Where Hope Begins

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WEST, CATHERINE
WHERE HOPE BEGINS

Sometimes we're allowed to glimpse the beauty from within the brokenness...

Savannah Barrington has always found solace at her parent's' 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.

My Review:

Hard hitting. Emotion stirring. Heaving sob inducing. I don't even know how to review Where Hope Begins. Tough read. I mean I really didn't want to read this book only I couldn't stop reading it either. Serious subject matters -- adultery, death, grief -- doesn't that sound like fun? But there is so much hope within the pages of this book as well! The goose-bumping, deep-rooting kind that takes your breath away.

And though that makes this book seem like a heavy read, there is an ethereal beauty in the way the story unfolds that lifts all the harsh reality into something quite magical. I sat in stunned silence when I reached the end  -- and y'all know me, when am I ever quiet when it comes to books?! So, be prepared to be amazed...and moved...and changed. Simply stunning!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Where Hope Begins, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday October 21 2108. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

The Memory of You

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WEST, CATHERINE
THE MEMORY OF YOU

When Natalie Mitchell learns her grandfather has had a heart attack, she returns to their family-owned winery in Sonoma, something she never intended to do. She's avoided her grandparent's sprawling home and all it's memories since the summer her sister died -- the awful summer Natalie's nightmares began. But the winery is failing, and Natalie's father wants her to shut it down. As the majority shareholder, she has the power to do so.

And Natalie never says no to her father.

Tanner Collins, the vintner on Maoilios, is trying to salvage a bad season and put the Mitchell family's winery back in business. When Natalie shows up, Tanner sees his future about to be crushed. He knows Natalie intends to close the gates, and he's determined to convince her otherwise. But the Natalie he remembers from childhood is long gone, and he's not sure he likes the woman she's become. Still, the haunted look she wears hints at secrets he wants to unearth. He soon discovers that on the night her sister died, the real Natalie died too. And Tanner must do whatever it takes to resurrect her.

But finding freedom from the past means facing it. For both of them.

My Review:

The kind of story that begs to be read aloud because it is so beautifully written. Exquisite both in prose and depth.

West explores the realistic lives of characters caught up in the midst of dysfunctional families. And yet it isn't hopeless. It's angst-riddled and heart-wrenching in places for sure, but there's a strength and power in Natalie and Tanner's ability to overcome. Their struggles mirror our own. They discover truths that we must all come to understand -- like life is messy and that's okay. God isn't waiting for us to be perfect before we come to him. That secrets hold power only if we let them. And facing the past is hard but trying to ignore it is harder still.

Natalie and Tanner are both dealing with some difficult issues and the last thing they need is romantic feelings to stir things up even more. Tanner in particular is pretty dead set against having anything to do with Natalie. But despite the constant surliness and his penchant to sulk, there is something very appealing about this self-made man who honors his family by trying to take on all their burdens. He's quick to make assumptions where Natalie is concerned and she's not shy about lashing back. Their scenes are charged with undercurrents of passion that stirs them into reacting in unexpected ways. A real roller-coaster of a romance, but realistically so. And with a sweet ache of tenderness that turned me to mush.

Richly layered secondary stories make this a feast of a read. Decadent and delicious and impossible to resist. The Memory of You is the kind of novel that lives in your heart long after you've finished the last page. A celebration of life and love and finding yourself through the mercy of God's everlasting grace.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Memory of You, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you leave your email in your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 27 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

The Things We Knew

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WEST, CATHERINE
THE THING WE KNEW

When their tragic past begins to resurface, can he help her remember the things she can't?

After her mother's death twelve years ago, Lynette Carlisle watched her close-knit family unravel. One by one, her four older siblings left their Nantucket home and never returned. All seem to blame their father for their mother's death, but nobody will talk about that tragic day. And Lynette's memory only speaks through nightmares.

Then Nicholas Cooper returns to Nantucket, bringing the past with him. Once Lynette's adolescent crush, Nick knows more about her mother's death than he lets on. The truth could tear apart his own family -- and destroy his fragile friendship with Lynette, the woman he no longer thinks of as a kid sister.

As their father's failing health and financial concerns bring the Carlisle siblings home, secrets surface that will either restore their shattered relationships or separate the siblings forever. But pulling up anchor on the past propels them into the perfect storm, powerful enough to make them question their faith, their willingness to forgive, and the very truth of all the things they thought they knew.

My Review:

Heartbreaking and hope-inspiring all in one unforgettable read.

West explores the complicated relationships in a broken family with such depth and clarity that it blew my mind. I was completely riveted, committed to championing each of the Carlisles as they struggle to navigate their way through a family crisis. As they tackle issues surrounding their father's health, they unwittingly uncover buried secrets that have left deep scars on every single one of the siblings.

The Carlisles and their surrogate brother, Nick, are fettered by events of the past and it's time to leave the darkness behind. Trouble is, they have all become adept at keeping their own secrets -- each fighting private battles that would have been made so much easier with the support of the ones who love them most. West has done a wonderful job with the family dynamics. Brutal honesty comes to light as layers of dysfunction are painfully pulled away. It is only then that we get a glimmer of what can be possible when faith and mercy are embraced and forgiveness extended. A breathtaking testimony to the emotional healing possible through Jesus Christ.

The relationship between Lynette and Nick is just as complicated. Their scenes crackle with energy and longing. Love Nick's fortitude, his dedication to the Carlisle family, his desire to champion Lynnie even when she refuses his aid. Overwhelmed with problems at home, Lynette isn't about to fall for the 'boy next door'. Especially since she doesn't understand his abrupt departure years ago. But Nick's relentless determination to help renews their friendship and it isn't long before her heart is aching for something more.

Honestly, I'm not ready to let these characters go. I need to find out what the future has in store for Gray and Liz and Ryan and David...and of course Nick and Lynette. I'm praying fervently that this is just the beginning of many Carlisle stories to come.

An emotionally gripping story that will keep you spellbound.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson and Litfuse Publicity Group for providing me with a copy of this book.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/cwest

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Things We Knew please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday August 21 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!