Hope Beyond the Waves

#bingedbook I'm not prone to shows of emotion, but I cried several times while reading this one. Loved it. #HopeBeyondTheWaves #heidichiavaroli I received a complimentary copy, I was not required to leave a review.

An amazing story of heartache, loss, hope, miracles, and second chances. This dual timeline book, set in 1916 and 1993, deals with hard issues of both times. In 1916, Atta Schaeffer is planning to marry the love of her life and rescue her little sister from their abusive father. Her world, and plans, are then turned upside down when she receives an unexpected diagnosis and is sent to live on Penikese Island. In 1993, Emily Robertson has also been sent away, but for very different reasons. Her father, who is running for office, doesn’t want her “mistake” to become public knowledge and ruin his families reputation. She is then sent to live with her grandmother on Cape Cod. Through the stories of Emily’s grandmother, we learn the family history that Emily’s father has been hiding for a very long time. Along the way, it helps Emily deal with the issues in her life as well. This book was wonderful. It grabbed me from the beginning and wouldn’t let go. Heidi Chiavaroli did an amazing job weaving the two times together. There is so much faith, hope, and God’s love woven into the book. It also shows how hurts from the past can help heal the ones in the present.

"What would it be like to consider my circumstances secondary to a greater plan?" This book is a definite tear-jerker, full of heartbreak and poignant scenes. Yet it's also a book of hope, true faith, forgiveness, and God's relentless pursuit of us. Get ready for an unforgettable journey between 1916 and 1993 and don't forget your box of tissues. There will be tears of loss, grief, helplessness, frustration but also of joy, grace, and mercy received. The storyline in 1916 is told through third person narratives of compassionate Atta, her seven year old sister Gertie, their father Niklas, and an arrogant doctor named Harry. The history of leprosy in Massachusetts and the society and medical community's response to the disease and afflicted patients were fascinating to learn about. WWI and the effect of the war played small but pivotal roles in the story. The storyline in 1993 is told through first person present narrative of Emily, the grand-daughter of Gertie. I loved how the pace and strength of the story came from Gertie's retelling of the past and how Emily's story grew out of the soil of the past and entwined with lessons and truths learned on a leper colony. The writing, as always, is lyrical and beautiful. This story will sweep you up in a grand and epic adventure of faith and hope. I own most of the author's books and loved every one I have read but this one has to be my favorite so far. I received the book from the publisher via JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.