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No Way Out but Through
Two women of different generations—one scarred by an abusive teen marriage and the other by an alcoholic husband—come together to grapple with their inner demons and confront their untold stories.
When author Shannon Irwin meets Grace Ferrall and agrees to interview the younger woman and tell the story of Grace's forced child marriage and harrowing youth, these very different women begin an unlikely relationship. Grace's ordeal starts in Louisiana, with an alcoholic father and a mother whose mood swings are often intolerable. When Grace is barely fifteen and living in Oklahoma, her mother manipulates her into marrying Rafe, a scurrilous, older man. Pregnant at sixteen, Grace is soon living in a truck near a river in Oregon with Rafe's cult-like family.
After years of abuse and multiple pregnancies and miscarriages, with the help of an unlikely ally, Grace escapes. But her newfound freedom is fragile, and she is forced to make impossible choices to protect herself and her two daughters. Trust builds between the women as Grace shares details she has never told anyone, while Shannon, with a daughter Grace's age, and ridden with guilt about her former marriage, reveals the dysfunction in her own life and the remorse she suffers.
A searing and compassionate exploration set in present-day Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and 1990s rural Oklahoma, No Way Out but Through is inspired by the real life of an ordinary woman who survived extraordinary circumstances.
When author Shannon Irwin meets Grace Ferrall and agrees to interview the younger woman and tell the story of Grace's forced child marriage and harrowing youth, these very different women begin an unlikely relationship. Grace's ordeal starts in Louisiana, with an alcoholic father and a mother whose mood swings are often intolerable. When Grace is barely fifteen and living in Oklahoma, her mother manipulates her into marrying Rafe, a scurrilous, older man. Pregnant at sixteen, Grace is soon living in a truck near a river in Oregon with Rafe's cult-like family.
After years of abuse and multiple pregnancies and miscarriages, with the help of an unlikely ally, Grace escapes. But her newfound freedom is fragile, and she is forced to make impossible choices to protect herself and her two daughters. Trust builds between the women as Grace shares details she has never told anyone, while Shannon, with a daughter Grace's age, and ridden with guilt about her former marriage, reveals the dysfunction in her own life and the remorse she suffers.
A searing and compassionate exploration set in present-day Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and 1990s rural Oklahoma, No Way Out but Through is inspired by the real life of an ordinary woman who survived extraordinary circumstances.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published August 18, 2026
About the author
Susan Beckham Zurenda
5 books132 followersSusan Beckham Zurenda taught English for 33 years on the college level and at the high school level to AP students. Her debut novel, Bells for Eli (Mercer University Press, March 2020; paperback edition March 2021), was selected the first place winner for Best First Book—Fiction in the 2021 IPPY (Independent Publisher Book Awards), a Foreword Indie Book Award finalist, a Winter 2020 Okra Pick by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, a 2020 Notable Indie on Shelf Unbound, a 2020 finalist for American Book Fest Best Book Awards, and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize for 2021. Susan has won numerous awards for her short fiction, including winning the South Carolina Fiction Prize twice. Her second novel, The Girl From the Red Rose Motel (Mercer University Press, September 2023), was the recipient of the 2024 Patricia Winn Award in Southern Fiction, Gold Medal winner in the 2024 IPPY Awards for Southeast Fiction, a 2024 Pushcart Prize nominee, a Shelf Unbound 2023 Notable 100 books, and a finalist in the American Book Fest Awards. Her upcoming novel, No Way Out but Through, is scheduled for publication in August 2026. The author lives in Spartanburg, SC. Learn more at www.susanzurenda.com.
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August 20, 2026
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⭐⭐⭐⭐
No Way Out but Through
Susan Beckham Zurenda
Publication Date: August 18th, 2026
Post Hill Press
272 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction
This is a Southern fiction book that takes place in the 1990s. I almost called it historical fiction, but I know it has to be more than fifty years ago to be considered formal historical fiction. There are two locations: present-day South Carolina and 1990s Oklahoma.
It’s about two women, Grace and Shannon. Grace was married at fifteen to an older man who was abusive towards her. Shannon is an author who was married to an alcoholic and carries terrible guilt within herself. Shannon interviews Grace so she can tell her story, and as Grace shares her well-kept secrets, they form a bond and share their regrets.
I like that this is inspired by real events. You can tell because the characters felt so human and lifelike. Another thing I admired was the way the women supported each other and how strong they were in their suffering. They didn’t pity themselves; they just wanted out. The title is apt because the best way to get out of something and move forward is to go straight through it.
The story is very moving, and the author writes with compassion but doesn’t hold back any punches. And as emotional and scary as some parts were, there was also a hopefulness throughout. I appreciated the way the author showed that the age difference between Grace and Shannon didn’t make it difficult for them to connect because they have much in common. They built a trust between them through their shared trauma.
The author balanced the two timelines very well, and they were each very clear and distinct. The atmospheric regional writing made it easy to tell them apart while reading. There is some slower pacing in the book. Grace’s escape is tense and fast-paced, while Shannon’s internal thoughts and dialogue seem slow compared to it.
Overall, I found the story interesting, and it is perfect if you enjoy character-driven Southern fiction, as I do. I won’t soon forget this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Goodreads ratings reflect reader demographics and
popular enthusiasm rather than objective literary merit.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐⭐
No Way Out but Through
Susan Beckham Zurenda
Publication Date: August 18th, 2026
Post Hill Press
272 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction
This is a Southern fiction book that takes place in the 1990s. I almost called it historical fiction, but I know it has to be more than fifty years ago to be considered formal historical fiction. There are two locations: present-day South Carolina and 1990s Oklahoma.
It’s about two women, Grace and Shannon. Grace was married at fifteen to an older man who was abusive towards her. Shannon is an author who was married to an alcoholic and carries terrible guilt within herself. Shannon interviews Grace so she can tell her story, and as Grace shares her well-kept secrets, they form a bond and share their regrets.
I like that this is inspired by real events. You can tell because the characters felt so human and lifelike. Another thing I admired was the way the women supported each other and how strong they were in their suffering. They didn’t pity themselves; they just wanted out. The title is apt because the best way to get out of something and move forward is to go straight through it.
The story is very moving, and the author writes with compassion but doesn’t hold back any punches. And as emotional and scary as some parts were, there was also a hopefulness throughout. I appreciated the way the author showed that the age difference between Grace and Shannon didn’t make it difficult for them to connect because they have much in common. They built a trust between them through their shared trauma.
The author balanced the two timelines very well, and they were each very clear and distinct. The atmospheric regional writing made it easy to tell them apart while reading. There is some slower pacing in the book. Grace’s escape is tense and fast-paced, while Shannon’s internal thoughts and dialogue seem slow compared to it.
Overall, I found the story interesting, and it is perfect if you enjoy character-driven Southern fiction, as I do. I won’t soon forget this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Goodreads ratings reflect reader demographics and
popular enthusiasm rather than objective literary merit.
August 28, 2026
Occasionally, some books leave me almost speechless. No Way Out but Through was one of those books. I was drawn to Grace, and knowing that her character was based on a real person made her story even more powerful. Again and again, the people who should have protected and cared for her failed her. And yet, Grace is so much more than the terrible things that happened to her. She is strong, resilient, and determined to rise above a past that could easily have defined her. Although far too many people let her down, there were also people like Dr. Dawkins and Officer Joe who stepped into her life at crucial moments and reminded me how much difference one caring person can make.
The title could not be more fitting. There is no way to truly heal from the traumas of the past simply by avoiding them. Eventually, we have to face what hurt us, and make our way through it. This was not an easy book to read, particularly knowing that Grace’s story was based in truth, but it was powerful, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. Grace’s story is about trauma, but even more than that, it is about resilience, healing, and refusing to allow the worst things that happened to you to have the final word. Sometimes there really is no way out but through. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The title could not be more fitting. There is no way to truly heal from the traumas of the past simply by avoiding them. Eventually, we have to face what hurt us, and make our way through it. This was not an easy book to read, particularly knowing that Grace’s story was based in truth, but it was powerful, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful. Grace’s story is about trauma, but even more than that, it is about resilience, healing, and refusing to allow the worst things that happened to you to have the final word. Sometimes there really is no way out but through. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 26, 2026
This book was hard and beautiful. It tells the story of 2 women Grace and Shannon. Grace is sharing her story which is so hard to Shannon so her story can be written to help others. Grace had a very tough wife as a very young wife to a horrible husband! To top it off her mom knew about it and put her in situauion to marry this man. This book focuses on her life and how she worked through a lot of turmoil as there is No Way Out but through it!!! Grace is an amazing woman and mother. There are so many folks along the way trying to help her. As she tells the story, Shannon is learning more about herself and her struggles. Also takes place on the beautiful Pawleys Island!!!
September 21, 2026
5.0
Odd Couple, the zone, hidden space…
*Thank you to the author for the invite to read this excellent book!
Ex- newspaper reporter / current author Shannon is approached at an author event by 2 attendees with a story to tell. Margaret feels Grace has a miraculous story that needs to be shared. Margaret would like Shannon to write the story.
Shannon is reluctant to at first, but agrees to meet and talk to the 2 women. What follows is a several day interview to learn Grace’s story. ( 1 hint: wed at 15…)
THOUGHTS:
*I agree with the author. I was not aware of the prevalence of child marriage in 1990s USA. My 1st impression would be that it was something that would more likely happen in the 1800s.
*Was motivated to keep reading to see if anything ever improves for Grace. Grace had more grit than she imagined.
*Delicate subject matter handled really well. Written with compassion. Neither were looking for pity, just looking for solutions and a way out.
*Set in 1990s rural Oklahoma & present day Pawleys Islsnd, SC. Mind boggling that this is inspired by a true story. A true story told as a fictional account.
*An emotional tale of building trust between the 2 women. This is what trust is all about.
*A women’s fiction / Southern fiction selection.
*Makes me think of quote - “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” (Theodore Roosevelt)
*IMO : Sharing was an emotional release for Grace.
*Excellent read - highly recommend!
Odd Couple, the zone, hidden space…
*Thank you to the author for the invite to read this excellent book!
Ex- newspaper reporter / current author Shannon is approached at an author event by 2 attendees with a story to tell. Margaret feels Grace has a miraculous story that needs to be shared. Margaret would like Shannon to write the story.
Shannon is reluctant to at first, but agrees to meet and talk to the 2 women. What follows is a several day interview to learn Grace’s story. ( 1 hint: wed at 15…)
THOUGHTS:
*I agree with the author. I was not aware of the prevalence of child marriage in 1990s USA. My 1st impression would be that it was something that would more likely happen in the 1800s.
*Was motivated to keep reading to see if anything ever improves for Grace. Grace had more grit than she imagined.
*Delicate subject matter handled really well. Written with compassion. Neither were looking for pity, just looking for solutions and a way out.
*Set in 1990s rural Oklahoma & present day Pawleys Islsnd, SC. Mind boggling that this is inspired by a true story. A true story told as a fictional account.
*An emotional tale of building trust between the 2 women. This is what trust is all about.
*A women’s fiction / Southern fiction selection.
*Makes me think of quote - “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” (Theodore Roosevelt)
*IMO : Sharing was an emotional release for Grace.
*Excellent read - highly recommend!
September 20, 2026
Great read
This book was heartbreaking but so realistic as to how these young g wives were considered property of their husbands. I married at 16 and should have been much older to become a wife and mother. It is hard to belt these type of marriages still happen all over the world. There should be laws in all countries to allow a young lady to grow up a bit beforehand.
This book was heartbreaking but so realistic as to how these young g wives were considered property of their husbands. I married at 16 and should have been much older to become a wife and mother. It is hard to belt these type of marriages still happen all over the world. There should be laws in all countries to allow a young lady to grow up a bit beforehand.
September 23, 2026
This book was very well done. The author used a creative approach to make an extremely difficult story inspirational, rather than depressing. Although Grace was, in fact, a victim of terrible circumstances, she did NOT give in to victimhood. She found a way "through" for herself and her children.
September 21, 2026
No Way Out But Through by Susan Zurenda Beckham is a beautifully written book about extraordinarily difficult things. It is a story of survival, motherhood, friendship, guilt, courage, and the painful reality that sometimes the only way to reach the other side of something is exactly what the title says: through it.
There were parts of this book that were especially difficult for me to read because I connected so deeply with Grace. When she had to leave her girls in order to put on her own oxygen mask, I understood that choice in a very personal way. Years ago, I literally left my home in the middle of the night. My children were awakened so I could tell them goodbye, believing I would return the next day to discuss a separation. Instead, I was told I could not come home and that the locks had already been changed.
The guilt of leaving my children was enormous, even though somewhere inside me I knew that getting out was ultimately the only way I had any hope of getting all of us through what was happening. Like Grace, I never stopped fighting for my children. It remains one of the hardest experiences of my life.
Because of that, this was not a book I could simply sit down and read straight through. There were many times I had to close it, walk away, and do something else for a while. The emotions were too familiar. At the same time, that familiarity is part of what made the story feel so honest and compassionate.
More than once, I found myself wishing I could step into the pages, sit down on the couch beside Shannon and Grace, and simply give them both a hug.
In this novel, Beckham writes about painful subjects without reducing her characters to the things that happened to them. There is tenderness here alongside the heartbreak, and strength that does not look effortless or heroic. It looks messy, frightened, determined, exhausted, loving, and human.
Sometimes there truly is no easy exit. No shortcut. No way around.
There is only the way through.
This book understands that.
There were parts of this book that were especially difficult for me to read because I connected so deeply with Grace. When she had to leave her girls in order to put on her own oxygen mask, I understood that choice in a very personal way. Years ago, I literally left my home in the middle of the night. My children were awakened so I could tell them goodbye, believing I would return the next day to discuss a separation. Instead, I was told I could not come home and that the locks had already been changed.
The guilt of leaving my children was enormous, even though somewhere inside me I knew that getting out was ultimately the only way I had any hope of getting all of us through what was happening. Like Grace, I never stopped fighting for my children. It remains one of the hardest experiences of my life.
Because of that, this was not a book I could simply sit down and read straight through. There were many times I had to close it, walk away, and do something else for a while. The emotions were too familiar. At the same time, that familiarity is part of what made the story feel so honest and compassionate.
More than once, I found myself wishing I could step into the pages, sit down on the couch beside Shannon and Grace, and simply give them both a hug.
In this novel, Beckham writes about painful subjects without reducing her characters to the things that happened to them. There is tenderness here alongside the heartbreak, and strength that does not look effortless or heroic. It looks messy, frightened, determined, exhausted, loving, and human.
Sometimes there truly is no easy exit. No shortcut. No way around.
There is only the way through.
This book understands that.
September 7, 2026
I loved this book. Yes, it had triggers, and some of them affected me. But I look at triggers a little differently than most, in that I don't avoid them! I don't allow them to turn me into a sopping mess of goo, wallowing in self-pity, recriminations, guilt, and fear. I face them and let them reassure me in the fact that I am a strong woman who has learned to survive and go on. That's exactly what happened in this book with BOTH Grace and Shannon. It started with Shannon hearing about the unbelievably cruelty that Grace endured while she shared her story with author Shannon. As we went along, we learned that Shannon had a story of her own that filled her with guilt and the desire to change the future for her daughter. This book caught my attention from the start, and it never lost me. The character development was so deep, the interaction among these women became stronger as the story evolved, and we saw a bond grow between them that was unexpected from either of them. Many of us face things we don't know how to escape from, and we blame ourselves for what we allowed, when we did the best we could at the time. This book explores those feelings and I feel provides hope to those who are in tenuous situations and those who have made it through, but still suffer from guilt. I say this is a must read; deal with the triggers, and use them to heal yourself.
September 26, 2026
After hearing the author of No Way Out but Through speak at a Books & Bites event, I was intrigued and eager to read the book. While Grace’s story is a heart wrenching one, and while reading all the things that happened to her at the hands of those who were supposed to love and care for her was difficult, I still felt like the story was told in simple language and read like a young adult fiction book. In the book, Grace is an adult, (a grandmother) and the story is written like she’s the teenager sharing the story. To me, it didn’t match and the ending was also anticlimactic. There was all the buildup of Grace’s story: how awful her mother was toward her and not protecting her, how terrible her husband was and all the horrible things he did to her, and the storyline dropped off in a very anticlimactic manner, not showing the strong and resilient Grace that eventually got out of the abusive marriage and how she turned her life around. The ending then became more about Shannon. The book was disappointing and just did not meet my expectations…..
September 18, 2026
No Way Out But Through by Susan Zurenda is a heartbreaking novel based on a true story about a young woman whose mother gave her as a teenager to an older man who married her and made her give birth to two children and work to support all three of them.
In this book she tells her story in an interview to an older woman about how she was able to get her and her daughters away from him and finally get a divorce. She’s had a rough life and is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
The interviewer is hearing this story in a house provided by another woman friend on beautiful Pawley’s Island in the South Carolina Low Country.
The older woman also has her own problems having divorced an alcoholic husband and now worried that her daughter might also have an alcoholic husband.
The two women bond and become friends.
Susan Zurenda’s beautiful writing makes the story one you’ll definitely want to read!
In this book she tells her story in an interview to an older woman about how she was able to get her and her daughters away from him and finally get a divorce. She’s had a rough life and is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
The interviewer is hearing this story in a house provided by another woman friend on beautiful Pawley’s Island in the South Carolina Low Country.
The older woman also has her own problems having divorced an alcoholic husband and now worried that her daughter might also have an alcoholic husband.
The two women bond and become friends.
Susan Zurenda’s beautiful writing makes the story one you’ll definitely want to read!
August 23, 2026
Firstly, I did enjoy this story. It tackled a difficult topic and was told with a lot of care and emotion.
The writing was probably the biggest thing that kept this from being a higher rating for me. I don't want to say it was bad because it wasn't. It just felt a little more simplistic and entry-level than I'm used to. That said, I think the heart of the story was there, and the writing did still convey the emotions of the characters well.
I also did some immersive reading with the audiobook, and unfortunately, the narration didn't work for me. The voice imitations for the different characters felt a little cringe at times and pulled me out of the story rather than drawing me in. I also didn't feel like the voices stayed consistent throughout.
Overall, I think this was a intriguing story. While some of the writing and narration didn't quite work for me, I still found myself invested in the story and glad I read it. I would read another book by this author again.
Thank you NetGalley, and Post Hill Press for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
The writing was probably the biggest thing that kept this from being a higher rating for me. I don't want to say it was bad because it wasn't. It just felt a little more simplistic and entry-level than I'm used to. That said, I think the heart of the story was there, and the writing did still convey the emotions of the characters well.
I also did some immersive reading with the audiobook, and unfortunately, the narration didn't work for me. The voice imitations for the different characters felt a little cringe at times and pulled me out of the story rather than drawing me in. I also didn't feel like the voices stayed consistent throughout.
Overall, I think this was a intriguing story. While some of the writing and narration didn't quite work for me, I still found myself invested in the story and glad I read it. I would read another book by this author again.
Thank you NetGalley, and Post Hill Press for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
August 27, 2026
I've read other books by this author and have always appreciated the way she shows the redemptive power of human connection. In No Way Out but Through, the connection is between two adult women, Shannon and Grace, whose lives are very different but whose wounds allow them to recognize one another. It's difficult, and often heartbreaking subject matter, but it is handled with tenderness and compassion.
This would be a good read for a group interested in social justice issues, or for a book club who appreciates a story of women overcoming the odds and how connections can help them survive.
It is written in different points of view and in different timelines. Some might find that distracting, but I found the change of font and the chapter headings made it easy to shift with the story.
This would be a good read for a group interested in social justice issues, or for a book club who appreciates a story of women overcoming the odds and how connections can help them survive.
It is written in different points of view and in different timelines. Some might find that distracting, but I found the change of font and the chapter headings made it easy to shift with the story.
September 3, 2026
This true story told as a fictional account of the character Grace is heartbreaking. The fact that underage marriage still actually exists is unbelievable. We know that abusive spouses and lack of resources are a fact of life for many women. I can’t say this was an enjoyable story to read because it is so sad, but it certainly serves as a reminder that everyone is not as fortunate as we may be.
Fortunately there is light at the end of the tunnel. Grace is strong and determined. It’s definitely worth reading.
Fortunately there is light at the end of the tunnel. Grace is strong and determined. It’s definitely worth reading.
September 2, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The author’s ability to create two characters who were so completely different from one another was especially impressive. Both felt complex and believable, and their differences made the story that much more compelling.
The book was deeper than I expected, touching on some meaningful themes without feeling heavy or drawn out. It was a quick read, but one that gave me plenty to think about after I finished.
Definitely a book I’m glad I picked up!
The book was deeper than I expected, touching on some meaningful themes without feeling heavy or drawn out. It was a quick read, but one that gave me plenty to think about after I finished.
Definitely a book I’m glad I picked up!
October 3, 2026
Loved this book. Brought back so many emotions.
August 22, 2026
Well written book about Grace being forced to marry an older man at 15 years old. She at two kids and wanted to escape the abuse. Her story is being written by Shannon an author who has a story of her own. Grace helps her by being there with her while she is telling her story. You have to save yourself first to help save them.
September 27, 2026
Powerful!
It’s been a while since I read a book I couldn’t wait to get back to each day. While such a difficult topic and hard passages, you can’t help but find yourself vested in the character of Grace as she battles to save herself and her girls. At the same time, the friendship that grows between Grace and Shannon is so beautiful. It brought me to tears several times but at the end they are triumphant tears. I will be thinking about this study for a long time after finishing it.
It’s been a while since I read a book I couldn’t wait to get back to each day. While such a difficult topic and hard passages, you can’t help but find yourself vested in the character of Grace as she battles to save herself and her girls. At the same time, the friendship that grows between Grace and Shannon is so beautiful. It brought me to tears several times but at the end they are triumphant tears. I will be thinking about this study for a long time after finishing it.
August 28, 2026
This book is going to make you feel every emotion—mad, sad, happy, heartbroken, and inspired. Grace had the courage to do what so many women struggle to do. She never forgot what she went through, but she chose to rebuild herself through hard work, dedication, forgiveness, and healing.
It is heartbreaking and shocking to realize that this type of thing still happens today. I would recommend this book to every woman as a reminder that no matter what you have been through, you can overcome it and rebuild your life.
Grace is truly an amazing woman and deserves to be recognized as an inspiration and powerful figure for women everywhere.
Susan poured her heart into this book and brought important awareness to an issue that still needs to be talked about. Another incredible book that I highly recommend!
It is heartbreaking and shocking to realize that this type of thing still happens today. I would recommend this book to every woman as a reminder that no matter what you have been through, you can overcome it and rebuild your life.
Grace is truly an amazing woman and deserves to be recognized as an inspiration and powerful figure for women everywhere.
Susan poured her heart into this book and brought important awareness to an issue that still needs to be talked about. Another incredible book that I highly recommend!
August 24, 2026
Wow! No Way Out but Through is a powerful, intense and heart wrenching story of resilience. It’s anchored in a dark place of domestic abuse, poverty, child abuse and dysfunctional families telling the story of one woman’s life of being forced to be a child bride and living those horrors. Despite her circumstances she moves through her life with conviction, survival skills, ambition, goals and a wealth of love and wisdom beyond her years in her heart, and that’s what keeps her moving forward. This 4.5 star read for me is gripping, compelling and extremely though provoking and will take your heart on an emotional roller coaster ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such an eye opening read and I had no idea that underage marriages were still happening in the nineties! Based on a true story, we follow Grace as she slowly unfolds her story to Shannon who agrees to write her story for others to read, learn from and hopefully inspiration to help others. This is a heart breaking story about a girl who was groomed and then coerced into a marriage with this same man, while underage. He now had full control over her, as her mother essentially signed her over to him and she had no rights still technically being a minor and now a minor wife. Grace, even though she endured such hardships and really had no one to help her, continued to stay positive and always look towards the bright end of things. Young and very inexperienced, she had to grow up quickly to become a mother and eventually fight for her and her daughters. After a tumultuous few years, the help of others who saw who her husband really was, and the strength to do whatever it took no matter what to keep her girls safe, she made one of the most gut wrenching hardest decisions a mother could ever make. But in order to save her girls, she had to save herself first. I flew through this novel! At times it was hard to read what this poor girl endured, but she was so brace and strong! Thank you to the author for the complementary novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
Favorite line from the novel, "You can't help another person who won't participate in their own rescue."
Favorite line from the novel, "You can't help another person who won't participate in their own rescue."
August 25, 2026
" ...the quickest connection between you and another person is a story. And it isn’t just about the teller. It’s about the listener, too. Stories are a two-way street that exist only when readers respond with their own perspective." -Susan Zurenda
(Mic Drop) Yes! These words spoken by the author herself capture how deeply moving and tragic this book was. There is no way you as a reader can not be changed or leave without a battle wound from this heart wrenching story based on true events.
Going into the book I had a vague idea of what No Way Out but Through was about, but I had no idea the weight of Grace's story was until she stepped onto the page. I found myself compulsively turning the pages. I could not peel my eyes away from her story. But to reference how I opened my review, Zurenda doesn't just give you Grace's story, she shows the reader that the receiver of a story can be changed by someone else's story. Both characters exhibit such grace and when one is weak the other is strong.
I admit my summer reading leans towards more light "beach" reads, so reading Zurenda's incredible character development and growth was a much needed departure. I am not sure how she managed to evoke so many emotions in the 272 pages.
I urge you to read this book, but prepare yourself to experience a devastatingly horrific beautiful story.
Grace and Shannon will forever live in my heart and mind.
(Mic Drop) Yes! These words spoken by the author herself capture how deeply moving and tragic this book was. There is no way you as a reader can not be changed or leave without a battle wound from this heart wrenching story based on true events.
Going into the book I had a vague idea of what No Way Out but Through was about, but I had no idea the weight of Grace's story was until she stepped onto the page. I found myself compulsively turning the pages. I could not peel my eyes away from her story. But to reference how I opened my review, Zurenda doesn't just give you Grace's story, she shows the reader that the receiver of a story can be changed by someone else's story. Both characters exhibit such grace and when one is weak the other is strong.
I admit my summer reading leans towards more light "beach" reads, so reading Zurenda's incredible character development and growth was a much needed departure. I am not sure how she managed to evoke so many emotions in the 272 pages.
I urge you to read this book, but prepare yourself to experience a devastatingly horrific beautiful story.
Grace and Shannon will forever live in my heart and mind.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A powerful story of one woman's strength and resilience after years of abuse. Shannon is a former journalist turned author that is approached by two women after a book event. One of the women is an older lady that tells Shannon that the other woman Grace has a story that needs to be told. Soon the three women meet again for Grace to tell her story of being a child bride at just fifteen years old during the mid 1990s. Her story is one of emotional, physical and sexual assault after being handed over to her abuser/husband by her own mother. However in the end Grace realized her only way out is through.
I found this story to be one of terror and hope. In some ways I believe it was only the love for her children that gave Grace the ability to endure and eventually find her way away from Rafe. She was not only able to get her and her daughters free from him, but she was able to finally have a life that even as a young girl she didn't think was possible.
I found this story to be one of terror and hope. In some ways I believe it was only the love for her children that gave Grace the ability to endure and eventually find her way away from Rafe. She was not only able to get her and her daughters free from him, but she was able to finally have a life that even as a young girl she didn't think was possible.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved The Girl from the Red Rose Motel, so I’ve been anxiously waiting to read No Way Out But Through by Susan Beckham Zurenda. Somehow, it exceeded every expectation I had.
This book tackles some incredibly difficult subjects, but Susan Beckham Zurenda has a gift for telling a story that completely captures my heart and refuses to let go. Once I started, I could not put it down. The characters felt real, the emotions felt raw, and I found myself completely immersed in their journey.
If the quote, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice,” resonates with you, then this is absolutely a book you need to read. At its core, it’s a powerful story of resilience, courage, and finding a way forward when life gives you no easy options.
Knowing that it was inspired by a true story made it even more impactful.
Five huge stars for this one. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book tackles some incredibly difficult subjects, but Susan Beckham Zurenda has a gift for telling a story that completely captures my heart and refuses to let go. Once I started, I could not put it down. The characters felt real, the emotions felt raw, and I found myself completely immersed in their journey.
If the quote, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice,” resonates with you, then this is absolutely a book you need to read. At its core, it’s a powerful story of resilience, courage, and finding a way forward when life gives you no easy options.
Knowing that it was inspired by a true story made it even more impactful.
Five huge stars for this one. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
When veteran reporter Shannon is introduced to forty something Grace, she’s encouraged to listen to Grace and tell her story. Raised by a mother who is that in the biological sense only, she’s learned to fend for herself. What Grace goes through is brutal - this is a tough book to get through but it really does show the strength of the human spirit. And as Shannon helps Grace tell the very darkest parts of her lives, she realizes that Grace is also helping her with her own struggles with her adult daughter. Loved how these two women from very different walks of life bonded together, and how both ended up stronger as a result of their friendship. Thanks to the author for sharing an ARC with our book club!
September 9, 2026
Emotional but powerful!
Based on a true story, Susan has approached the difficult subject of forced underage marriage and abuse with such care.
Grace is a woman who has faced unimaginable cruelty and abuse from the very people who should be caring for and loving her, and Shannon is the author to whom she tells her story. Shannon is not without her own issues, and during the course of meeting and speaking with Grace, the two women are able to learn from and help one another.
I don't want to give too much of the story away, because I think you need to read and experience the story to really appreciate the power and resilience that is Grace.
This book, and its characters, truly touched me. I will remember it for a long while.
Based on a true story, Susan has approached the difficult subject of forced underage marriage and abuse with such care.
Grace is a woman who has faced unimaginable cruelty and abuse from the very people who should be caring for and loving her, and Shannon is the author to whom she tells her story. Shannon is not without her own issues, and during the course of meeting and speaking with Grace, the two women are able to learn from and help one another.
I don't want to give too much of the story away, because I think you need to read and experience the story to really appreciate the power and resilience that is Grace.
This book, and its characters, truly touched me. I will remember it for a long while.
July 3, 2026
🌟THOUGHTS (without giving anything away): I am a sucker for stories that are based on true personal accounts. The author’s approach to how this story came about - weaving it as sort of a story within a story - was very nicely done. The emotional components really connected me to the author and main character, alike. Grace, the one whose story is being told, was such a strong person and I was so happy to find that her story ended well. Great book - I was enthralled the entire time!
🏆PERFECT FOR: Readers of women’s lit, people who enjoy stories of triumph and overcoming hardship, and mothers. All mothers. I just wanted to cling tighter to my kids after reading this.
🏆PERFECT FOR: Readers of women’s lit, people who enjoy stories of triumph and overcoming hardship, and mothers. All mothers. I just wanted to cling tighter to my kids after reading this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is very powerful book about a woman who was forced into marrying a much older man when she was just fifteen. It was very hard to read the story about the abuses she was forced to endure. Grace is now telling her story to Shannon, a writer in a secluded spot on the beach. Shannon has her own troubles and in this process, she also is able to unburden herself to Grace.
Although Grace's story is the main focus, right behind it is the support and friendship the two women share. It really was beautiful to see the development of the kinship they felt for each other.
I highly recommend this book!
Thanks to Post Hill Press for the digital copy. All thoughts are my own.
Although Grace's story is the main focus, right behind it is the support and friendship the two women share. It really was beautiful to see the development of the kinship they felt for each other.
I highly recommend this book!
Thanks to Post Hill Press for the digital copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I did enjoy this, don't get me wrong. The fact that women actually go through what Grace lived and that people like Rafe exist makes me want to vomit. I live in Rural Alabama, I know it exists. But the format of the book and the jumps in timeline and the way the book was written and the writing style was so distracting for me and really threw me off. I thought the story was so captivating and heartbreaking but something about the writing was so distracting to me. Definitely would recommend this, lots of trigger warnings, but it is a good book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Main character Grace tells her story in small, palatable doses to writer Shannon. Parental neglect, abuse, alcoholism, rape, a forced marriage. Yet, Grace has emerged from this nightmare as a strong, loving woman. She wants other women who may be victims to know that they are not alone. Shannon takes Grace's story to heart. Her most valued lesson is you can't fix someone who doesn't want to be fixed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an intensely moving story! Knowing that it’s based on a true story adds to the emotional
Impact of the mother’s situation as she pushes through a difficult life to save her daughters.
Impact of the mother’s situation as she pushes through a difficult life to save her daughters.
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