Life After by Katie Ganshert. Thought provoking, melancholy, story about survivors of the victims of a tragic event. Not an easy read but worth the tears.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

Wow. I’m not sure how to write a review about this book. It’s superbly written. The story can only be described as gripping and enthralling. It has such a connection with our society today. It grapples with some deep faith questions, and leaves you with a deep sense of God’s unending, overwhelming love for us. The characters seem like people you would know. I’ll be thinking about this story for a long time. It’s given a personal face to all those families who suffer after the tragic death of a loved one through accidental death or terrorism. I’m not sure how Katie Ganshert wrote this heart-rending story, and infused it with such hope, but she did. Don’t miss this one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

How would you feel if you were the only survivor in an accident that killed
22 other people ? Autumn Manning was the only survivor in a train accident; before the accident she got on the train with a box and then she speaks with an older man who wore a John Deere cap, she notices a young girl with a butterfly tattoo, a young businessman with a laptop, a young Latino boy wearing earbuds, and a stressed young woman with a child. Then she sees an explosion of heat, shattered windows, and metal is twisted, and she wakes up in bed remembering being pulled out of a fire and having tubes all over her body , but she can’t stop remembering the victims and the accident - it was if she had died along with the victims.
Paul Elliot was the husband of one of the victims,his wife Vivian had been killed in the train bombing, and he was left alone to raise Reese, 12, and Tate, 7. Reese had not been acting normally, she was starting to be unaccountably rude and then she had been caught shoplifting! The day of the shoplifting Reece had run away from home, Paul had called the police and then she showed up at Autumn’s house, and Autumn called Paul to come and pick her up. Autumn told Paul that Reese had been writing her letters in which she shared her grief and her confusion after her mother’s death.
You will have to read the story for yourself to find out what happens to Autumn, Reese, and the rest of the survivors, you will find yourself wondering about the people’s lives that you hear about in a tragedy and you will see them as individuals, and not as numbers!

All of Katie Ganshert's books are tear jerkers. Life After deals with grief and the "why me" and guilt of surviving when no one else does. The heroine of this book is the lone survivor of a train explosion and as she is dealing with her grief she meets a man and his children who lost their wife/mother in the explosion. As their lives cross paths that start the healing process together. Throughout the story the focus is on God and trusting Him to get through. This story could be ripped from front page headlines. I would highly recommend this book and all of Katie Ganshert's.

I cried. I had to get up and walk around a few times because my eyes were too watery and I couldn't see the page. Admittedly I can be an emotional person in general when I read, but this one was tough for me. My heart broke for the characters. Katie Ganshert painted such a realistic picture that I felt like I was a real part of it. I can't imagine losing my spouse/sibling/parent because of a bomb. I also can't imagine what I would feel like if I was on the train and the sole survivor. The survivor's guilt that Autumn struggled with throughout the story was very raw and heartrending. It crippled her from being able to live the life she once led.

I really liked how the author developed the relationship between Autumn and the Elliott family. She started out wanting to help a 12-year-old girl (Reese) mourning the death of her mother but ended up touching the lives of the whole little family. I won't share too much detail to prevent spoiling, but I will say that it was "the little things" that slowly help the family (and Autumn) to heal, and some of those "little things" are exactly what brought tears to my eyes!

One thing that added to the emotion was the filming of the tribute to honor those who perished in the explosion. Autumn wasn't only struggling with survivor's guilt, but the guilt that she doesn't remember what happened on that day or remember everyone on the train with her. She wants them to be remembered. It's with pushing from both Reese and one of her sisters that Autumn sets out to make the tribute happen. The memories shared by the family members made it all seem so real. My particular favorite story was Lazarus as shared by his wife. They had been married for 65 years and shared many loving memories together.

I am not afraid to cry while reading a book. To me, a good book is one that can make me feel something. Whether I am laughing, crying, gasping in shock, whatever it may be, it's more than just words on a page. This story will make you smile and probably cause tears, but it will certainly grip you emotionally. I can't recommend it enough! It's definitely being added to my favorites pile!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to give a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed were mine alone.

This was a moving and emotional story. The author had us thinking beyond those who perish in mass tragedies. What about those who survive? What s their life like after?

This book is breathtakingly beautiful. A love story In the best way! The characters were beautifully flawed and were hurting and this book is perfectly paced for true love. I don’t want to ruin anything or say too much but this book is a must read!!.

Life After by Katie Ganshert
Tragedy on the Tracks, a bomb which exploded on a Chicago train, killed 22 innocent people. Autumn Manning, the sole survivor, can’t seem to move past the accident. After waking up from a coma she receives unsolicited letters from 12 year old Reese Elliott, whose mother died in the bombing. Autumn is very surprised when Reese sends her a pair of diamond earrings owned by her mother. As she seeks to do the right thing and return the diamond earrings, Autumn finds herself in an awkward relationship with deceased Vivian Elliott’s family. It is a relationship that has the potential to heal her or drive her further into guilt.
I thought this book was very well-written. The characters were engaging. The plot was well-paced. The topic was timely. The author left me wanting to read more. I enthusiastically recommend this book. I received a digital copy from the publisher in exchange for this, my honest review.

I LOVED Life After. The first paragraph's diatribe about death had me cringing and I was like, um...maybe not this book, but wow--this novel just blessed my heart. It was oddly cathartic to read.
I loved Katie's writing style. It felt quite unique compared to most author's I've read and I really enjoyed it. The characters were top-notch, seriously. I loved Paul & Autumn's relationship. What a pairing they made.
I felt the healing journey depicted for all the characters was honouring and beautiful--refreshingly not all about that platitude life like most stories that involve loss and grief. I was impressed. Am impressed.

The unravelling mysteries kept me turning the pages, waiting to get around the bend and discover "the thing" and I was shocked and surprised and I loved every minute of it. While a heavier read because it focuses so much on grief following a traumatic event and loss, it was refreshing to read a book on the subject, when so many--even inspirational fiction books just don't "go there"

I was super stoked to get a chance to review this title on NetGalley after I got over my surprise that it was even still available on the site. It was actually released last year but as I was looking for the next book by Ganshert this is what popped up. So I took a look at the premise of WHY (the everlasting gobstopper of a question that always appears when tragedy strikes and we wonder if there is a God up there watching all this unfold) I could not pass up the opportunity to see if there was an answer to WHY.

It was a fantastic story with themes of sinners, deception, truth, survival, rebirth and of course tragedy. The story focuses on Autumn Manning struggling with survivor's guilt a year after the tragedy and her life becomes entwined with a family whose mother/wife was lost in the event. It's full of awkwardness as Autumn tries to understand her own emotions while struggling to seem normal in front of her family and the sudden acquaintance with Paul Elliott's family who is attempting to move on from losing the mother in their family. It turns out there are quite a few secrets to reveal before anyone can really move on, but relationships can blossom or wilt depending on how hard one wants to work at it.

The book was a could-not-put-down type of read and I am really sorry to let these characters go. The Mannings were a big extended family complete with little mewling kids and then there were co-workers and every single one of those characters just fit so well into their role in the novel that I could just gush on and on. The ones left behind - those who are trying to just live a normal life after losing a loved one- they all bore a strong role in the cathartic way the novel pulls you along as you can't help but to root for Autumn while one setback after another tries to thwart her slow recovery.

I was sad when I finished and I thought I was perturbed that the reason 'why' is never answered as far as who caused the train wreck that touched so many lives. But then I figured maybe that was the point. We never really know why. "Maybe it was time to let go of the why and remember the Who."

Life After is one of the most thought-provoking fiction novels I have read recently. This novel focuses on life as we know it and examines the whys of life we all question. I loved how the main character Autumn examines these questions. Many times I have had the same questions on why someone experiences whatever circumstance they are going through at the time and why someone else seems to have it all. After going through her life-changing event, the reader is able to see how Autumn learns to cope with real life and what events change her perspective. Every day we all are faced with choices. We can choose to live our lives to glorify God in all circumstances or we can choose to stay stuck in our circumstances. Ms. Ganshert discusses one of my favorite verses in the Bible, “Jesus wept.” This short verse is profound in its meaning that is applicable to anyone’s life. During any of our circumstances, but especially the difficult ones, God is there to walk through those trials with us. One of my favorite quotes from the book is when she discusses a verse in First Corinthians and states, “Life is hard, and almost always confusing. But one day we’ll see clearly. One day it’ll all make sense.” I highly recommend this book! It was absolutely fantastic. I read it in one sitting it was so great!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, I have purchased her books before.

Wow, a heartbreaking story about a very real topic - survivor's guilt. Autumn, the only survivor of a horrific train bombing cannot seem to get on with her life. This story digs deep into her life and her mindset as she struggles with " why?" Paul's wife died on the train and he also struggles for a very different reason. His twelve year old daughter begins to write Autumn and eventually Paul meets her. Each will work to face the challenges of coming to grips with what has happened. Truths will come alight as they depend heavily on God. Highly recommended!

This is one of the best books I've read this year. The beginning of the story gives you just a glimpse of what has happened and then you are suddenly settling in with the characters several months after the big event.

Katie Ganshert is a very talented author and she's once again done a masterful job of grasping what it would be like to be in this particular situation. Each of the characters have a different perspective and she's done a great job of shifting those perspectives and letting you see how the situation has affected the individual.

There is such depth in tis story. It is the type of book that my book club likes to read and discuss. The situation is complex and seems impossible. But then the light of Christ shines through and changes the impossible to possible. If you're looking for a book that will captivate you from beginning to end . . . choose this one!

Life After by Katie Ganshert deals with emotional and physical suffering in the aftermath of a train wreck in. Chicago where only one person, Autumn, survives. Autumn, whose identity is at first confused with the wife of a man named Paul, becomes linked with Paul via letters his daughter writes to Autumn.
The themes of the book seem to be God's goodness even in the face of tragedy, that truth is important even when it hurts, and that we can learn much through our suffering.

Thought this was a timely book in light of all the horrible things happening in the world. Reading the rawness of the characters who survived-victims and families- was heartbreaking and sobering. Events like this are becoming all too commonplace and the emotions rang true to life, from fear to guilt. "Life After" is not the easiest book to read because of the contact. The depth of the content, even though it's fiction, make readers yearn to enfold the characters in their arms and keep them from further harm. Katie Ganshert has written a remarkable novel about tragedy and what constitutes life...after.

Very good book by Katie Ganshert. This is the first book I have read by her and I felt that I was in the middle of her story. She writes very well and very vividly.

An enjoyable, absorbing, heartfelt story. After having a miss with Katie Ganshert in [book:The Art of Losing Yourself|22822925], I was hesitant to try again; but because of friends' excellent reviews, I decided to give it a try. I'm quite glad I did! The characters were so vivid and so well-drawn. I especially enjoyed seeing the heroine and the victim's daughter bond with each other...though I must say that my favorite scene was the basketball game in the rain!

The main thing I didn't like was the repeated simile of a phoenix from the ashes. It's a mythological creature, and the myth of it isn't exactly compatible with the tenets of Christianity. I understand many people use the symbol now, and have since the times of ancient Egypt, but it was heavily revered and idolized in pagan culture, and not something it seems Christians should compare themselves to.

Thanks to NetGalley for a free review copy.

What an emotional ride. Ms. Ganshert's new book evokes all the emotions. I found myself dreaming about the characters last night, and I know I will be thinking about them for some time. The book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go until I closed it last night. Every character in the book is dealing with raw, hard emotions. They are mainly plagued with grief that seems to encompass every part of their life. The beauty of this book is the hope and healing that occurs as the characters see that their only hope and healing is through Jesus.
The events that happen in the book could happen to anyone of us or our family and friends, which is what makes this book so incredibly real and poignant for today.
This is a must read! I highly recommend it!

Every American thirty years of age or older should be able to relate to Life After, as they recall life after 9/11/2001. Many younger Americans may also be able to relate to life after a number of subsequent national tragedies or life after any personal tragedy. Unfortunately, life means sometimes searching for life after. Fortunately, we have a Lord and Savior who weeps with us and who leads us forward.
One year later, Autumn Manning, the sole survivor of a train bombing that took the lives of twenty-two others in Chicago, has become obsessed with the lives of those left behind as well as the lives cut short. Her family is concerned that she may never find her way out of all that plagues her, but they cannot understand the guilt that is mounting in Autumn’s core. While her family tries their own intervention, they could never imagine the form in which help would arrive.
Katie Ganshert tackles the difficult themes of evil that brings pain and loss to people who have done nothing to bring them upon themselves and coping with false, undeserved guilt. She does so with understanding, compassion, and by helping readers gain a more accurate view of God and a more accurate view of themselves.
Thank you, Waterbrook and NetGalley for providing me a copy of Life After in exchange for my honest opinion, I highly recommend this book.

Oh. My. Goodness. Life After was one of the best novels I have ever read. It grabbed me from the very first sentence. Katie Ganshert starts with an amazingly deep premise that she fully explores, and follows through with deep character development and a page turning plot that never lets up.

I cared deeply for Autumn and Paul and Tate and Reese ~ I wanted to find out what happened in their lives. I enjoyed how the mystery around the life of Paul Elliott's marriage/dead-wife unfolded. And how the author gradually pieced together the hours and days that survivor Autumn Manning could not remember. But the neat thing was that when those mysteries were resolved, the book wrapped up quite nicely, with the reader still wondering "what if" about so many little things in life in general.