Cover Image: Where Hope Begins

Where Hope Begins

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Member Reviews

After seeing people post about this book, I decided I wanted to read this one. This is the first book by Catherine West that I have read, but it will not be my last. This story is about redemption, forgiveness, and how to attain hope when it all is lost. The book begins with Savannah and Kevin, who are separating. Throughout their marriage, they have faced many difficulties. Their two children are basically grown and are adults, but even they are struggling with the issues occurring in their family. This story shows how others can make a difference in your life and how forgiveness can occur even in difficult circumstances. This story in some ways can be a difficult read depending on your circumstances, but worth it. I loved the quotes throughout the book! This uplifting tale makes you examine your own life and yourself. This book will also remind you of how to discover hope in the mist of trying times. I highly recommend this book! You will not be disappointed!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

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Sometimes life events are so painful and overpowering, that you lose hope. You try everything to numb the pain whether it’s, walk away from those you love, try to end your life, drink or do drugs, anything. All because it hurts too much to face the pain.

These are just some of the things the main character Savanah, and her family, experienced.
While reading this book, I felt the deep pain these characters were dealing with. It was so well written by Catherine West. Yet, there was also times of cute humor, and sweet bit of romance.

The author brought out questions and emotions in me, which I needed to work through. Could I really forgive if I was hurt so bad? Would I want to just end my life, or would I reach out to Jesus and draw my strength from Him? Is my faith strong enough to get me through the pain?

What I really appreciated in this book, is that Catherine West didn’t just sugar coat things. She was willing to be real and show the ripple effect things which can have on our lives. This story and the lessons I got from it, will live in my life for a long time.
The most important lesson is to find my hope in God and His unending love for me.
I want to thank Thomas Nelson and NetGalley who gave me this opportunity.
I received this book from the publisher to read. All opinions are my own.

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Where Hope Begins is one of those books that draws the reader in and doesn't let go. Then after you finish, the story lingers. Savannah Barrington's life is filled with sorrow, confusion, and trouble. But God has a plan. While I read, my emotions roller coastered up and down. At one point I thought I knew how I wanted the book to end, then changed my mind several times. I was pleased that the author created the perfect ending for Savannah. Catherine West is a talented writer who tackled some very difficult subjects in this book. Some that are hard to think about but need to be understood. If you do read this book, read the author's notes after you finish. FYI-Some of the characters drink alcohol even though this is considered an inspirational/Christian book. I'm not a fan of that, but that said, the story is five star. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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The characters in this book face several diffult subjects. Savannah starts out extremely depressed.
Her life is pretty much taken away from her when her husband moves out of their home. Their marriage lost its way after the death of their young daughter. Savannah decides to spend some time in her family’s vacation home. That step is the beginning of her life.
I couldn’t put this book down. It was more spiritual in nature than any novel I have read.
It was an incredible story. It is not to be missed!

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I really enjoyed this book. I typically don't chose or seek out books that involve God or religious themes. However, in this book it fit the book. Not heavy handed or too much. There were difficult themes in this book (illness, suicide, adultery), but it wasn't a "heavy" book or a depressing book. I recommend this book.

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Where Hope Begins is everything that I love in a summer reading. From the very beginning to the last page, Ms West keeps you entranced with the characters. This is an exceptionally easy read that keeps you guessing until the end. I would highly recommend it.

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First time reader of Catherine West and this book was probably one of the best books I have ever read. It tells a tale of a marriage in the rocks, it tells a story of heartbreak, and it tells a story of redemption. Its filled with real life grief, what it truly means to be a family and what friendships mean. This is one book that I had a hard time putting down. A great job done by Catherine and I can not wait to find more of her books.

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I read this book in just a few settings and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I truly related to and completely admired Savannah. The author has a wonderful way of covering the range of emotions you would really experience during several stressful life changing situations. The way the story was told was like we were right there watching over Savannah, Kevin, Brock, Clarice, Maysie, Zoe, Adam and Mitch. Some of the heated conversations were spot on, you could envision exactly the way the excuses were given for placing blame on someone else for your own despicable behavior.
The story is written so well, you feel love, loss, death, life, kindness, hope, caring, faith, and especially forgiveness. It really makes you think about your own life and have you given of yourself enough to truly forgive someone. Life doesn’t always work out the way you had expected, so you have to learn to live with and overcome the unexpected, prayers and listening work wonders. And yes, it is sometimes harder to forgive and go for the second chance.
The ending was so appropriate. I laughed, I cried and I really didn’t like Kevin a lot of the time.
I give this 5*****’s and I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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A great plot with wonderful characters, and if that were it I’d have given 5 stars. But there was too much heavy preaching going on, and it rubbed me the wrong way.

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What starts out as an utterly heartbreaking read shows us there is hope at the end. This book focuses on some dark things: Mental illness, Divorce etc. it's shown that in the darkest of times we can find light if we don;t give up. We can find it in the most unexpected of places.

This story is very much character driven. We see these people grow not only as Christians but as a person as well. The writing in this book blew me away. Such dark themes were handled well and not glamorized nor made to be something its not.

This book is absolutely beautiful and had me shedding tears throughout it. Don't get me wrong its a great book but i ugly cried reading it. Catherine has been added to my authors to watch for list as this book is quickly climbing its way to my favorites of 2018.

Overall I say this book would be great in a book club. I think the themes in this book can be good lesson points and topics to discuss as they are not discussed enough. Much less as Christians how we handle them. Great study material and thought provoking read!

5/5 Stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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‘Where Hope Begins’ by Catherine West is a wonderful novel. This is my first novel by Ms. West. I read this book in one sitting. I found that once I started reading this book it was very hard to stop. This story centers around one family and their history and how it impacts their future. The book deals with very difficult issues many of which are heartbreaking. I usually don’t cry during a book but for this one I needed the tissues. The book had me emotionally invested almost right away.

Ms. West develops very believable characters. Her writing is very easy reading while discussing real life, hard subjects. She writes with honesty, humor, grace and healing.

Well done Ms. West, you have a new fan.

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Excellent and emotional story! Catherine West has once again crafted believable characters and placed them in an unimaginable scenario. I’m falling in love with her writing style and look forward to more from West!

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If you’ve read any of the conversations about Catherine West’s May release anywhere online, you’ve probably read phrases like “keep tissues near” or “ugly cry.” I just want to reiterate this because in Where Hope Begins, West writes about some of the ugliness of this life.

She doesn’t avoid difficult topics (which include broken marriages, suicide, adultery, and more). Readers are thrown into the trenches of life with the Barrington family. The way past events affected each member, the way they deal (or don’t deal) with their grief.

Yet through all of the messiness, West remains true to the difficulties many people face daily. There are tears, there are anger and remorse, there’s the difficulty of forgiving those who hurt you, there is even a little healing and laughter in the mix.

The beauty of this book is the healing that takes place in this family. The way they rally when one of them is in trouble. The way they begin to talk to each other instead of holding everything inside.

A stunning picture of God’s grace in a hurting and devastated world, Where Hope Begins has shot to the top of my must-read books for anyone and everyone who feels alone, forgotten, unseen, or disappointed.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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This book discussed how to find faith amidst hurt and loss, how to find hope in the darkness, and how fate can truly allow for the crossing of some people’s paths. This was easily one of the best books I have ever read. It was one of those rare books you seldomly come across where you find yourself completely wrapped up in it all: the characters, the story, the setting.. all of it. One of those books where you’re truly mourning over the final page while trying to come to terms that it’s actually over. Nothing I write will give this book the credit it deserves. I feel inadequate of even summarizing this book in fear of butchering its beauty. I finished Where Hope Begins in less than 24 hours (oops) and the ONLY problem with this book is that I read it too fast. I want to punch myself in the face for not reading it slower and savoring this book just a little longer. Ugh. This was a good one ya’ll. Now go and read it.. read it and weep (literally)! Thank you so much Netgalley, Catherine West, and Thomas Nelson Publishing!!

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WHERE HOPE BEGINS is my first book by Catherine West and definitely not my last. With warmth and wisdom, Ms. West, creates a richly emotional story about a woman, Savannah, who is blindsided by her husband of 21 years, the death of a daughter and her children leaving home. Kevin commits Adultry and wants a divorce. She just can’t stay in their home so she goes to the lake house hoping to heal. She meets Clarissa, a woman with visions, Brock, Savannah’s favorite Author and his daughter, Maysie, who is adorable and reminds Savannah of her daughter, Shelby. When Kevin wants her back can Savannah forgive and forget? I wasn’t sure she could. I really liked the story. It was very emotional: I cried, I laughed, I smiled while always hoping for a happy ending. I didn’t want the story to end yet I couldn’t stop turning the pages until the end.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a story of loss and hope. A story of family life marred by tragedy. This is a powerful book where one ends up with the characters with all their flaws ,doubts regrets and their dreams for a better future.
This is also a book based on faith lost and found. I really loved this book she is such a beautiful writer and one keeps on thinking of the characters long after the book has been read. You must read this book !

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Where Hope Begins
By Catherine West
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley/opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Such a powerful book!
“Where Hope Begins” is a hope filled story that grabs you so hard, you can’t stop reading...literally nothing can stop you from reading it to the end. This story has so much going on! I laughed, I cried and cried some more.
If you aren’t comfortable reading a book containing references to God, faith, adultly, suicide, loss of a child, family drama and heartbreak, this isn’t the book for you. I loved it!
*Gentle warning: a box of Kleenex should be kept on hand while reading this book.

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I generally avoid books with a religious theme but was drawn to Where Hope Begins and am glad I read it. It is not a preachy, in your face novel but one that gentles maintains the hope that can be found in God. The novel covers topics of suicide, betrayal and imminent death in heartfelt tones while still imparting the pain that was caused or will be caused by each event. The religious side of the events is not written in an in your face, believe it or not, your choice manner but in one that is credible and believable. The story itself is very well written, conveying the myriad of emotions that each character feels and expressed in a realistic, sometimes heart wrenching manner. It is a book well worth reading.

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This is one of those books in which you see the author’s heart stamped on every page.
Catherine compassionately and purposefully tackles difficult situations sowing a story that will bring us to tears and joy as reconciliation and grace find firm foundation in love.

Life many times takes us by surprise and leaving of bereft, fighting to regain our sense of normal. The scars might not all be shown at once and as time passes we might find life more and more challenging. Nevertheless, "the things worth having are the ones we have to fight the hardest for". I believe independently of our personal journey, as similar or not to the outcomes of this story, there is much to take from it. When we get to the point of learning how stubborn hope is, we might jus appreciate the chance to begin again.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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I'm sorry this book wasn't for me. I didn't realize that it's classified as 'Christian' fiction. There was just a little too much of it throughout the book for me. From the start, I could not find myself engaged with any of the characters. Perhaps because the breakup of the marriage happened previous to the start of the book - either way, I was not interested in Savannah, nor the rebuilding of her life. The first part of the book flew by as if in a time warp.. Husband moves out, son goes back to school, Savannah moves to the family cottage and suddenly meets people and a potential love interest? Just too fast for my taste.

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