The Strength of Love: Embracing an Uncertain Future with Resilience and Optimism

by Kate Garraway

AS SEEN ON ITV'S DOCUMENTARY KATE DEREK'S STORY

*** The Sunday Times Bestseller ***
'Intimate, tender and brutally honest ... a remarkable book.' Decca Aitkenhead, The Sunday Times

'These are probably the toughest times we have faced in many decades, and we all have to find within us the strength and resilience to get through and to find happiness and love in our futures, whatever life throws at us.'

Kate Garraway has had to learn how to adapt ever since her husband Derek began his fight against the devastating impact of Covid, a condition that has left him needing 24-hour care at home and long spells in hospital, before he sadly passed away in January, surrounded by his loving family.

In The Strength of Love, Kate explores issues that resonate with so many of us. She looks at the impact of trauma as well as the importance of resilience, adaptability, curiosity and positivity when recovering from it. She talks about identity, purpose, how to embrace uncertainty and take back control of our lives. Through her and Derek's story, she provides comfort and wisdom that will help anyone who has ever felt desperate, lonely or experienced profound loss, or who is fearful about what the future holds.

Despite all that she and her family have had to endure, Kate shows us that love truly is the most powerful and resilient emotion of all.

Genres: Nonfiction

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2023

Reviews

[Beryl Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to follow up on this book as I had read her other one and some of it I already knew but parts of Derek’s recovery I didn’t know - and it would seem that he seemed in a better place than I though he was for some time, although he will never be as he was - I think he has battled so well and wish them all the best for the future and hope he can continue to recover.

[Rachael Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kate. A really positive book about resilience and facing things with optimism.

[jennifer laughton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad I decided to read Kate’s book. She’s such an inspiration for being so strong and never giving up hope.

[Paul White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading this honest, and now with knowledge of what was to follow, an extremely sad description of what "love through thick and thin" really means. Kate held no punches as we takes us on her journey, and the journey of her children, as they first experience and come to terms with their situation.

However, what I find most admirable is that at no point did I feel anyone felt sorry for themselves, or blame others for the predicament they found themselves in. So too often people find it easy to point a finger at others. I thought how Kate acknowledged that both the Covid pandemic and how it was managed was unprecedented. That mistakes were made, and yes, things could have been done differently. But, that wasn't the point. The point was that life is a roller coaster, and for some people the downs are lower than others and in cases, as low as hell. It's how you live with it is what matters. And I can't praise Kate, her family, her friends, doctors and carers enough for what they did for Derek. Not tried to do. What they did. And in doing so gave Kate and her children four years that they would not have had. I am sure as tragic as the situation was. There was love they share between them that could never have been shared any other way.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Kate. I have read her previous books and watched the documentaries and loved all of them.

I just think she is such a lovely down to earth person and so humble. The struggles their family have gone through, not knowing what is going to happen from one day to the next and how she carries on and soldiers on is just remarkable.

This book contained the story even from right when Derek became ill, which we have read about previously but this time she also included herself and how she has been ill and the episodes where she has ended up being ill possibly due to the stress that is all around her constantly.

This was such a heartwarming read, and shows you that if you have love, you have everything. Such an easy read but very lovely and touching as well. There are some helpful lessons from Kate for things she has learnt on their journey as a family and I felt that was a nice touch.

Very good read.

[Miriam Morgans · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕘𝕥𝕙 𝕠𝕗 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 ❤️
By Kate Garraway

I listened to the audio version of Kates' story.
Gosh, what a wonderful, strong lady she is!
To see anyone you love going through a physical and mentally debilitating illness is traumatic, and the impact it has on the individual and family at large is unfathomable.
Kate has shown, through the strength of love, what you can achieve when your whole world is turned upside down.
It is truly devastating the effect that covid has had on Kates husband Derek, and the way Kate has explained their journey over the last 3 years is harrowing!

My prayers go out to Kate and her family and to everyone who has been affected by covid.

Thank you for sharing your story @kategarraway

[Clare Longstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally didn't want to put this book down. A story of strength, resilience and unconditional love during such difficult / sad circumstances. It had me in tears but also reflecting on my personal circumstances and feeling a strong sense of gratitude and a desire to remain curious and continue to grow as a personal. Kate and her family are such an inspiration!
There is an incredible quote in the book that was so poignant: "Unless we let curiosity spur us on to reach for the strawberry of life, we will never taste it's sweetness and our efforts just to hold on - just to survive, not thrive will have been pointless" (Kate Garraway)

[Lisa Whittaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on BorrowBox and it was narrated by the author.

I love Kate Garraway and have such huge admiration for her. I watched her documentary about looking after her husband. What they went through as a family was so incredibly difficult and sad. I loved the parts of the book where she spoke about Derek and their life but found my mind wandering at times when she spoke about all the medical jargon. I didn’t expect all of that if I’m honest and I didn’t particularly enjoy those parts of the book.

She’s a brilliant narrator and her love for Derek and her family shone through in this book. She really is an inspiration and makes me so very grateful for my wonderful family.

[Holly Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Kate and family

What an amazing look in on your life, from being in hospital to going home, you are an inspirational family showing that covid can happen to anyone.

Kate the strength and love you have given to your family is amazing and just shows what the human body can do to get through anything.

Thank you for showing us a little snippet of what your life is like now and the challenges you face x.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book by Kate, detailing what happened when Derek came home from hospital. Packed with love, humour and humility, it’s a reminder of the important things in life and how their family kept strong and together through the most challenging of circumstances. It was even more heartbreaking knowing that Derek died from the impact of COVID earlier this year and after this book was written. She really is a phenomenal and inspiring woman, full of courage and strength.

[Mrs Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Kate Garraways second book, I’ve read the first book and feel like I have followed their journey. It was written before Derek passed away. Gives a very true and moving look, at how families cope/adjust/adapt to the rollercoaster of life. It’s clear she loves him deeply, which makes his passing even more sad. Great read x

[Carys Whitehall · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must-read! Incredibly emotive and really makes you think about the strength and resilience of humans. I am in awe of this family.
I’ve learnt a huge lot from this book and I think every reader will take a little something from this, too.
All I can say is “Still to come!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG having read both the books that Kate wrote both of them are about the battle her family had to face when her husband caught covid-19 & had a long battle ahead. Sadly since this book was published her husband sadly passed away at the beginning of 2024.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one really struck a chord with me. It was brutally emotional and honest, if slightly rambly at times, and gave me that warm fuzzy feeling of “this is love.” Well written too, this was a really beautiful read.

[Katrina Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its hard to give less than 5 for this book. Amazing, sad but also hopeful.

[Lindy wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring

[Naomi cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking read, but incredibly inspiring

[Maggie Kavanagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a carer I was sat for this book between too much positivity for almost 3/4 of the book but final chapters I found more real for the struggle. You are an amazing woman Kate - stay strong.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️
This was another fantastic memoir by Kate Garraway.

[Miriam]

Not my cup of tea. I abandoned it after a few chapters.

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written before Derek Draper's death, this book outlines the remarkable resilience shown by Kate Garraway, as she supported him after he became one of the earliest victims and longest survivors of Covid. Kate and her children worked so hard to support Derek in his recovery and demonstrated how hope and love enabled them to cope with demanding daily challenges.

[Melanie Vallance · Rating 5 out of 5]

As kate’s first book this her second book was brilliant
Kate is one strong lady
As i was finishing this book , kate announced that Derek had passed away so sad .
RIP Derek

[Samantha Mumby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant read but very emotional. Even more so as Derek recently passed away. Kate is a truly inspirational lady. RIP Derek xx

[Rosalind Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the hardback book not kindle.

[Maxine McGregor · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and very sad read, I preferred her first book.