WHERE HOPE BEGINS BY CATHERINE WEST
~ About the Book ~
Sometimes we’re allowed to glimpse the beauty within the brokenness . . .
Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, and it’s the place that she runs to when her husband of over twenty years leaves her. Though her world is shaken, and the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, and a man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove to Savannah that she is worthy of love.
But soon Savannah is given a challenge she can’t run away from: Forgiving the unforgivable. Amidst the ancient gardens and musty bookstores of the small town she’s sought refuge in, she must reconcile with the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past that might be healed after all.
Where Hope Begins is the story of grace in the midst of brokenness, pointing us to the miracles that await when we look beyond our own expectations.
Genre: General/Women’s Fiction
Release date: 22 May 2018
Pages: 368
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release date: 22 May 2018
Pages: 368
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Amazon US // Amazon AU // iTunes // Goodreads // Koorong
I must warn you before you read this book to make sure you have several boxes of tissues. When I started the book, I immediately felt the emotions coming from Savannah. I love her character so much. She has been through a lot in the last several years. No parent should have to bury their child, but Savannah and her husband Kevin faced that difficult task. Everyone grieves differently and I can't honestly say how I would deal with the death of a child. My heart went out to Savannah. The author allows us to see deep into her soul where the pain is buried. Will Savannah be able to stop being angry at God?
Have you ever felt like you keep getting buried in heartbreaking situations? Savannah now must face the fact that her husband doesn't want her anymore. At that moment my tears flowed as I wanted to hug her and tell her she is loved by God. It's time for her to get away and have some alone time. I was cheering her on as she travels to her parents' lake house. From the moment she steps in the house , I could sense a calmness come over her. Everyone is worried that she will fall apart, but God has ordained a plan for her to heal and find hope again. Ending a marriage is like a death. All your dreams are gone and you feel your hope slipping away. Maybe when Savannah meets her neighbors, things will get better for her.
Brock is a very interesting character. He is a best selling author and one that Savannah has admired over the years. It's funny that they are neighbors and I think he may become a distraction for Savannah. One of the best characters in the book is Clarice. She is such a wise woman who has taken Savannah under her wing. Clarice does not judge others, only prays for them and listens to them. Savannah will find many people wanting to give her advice. When we are going through an emotional time, sometimes all we want is someone to listen to us, not preach to us. I believe in second chances, because I was blessed to receive one from my husband. I won't tell you the ending of this story, but I will say it is emotional and well written. Who will Savannah choose?
One thing I really liked was how the author allowed us to see how tragedies affect others around us. It is not just Savannah and Keith going through hard times, but their children as well. We sometimes forget that our children are just as upset as we are when going through changes that affect the family. If you are struggling with second chances, forgiveness, grief, hope, trust issues, relationships, or your walk with God this is the book for you. For those who aren't struggling right now this is a must read to strengthen your hope and faith. The story is a master piece of emotions and will touch you to your soul.
"Second chances don't come around too often in this life. If you get yourself one, grab it good and don't let go for anything."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The review is my own opinion.
~ About the Author ~
Catherine West writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or reading books by her favorite authors. She and her husband have two grown children and one beautiful granddaughter. Catherine is the winner of the 2015 Grace Award (Bridge of Faith) and the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award (The Things We Knew). Her most recent novel, The Memory of You, released March 2017, and Where Hope Begins releases in May 2018.
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