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Pennies from Heaven for Kevin
Pennies from Heaven for Kevin is a remarkable story of a man whose life spiraled out of control after the death of his two-year-old son, Kyle. Blaming himself and ridden with pain and guilt, Kevin went on a downward path spending a total of seven years locked up in nineteen different jails and prisons, along with numerous rehabilitation centers over twenty years for alcohol and drug addiction.
At one treatment facility, Kevin found a penny on his nightstand. The year of the penny was the year Kyle was born. Money was not allowed at the facility and, in that moment, the spirit of Kyle filled Kevin’s heart. Through all the subsequent rehabs and incarcerations, Kevin would find pennies, even in solitary confinement, and he would know his son was with him, most importantly, he knew he would see Kyle again someday.
Kevin wrote the first draft of his story in 2013, just before he went into prison for the last time. Putting his story on paper made it real and taught him how self-centered he had been and how he had blamed everyone and everything to avoid looking in the mirror. His life began to change the day he stopped asking God why his child was taken from him and finally got on his knees and asked God to lead him in the direction of a new and healthy life.
In this book, you will read about the depths of desperation and pain from a devastating loss that one man went through and his road to recovery. The author hopes it will show you that there is help available and provide you with the certainty that there is a God and Heaven and that you will see your loved ones again. In the meantime, they can send you signs to let you know you are not alone.
At one treatment facility, Kevin found a penny on his nightstand. The year of the penny was the year Kyle was born. Money was not allowed at the facility and, in that moment, the spirit of Kyle filled Kevin’s heart. Through all the subsequent rehabs and incarcerations, Kevin would find pennies, even in solitary confinement, and he would know his son was with him, most importantly, he knew he would see Kyle again someday.
Kevin wrote the first draft of his story in 2013, just before he went into prison for the last time. Putting his story on paper made it real and taught him how self-centered he had been and how he had blamed everyone and everything to avoid looking in the mirror. His life began to change the day he stopped asking God why his child was taken from him and finally got on his knees and asked God to lead him in the direction of a new and healthy life.
In this book, you will read about the depths of desperation and pain from a devastating loss that one man went through and his road to recovery. The author hopes it will show you that there is help available and provide you with the certainty that there is a God and Heaven and that you will see your loved ones again. In the meantime, they can send you signs to let you know you are not alone.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2024
98 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Hyde
2 books1 followerMy life spiraled out of control more than I ever thought possible after the death of my two-year-old son, Kyle. Having excelled in business and winning wrestling championships and scholarships, even when I had been drinking, I still could not help my son stay alive. Dealing with my pain and guilt, I spent the next twenty years in and out of prison and numerous rehabilitation centers for alcohol and drug addiction.
I wrote the first draft of my story in 2013, just before I went into prison for the last time. Putting my story on paper made it real and taught me how self-centered I was. I blamed everyone and everything around me to avoid looking at myself in the mirror.
My life changed the day I stopped asking God why my child was taken from me and finally got on my knees and asked God to lead me in the direction of a new and healthy life. My story evolved over the years as I changed and let God back into my life gradually and cautiously. Now, looking back, I realize God never left me. God kept putting people in my path to help me. Due to other priorities, I missed the many signs from Heaven. Most importantly, I learned that hurting myself was easy and that living is hard but worth it.
My son, Kyle also saved my life, showed me how to live, and told me, “No matter what, I love you.” I love you too, Kyle! I honor Kyle’s life and death every day by thanking him every morning for giving me my life back.
I wrote the first draft of my story in 2013, just before I went into prison for the last time. Putting my story on paper made it real and taught me how self-centered I was. I blamed everyone and everything around me to avoid looking at myself in the mirror.
My life changed the day I stopped asking God why my child was taken from me and finally got on my knees and asked God to lead me in the direction of a new and healthy life. My story evolved over the years as I changed and let God back into my life gradually and cautiously. Now, looking back, I realize God never left me. God kept putting people in my path to help me. Due to other priorities, I missed the many signs from Heaven. Most importantly, I learned that hurting myself was easy and that living is hard but worth it.
My son, Kyle also saved my life, showed me how to live, and told me, “No matter what, I love you.” I love you too, Kyle! I honor Kyle’s life and death every day by thanking him every morning for giving me my life back.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 25, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a short book but it packs a punch. Kevin's life seemed to be always in the brink of destruction and it took a turn for the worse after his young son died. The drug and alcohol abuse was meant to self medicate and stuff down his feelings. He really went through a lot of crime and jail time before he finally cleaned up. Quite the journey for Kevin. I hope he's able to remain clean and sober and not blame himself for his son's death.
This is a short book but it packs a punch. Kevin's life seemed to be always in the brink of destruction and it took a turn for the worse after his young son died. The drug and alcohol abuse was meant to self medicate and stuff down his feelings. He really went through a lot of crime and jail time before he finally cleaned up. Quite the journey for Kevin. I hope he's able to remain clean and sober and not blame himself for his son's death.
August 29, 2024
An honest, raw, real story about grief, addiction, and overcoming. This story gave me all the feels. A detailed perspective on drug and alcohol addiction that I had never heard before. The vulnerability by Kevin Hyde as he gave insight to not only his actions but also his mindsight and emotions that led to the actions - wow! So real and heartbreaking. To see the depths of his despair that God pulled him out of was truly miraculous. While the title refers to pennies from heaven, this is only a small snippet of the story. This was more of an autobiography/testimony of how Kevin came to accept Jesus Christ as his savior. Such a beautifully broken story and so brave of Kevin to share it with the world.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kevin Hyde for the ARC and chance to give my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kevin Hyde for the ARC and chance to give my honest opinion.
October 1, 2024
Pennies from Heaven for Kevin by Kevin Hyde is an emotionally raw memoir that chronicles the author's decades-long battle with addiction, the personal losses that shaped his life, and his spiritual journey toward redemption. From growing up in a turbulent environment to grappling with the death of his son Kyle, Hyde lays bare his experiences with alcoholism, drug addiction, incarceration, and his ultimate attempts to rebuild his life.
Hyde’s writing is incredibly candid. The pain and chaos of his experiences come through in his vivid storytelling, particularly in moments such as his recollection of his son's death. The weight of this loss permeates the book, and Hyde’s raw depiction of his emotional unraveling afterward is heart-wrenching. This vulnerability is what makes the memoir so compelling. He isn’t just telling us about his hardships; he’s pulling us into them, sharing both the mistakes and the growth that followed. The author's writing feels methodical and factual, but this style adds clarity to his story. Hyde spends a lot of time detailing his misdeeds and struggles, and at times, it feels like the story gets bogged down in those moments. The recounting of his criminal activities starts to blend together, leaving little room to explore the internal transformation happening beneath the surface. However, these sections also reflect the exhausting nature of addiction—the relentless cycle of self-destruction and attempts at redemption. It's chaotic, just like the life he describes, which gives the reader a sense of the toll it took on him. His belief in signs from heaven, like the pennies that appear at key moments, brings an element of hope and faith to the narrative. It’s a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, there can be a connection to something greater, whether it's God, loved ones, or a sense of purpose.
This memoir will resonate with readers who are interested in stories of personal transformation and recovery. It’s not an easy read, the content is heavy, and Hyde’s honesty about his failures can be overwhelming. However, for anyone who has struggled with addiction, loss, or finding faith amidst hardship, Pennies from Heaven for Kevin offers a brutally honest look at what it means to rebuild your life one penny at a time. I would recommend it to readers who are open to exploring the messy, complicated reality of addiction and recovery with a hopeful, spiritual twist.
Hyde’s writing is incredibly candid. The pain and chaos of his experiences come through in his vivid storytelling, particularly in moments such as his recollection of his son's death. The weight of this loss permeates the book, and Hyde’s raw depiction of his emotional unraveling afterward is heart-wrenching. This vulnerability is what makes the memoir so compelling. He isn’t just telling us about his hardships; he’s pulling us into them, sharing both the mistakes and the growth that followed. The author's writing feels methodical and factual, but this style adds clarity to his story. Hyde spends a lot of time detailing his misdeeds and struggles, and at times, it feels like the story gets bogged down in those moments. The recounting of his criminal activities starts to blend together, leaving little room to explore the internal transformation happening beneath the surface. However, these sections also reflect the exhausting nature of addiction—the relentless cycle of self-destruction and attempts at redemption. It's chaotic, just like the life he describes, which gives the reader a sense of the toll it took on him. His belief in signs from heaven, like the pennies that appear at key moments, brings an element of hope and faith to the narrative. It’s a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, there can be a connection to something greater, whether it's God, loved ones, or a sense of purpose.
This memoir will resonate with readers who are interested in stories of personal transformation and recovery. It’s not an easy read, the content is heavy, and Hyde’s honesty about his failures can be overwhelming. However, for anyone who has struggled with addiction, loss, or finding faith amidst hardship, Pennies from Heaven for Kevin offers a brutally honest look at what it means to rebuild your life one penny at a time. I would recommend it to readers who are open to exploring the messy, complicated reality of addiction and recovery with a hopeful, spiritual twist.
November 18, 2024
Author Kevin Hyde experienced his first incarceration at thirty-nine, and his last at fifty-nine, “Pennies from heaven for Kevin” is his story.
With countless stays in rehab, jails, and prisons, Kevin was hurting. In a family of five children, he found himself enjoying the way alcohol made him feel as early as age twelve, from there his reliance spiraled. Voted “Class Drunk” in high school, partying his way through college, and obtaining a job to help pay for his habits, Kevin finally found himself settling down with a wife.
When his son Kyle was born with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), Kevin couldn’t save him. In this emotional testimony, gripping reality, and honest recounting, “Pennies from Heaven for Kevin” is a powerful read. Hyde hooks readers to his plight, fraught with regrettable choices, touching turmoil, and ultimately a reformed ending, it is easy to see how life began to spiral. Despite his having grown up in an upper middle-class family, Kevin found himself on the wrong side of the prison bars as he moved through adulthood.
I found Kevin’s story intriguing, if not inspiring. We can all attest to the “feel good” and “invincible” feeling that alcohol can provide. It’s also understandable to turn to poor decisions when the worst experience any parent can imagine, losing their child, comes to fruition. “Pennies from Heaven for Kevin” is such an empathetic, engaging, and passionate read.
Readers’ hearts will break as the loss, addiction, and powerful emotions leap off the page. Something as simple as a penny, found at just the moment you needed it most, grounds us further to Kevin’s story. This quick, formidable read will impact you in ways you never expected as we obtain a front row seat to Kevin’s resilience and love.
With countless stays in rehab, jails, and prisons, Kevin was hurting. In a family of five children, he found himself enjoying the way alcohol made him feel as early as age twelve, from there his reliance spiraled. Voted “Class Drunk” in high school, partying his way through college, and obtaining a job to help pay for his habits, Kevin finally found himself settling down with a wife.
When his son Kyle was born with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), Kevin couldn’t save him. In this emotional testimony, gripping reality, and honest recounting, “Pennies from Heaven for Kevin” is a powerful read. Hyde hooks readers to his plight, fraught with regrettable choices, touching turmoil, and ultimately a reformed ending, it is easy to see how life began to spiral. Despite his having grown up in an upper middle-class family, Kevin found himself on the wrong side of the prison bars as he moved through adulthood.
I found Kevin’s story intriguing, if not inspiring. We can all attest to the “feel good” and “invincible” feeling that alcohol can provide. It’s also understandable to turn to poor decisions when the worst experience any parent can imagine, losing their child, comes to fruition. “Pennies from Heaven for Kevin” is such an empathetic, engaging, and passionate read.
Readers’ hearts will break as the loss, addiction, and powerful emotions leap off the page. Something as simple as a penny, found at just the moment you needed it most, grounds us further to Kevin’s story. This quick, formidable read will impact you in ways you never expected as we obtain a front row seat to Kevin’s resilience and love.
September 7, 2024
A book written by an incarcerated or formerly incarcerated person
I should start my review by stating that I love biographies. They are my favorite genre. I’ll read any biography that sounds good. I dont care what it’s about. I was gifted this book through Netgalley.
I think the content of the book has merit. Unfortunately, the book itself was a slog for me. What should have been a touching story of redemption after the death of his son, was instead a disjointed mess of a read written in seventh grade English class over the course of a week.
The author tells the story of his very interesting life in an exceedingly dull way. Sometimes it was out of order…which is normal in autobiographies…but this was done so incongruently that it was hard to even know what happened.
For such a short book it took forever to get through. And the sad part is it could have been so good! Even with basic editing the entire pace could have been different. Some synonyms and a few metaphors could have transformed it. I’m hopeful someone will come along and clean it up somewhat.
I should start my review by stating that I love biographies. They are my favorite genre. I’ll read any biography that sounds good. I dont care what it’s about. I was gifted this book through Netgalley.
I think the content of the book has merit. Unfortunately, the book itself was a slog for me. What should have been a touching story of redemption after the death of his son, was instead a disjointed mess of a read written in seventh grade English class over the course of a week.
The author tells the story of his very interesting life in an exceedingly dull way. Sometimes it was out of order…which is normal in autobiographies…but this was done so incongruently that it was hard to even know what happened.
For such a short book it took forever to get through. And the sad part is it could have been so good! Even with basic editing the entire pace could have been different. Some synonyms and a few metaphors could have transformed it. I’m hopeful someone will come along and clean it up somewhat.
September 10, 2024
This book is a very emotional book for meto.read. I absolutely know where he.was coming from. Drinking and drugs were a.thing for me back when I was younger. Everything started during college for me but now I have been clean and sober for 20 plus years. Kevin's story is so unique. Not everyone has the.same tale to.talk.about. my story is totally.different from mime and everyone else's. Short book but alot of impact I'm the words. I cried and understood where he.was coming from. Its great he found the support of the.higher power and other people. Great story great ending. I loved the book so much and hoping I can buy this book in a paperback if I can find it.
I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review
I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review
October 21, 2024
A Great Informative Book
This is such a good book about alcoholism. The denial and the feeling of being right in your life choices is so accurate. The loss of a child is devastating and no about of alcohol or drugs can take that pain away. The faith in God was the antidote. Plus all the love shown. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
This is such a good book about alcoholism. The denial and the feeling of being right in your life choices is so accurate. The loss of a child is devastating and no about of alcohol or drugs can take that pain away. The faith in God was the antidote. Plus all the love shown. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
January 5, 2025
Pennies from Heaven for Kevin
A very powerful true story from Kevin about his alcohol and drug addictions and how he fought to overcome them. He’s a very strong ,an, but it didn’t come easily. He fought for every step and he won. But, he will always have to be careful the rest of his life. I admire his strength and for not giving up, when it would have been so easy to do so.
A very powerful true story from Kevin about his alcohol and drug addictions and how he fought to overcome them. He’s a very strong ,an, but it didn’t come easily. He fought for every step and he won. But, he will always have to be careful the rest of his life. I admire his strength and for not giving up, when it would have been so easy to do so.
September 16, 2024
Powerful
Anyone with an addiction should read this mans story God is always with us through good and bad times. This mans story shows just that!
Anyone with an addiction should read this mans story God is always with us through good and bad times. This mans story shows just that!
September 21, 2024
Review
This book was really good . read it in one day. Its nice to see how someone v can change their life for the better.
This book was really good . read it in one day. Its nice to see how someone v can change their life for the better.
October 4, 2024
An honest, real, book
February 16, 2025
Thank you for my gifted copy.
This story is one of redemption and grace.
This story is one of redemption and grace.
October 26, 2024
Good read
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews