Broken Water: An Extraordinary True Story

Some books don’t just tell a story — they shake you awake. Broken Water by Barbara Lane is one of them. Lane writes with unflinching honesty about child abuse, neglect, and family separation, all through the lens of her own extraordinary life. As a young girl, she was adopted into the home of an abusive mobster and cut off from her eleven sisters — told they were no longer her “real family.” That loss reverberates through every page, but so does her courage. What makes this book remarkable isn’t just the pain Lane endured, but the way she transforms it into a call for change. Her storytelling lets readers look straight at the hardest truths without turning away, and instead of leaving us stuck in shock or pity, she stirs something deeper: a sense that action is both necessary and possible. Her decades-long search to find her sisters — chasing lead after lead, never letting hope die — is as gripping as any novel. Against all odds, the story comes full circle in a reunion that feels almost miraculous. It’s a reminder of what persistence can do, and how sacred family truly is. Lane’s voice is lyrical yet grounded, poetic but never distant. She has that rare gift of turning trauma into testimony, and testimony into inspiration. Broken Water is not just her autobiography; it’s a testament to resilience, a call to protect children, and a book that will linger with you long after the last page. This is literature with a purpose. And it deserves to be read, talked about, and remembered.

This book is both horrifying and spiritually moving. The resilience of these women and their unbreakable bond is one you won't soon forget. The author's Christian faith and the love for her sisters shines through a sordid story. The lives of these women and all they have overcome a testament of the indomitable human spirit. Barbara Lane's storytelling is interesting and her words lyrical. If I could, would give this book 20 stars.

This was a fairly good book. Worth the read

A chance meeting with the author led me to downloading this book. At a time in my life, where I had been reassessing a lot of the trauma unresolved I have been through. All I can say is that God lead me to her and this book, the validating and heart wrenching stories tore my heart open. A must read for those who have unresolved trauma. Thank you God , and thank you Barbara Sue.

Wow! What an unbelievable life that 11 sisters lived. This book is a fascinating story of love, pain, abuse, strength and love again. The author weaves together seamlessly the stories of each sister, all the while keeping the readers attention so glued to the pages they could not be turned fast enough. This book also exudes wisdom, and spirituality that are extremely comforting.

The book is written in a conversational style as she visits her sisters and hears their stories over the years. It is a really sad story but the writing lacks something.

This is one of the best books I have ever read! Barbara is an excellent writer. Her journey to reunite her sisters is one that is honest, inspirational and makes the reader realize that love and resilience surpasses all. Barbara's love for family and strong faith is evident throughout this book. This is not a book to be put on a shelf in a bookcase after being read; but rather one to keep on your nightstand to read passages again and again.

Very well written!

Beyond touching. Beautiful ladies💜

Inspiring story of Hope over adversity.

Excellent