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wadezone's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book I have read by Tammy L. Gray. The book was a pretty good story line. I enjoyed the interaction between Laila and Chad. The story is one that many people experience when one partner is an alcoholic and/or drug user. I am sure there a very few that end in such a good way. I was expecting the story to go over into a second book with the last 2 to 3 chapters turned to getting revenge. That part of the story could have been extended with more details and spread over more than what seems like just a few days.
hannahnana73's review against another edition
5.0
woah. my heart was in my mouth at some points. scary. but wow.
flowersofquiethappiness's review
4.0
This is not an easy story to read, but oh so worth it! Because Laila and Chad's journey is fraught with pain and hurt. And lots of it. Much like their best friend Katie's story (My Hope Next Door, which I loved!), they've both made a few (or several) wrong choices and the consequences are gut-wrenching for them. But these two characters could not be in more capable hands than Ms. Gray's because she excels in filling characters' difficult trajectories with bits of hope. So don't let the fear of hard scare you away!
I admit to not quite being sure I liked Laila in book one, but I was intrigued by her. She's one tough cookie, this lady! :) Watching as she struggles to figure out how lovable she truly is and to be able to forgive herself, as well as Chad, is a beautiful redemption. It's a hard road to get there, but once she arrives...ah my heart! It broke so many times during this story, but by the final pages it was mended whole again. And Chad. So many times I wanted to shake him! But as he grew stronger in his faith walk, so, too, did my appreciation for him. Neither he nor Laila have it easy, but they refused to give in completely and became wonderful examples of hope!
The title of the book truly describes what happens during the story. For all the hard and yucky things these characters have to endure, their friends, and ultimately their Father above, refuse to let them surrender! And hope is reborn again and again, much like our real lives. That's what I love most about Ms. Gray's stories, I think. The rawness of the emotions felt, the very real heartbreak that exists and is so easily related to. The layers upon layers in the characters, who never seem to fit into just one box of personality, precisely how we human beings are. We're complicated! And her characters show it. She writes about serious things, things we've either experienced or possibly know someone who has. She takes her readers to difficult places, yet never lets us forget that love never gives up. That grace and mercy and forgiveness are actually possible, no matter how impossible they may seem!
And she ends it all with hope of the good yet to come in the characters lives long after the final pages are closed. The reader only has to trust where she intends the journey to go. And it's worth it, friends. Believe me. :)
**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
I admit to not quite being sure I liked Laila in book one, but I was intrigued by her. She's one tough cookie, this lady! :) Watching as she struggles to figure out how lovable she truly is and to be able to forgive herself, as well as Chad, is a beautiful redemption. It's a hard road to get there, but once she arrives...ah my heart! It broke so many times during this story, but by the final pages it was mended whole again. And Chad. So many times I wanted to shake him! But as he grew stronger in his faith walk, so, too, did my appreciation for him. Neither he nor Laila have it easy, but they refused to give in completely and became wonderful examples of hope!
The title of the book truly describes what happens during the story. For all the hard and yucky things these characters have to endure, their friends, and ultimately their Father above, refuse to let them surrender! And hope is reborn again and again, much like our real lives. That's what I love most about Ms. Gray's stories, I think. The rawness of the emotions felt, the very real heartbreak that exists and is so easily related to. The layers upon layers in the characters, who never seem to fit into just one box of personality, precisely how we human beings are. We're complicated! And her characters show it. She writes about serious things, things we've either experienced or possibly know someone who has. She takes her readers to difficult places, yet never lets us forget that love never gives up. That grace and mercy and forgiveness are actually possible, no matter how impossible they may seem!
And she ends it all with hope of the good yet to come in the characters lives long after the final pages are closed. The reader only has to trust where she intends the journey to go. And it's worth it, friends. Believe me. :)
**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
kiara180's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
meezcarrie's review against another edition
5.0
I will tell you right now that this is not an easy read but oh it’s so worth it.
Laila and Chad’s story is powerful, raw, and gripping. I cried (more than once) for each of them individually and for their relationship. There is such a gutwrenching mix of emotion on these pages – agony, confusion, desperation, grief, anger, betrayal, elation, hope, love, and yes plenty of sparks a’flying chemistry.
These emotions run so high and so passionately throughout the story that the romantic tension is also fully charged. In one scene, in the middle of a rather heated discussion, Chad states “Well, then I guess I have nothing to lose”, backs Laila against the wall and kisses her quite soundly. (I may have read that scene more than once. Ahem.) They love each other so deeply – and have for years – that despite the way they’ve hurt each other they also can’t quite walk away. And swoonlicious ‘we-used-to-be-married’ kisses come with a turn-the-heat-up ‘I-know-your-lips-well’ disclaimer, so reading them requires fans, fainting couches, and freezers.
Romance and intense emotions notwithstanding, there is a thread of redemption that shines even brighter as two lost souls find their home. In each other. In life. And in grace.
Bottom Line: My Unexpected Hope is beautiful, emotional, poignant, heart-wrenching, and realistically hope-full. For anyone who has loved someone that struggles with addiction, this book is also healing. Gray gets soul-deep with her characters and their inner battles and the end result is a book that is impossible to put down.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Laila and Chad’s story is powerful, raw, and gripping. I cried (more than once) for each of them individually and for their relationship. There is such a gutwrenching mix of emotion on these pages – agony, confusion, desperation, grief, anger, betrayal, elation, hope, love, and yes plenty of sparks a’flying chemistry.
These emotions run so high and so passionately throughout the story that the romantic tension is also fully charged. In one scene, in the middle of a rather heated discussion, Chad states “Well, then I guess I have nothing to lose”, backs Laila against the wall and kisses her quite soundly. (I may have read that scene more than once. Ahem.) They love each other so deeply – and have for years – that despite the way they’ve hurt each other they also can’t quite walk away. And swoonlicious ‘we-used-to-be-married’ kisses come with a turn-the-heat-up ‘I-know-your-lips-well’ disclaimer, so reading them requires fans, fainting couches, and freezers.
Romance and intense emotions notwithstanding, there is a thread of redemption that shines even brighter as two lost souls find their home. In each other. In life. And in grace.
Bottom Line: My Unexpected Hope is beautiful, emotional, poignant, heart-wrenching, and realistically hope-full. For anyone who has loved someone that struggles with addiction, this book is also healing. Gray gets soul-deep with her characters and their inner battles and the end result is a book that is impossible to put down.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
betherin02's review against another edition
5.0
Full review on Faithfully Bookish http://wp.me/p7ngfE-1ec
I often use the phrase “beauty from ashes” to describe stories that illustrate God’s restorative grace in action yet “beauty from flaming ruins” seems more appropriate here. The depth of pain and destruction from living in a culture of addiction and abuse are difficult for those of us who have not experienced it to comprehend.
This story is filled with authentically flawed characters, complex situations, and tangled emotions. If you like your books fluffy, neat, and tidy this one might not be for you but if you’re like me and crave stories that will challenge your thinking and raise your level of compassion, don’t miss My Unexpected Hope.
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
I often use the phrase “beauty from ashes” to describe stories that illustrate God’s restorative grace in action yet “beauty from flaming ruins” seems more appropriate here. The depth of pain and destruction from living in a culture of addiction and abuse are difficult for those of us who have not experienced it to comprehend.
This story is filled with authentically flawed characters, complex situations, and tangled emotions. If you like your books fluffy, neat, and tidy this one might not be for you but if you’re like me and crave stories that will challenge your thinking and raise your level of compassion, don’t miss My Unexpected Hope.
I requested the opportunity to read this book through the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
jillie's review
4.25
Oh, I am so glad to have discovered Tammy Gray! Her writing continues to impress me. This was a darker and more intense book than the first one, because Chad is still dealing with a lot & trying to overcome it all on his own. It was pretty tense at times. I loved his and Laila’s story. I wish the epilogue had been longer!
This wasn’t 5 stars like the first one because it dragged at times & also I wish the faith had been more present. Which I’m shocked to be saying because I usually think it’s clumsily thrown in to a lot of Christian fiction, but now that I’ve seen what Gray can do, I missed it!
Anyway. Really great lessons learned & I just love these characters. I hope we get more in this world.
2/1/23
This wasn’t 5 stars like the first one because it dragged at times & also I wish the faith had been more present. Which I’m shocked to be saying because I usually think it’s clumsily thrown in to a lot of Christian fiction, but now that I’ve seen what Gray can do, I missed it!
Anyway. Really great lessons learned & I just love these characters. I hope we get more in this world.
2/1/23
sac3098's review against another edition
4.0
*I received a free ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion in any way.*
My Rating - 4
To begin with, I could not put the book down once I picked it up and thus ended up starting and finishing it up in 4 hours straight!
The book starts with describing the life of Laila which is monotonous, working in the bar, meeting the same people because she lives in the town of Fairfield where everyone seems to have their nose stuck up in other people's businesses.
However, unknown to the people of Fairfield she has a boyfriend named Ben. Until Ben one day turns up at her workplace and the whole town finds out!
Chad had been a jerk for many years but is currently stable and sober! When he learns his wife (too be precise - ex-wife) has moved on and found a new life he returns back to his home town to win back his wife and return to a life he abandoned.
I am not one for second chances especially once involving addicts!
That said I still could not help rooting for Chad!
I immediately took liking to the characters (even Chad - I still can't believe it).
You can actually feel the emotions the characters go through and it's heart wrenching.
Chad's guilt! Laila's exhaustion! Ben's insecurities! everything was portrayed beutifully and more importantly in a very lucid language.
What did I love ?
The relationships not just between the main characters but also the other smaller one's.
1. SIERRA - I just loved that girl and everything related to her was heartfelt.
2. Laila and Joe's conversations - Amazing writing style - credits to the author
3. This book doesn't hold back! Mind you! It describes the life and problems of an addict with so much accuracy you might just have to close your eyes and take a deep breathe even while reading!
4. Chad's insecurities and the way they're described was just so amazing and that's what led to me rooting for Chad! through the book.
5. COOPER - Ah! you can't ever forget him! Amazing character and definitely well - written.
6. The Twist - The plot twists! Well, though you're kind of expecting them but they do get you!
7. The new Laila - the assertive one where she voices her mind and what she feels!
8. Her confrontation with Sierra's mom - so emotional! so amazing!
9. Lastly Chad and Laila's past - Those small excerpts were so wonderfully written that they held me through the book and I was pinning for more of those "good times".
Why not 5 stars ?
There were times when I wanted to keep the book aside because the parts got a little too obvious or I felt like the story turning towards that happy ever after.
Mainly I think it was due Laila being a bit too easily forgiving her mother as well as Chad in the beginning however later after Laila's character development that just abruptly changes. (I liked the new Laila)
SIERRA - How could the author do this!! There was no ending there! I loved the conversations between Laila and Sierra so much and I just thought there would be something! There must be something more (maybe even an epilogue involving Sierra please please please I need it!)
Throughout the book the plot had been nicely woven secrets and truths revealed at perfect timings made the book gripping !
P.S Would definitely read another book by the author!
My Rating - 4
To begin with, I could not put the book down once I picked it up and thus ended up starting and finishing it up in 4 hours straight!
The book starts with describing the life of Laila which is monotonous, working in the bar, meeting the same people because she lives in the town of Fairfield where everyone seems to have their nose stuck up in other people's businesses.
However, unknown to the people of Fairfield she has a boyfriend named Ben. Until Ben one day turns up at her workplace and the whole town finds out!
Chad had been a jerk for many years but is currently stable and sober! When he learns his wife (too be precise - ex-wife) has moved on and found a new life he returns back to his home town to win back his wife and return to a life he abandoned.
I am not one for second chances especially once involving addicts!
That said I still could not help rooting for Chad!
I immediately took liking to the characters (even Chad - I still can't believe it).
You can actually feel the emotions the characters go through and it's heart wrenching.
Chad's guilt! Laila's exhaustion! Ben's insecurities! everything was portrayed beutifully and more importantly in a very lucid language.
What did I love ?
The relationships not just between the main characters but also the other smaller one's.
1. SIERRA - I just loved that girl and everything related to her was heartfelt.
2. Laila and Joe's conversations - Amazing writing style - credits to the author
3. This book doesn't hold back! Mind you! It describes the life and problems of an addict with so much accuracy you might just have to close your eyes and take a deep breathe even while reading!
4. Chad's insecurities and the way they're described was just so amazing and that's what led to me rooting for Chad! through the book.
5. COOPER - Ah! you can't ever forget him! Amazing character and definitely well - written.
6. The Twist - The plot twists! Well, though you're kind of expecting them but they do get you!
7. The new Laila - the assertive one where she voices her mind and what she feels!
8. Her confrontation with Sierra's mom - so emotional! so amazing!
9. Lastly Chad and Laila's past - Those small excerpts were so wonderfully written that they held me through the book and I was pinning for more of those "good times".
Why not 5 stars ?
There were times when I wanted to keep the book aside because the parts got a little too obvious or I felt like the story turning towards that happy ever after.
Mainly I think it was due Laila being a bit too easily forgiving her mother as well as Chad in the beginning however later after Laila's character development that just abruptly changes. (I liked the new Laila)
Spoiler
SIERRA - How could the author do this!! There was no ending there! I loved the conversations between Laila and Sierra so much and I just thought there would be something! There must be something more (maybe even an epilogue involving Sierra please please please I need it!)
Throughout the book the plot had been nicely woven secrets and truths revealed at perfect timings made the book gripping !
P.S Would definitely read another book by the author!
lynnreads2's review against another edition
5.0
Quick read. I couldn’t put the book down. I loved the unbreakable bond between the two main characters. Pretty powerful how somebody can completely turn their life around and their friends stick by them.
oceanagottareademall's review against another edition
4.0
This is a heavy story, but I'm so glad I got to read it.
This follows characters briefly mentioned in My Hope Next Door, Laila and Chad.
Chad's brutal struggle with addiction was hard to read, but the way the people around him supported his recovery was inspiring.
Of course I loved seeing Katie and Asher again as well!
This follows characters briefly mentioned in My Hope Next Door, Laila and Chad.
Chad's brutal struggle with addiction was hard to read, but the way the people around him supported his recovery was inspiring.
Of course I loved seeing Katie and Asher again as well!