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 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.

Thank you to JustRead Publicity Tours and Catherine West for matching me with this book to review. I received this award-winning book as a gift and a positive review was not required.

Savannah Barrington seeks solace at her parents’ lakes house when she and her husband of 20 years separate. But, it’s not just the separation haunting her – it’s something else – something deeper.

Savannah is given a challenge that she can’t run away from: forgiving the unforgiveable. 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.

This was the first novel I’ve read by West and definitely not what I expected. It is definitely a haunting, challenging, and beautiful read. It is described as a “story of grace in the midst of brokenness”. West does a wonderful job of presenting the story in an engaging and compelling manner. It is told from multiple POVs (points of view) – Brock, Savannah, and Zoe.

West provides an honest and in-depth look at the loss of a child, a mother’s grief, the grieving process of the family, and devastation from a divorce. West doesn’t wave a magical wand of faith to erase the bad events or make it all better. But, the author – through the characters – takes us through a journey to self-discovery, self-forgiveness, and self-acceptance.

The author bravely tackles the loss of a child, suicide, and divorce with grace and poetry while letting us know that sometimes our guardian angels watch over us and bring us all together for a reason.

This book is the winner of the 2019 ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Carol Award for Contemporary Fiction, along with the 2019 Faith, Hope and Love Reader’s Choice Award for women’s fiction. ( )

4.5 stars. ( )

This book is filled with every emotion possible. Sadness and grief; hope and joy; the possibility of never again and the promise of forever more. I'm not sure why this is my first Catherine West book but it certainly won't be my last. She grabbed my attention with the first sentence 'My husband is leaving me' and she never let it go. Yes, there are some tough subjects in Where Hope Begins: a child's death, a mother's attempt at suicide, and a husband's extra-marital affair. The siblings of the young girl who died are also victims to the grief that engulfs this family and I sometimes wondered how this could possibly end well.

I have personally seen how the death of a child can affect a marriage and a family and the outcomes were totally different. One couple drifted apart as they grieved separately and their family unit didn't survive and the other couple drew strength from each other and their marriage grew even stronger! West credits God as giving her this story and I believe this is true. Where Hope Begins is a wonderful testament to the power of hope and love and the necessity of trusting God's plan for your life. You may also be convinced that angels are always among us and you will definitely need the tissues!

This is Christian fiction and even though adultery is suggested, it is never explicit. We're shown that life can get complicated and messy but reminded that forgiveness and grace are what makes us Christians.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours but a positve review was not required. ( )

Where Hope Begins by Catherine West is one of the most endearingly heart-wrenching books I've read in quite awhile. I am not ashamed to write that I sobbed through a good portion of this book. It's that good of a book! (Yes, I really like the books that make me cry - I have no ideal why but I do!)

The story is about marriage, family, loss, Faith, betrayal and most of all redemption. In fact, it has so much more that I just can't quite find the words to define it.

What I do know is that Where Hope Begins was not quite what I was expecting. For me, it far exceeded any pre-conceived hopes or thoughts on what it would be. It was an emotional roller coaster ride that I loved and I can't wait to read more books written by Catherine West. I highly recommend this book!

I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own. Thank you to Ms. West, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Booklook Bloggers for the opportunity to read and review this book. ( )