Sometimes we’re allowed to glimpse the beauty within the brokenness . . .Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires, and it’s the place that she runs to when her husband of over twenty years leaves her. Though her world is shaken, and the future uncertain, she finds hope through an old woman’s wisdom, a little girl’s laughter, and a man who’s willing … laughter, and a man who’s willing to risk his own heart to prove to Savannah that she is worthy of love.
But soon Savannah is given a challenge she can’t run away from: Forgiving the unforgivable. Amidst the ancient gardens and musty bookstores of the small town she’s sought refuge in, she must reconcile with the grief that haunts her, the God pursuing her, and the wounds of the past that might be healed after all.
Where Hope Begins is the story of grace in the midst of brokenness, pointing us to the miracles that await when we look beyond our own expectations.
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Wonderful characters, beautiful redemptive relationships. I loved the setting. Made me smile, made me cry. Catherine West has solidly become one of my favorite authors.
“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 received a complimentary copy of the book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review. Opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.
Oh. My. This book…
The writing in this women’s fiction novel is spectacular, often poetic in its imagery and lyric quality. The story, of a woman trying to rebuild her life after her husband left her, will keep you up nights, will bring you to tears, and will fill your heart with wonder at the intense perfection of the ending. So lovely.
Catherine West writes compelling, layered women’s fiction. Her plots are intricate, her characters are intriguing, and as I read Where Hope Begins, I kept thinking, “How is she going to resolved this book?” She tackled tough issues and didn’t dole out pat answers or platitudes.
Some heavy issues and decisions in this one, and I ended up in tears, both the happy and sad kind (so be warned). I loved the writer’s ability to put the reader IN the situations and really make them think about how they’d handle a myriad of dilemmas. Great characters, emotional angst, but in the end it’s a question of faith and forgiveness and how difficult those things are at times. Simply lovely writing here. Looking forward to reading more from this author…happy I discovered her! 4.5/5
I must warn you before you read this book to make sure you have several boxes of tissues. When I started the book, I immediately felt the emotions coming from Savannah. I love her character so much. She has been through a lot in the last several years. No parent should have to bury their child, but Savannah and her husband Kevin faced that difficult task. Everyone grieves differently and I can’t honestly say how I would deal with the death of a child. My heart went out to Savannah. The author allows us to see deep into her soul where the pain is buried. Will Savannah be able to stop being angry at God?
Have you ever felt like you keep getting buried in heartbreaking situations? Savannah now must face the fact that her husband doesn’t want her anymore. At that moment my tears flowed as I wanted to hug her and tell her she is loved by God. It’s time for her to get away and have some alone time. I was cheering her on as she travels to her parents’ lake house. From the moment she steps in the house , I could sense a calmness come over her. Everyone is worried that she will fall apart, but God has ordained a plan for her to heal and find hope again. Ending a marriage is like a death. All your dreams are gone and you feel your hope slipping away. Maybe when Savannah meets her neighbors, things will get better for her.
Brock is a very interesting character. He is a best selling author and one that Savannah has admired over the years. It’s funny that they are neighbors and I think he may become a distraction for Savannah. One of the best characters in the book is Clarice. She is such a wise woman who has taken Savannah under her wing. Clarice does not judge others, only prays for them and listens to them. Savannah will find many people wanting to give her advice. When we are going through an emotional time, sometimes all we want is someone to listen to us, not preach to us. I believe in second chances, because I was blessed to receive one from my husband. I won’t tell you the ending of this story, but I will say it is emotional and well written. Who will Savannah choose?
One thing I really liked was how the author allowed us to see how tragedies affect others around us. It is not just Savannah and Keith going through hard times, but their children as well. We sometimes forget that our children are just as upset as we are when going through changes that affect the family. If you are struggling with second chances, forgiveness, grief, hope, trust issues, relationships, or your walk with God this is the book for you. For those who aren’t struggling right now this is a must read to strengthen your hope and faith. The story is a master piece of emotions and will touch you to your soul.
“Second chances don’t come around too often in this life. If you get yourself one, grab it good and don’t let go for anything.”
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The review is my own opinion.
Where Hope Begins, by Catherine West, tells a realistic and emotionally poignant story of a family’s journey through serious loss, rejection, and grief. At times the story is heavy with extremely raw emotions and very painful truths. Yet, this journey through and beyond despair and heartache is significantly strengthened and uplifted by meaningful moments of grace and gentle reminders that hope, restoration, healing, and reconciliation are made possible through God’s mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love.
Where Hope Begins is not an easy, light-hearted read. This powerful novel deftly explores issues and emotions that are related to very difficult experiences, including infidelity, divorce, depression, suicide, and terminal illness. There are no easy solutions or quick fixes for the characters in this story. They must grapple honestly with the consequences of their choices, their mistakes, their expectations, and their insecurities. They must bravely pursue the answers to tough questions, and they must fight desperately to grasp the healing and the hope that might be found within their heartbreak. But it is within that search for hope and healing that the significant themes of this novel manage to encourage and inspire. The characters persevere. They carry on. They accept help when needed. They seek forgiveness. They fight for redemption. And in so doing, they become an inspiration, and their story becomes one of encouragement and hope. They show that even though life can be very hard, and trials can befall anyone, God’s strength, grace, and forgiveness are always available to make the process of healing and restoration possible.
I found Where Hope Begins to be gripping and authentic. It is a deeply moving and thoughtfully written novel that touched me through its skillful use of relatable characters, homey settings, meaningful themes, and excellent pacing. Ms. West is truly an excellent storyteller. She is unflinching when it comes to crafting relevant stories that need to be told. Once again, she has written a thoroughly compelling work of contemporary inspirational fiction that I can wholeheartedly recommend to all adult readers.
*I was given a copy of this novel by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Catherine West writes real. Raw. And yet she weaves hope into her stories, too. her stories are true-to-life, but her storylines are unpredictable, and that makes for a great novel!
Where Hope Begins is a beautiful, albeit painful, story by author Catherine West. Savannah Barrington is lost. Her husband of 20 years is leaving her for the other woman. Her daughter is in college, her son at prep school, and she is totally at loose ends.
She finds solace and the beginnings of healing when she retreats to her parents’ lake house in the Berkshires. She also finds friendship in the elderly widowed neighbor, her nephew, and his young daughter. Just when she is starting to feel better, her uninvited husband arrives right in time for Christmas dinner. With her parents, siblings and their families, her children, and neighbors all there for the holiday meal, Savannah is distraught.
The mutual attraction between Savannah and her new neighbor, author Brock Chandler, is obvious. But the remorse seen in her husband, Kevin, is also apparent. Savannah’s children, Zoe and Adam, are distraught over their parents’ impending divorce. In fact, the repercussions are far reaching in ways that could fully destroy or mend the family.
This well written book explores many sensitive topics including grief, betrayal, abandonment, suicide, and loss, but it also addresses love, commitment, family support, and forgiveness. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
WOW! Just Wow! Where Hope Begins is an absolutely wonderful book and I enjoyed every page.
Savannah Barrington finds herself reeling when her husband of twenty-one years reveals he’s leaving her. After discovering his infidelity, she decides she needs a change and heads to her family’s lake house to begin healing. Little does she realize that healing comes in all different forms. In order for her to truly begin that process she must face her past, forgive, and let go. Savannah befriends Clarice, the elderly lady next door, her nephew Brock, and his daughter, Maysie, and thus a beautiful friendship is formed. Savannah begins to find hope for her future through her relationship with these three wonderful people and will need to pass that hope on to those she loves around her.
Where Hope Begins delves into a myriad of difficult issues; including depression, adultery, suicide, loss of a child, terminal illness, and divorce. Each subject was written about with such grace and effectiveness you’d think Catherine West had personally dealt with each one. It is so well written that it’ll bring you to tears and have you chuckling…and you just may swoon a bit too! Oh My! I highly recommend reading this beautiful novel, it’s my first by Ms. West and will definitely not be my last!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is my third book by this author and my favourite. I’m hoping she is going to write more like this.
A realistic book about marriages and why they break. How can you overcome bitterness and anger and is it possible to move on?
It was based on real life circumstances.
Savannah’s husband of twenty years is leaving her for the other woman. Now the house is empty—their three children are at boarding school, college, and in a grave. Broken, Savannah goes to stay in her parent’s holiday home, where she meets the neighbours: an old woman, her nephew, and his daughter. A daughter who is the spitting image of Savannah’s dead daughter.
Yes, Where Hope Begins has lots of angst. As the story progresses we find out more about how Shelby died, about how Savannah is convinced Shelby’s death was her fault, and convinced husband Kevin blames her, even though he says he doesn’t. We also see how this tragedy shaped their marriage, and paved the way for it’s destruction.
At the lake house, we see Savannah’s developing relationship with Brock, the bestselling author who is her new next-door neighbour. Her very attractive next-door neighbour. Why not? Her husband has left her for another woman and wants a divorce. That presents Savannah with a dilemma … and us as the reader. We’re convinced we don’t like Kevin, but does that justify Savannah’s growing relationship with Brock?
The intricacies of the relationships are compounded by Savannah’s Christian faith, a faith her husband supposedly shared. As Christians, we have clear views on adultery, but when is a marriage over? When is the wronged spouse allowed to move on?
Where Hope Begins is an intelligent, thought-provoking, and emotional read in a situation where there are lots of hard questions and no right answers.
The writing is excellent, as I’ve come to expect from Catherine West. The characters are well-developed, the plot complex but not convoluted, and the Christian elements threaded through but not overwhelming. Oh, and I cried. It’s been a long time since a novel made me cry.
Recommended for anyone looking for Christian fiction that addresses some of the hard issues of life. Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
This is the first book I’ve read by Catherine West. I hope her other books are just as good. This one is excellent. The plot and characters are exceptional. I could easily relate to each person. My heart hurt for them as though they were real.
Where Hope Begins is written by Cathy West. This is the first book that I have read by Cathy West and it surely won’t be my last. This story was so powerful that it had me riveted to my seat the entire time. The love, anger, devotion, heartache, pain were so real to me. An excellent read. I highly recommend that you get your copy of Where Hope Begins today.
Favorite Quotes:
This miserable moment… it feels freeze-framed. Forever cemented in memory—this one defining moment in my life when I realize all I’ve done, everything I’ve poured myself into, has been for naught.
I don’t want to hate Kevin. And I don’t, always. Just most of the time.
We’ve been in and out of counseling for the past ten years. Christian counseling. Psychiatric counseling. Family and couples counseling. I can quote books verbatim on how to put a family back together after loss, how to grieve, how to pray for your husband. I must have missed the one on how to keep him at home.
Brock Chandler is all straight white teeth and sparkling eyes and smiles like a movie star. And his voice sounds like Matthew McConaughey’s. Suddenly I can’t find mine.
He knew that kind of pain. That searing forest-fire heat that eventually fizzles to dormant embers but remains a threat, a slow burn, never fully extinguished and easily flammable.
Her idea of gardening is buying a flower arrangement from Whole Foods, putting it on the table, and waiting for it to die.
…we walk toward the house in step. It’s a practiced rhythm we’ve forgotten somehow, but it has not forgotten us.
My Review:
I was astounded by the level of deft handling, observant insight, and thoughtful sensitivity given to an abundant amount of heavy personal issues and unfortunate circumstances. While my eyes may occasionally burn and sting, I am rarely moved to actual tears while reading, although this emotive and heartbreaking story had me sobbing, and more than once. I was often annoyed with the characters’ selfish tendencies for denial, indecision, and procrastination, but most of us walking this earth are guilty of those same foibles at various times in our lives. The premise and storylines were relevant, well-crafted, painfully heart-squeezing, and surprisingly engaging. I’ve never read Ms. West’s work before and despite my discomfort and tendency to eschew religious themes, I was quickly immersed and fully invested in her superbly written tale, although I was conflicted in whom to root for. Her writing style was smooth, easy to follow, and kept me reading far later than I expected. I fully enjoyed and appreciated her wry humor, which was often stealthily dropped in unexpected places. The characters were realistically flawed and as fleshed out and knowable as my next-door neighbor, maybe even more so. I was definitely a Brock fan all the way through and far from joining team Kevin until he tore off a piece of the self-righteous preacher’s wife, and from then on I had to take him seriously, I just had to, as he sorta became my hero. The ending was highly satisfying and although extremely sad, it was also the best possible outcome.
Wow! Where Hope Begins is, without a doubt, one of the most emotionally wrenching novels I have ever read. I knew from the book’s description that there were going to be some heavy topics to deal with in this story, but I simply had no idea how this book would move my heart!
I hardly ever cry while reading a novel, yet I sobbed my way through the epilogue of Where Hope Begins. And then I was glad that I did. And, even now, as I think of the journey that these characters went on, I am tearing up again!
This novel explores the events that can break hearts, adultery being only one of many things that broke Savannah’s heart and fractured a family. But this novel also delves into what broke her husband, Kevin’s, heart. I absolutely loved the way the author slowly revealed everything that pulled these two people apart and how it affected their entire family. The secondary storyline with Brock, Clarice, and Maysie is profound, is pivotal to Savannah’s healing, and is amazingly moving.
These characters feel like real people to me and even after I finished reading the story this morning, I cannot stop thinking of them. I loved them all! I also can’t get over how this author can make me cry with a combination of sadness and gladness. While this book does pull the heart in many different directions, the story truly is one of hope. It raises the questions of what can be forgiven, what can be endured, is true healing and forgiveness possible, and does God truly restore hope to the broken? I simply love this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was as close to real life as you can get in a fiction novel. The characters experienced true to life situations that had me gripping my iPad and tissues at the same time. Savannah had so many issues to deal with specially not feeling loved by her husband. The author showed how vital true communication is to the life of a marriage. Savannah and her husband Kevin had skirted around their problems and issues with never really taking the time to listen and try to understand each other. How could she possibly forgive her husband for what he had done? This was a real eye opener I’m sure for so many that will read this novel. Great food for thought.
I received an ebook copy of this novel from the publisher through Net Galley but was not required to write a review.
I do not know what book would be more relevant right now, than Where Hope Begins. The week I sat reading this story – a story about mental illness, depression, suicide, adultery, divorce, death, illness, losing your child, and all the possible turbulence and third person drama that those issues could create – every single day there was news about known people, some more famous than others, that had ended up losing the battle of depression, addiction, mental illness, and taking their own lives.
At first, as I tried to escape the horrid reality into a book, and the story kept repeating these heart-wrenchingly realistic topics, I thought I could not deal with it, that the sadness and the feelings of deceit, deception, despair were too much to take at the time.
But as I kept reading the story, and I got more into the characters, got to know and understand how their past was affecting the present, I realized that this is not a story about trying to learn to live with the betrayal and lies, trying to find a new chance and way in life, but this was a heartbreaking story of learning to forgive, to our selves and to others, let guilt go and learning to love and live with an earthshattering loss, to make the right choices, learing to pray again, finding the words for the emotions, and finding the faith in God again after the feeling of Him turning His back on you.
Where Hope Begins is a breathtaking story about a family’s redemption that will stay with me for some time.
The story is told from several points of views, switching between the first and third person POV. There are moments of remembering the past events, the crossroad moments during the family’s life, that had brought them to the point where they are today.
As Savannah escapes to her parent’s summer house to recover from the divorce, she gets to know the odd and endearing family next door, who becomes an important part of her life. There are baffling yet endearing moments of clairvoyance, the joy of life, sharing secrets, gardening and afternoon tea, mixed inner struggles, and anxiety and loneliness that go so deep, are so devastatingly sad, raw, and real, that these can be triggers to some suffering from depression or a loss of a loved one. (With the sensitive, painful topics of the story, I would recommend the book for a mature audience.)
There was no way for me to read this story and not let it make an impact. It made me think, feel, and evaluate life. It made me angry, frustrated, crying, and so sorrowful it took my breath away. But it also made me elated, smile, and believe, trust in the promise that we are looked after and taken care of.
At the end of the story, I wanted to reach out to my friends and family, to embrace the life and appreciate what I have. And while adultery is part of the storyline, the story is a strong, realistic, and believable tale of loyalty, love, and faith. If read with an open mind, the story can be a graceful blessing filled with love, hope, and optimism, while the journey to the gain of faith will definitely break your heart.
~ Five Spoons
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.