild, and to reconnect with childhood friends, one of whom becomes more than just a friend.

This is the story of Poppy realizing she was never the issue (broken). She was always enough. Watching her rediscover herself, explore what she truly wants, and slowly open up to love again is a journey I genuinely enjoyed. The 90s setting adds a charming touch and reminds us of a time when staying connected meant actual conversation, not constant notifications.

If you love stories about personal growth, healing, and falling in love – with a bit of nostalgic 90s flair – this one is absolutely worth picking up.

🌙 Recension: I Was Never Broken by Hazel Anthony
📚 Genre: Fiction, Romance, Coming-of-Age
📅 Release Date: March 17, 2026
📖 Publisher: Conquest Publishing
📱 Read as: Kindle
📗 available as Kindle
💸 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗣️ Language: English
📆 Pages: 348
⭐️ 4/5