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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

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!

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.

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!!

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.

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 !

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Because I know now, this is life. This is what it's all about. This is what we were made for. Living through the pain, the heartache, facing fear and finally...finally...finding the courage to grab hold of grace and savor the chance to begin again."

I finished the book days ago and I'm still reeling from the impact this book has had on me. Talk about a book hangover! This book grabbed my heart and throat from page one and still hasn't let go of either. Catherine West weaves a masterful and heart-wrenching tale from Savannah's first person present tense point of view as she watches Kevin, her husband of twenty-one years, leave their home to start another life with another woman. Wow, Savannah is brutally honest and completely devastated. She definitely does not mince words. Yet even in her hysteria, she can be quite funny and introspective. Much of her past comes out in bits and pieces and self-realization is a long and tough road for Savannah.

What caught me by surprise was the interjection of third-person limited narrative from Brock and Zoe's perspectives. Brock is the reclusive author who lives next door to Savannah's family vacation home and Zoe is Savannah and Kevin's daughter. Surprising as it was, I understood why the author changed the point of views and it made the book richer and more layered. The writing is beautifully lyrical and haunting. The dialogue is witty and wickedly funny at times. And the outpouring of mercy, grace, and hope found even in the main characters' suffering and pain touched my heart deeply. The strong theme of redemption held me up through the tears I shed for all the characters, even Savannah's cheating husband Kevin. The author addresses some tough and painful issues in this book but does it with great sensitivity and tenderness.

The characters are real and engaging. I wanted to hate Kevin but couldn't. I didn't want to love Brock but I did. And I just wanted to hug Savannah and never let her go. Clarice, Brock's great aunt, showed so much wisdom and heart knowledge and I loved the metaphors sprinkled throughout the book. Two-thirds way into the book, I knew how the book would end but couldn't hold back the floodgates of emotion from being torn down when the last pages were being read. I am richer for having experienced the book and it's truly an experience - of living life and loving those around us. I am still pondering Savannah's last words of wisdom: "You're seeing everything we don't deserve, but somehow get. It's the miracle of faith. Grace. And hope. Isn't it glorious?"

I was provided copy of the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.

Where Hope Begins by Cathy West is a powerful, life changing novel. From the moment you read the first sentence of the first chapter, you will be hooked. Rarely have I read a book about such serious issues without needing to stop and get a breather. Not so with this novel. It is written in first person and puts you right there in the middle of the action, in all of its raw pain and vulnerability. Ms West has a unique ability to weave threads of hope into this novel and it never feels too overwhelmingly sad or hopeless. Buy this book and give copies to your loved ones. This book may be a work of fiction, but it has the power to change lives with its emphasis on never ending hope. I highly recommend this book! I also recommend reading it somewhere where you can cry without an audience— learn from my mistake! I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions in this review are my own.

I can't possibly do this book justice. It's full of grief, sadness, joy, hope, and even a bit of humor. The story is centered around Savannah Barrington and her journey to find healing after her husband leaves her. As she stays in her parents' house in the Berkshires and gets to know her neighbors, she examines her life over the past twenty-four years. We see the beauty of young love, the joys of marriage starting, the busyness of raising children, and the tragedy that sometimes strikes when we least expect it. We also get to see Savannah learn to heal and navigate her new life in the best way possible. Savannah's emotions are so real, so relatable, that she is my favorite character in the book. Sometimes she copes so well, and other times she just doesn't want to deal with anything. I find that I'm like that at times, but aren't we all? Savannah's faith is tested to its limits, and she has to learn to find the peace that can only come from listening to God's plan for us. His plan for the Barrington family is absolutely beautiful, and I cheered and cried along with them. Hands down, this is Catherine West's best book yet!

***I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions in this review are my own.

Where Hope Begins” is about a family that from the outside looks perfect, but yet imperfect once the reader steps inside the book. Are we not imperfect, wanting to be more Christ-like? That is if we have Jesus.

The author tackles serious real life issues that happens to couples and people everyday that tug at your emotions and heart. A family dealing with brokenness, a domino affect of a family quickly spiraling out of control from a series of poor decisions and fallout after a tragedy that affects everyone. But....... it is also a story of mercy, love, forgiveness, will challenge your faith and hope. “Where Hope Begins,” is told from Savannah’s point of view and how she handled anger, betrayal and grief. As she dealt with these emotions, I found myself getting pulled into her story. My heart ached for Savannah, the tears flowed.

Make sure you have tissues handy, you will cry, laugh and your heart will be touched. You will feel the raw emotions of each character. I felt like I was having coffee and sitting across the table from Savannah as she tried to make sense of the situation that she was faced with. I highly recommend this book.

Romans 8:28 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

#womensfiction #mustread #releasestomorrow #catherinewest #tnzfiction

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

I’d been warned about this book! I knew I’d need to stock up on tissues and refrain from reading it in public for fear of ugly crying. I’d read some of Catherine West’s stories before, so I knew I’d be in for a rip-roaring emotional roller coaster ride. I also knew that it would be worth it all in the end, because nobody writes gritty, realistic, emotional, heart-wrenching, hope-filled books like Catherine West does. Her beautiful writing style and gripping story lines have made her a favorite author of mine.

From the masterfully-crafted, multi-layered characters to the poignant, touching message of forgiveness, healing, and hope, this is a reading adventure I won’t soon forget. I could actually feel Savannah’s angst and sorrow and apprehension. Clarice and Maysie were delightful and added a fun flavor to the tale. Kevin, whose actions caused the upheaval in the story, created significant confusion in my feelings toward him. And Brock! . . . well, just . . . Brock! You’ll have to read the story to find out about him! This book is headed for my keeper shelf and will definitely be one of my favorite reads of the year. If you enjoy realistic, clean Christian fiction, do yourself a favor and read this book. You won’t regret it. Just remember to keep the tissues handy.

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

Grab a box of Kleenex before you sit down with this one! Wow, what a story. It’s raw and authentic, but despite dealing with difficult topics like adultery, illness, and loss, it’s also infused with rays of light: moments of sweetness with secondary characters Clarice and Maysie, a new friendship that’s as heady as it is impossible (Brock *sigh*), surprising moments of laughter, and glorious—sometimes agonizing—hope.

There were two things that made this such a powerful read for me. The first was the characters. Humans are such emotionally complex beings, and the complexity of Savannah’s emotions as she worked through her husband’s betrayal, her growing attraction to Brock, and the impact that the death of their eldest daughter (as a young girl) had on the family kept me in a constant state of tension. Not to mention a few other incidents that took place during the story…

Brock’s character is the most bittersweet part of this story. I fell head over heels for him, but I really don’t want to say anything more than that lest I give anything away. And Savannah’s husband, Kevin—we don’t even get his point of view in the story, but as the throbbing sting of his betrayal settled into the shattered remorse of a man who realises he may have irreparably destroyed what was once the best thing in his life… Well, it got to the point where I was feeling gutted on behalf of both Savannah and Kevin and I was totally in love with Brock. What on earth was I supposed to do with that?!

And that’s where the second thing that made this a powerful read comes into the picture. The plot. The winding path that took these characters to the bittersweet end, exposing and tending to some deep wounds along the way. And on that point I’m going to fall silent—again—because I don’t want to give anything away. Just make sure you have those tissues on standby! I guarantee you’ll need them. But I also guarantee it will be worth it.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.