Hope Lies Ahead

Hope Lies Ahead is the story of Geoff, who became addicted to drugs as a teenager, and his parents, who never gave up and constantly prayed for their son. It’s also the story of how God is always waiting for us to come home, just as the father waited for the prodigal son in the Bible.

The book chapters alternate between Geoff and his Dad James as they relay the story of a young man deeply addicted to opiates and then heroin, and parents who were desperate to help him. But ultimately it is the story of a loving God who is waiting with acceptance, healing, and a plan for your life.

If you’ve ever been a prodigal, the family member of a prodigal, or if you’ve ever struggled with sin or hopelessness, this book can help you. It is an inspirational story of how God is there for us in the darkest of times.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

Life is all about relationships...and the process of parenting a perfect example of just how important that connection is when it comes to the challenging dynamics of family life. God is also an integral part of those relationships when we allow Him to be, particularly when we deal with struggles much larger than our capacity.

This story perfectly addresses relational challenges within a family whose loved one has turned from the values they hold dear...awakening fear, despair, struggle, and the raw emotions only a parent can feel. If you are in a similar position, trying to deal with a "prodigal" who needs a journey home, you will discover in this powerful discourse between father and son that hope does indeed lie ahead. Honest, poignant, and transparent...all elements sure to engage readers; all elements to inspire a transformation of lives off course.

Hope Lies Ahead
by James Banks and Geoffrey Banks

This well written book provides a fresh, honest look at a heartbreaking family situation. The perspectives of father and son are provided in alternating, easy to follow fashion. Centering on addiction struggles the story can easily apply to any family that has experienced separation and heartbreak-no matter the circumstances. I found Geoff's story enlightening as he shares his life from experimenting to complete addiction. The parental perspective provided “the other side of the story" realistically.
As a believer, I found the scripture references fitting and uplifting. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone, whether you have experienced the prodigal child or not. The story stands as a great reminder that relationships are the most important aspect of our lives, especially our relationship with God, our Father and Creator. Five stars!

This book was very easy to read taking me less than 24 hours which included time to look up the scripture references, cry, pray and keep going. The format was very enlightening to get dad’s perspective and then to get the son’s side of the story. Reading the emotions, struggles, prayers and praise from both sides makes a powerful statement of a real problem facing families in this day and time. I’m so thankful that you both had the opportunity to tell your story.

What an amazing help this book was for me! I read this book for personal gain instead of to give feedback but it touched me so much that I had to thank you. I am a mom of a prodigal daughter and I have gone through much of the ups and downs of praying for her for 16 years with no results that I know of. This book has been encouraging for me and helped me to regain my strength to pray. My prodigal is not substance related but the struggle has been much the same as you have described.

Thank you to Our Daily Bread for allowing me to read this advanced copy for my honest feedback.

Hope Lies Ahead by James Banks and Geoffrey Banks is a story about substance abuse in a family . The narrative goes back and forth between the father and the addicted son. I thought that this novel was very realistic . It was interesting and informative when explaining what substance abuse does to the addict and the entire family. The father is a pastor and there is a definite theme of Jesus and overall Christianity in the novel. Substance abuse can happen to any family and this novel illustrates this . I enjoyed reading this novel and I am sure that you will not be disappointed. I received this novel from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Geoff was a pastor’s kid who spent his early years enjoying his years in school and church - until he hit middle school when he tried to please his peers.
His mom and dad watched him playing a game of lacrosse and all seemed well, yet later that week they got a call saying he had been caught with a bag of prescription meds, which he said he was holding for a friend.
He refused to rat on his friend, and he ended up in trouble and was suspended from school. His parents tried to keep a closer eye on his friends and activities, and they tried to reason with him and tell him that he wasn’t a loser, and only losers did drugs and got in trouble.
Geoff wasn’t listening, he was attracted to the “ high” he felt when he used drugs. Geoff felt like he was misunderstood, people judged him for his behavior, instead of feeling bad for the ignorant mistakes he had made.
Geoff tried to attend school and please his parents, but the pull of drugs and bad friendships. His parents tried to help him by sending him to treatment centers, but he always relapsed.
Who would win?.......

Nice book for parents or any family dealing with addictions . It gives the perspective from the parent and the teenager who is of course now an adult. They both tell of their struggles/point of view in dealing with the son's addiction. They describe how with continued prayer God helped them through to have a good relationship and how he now has control and freedom from his addictions. It is great that he is able to help others.
I received this book as a complimentary copy and under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

James Banks and his son, Geoffrey share a memoir of Geoffrey's descent into drug abuse from both the parents' viewpoint and the son's. I loved the look at what each was feeling during different points of time.. It was very enlightening to see both of their thoughts and actions at various points during the journey. It was especially encouraging to me to see the power of prayer by parents for their son and also how they continued to have a relationship with him, even during the lowest points of Geoffrey's life
This book is extremely well written and engaging. This book was just what this mother of a prodigal needed! I encourage this book to be read by not only parents who have prodigal children or with substance abuse, but also by pastors, Christian counselors or others who are concerned about how to help parents and their adult children.

Powerful, heartbreaking, shocking, inspirational, are just a few words that come to mind as I write this review. Hope Lies Ahead is a story of a family struggling with their son's/brother's addiction to heroin and opiates .This is not just another book on addiction. What is different and unique is how well it is written and how by alternating chapters, James and Geof share their stories. Throughout the book you can feel the frustration and despair of the parents and Geof at the many failed attempts at rehab. Inspirational in that through it all there was hope, faith,prayer and GOD. A eye opening experience for me and a definite five star review.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. A father-son joint effort, this tells their story. A son who became a heroin addict while still a teenager, and the parents who never gave up hope of a better life for him. Told from the both perspectives, this is a heart wrenching testimony of the ups and downs of addiction. I found myself crying as I read of the depths of bondage Geoff, the son, was in as well as the heart ache of his parents. And then I found myself crying tears of joy and praise at God’s care through those deeply dark times. This is not a book that uses religious jargon, but deals with the destruction that comes from bondage in a very straightforward way. God is glorified as they share their story of the hard fought battle. Whether or not you have a child who is a “prodigal” or a loved one caught in the strangle hold of addiction, I highly recommend this book. #ourdailybreadpublishing #goodreads #netgalley

Hope Lies Ahead by James Banks and Geoffrey Banks is a fascinating story between a father and son of their unflinching relationships and faith in almighty despite grave adversities in their Life. It shows how unconditionally our parents love us despite all our handicaps and wrongdoings and never give up on us, no matter what. The book highlights about drug and substance abuse by the young Geoff and how it engulfs the whole family and distresses them. It talks about age gap between generations, weightage of expectations, frustrations, outburst and finally acceptance with redemption. The book deeply introspect the mistakes, struggles, indulgences, and crimes that engulfs the misguided youth at times. It reflects how undaunted love, bonded relationships, constant efforts and deep faith in God help the duo tide over turbulent times. I congratulate James and Geoffrey Banks for transparently penning from the heart. Hope Lies Ahead is truly inspiring and worth recommending. #HopeLiesAhead#NetGalley

An insightful narrative written from two viewpoints, a father and a son. Initially, my expectations were for the book to be a 'how-to' manual rather than a testimonial. I do find the book to be a true and sincere telling of a relationship that people can connect with, including myself.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7:8”
This was a moving account of a prodigal from the Father and sons perspective and I couldn’t wait to read this. It was very good and I read it in one day!
I’m grateful that the authors took the risk and wrote about it. It’s a testimony that needs to be told. I needed to hear it, because sometimes I’m “clinging to God in the darkness”.
I long to talk and cry and share my story with people. Even if it’s messy.
I highly recommend this book for those of us that continue to pray for our prodigals. I’m glad I’m not alone in this.
This was a NETGALLEY gift from the publisher and all opinions are my own. Thank you for reading my review.

My husband and I have walked the prodigal parent path. Thankfully not the path of addiction, but estrangement, tragic behavior, and life-altering consequences. Our prodigal has come home, but all around us are friends who are now on that journey. I chose to read "Hope Lies Ahead" because I want to instill hope in their hurting hearts. I hoped the book would give them a lifeline to hold onto, promises to claim, and a miracle story. I wasn't disappointed.

I appreciated reading both points of view, the parents' and the prodigal's, because it helped enlighten me to what might be going on in a prodigal's mind and heart. I also appreciated James' (the dad's) transparency and willingness to share what was going on in his own heart and spiritual life. Both were enlightening and helpful. One of my favorite parts of the book were these words from Geoff:

"Sometimes, the only difference I see between me and many of my friends who didn’t make it is the fact that I had praying parents at home who never gave up on me. Even when I disappointed them, lied to them, and stole from them—they never abandoned me. Parents who pray for their prodigals give them an amazing gift, and they receive new strength themselves. "

Thank you, James and Geoff, for sharing your story.

I started reading this book mainly because I have read “Prayers for Prodigals”. It was a hard, honest account of a journey from addiction to wellness and all that the family and addict go through. I think it would give hope and insight to any one who is going through this personally or with a loved one.

Excellent book that deals with a very hard topic. I could relate and I'm sorry to say many people have walked this road with various outcomes. Thank you for the casserole!

This is a must for anyone with a family member in crisis, or who's been a prodigal. The book is written in alternating chapters by Father and Son who are now on the other side of some serious struggles. The best wisdom for anyone comes from someone who has been there, done that, and survived. I'm thankful these two are willing to share honestly and openly about their process and their mindset not just looking back, but as they were going through terrible experiences.
I feel like I have a significant insight into how to pray for and help, people who are struggling, and a better idea of "what not to do". I"ve never been where the son in this story was. And although I"m not a parent, many times I have found myself looking at others more from the father's perspective - unable to comprehend how a friend or family member could possibly get themselves in the situation they have. The chapters from Geoff's perspective opened my eyes to a lot of things about how what we may consider obvious advice and appropriate counsel are actually received by someone at rock bottom. Geoff is very honest about how he wishes people would have treated him and how he perceived even things like efforts to pray for him, efforts he knew were being made in love but couldn't accept.
I recommend this book for anyone with a friend or family member struggling with a self-destructive cycle. Whether it's drugs and alcohol, mental health issues, or just turning their back on God. There's insight here for a multitude of situations.

Hope lies ahead is an excellent book that deals with a hard topic. Its a wonderful well written story. I truly enjoyed reading both points of view from father and son.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are of my own. Thank you NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for letting me read this story.

In "Hope Lies Ahead," pastor and author James Banks and his son Geoff Banks share their story of redemption. Each man writes from his perspective with the intent of offering hope to parents and their prodigals. No matter what a prodigal goes through - addiction, turning from faith, worldly pursuits - parents can find encouragement to pray deeply, love generously, and cling to God for comfort, healing, and restoration during the difficult journey.

I can attest that I found hope and comfort in this book. Some encouragement:
"Don't be an older brother." Read the story gently and with grace.
Hindsight is 20-20. It's easy to question parenting decisions or look for someone to blame. Jesus discussed the past as "a reference to something that God can redeem. Hope lies ahead."
Refuse to judge a prodigal. "There are a myriad of false satisfactions int he world." "In reality, we all have the same need for love, and we all spend time trying to fill it with deficient things."
"That's my boy/girl" - Identify with the child who has strayed or erred during his/her times of weakness, not just when they are performing well. Love, compassion and mercy allow us to point the way out of the pit and affirm our loved one. It's also what Jesus would do, demonstrates His love and character, and shows us and others what it means to follow Jesus.
Spend time with prodigal. Play, cook, watch TV, engage. Stop preaching and correcting all the time. Preserve the relationship!
"One of the upsides of the challenges we were facing with Geoff was that they forced us to try to live increasingly in the moment with God."
"Prayer and helplessness are inseparable. Only those who are truly helpless can truly pray." Ole Hallesby
"[S]ee our son through a larger lens than his addiction. His addiction didn't define him - he was so much more than that."
"'Wait,' I told her. I had begun to learn that reacting in the moment rarely got us where we needed to be. 'Let's pray and see if there's another way out of this.'"

The alternating perspectives can be confusing at times. Be prepared for backtracking since one author tells his side of the incident and then the other author tells the same story but from his perspective.
Anyone who is praying for a prodigal - or wants to understand prodigals and their families - will benefit from reading this book.

This has been a very emotional book to read. I appreciate how transparent the authors’ have been in sharing their story. Most of us are familiar with the story of the prodigal son. The story hit home for me in several ways as the authors’ began to share their journey. Growing up in a house where my dad was a preacher we were always judged by others in the church. We seemed to be held more accountable than others and were always watched by members of the church. My father was all about appearances and any secrets going on in our family were never revealed. I pray that this book will touch many lives and set them free.
I loved how this family was open and received great counsel from their church. They had prayer warriors surrounding them which helped them during their difficult journey with their son. Geoff began to spiral out as he found himself deeper into drugs. He addiction was so severe that at times his parents were at a loss of what to do. The pain that Geoff went through was so heartbreaking and I could feel his hopelessness. It is easier for people to have sympathy when someone has cancer or other recognized medical condition. When someone deals with addiction, they shun them and toss them aside.
The rollercoaster ride the family went through was difficult and eye opening at the same time. Geoff wanted to be accepted but felt the only way he could accomplish that was to get high and hang around people like himself. As parents we want to protect our children, but sometimes we have to give it to God. It was nice to read how God was changing not only Geoff but his parents as well. In a crisis we need to stand together as a family. As the addiction became worse, so did the communication between husband and wife. At sone point I’m sure they wanted to give up, but instead they dug in deeper and surrendered everything to God. A situation may look hopeless, but God is in the hope business. He wants to strengthen our faith, hope and endurance.
The book is one I think everyone should read. It shares the struggles of an addict and his road back to God and his family. It is an honest look at how devastating addiction can be and the consequences it has on not only the addict but the family as well. Forgiveness and grace is the key to helping those who feel rejected and a failure. Geoff needed his family to not give up on him. What he realized was that he was not alone in his journey. God was guiding him and watching over him. His parents in their darkest moments knew they had to forgive their son and welcome him home with unconditional love.
I encourage readers to share this book with others and ask a God how you can help those who feel lost and about to give up. Addiction is an illness and without help it can destroy lives. I want to thank the authors’ for sharing their story and allowing God to use their story to impact others. Through our test comes our testimony.
“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us,” Luke 11:4.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

What an amazing book and what an amazing testimony.
I almost didn’t sign-up to review this book because I didn’t think I would get anything out of it because I’m not dealing with a prodigal child. I am so glad I changed my mind.
The father-son story can speak to anyone’s heart, no matter where you are at. If you have children this will be a wake up call that even good kids can get sucked into bad situations. My own son is in 8th grade, which is the grade Geoff fell into drugs. I just can’t even imagine my son doing those things, he seems so young, but obviously it happens. And as a teacher I wonder how many of my students are dealing with this.
As someone who has walked out of my own “addiction” this book reminded me of all God has rescued me from. My addiction wasn’t drugs, it was pride and lust but I see some similarities. Our brains become wired to our addictions, for me it was a way to think and feel.
I also appreciated Geoff’s honesty that he has had to fight the temptation even after being free for many years. I think many people will relate to this, I know I did.
I recommend this book for anyone, because it might be you, it might your child or another family member who this relates to and you will be encouraged to read this testimony.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team.

This book is a sequel to the book Prayers for Prodigals.

The prodigal in this story is a son who is a drug addict. The book is written by the father and son together which tells you that the prayers offered in the first book were helpful in this situation.


There were two statements in particular that I found very thought provoking:

"God still had ways of showing himself faithful. He was teaching us that the purpose of prayer isn't first about asking and receiving, it's about keeping company with Him. God himself is the best answer to prayer."

"Comfort comes as we wait WITH Jesuse. If we wait FOR Him, our eyes are continually on our circumstances, and we find little strength there. But if we wait WITH Him in our longing for our loved ones to turn to Him, and turn our worries into prayer, He will show us that He is more than enough."

While I can't recommend this book to everyone, it may very well be of comfort to someone who is in a similar situation. But I would advise getting Prayers for Prodigals to read along with it.

Sometimes, you don’t know you need a book. It can be difficult to read about stories that are similar to your own. But the stories are so prevalent and so well-written, you find you can’t turn them away.

James and Geoff’s story is one of those that I didn’t know I needed until I’d already picked up the book. Their storytelling is of their own journey through Geoff’s heroin addiction and the hope and prayer spent on bringing a prodigal home.

I won’t say it was an easy book to read. Reading about addiction should never be easy. I will say it opened my eyes to the answers on a few questions I have asked myself over the years. I applaud these men for having the courage to put their story out into the world.

It’s been a great help to me, and it’s one I will come back to when I feel discouraged.

( received complimentary copy in exchange for review ) While not a parent myself, I read this as a prodigal. Having walked away from God a time .. or two .. or three .. if I'm honest. Found myself within the book in many parts, and, personally being not entirely ready to deal with myself, I found myself reading thru this faster than I would have like. However, it it not that I didn't enjoy or benefit from this read. Quite the opposite, I have added this to my re-read list, and will be treating it as a book study very soon. I do recommend this book as a valuable source of hope.

Such a hard topic but such a needed topic. As a counselor I found so much information here that I feel can be shared with parents of
Prodigal children along with individual people. I will be recommending it to others.
I liked the story from two different perspectives.
I received an advanced copy and this is my own opinion.

This is a true story of addiction and how one family deals with it. James, the father and Geof, son and addict tell their story in their own words. Both do not sugar coat anything. Each chapter both are telling of the situation and how both see and react to each other and the situation. James is a pastor and never felt he would be dealing with a son addicted to opioids. Geoff was the pastor's son that people looked up to and thought couldn't do anything wrong. He tells how he was finally kicked out of his parents house, moved in with his sister, stole from her, kicked out, was in and out of jail, in and out of rehab, and so much more. James and his wife Cari, share how they kept being praying parents and someday they knew God would come into Geoff's life again. Does God come into the life? Does God work all things for good, or is this an ending that no one saw coming?





I would recommend this book to anyone going through an addiction, either themselves or a loved on. This book is so true it doesn't hold back and gives you both sides of the story. It shows that everyone involved is held accountable and how you can pray, keep faith strong and have hope. I loved the chapter that when a counselor is telling James about addition: "When you are a parent of an addict, it's hard for others to understand. If your child was sick or had another problem, people would bring meals to your door and listen sympathetically. But when your child is an addict you don't get a casserole." This is so true, and I never thought of it that way.... how much society writes off the addict and is not willing to meet them where they are. People tell the addict it is your choice, you did this to yourself..... This book makes you feel differently about this issue and will make you see both sides. Great book of truth and above all GOD!! I read this from cover to cover and couldn't put it down. So inspiring and will give hope to anyone that is dealing with this issue.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

I loved this book! I couldn't put it down and while reading through it I found myself ordering copies for friends I knew needed to read it as well. The story of this father and son is heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. This isn't just a book for parents or parents of prodigals. Everyone should be read this book, I found myself relating to both father and son in different moments.
If you are looking for a story of hope and redemption. If you are worried and praying for your child. If you are feeling far from God. This is the book you want to order right now. I will refer to this book often. I recommend this vulnerable and honest book about addiction and recovery for every church, therapist and treatment center. Put this in your library and refer every family to it!

An early copy of this book was made available to me by the publisher through netgalley. This is my honest review.

Told from the alternating viewpoints of the father James and the son Geoff, this is a book of encouragement for Christian parents who have a prodigal member of their family. A prodigal is one who walks away from the truth and seeks their place in the world of drugs or other addictions. I really enjoyed the alternating viewpoints since it let me see clearly how the parent and the child were feeling and how the struggle to create a new relationship was real for both of them. This was a very quick read that encouraged me to continue to pray for my family members who have chosen a different path than I would want for them. This is a book that truly offers hope and inspiration to all who have broken relationships and are attempting to restore them.

I cannot begin to tell how much this book meant to me during this long agonizing wait for my "prodigal" to come home. She still hasn't "come home", but just like the title of this book says, "Hope Lies Ahead". This book is a must read for any parent whose child has gone his own way, breaking the parent's heart. This book is a testimony to what God can do to totally change a life. In this book, the author tells the journey he and his family went through before their son came back to his senses and trusted Jesus. Parents dealing with children with substance abuse problems will find this book extremely helpful. Each chapter tells the events from both the father's and son's point of view. It was invaluable to read the son's journey through his eyes. It helped me realize how my "prodigal" thinks. This book was a source of therapy for me. Any parent who has been through a similar situation feels like he or she is all alone. Pastor James Banks and his son, Geoffrey helped me realize that there are those out there who have been through similar situations.

Hope Lies Ahead is a deeply emotional book about redemption, healing and recovery from substance abuse written by father and son James and Geoff Banks. Each write their personal viewpoint on how they were affected by Geoff's struggle with substance abuse. This was a particularly moving book because James Banks is also a minister who had been compelled to push his son toward God for so many years and had to learn like so many of us to wait on God's timing. It took years of time, patience and most of all the love of his parents to bring Geoff back to his "senses" just as the son in the biblical story of the Prodigal Son.

James Banks shares helpful scriptures and many of the prayers he and his wife Cari had prayed for Geoff over several years. Geoff is candid about what he had gone through and what he realized he had put his family and friends through. They are relentlessly honest and open about the various incidences Geoff went through how his parents responded to him each time. There was no holding back from either of them.

It is a difficult task to put one's struggles on paper and then share it with the world. Their ultimate goal is to help other families who have a child struggling with substance abuse. The shared writing of this book brought a stronger sense of healing to the Banks family. I find that this book would also be helpful for spouses as well who are coping with similar circumstances. It's a worthy read for any family member, spouse, or friend concerned about a loved who is wrestling with the demons of substance abuse.

Hope Lies Ahead: Encouragement for Parents of Prodigals from a Family That's Been There is the follow up to James Banks’ Prayers for Prodigals. In Hope Lies Ahead, Mr. Banks writes about his journey as a parent with his prodigal son, Geoff. Geoff also contributes to the book as he writes about his side of events as well as his thoughts and feelings as he descended into drug use, his struggle to recovery and the transformation his life has taken now. Each chapter is a conversation with James providing the parental perspective and Geoff providing the prodigal perspective. Their goal for the book is to show all their faults, struggles and successes to encourage parents and prodigals who deal with the same faults, struggles and look forward to their own successes. It is also their goal to encourage churches to open their doors and arms, to become a place that people can truly be honest about their struggles, without judgement, for prayers, love, and support.
From the very beginning, Hope Lies Ahead is brutally honest. Misters Banks open their hearts and laying everything on the table to show what they went through and how they battled to achieve the recovery that live today. Not just Geoff’s recovery from drug abuse but their own relationship as father and son recovered to be in a better place than it had ever before. Geoff at one point said, “My father was so concerned with getting me to God that he forgot to maintain our relationship.” Hope Lies Ahead is a great heartfelt look into one family’s battle with addiction. One side are the parents, desperate to help their child and on the other side is the child whose addiction takes him to the very depths. Only through prayer, faith, and determination is that child alive and well today. I highly recommend Hope Lies Ahead!

Hope Lies Ahead:
Encouragement for Parents of Prodigals from a Family That's Been There
is available in paperback and eBook

James and Geoffrey Banks share their story as father and son going through a prodigal situation. They speak openly about their struggles as Geoffrey battles his addiction to drugs. Through it all, James holds on to his faith and gives the situation to God. Many times, both father and son question the outcomes of bad situations. Is God really there? Does He even care what is happening in their lives?

I enjoyed their story because it was so open and honest. Many times parents want to give up on their children because of their actions. This story gives hopes and understanding to a subject that many people are facing.

This book brings about some of my greatest fears as a mother. We have some children that we’ve adopted which leads to several special situations. For us, that means knowing that there are some things that are out of our control. Our children struggle with RAD. It affects so much and makes me fear for what will happen somedays. But then I remind myself that God is in control, not me.

Hope Lies Ahead tells us a true story of one family with a son who becomes a prodigal. But praise God he comes back! I found this story inspirational and full of good advice for parents. Because I truly think we will have some prodigal moments with some of our children this is a book that I will keep on our shelf to pull off as I need it.

I recommend this book. Truly, all parents should have a copy. It really helps with what to pray for our children even as they are young. I think it also offers some great advice for parenting whether you’re dealing with a prodigal or not.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

For any parent who has had a prodigal, or for parents in general, Hope Lies Ahead is both heart-wrenching and encouraging. Though I have not experienced the exact same situation, I have desperately cried out to God many times on behalf of my children who seemed "a far way off" from God. I appreciated both the honesty and the vulnerability of both authors, the father and the son, as they told their story of addiction from two perspectives. Many times while reading this book, tears were streaming down my face as I could empathize with the pain and frustration of seemingly unanswered prayers. The authors were able to effectively communicate that in Jesus, there is always hope. I definitely recommend this book to any parent who is struggling.

Honest and heartbreaking story of how unpredictable addiction can be and how tragic. I gained a better understanding of why addicts make the choices they do and I fell in love with the family that never stopped loving and praying and trying. Sometimes we look at the drug addict on the street and it's easy to roll our eyes and blame. But when you get inside this family's struggle you realize that every addict has a family and a home life, that choices aren't always easy, that what you think should work doesn't always work and that family is family regardless. This book will be a great help to other parents struggling to figure out what they did wrong, why they can't fix their child and why God would allow such a struggle.

This book was excellent! I can't image what it would of been like to be in the parents shoes as you watch your child spin out of control. I love that this book has a message of hope for those parents!

Hope Lies Ahead is a wonderful book for any parent to read. There are so many reminders for parents about praying for our kids and how to love our kids no matter what. There are so many quotes from the book that I absolutely love. As a mom of 5 kids, I totally enjoyed this book. I even read his book "Prayers for Prodigals" too. "Hope Lies ahead because God doesn't look backwards." "The Good Shepherds' goodness and love follows us all the days of our life and can take what the enemy has twisted and bend back to a blessing." "There is beauty in the ups and downs!" "The enemy is probing for our weakness."

This book is told by a father and son and each of their perspectives are told. It is about so much more than addiction! One of the quotes from the book that is so true is that "sometimes praying doesn't change our situations but changes our perspective". I so often think that as parents we pray for the problem to disappear when God can use any of our problems and as stated in the book "God wastes nothing". James does an excellent job telling their story and the ups and downs. I think as a parent it is easy to let anger, pride, and possible embarrassment creep into our parenting that we don't always respond the way we should. James states how he and his wife began to see God work on their heart throughout the process. God doesn't change throughout the process but our heart posture, identity in Christ, and life can change when we wait with God and not for God. Geoffrey tells an excellent, honest story to. One of the things he talks about is that he wished his parents weren't so concerned about getting him to God that they forgot about their relationship.

This book made me stop and think. God loves us so much and desires for us to be in relationship with Him. So many of our struggles are controlled by our mind and the access we give the enemy. I recommended that everyone should read this wonderful book. I love the story about when they run into a judge that had Geoffrey in court and his response was "he'll have a story to tell one day, he's just working on his testimony." We all are working on our testimony and will have a story to share one day. What will yours look like?

Thank you NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I picked up this book because I currently have a prodigal. I needed some encouragement and hope in our situation. What a beautiful testimony in this book! I appreciate the honesty, openness, and dependence on God in seeming impossible circumstances. I would recommend this book to anyone to read, even if they've never experienced the pain of having a prodigal. Anyone can glean how to best support families who are going through this, and get encouragement from the scriptures. Highly recommended.

This is an interesting and emotional read. I love the way the chapters are split with the viewpoint of dad, James, and then the son, Geoff. They each share about life as the parent of an addict or the person who is the addict. And each point of view is important to know. While I can imagine life as a part of a child who suffers with an addiction (by the grace of God I haven’t had to experience that), I had no idea the physical, psychological, and mental challenges a person with addictions faces. If you are a parent of a prodigal, a person who is a prodigal, deal with prodigals, or know someone who does, this is a must read for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.