A runaway teen. A wife’s devastating secret. A family’s reckoning.
Beth Holbrook has dedicated her life to helping families thrive. As a pastor’s wife, mother of three, and respected parenting coach, she teaches others how to raise children who love God and make wise choices.
Then her daughter runs away.
Tired of living under her parents’ overbearing rules, eighteen-year-old Leesa leaves home determined to live life on her own terms. But when her choices lead to consequences she never expected, she’s faced with a future she’s not prepared for.
Meanwhile, Beth’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel. Tension grows in her marriage, wounds from her past resurface, and the secret she’s hidden for nineteen years threatens to sever the tenuous threads holding her family together.
When a powerful hurricane barrels toward their Virginia Beach home, the Holbrooks must confront the storm within their own walls.
Will confession and forgiveness heal the damage… or will the truth tear their family apart?
As a Jesus girl for over thirty years, and a pastor’s wife for most of those, Deena Adams has a wealth of experience counseling women who’ve navigated unimaginable adversity. Through these interactions she’s gained great insight into topics women relate to, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true-life stories.
Three-and-a-half years as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and completion of the Certified Mental Health Coach program through Light University have equipped her to write stories that address deep family-related themes with authenticity, wisdom, and compassion.
She is an active ACFW member, a six-year ACFW Virginia board member, and founder of the Marathon online writers group. Her writing awards include: 2019 Foundations Award finalist, 2019 ACFW First Impressions double finalist and winner, 2021 ACFW Genesis finalist and ACFW Virginia Crown Award winner, 2022 Cascade Award finalist, 2023 ACFW First Impressions finalist, 2024 ACFW Genesis double semi-finalist and winner, 2024 Foundations Award finalist, and 2025 ACFW Genesis finalist. She also enjoys promoting hope-filled fiction authors on her blog.
Deena lives with her husband near the coast in beautiful Virginia. When she’s not writing, reading, or serving in her church, you’ll find her hanging out with family and friends, playing board games, and doting on her seven grandchildren.
I've always loved prodigal stories, especially ones that are filled with biblical truth, such as Stronger than the Storm. This book follows an imperfect and broken family struggling to learn, love, grow, and restore with the help of the Lord and His Word. I could see myself in the pages, and I loved that the characters felt honest and authentic. This is a moving and inspiring story that reminded me to never give up hope for the prodigals in my own life. For fans of books such as Swimming in the Deep End by Christina Suzann Nelson and This Promised Land by Cathy Gohlke.
I was honored to read and endorse this beautiful story that shows what hurts, helps, and ultimately heals the heart of a family. Adams uses a deft, yet gentle hand to communicate powerful truths through the lives of her fictional characters. Rich, compelling, entertaining, this debut is hard to put down. Well done!
“When we give our regrets over to God, He can redeem them in ways we could never imagine.“
Deena Adams’ debut novel Stronger than the Storm beautifully tells a tender story of God’s faithfulness amid one family’s brokenness. Beth and her pastor-husband Kevin find themselves in the middle of an emotional & spiritual hurricane that threatens to knock their home off the foundation they’ve been building on for years. The heartache caused by their 18-year-old middle child Leesa’s harmful choices reveals the cracks in their own marriage, priorities, and walks with God, not to mention their parenting and reputations. For her own part, Leesa quickly realizes her rebellion has consequences, including perhaps-permanently damaging her relationship with her younger sister. I don’t know many families who haven’t been touched by the anguish of having a prodigal child or a difficult season in their marriage. For that reason, the Holbrooks will feel relatable to most readers, with deep spiritual truth on these pages that may be exactly what you need to apply to your own situation.
I definitely saw parts of myself reflected in Beth and her youngest daughter Megan, especially Megan, and I’m unfortunately not talking about their strengths lol. I wish I could say I was like the oldest Holbrook child Tyler but alas I related more to Megan’s reaction toward Leesa than I did his. Beth’s need to control – and her reaction when life feels uncontrollable – also hit close to home for me, and I thought Deena Adams captured all the layers to Beth’s narrative so poignantly. Being able to see Kevin’s POV as well as Beth’s and Leesa’s gave me a well-rounded perspective on the big picture of this story but also helped me put myself in the shoes of someone whose decisions I might not otherwise have understood or may have been too quick to judge. Leesa’s journey in particular is not one that I was tempted to follow in my late teens but oh how God still pointed out to me that, while my actions may not have mirrored hers, my attitudes certainly did. And sometimes still do. I love fiction that challenges me in my own spiritual walk even as it keeps me invested in the lives of the characters it portrays, and this novel definitely did both.
Bottom Line: Stronger than the Storm by Deena Adams thoughtfully holds a broken family up to the light of grace and tells a powerful story of prodigals, secrets, forgiveness, and a faithful God who holds us fast in the hurricane of unexpected heartbreak. It’s tender, it’s honest, it’s convicting, and it’s redemptive, and I look forward to seeing where this series takes the Holbrook family from here. The author doesn’t gloss over the sin and struggles in this novel but she also doesn’t present them gratuitously or for shock value and is discreet about the details she gives. I loved the reminder that God can redeem even the worst messes we’ve created and the most painful damages from the storms in our own lives. Stronger than the Storm would be a great next read for fans of Robin W. Pearson, Katie Powner, and Sara Brunsvold!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited)
I bought this book originally as an encouragement to Deena, who I know. When I started it, honestly I couldn't put it down. There's a lot going on in this novel and it grips all your emotions. Deena wove everything together is such a gripping yet encouraging way. Bravo, Deena! I loved your book!
Deena Adams’s debut novel offers up a family that readers will fall in love with—not despite their flaws, but because of them. The Holbrooks endure heart-wrenching circumstances, but they discover the hope Christ can give in the fiercest storm, and that makes all the difference for generations to come.
Stronger than the Storm is a multi-POV Christian fiction novel switching between a married couple and their young prodigal daughter. Based on the author's own experience, I found the story to be realistic and emotional, covering sensitive topics such as abuse, unplanned pregnancy, adultery, and secrets. Characters' struggles are not glossed over as they grapple with challenges in conflicting ways. But the overall themes of letting go of fear, changing perspective, forgiving, accepting accountability, and living with authenticity ring true and encouraging. I quickly grew to care for the characters and had to keep reading to make sure they turned out okay!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"The Lord’s faithfulness and love she’d taught about for years weren’t just words. They were real. Tangible. She needed to seize the truth and hold on with all her might."
“God’s power can turn messes into ministry and trials into a testimony when we entrust our hurts to him."
*I received an early copy from the author as part of the launch team. A positive review was not required!
“God’s power can turn messes into ministry and trials into a testimony when we entrust our hurts to him. I’m living proof.”
Stronger Than the Storm by Deena Adams is a women’s fiction story I found more relatable than I would like. My family’s situation was not the same in many respects, yet I understood the pressure of living in a glass house because of being in a pastor’s family. Both Kevin, a pastor, and his wife, Beth, have hopes for the future based on their performance- Kevin hopes to advance to senior pastor of the church, and Beth hopes to publish her first book as a parenting expert.
Their dreams begin to crash around them like the winds of the hurricane that later attack the house. Their oldest daughter runs away, and when she does return, continues to make life choices that are both hurtful and dangerous. I found it interesting that Beth is the strict parent who wants firm rules and apologies from the errant young adult child. “God is full of grace and love, but His Word makes it clear there are consequences for sin. How will Leesa ever learn from her mistakes if we rescue her at every turn?” Kevin, much easier going, would rather “err on the side of grace.” “I’m more willing to offer grace and unconditional love.” And he does! Guess which parent Leesa gravitates towards? I wonder, if, in many marriages, there is a child-rearing theory conflict like this, each thinking themselves following God’s will and Word?
Things gets worse and stormier before they get better. The family is on the verge of total collapse. A secret kept for years. A grief that almost kills the marriage. I loved the fact that the two consider a Christian counselor to help. But one still needs to listen to any sound advice, pray a lot, and determine to obey God. Both Kevin and Beth are amazed by what they find when they take a look at their individual hearts. Will they have the strength to pursue reparation for their marriage and family? What about Leesa, who feels her life has ended before it has barely begun?
Isaac, Megan, Tyler, Jackson, and Teresa are all secondary characters with major influences on the three main characters. I love how accepting and helpful Jackson and Teresa are especially, but all are essential in this family drama.
Highly recommended! For mature readers, but possibly teens, depending on their exposure. For church people, to see what their expectations and gossip can do to their leaders. For leaders, to carefully re-evaluate the inner motives and transparency. And, of course, for parents of prodigals! Discussion questions at the end would make this book ideal for a book club.
I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher. I also pre-ordered my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Perhaps embracing every seemingly insignifcant moment with those you love transforms normal into extraordinary.”
“You know going against God’s Word is never His plan, but He can and will use anything for good. Even our worst mess-ups.” - Jackson
“We all need second chances … and third, fourth, and "fifth.” - Kevin
“I’m learning relatability is more important than a perfect reputation. It’s hard to point people to hope if we hide our messy stuff.” - Beth
“We do what we think is right in the moment. If we learn from our mistakes, they’re never wasted”…“When we give our regrets over to God, He can redeem them in ways we could never imagine.” - Beth
This is the fastest I've read a book in a very long time! From the start until the end it had me intrigued and curious. Having a prodigal myself, this story gives me hope.
Having the author point us to God and give us scripture references was vital to enable her readers to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Excellent debut novel.
I am an advanced reader, and was given a copy from the author. The opinions are my own.
I received an advanced copy of Stronger than the Storm from the author, and I could not wait to dive in. The topic engaged me from the beginning as an experienced mom of four now-grown kids.
Oh, yes, I am acquainted with how raising teens can be challenging. The "kids" don't always agree with their parents -- on many issues. When you add a family's biblical worldview left to "compete" in a non-biblical world culture, that up's the anty a thousand-fold. We see that clash in this novel. It is a realistic struggle as we know from the onset of recorded history, children have not always followed their parents' teachings, including Adam and Eve!
So, with great expectation, I began reading. It was not hard to keep turning the pages, and when I didn't have time to read more, I was reluctant to lay it down. I needed to know just how far off track the Holbrook's daughter would go before she came to her senses, hopefully like the Prodigal! I also wanted to discover how the parents would deal with this embarrassing rebellion and its impact on their reputation and ministries.
The author writes well-crafted dialogue that allows you to jump into the scenes, feeling the emotions of the characters. The action scenes keep you looking for more action. What's next?
Stronger than the Storm carries a banner of hope for its readers because this story is so much more than a family drama. It is, indeed, a story of God's caring concern, and provision no matter our struggle.
Families, even Christian families, struggle, and the Holbrooks are no exception. Trying to make everything perfect, or at least appear perfect, Beth Holbrook almost loses everything. This novel deals with some difficult subjects, but it's a story of love, forgiveness, and hope. Stronger than the Storm reminds us that God alone has control, even when the storms of life threaten to overwhelm.
What a beautiful story of God's grace and love! I loved the growth and understanding of this family. I am excited for the next book and seeing what the Holbrook family does with the lessons they've learned.
Stronger Than the Storm by Deena Adams is a story that doesn’t just talk about love—it puts it through the fire and shows what remains.
Through the characters’ journeys, the novel explores what happens when people face real relational storms—times when they have both caused hurt and been deeply hurt. It’s along that difficult road of reconciliation that the story reveals a deeper understanding of love. Not the easy, untested kind, but the kind that has been strained, stretched, and ultimately proven.
The book also offers an honest portrayal of family. No family in the story is idealized, reflecting the truth that no person is perfect. Instead, we see how self-protection can quietly build walls around the heart. While those walls may feel safe at first, the narrative shows how they can lead to isolation and emotional suffocation. Yet, the story doesn’t leave things there—it points to hope, found in the courage to become vulnerable again.
Two moments in particular capture the heart of the message:
“…Besides, you don’t owe me anything.” “When you love someone, it’s not about owing them. …”
and
“I can’t help but think [God’s] okay with our muddling. It shows our complete dependence on Him instead of thinking we can manage on our own.”
Both lines reflect the book’s deeper themes: love that isn’t transactional, and faith that grows not through perfection, but through dependence on God in the middle of our mess.
At the risk of sounding cliché, this is the kind of story that hits hard emotionally. It doesn’t manipulate feelings—it earns them. For readers who connect deeply with stories, this is one that lingers, pressing into the heart long after the final page.
"Stronger than the Storm" by Deena Adams is a novel of (real life). This was another hard book to read! But the author warns readers that this novel could be a trigger for some as it deals with a prodigal child, unplanned pregnancy adultery and life altering secrets and marital strife. And other topics. So be aware. This book definitely shows what faith can do. This novel shows that everyone has issues and God can redeem our messes. I like that this author doesn't try to tell a novel that makes Christians perfect but shows that we all need to follow and obey God. If you want a novel that is filled with real life and honestly but not told to shock readers and is discreet about the details given, then "Stronger than the Storm" by Deena Adams is worth your time it takes to read it, yes the book is 390 "Stronger than the Storm" by Deena Adams pages but I didn't feel like the book was filled with pages that was just to make the book longer, I feel like each page just added to the realist of "real life". I could quote several quotes from the book that really struck me as wow, but I won't and instead I will just say I think if you like Christian Fiction that could be just real then read this book! And to think this is her debut novel! I received a complimentary ebook from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
This debut novel is one of choices and how they can reverberate even years later. Forgiveness. Faith. Love of family. Be prepared for a lot of drama involving a prodigal daughter (and more). Ms. Adams writes with depth and emotion which is why I gave this one 4 stars.
A family faces many trials in this emotional journey to reconciliation. There are a few topics that could be triggers to some readers. The author handles these topics with grace and the Word. The family are respected members of the church and both husband and wife have thriving ministries. I could very much relate to the prodigal in the story. We are dealing with a young adult who has turned away from God. The anger and bitterness is hard to deal with. Like the author illustrates I can be controlling and a helicopter mom. This story has helped me understand the prodigal better and know there is always hope.
Beth is shocked to find her teenage daughter has left home without warning. She struggles with looking at herself and seeing how she may have been part of the reason her daughter left. As parents we want the best for our children. Sometimes we forget to treat them with respect and allow them to make mistakes on their own. I was able to relate to Beth the most because I understand what it feels like to want others to accept me even though my life is in chaos. Trying to hide what is going on causes Beth to wonder where her trust in God is.
Leesa is strong willed and ready to escape her controlling and critical mother. She adores her father but when it comes to her mother their ability to communicate is difficult. A decision to leave the safety of her family will show Leesa that the pasture is not greener on the other side. A big mistake finds her in a relationship that is dangerous. I like how she still turns to her father when she reaches rock bottom. Her journey is filled with dark moments where she finds that God is there. Her story gives hope to the lost and peace to those who think they will never be forgiven.
I appreciate how the author uses parts of her own life and incorporates it into a story that is relatable. We worry about our status in church but forget that our family is more important. I thought that Kevin had blinders on when it came to facing problems at home. He wanted this perfect family but beneath the surface is a family in crisis. His ministry was out before anything which he soon discovers is out of God’s order. Secrets play a big part in his marriage and his reaction is exactly what others would feel. We all make bad decisions that can hurt others. This story shows how a family steers through rough patches to find forgiveness and that we need to always depend on Him.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I gave this book a 4 star but it's really a 4.5. Women's fiction isn't my favourite genre, but when the book sounds good, I will read it and the blurb had me hooked. The book is about the Holbrook family with the main characters Mother Beth, Father Kevin and daughter Leese. Kevin is a youth pastor at the church and Beth is hoping to become a published author. Leese is the middle daughter now 18 and feels at odds with her mother.
Leese feels she can't measure up to her mother's expectations and with a friend decides to leave home and live her own life. She finds things are not as simple as she expected and is caught between living on her own or going back to the same issues that drove her away.
Back at home Beth is beside herself with worry for Leese but also about how people will react when they know Leese ran away. Kevin is dealing with the same issues but is more proactive, talking with the senior pastor. We can see how Leese leaving affects not only her parents but her siblings and also herself.
Beth also has been hiding something that happened in her early marriage which also threatens the family. Then with Leese own news things come to a head. The book is in the POV of these 3 characters which helps seeing how each one is thinking. We often wonder why someone would do something or what motivates them to stay away or in a dangerous situation. This book gives an insight into the characters thinking and we can see how low self-esteem or thinking you deserve to be treated poorly makes sense to them.
This book deals with family dynamics and some heavy subjects in a well written book. It doesn't sugar coat the issues, but it does show how with prayer and counselling things can change. We also have a couple of strong side characters that really add to the story. This book is very much a redemption and restoration story.
The last half of the book I didn't want to put down so much was happening and I just couldn't stop. If you enjoy books with read issues dealt with in a sensitive way, give this book a go. The redemption arc is very well done, and the ending is very satisfying.
Christian Women Fiction novels are a great read. Stronger than the Storm by Deena Adams is the most recent book in this genre that I have read.
I can honestly say this book had me captivated from the very beginning. The storyline involves Beth, her husband Kevin, who is a Pastor and their daughters, especially their middle daughter Leesa. Leesa decides to run away from home at age 18 and try to make it on her own. Her decisions once she is on her own, lead to some deep consequences when she comes home not long after running away. Leesa's consequences throw the entire family into further turmoil. Beth has been hiding a secret for over 19 years that she now decides to reveal and it brings the family to a stand still. Beth is angry at herself, but hopes that the confession will bring open communication and healing for the family. Kevin is at a time in his life where he is feeling a career change might in his future.
The "Storms are Raging" for the HolBrook family, but God is bigger than any Storm of Life. The Family didn't give up in the raging storms, they allowed God to heal the family and bring them closer. I know I can relate to both Beth and Leesa. I had a rebellious stage in my life, during my Young Adult years. I also had a secret that I recently revealed to my Young Adult sons about that time in my life. I most certainly felt that the news would cause strife, yet the news was well taken. I truly enjoyed this debut novel by Deena Adams and I look forward to more novels by Deena. I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction and needs some encouragement through the Storms of Life. GREAT BOOK
Our choices affect our lives and our families every day. When 18-year-old Leesa Holbrook feels her mom is too overbearing and decides to run away from home, she sets in motion a chain of events that will change her family forever.
Beth has tried her best to be a good and Godly mother, leaving the past in the past. But when her daughter Leesa becomes a prodigal, every hidden thing about her life threatens to come to light.
This women's fiction is about faith and family and the choices we make that either bring us together or tear us apart. Just when you think things can't get worse for the Holbrooks, another layer of hurt and betrayal is uncovered. This book tackles some difficult topics, but always with grace and the acknowledgment that each of us are capable of making mistakes and hurting others. We listen to what we want to believe instead of what is true. But when we're willing to be open and vulnerable with those we love, and put God in the center of our lives and relationships, we can survive the storms of life.
I hope you'll check into this debut novel by Deena Adams. You can feel Deena's heartbeat for women and families throughout this story. If you enjoy women's fiction, be watching for this one to release later this month.
I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Sometimes the fiercest storms a family faces are the ones that shake their faith, their dreams, and their hearts.
Stronger than the Storm by Deena Adams is a powerful contemporary story of the prodigal son—and so much more. The Holbrook family is devastated when eighteen-year-old Leesa chooses to follow the influence of friends and break free from the lifestyle her parents have carefully built.
Her father’s dream of becoming the senior pastor at their large church and her mother’s hopes of publishing a book as a respected parenting expert suddenly feel fragile and uncertain. Yet beyond the public consequences lies a deeper wound—the heartbreak of watching their daughter make choices that pull her farther from the values they’ve tried to instill.
In this emotionally charged novel, Deena Adams plunges the Holbrook family into the depths of despair. Misunderstandings, guilt, and shattered expectations threaten to tear them apart. What will it take for this family to find healing and restoration?
Stronger than the Storm is a powerful and inspiring story for readers who have weathered life’s unexpected trials. Storms may shake our faith and test our strength, but Adams reminds us that true hope is found by leaning on God—even when the waves feel overwhelming.
I was given an advanced copy to read, but the opinions are my own and I will be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf.
Stronger Than the Storm is a women’s Christian fiction novel. Leesa, 18, runs away from her restrictive parents’ house. Leesa ends up pregnant by her bad-news boyfriend, Isaac. Kevin, Leesa’s dad, is a pastor and wonders where he went wrong. Beth, Leesa’s mom, is beside herself, understandably.
Adams’ characters feel relatable and palpable, even the support characters. Oh, how I felt bad for Beth and Kevin’s other children and their son’s fiancee. They have to shoulder a lot of weight that isn’t theirs to carry except for the fact they’re all family.
There’s a sense throughout the story of a family who has been living behind a veneer. They have a very public life, but Beth and Kevin’s real life is full of tension, pressure from mom-in-law, and secrets. This is a Christian novel, and I like how the characters have to come clean (with each other and God) in order to move forward.
Oh yeah, and there’s a hurricane coming … as if the story weren’t gripping enough!
I took off a star because it gets a little too sappy toward the end which felt unrealistic given the characters’ behavior earlier in the novel. I expected character growth, yes, but not to the point that it felt melodramatic. Still, that’s my personal reflection, and other readers may have different reactions, so take my minor complaint with a grain of salt.
Don’t miss the author’s notes at the end. It makes the book all the more meaningful.
Overall, I highly recommend Stronger Than the Storm.
Deena Adams' debut novel drew me into a fictional world that has real life applications and shows everyday emotions. We are all broken people in need of a Savior and "Stronger Than The Storm" brings that truth to the page in a masterful and heartfelt manner.
When Beth and Kevin's eighteen-year-old daughter runs away from home, they are left to wonder what they did wrong? Or did they do anything wrong? The love of a parent is deep and wide and doesn't end at the threshold of a home.
As Beth and Kevin work to restore their relationship with Leesa, their other family relationships are tested and evaluated for past hursts and imperfections. Adams gives us complex characters with real needs, and you will find some of these needs and shortcomings hit close to home, especially if you are a parent.
As Kevin and Beth's marriage is strained, past revelations threaten to unravel their bond. Adams adds conflict with Leesa's actions, an overbearing grandma, and a hurricane.
Don't miss Adams' debut novel. Her characters and their family bonds will linger in your mind. A stellar debut for Christians and those who have imperfect families--like we all experience. A fast, engaging, and heart-tugging story.
I received an advanced copy from the author, but all opinions are my own. This was a fresh story that had me finish the book in one sitting. Bravo!
This a wonderful heartfelt retelling of the prodigal son. My heart really hurt for Beth and Kevin! There were times when I really wanted to shake them silly! Grrrr Forgiveness works on both sides but it doesn't always work out because pride often gets in the way. There is hope for everyone that's willing to try to work things but will they? Leesa is another one that I wanted to shake some sense into. But often times children have to work things out themselves. Leesa was a perfect example. Times I did feel sorry for her and kept rooting for her. It seems the teen years are harder than other years. I guess because we're still growing into ourselves and finding out who we're supposed to be. This is a story of a family's love and learning to forgive one another for past mistakes. I loved every minute of this book. It's very realistic and it does still make you think about it for a long time afterwards. I will say, I did NOT like Isaac!! I wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine so very bad! I'm giving this story 5 stars for a job well done! Thanks for the opportunity to read and review! I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Deena Adams’ debut novel proves that she is an author to keep an eye on. I was immediately swept into the dynamics of the “nearly perfect” Holbrook family—at least that’s the impression they give from the outside. But things go awry when their middle child, Leesa (18), runs away.
With the story effectively told from three perspectives—Kevin (the dad), Beth (the mom), and Leesa—I found myself entwined with each character. The tension among them is realistic and palpable. It wasn’t just parents vs. child. The anxiety over Leesa puts additional strain between Kevin and Beth, and the other two kids as well. The temptation to blame and shame sometimes wins.
I appreciated that these parents were real, complex, and relatable—not cliche and definitely not always able to hold it together. As the situation heats up, another crisis interferes and ramps up the pressure.
The author juggles many balls in this story, with unpredictable twists. If you appreciate women’s fiction with strong, clear faith threads, you’ll enjoy this novel.
I received an advance copy from the author, but all opinions are my own.
If you love stories centered on family, secrets, mistakes and redemption, this is the book for you. The characters spring to life from the page with such believable struggles, that when they make mistakes while you are pleading “Noooo” you understand why. I love stories with multiple POVS and the balance between Beth, Kevin and Leesa was well done and kept me flipping the pages. But perhaps the thing I loved the most was the way this story illustrated how God can work in our brokenness. This was a constant theme woven throughout the book. There were so many times where I found myself thinking “Gosh, that would be a hard thing to move past” but then kept turning the pages, hoping that the characters would do exactly that. Families all have struggles, and this story shows how even in the toughest of times, with God’s help, they can work through them and grow. Great debut! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
I was given an advanced copy to read, but the opinions are my own and I will be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf.
Women’s fiction has never been one of my preferred genres, but Deena Adams’ Stronger Than the Storm may very well have changed my mind. It didn’t take long for me to be deeply invested in the journey of each member of the Holbrook family.
The themes focusing on church life resonated with me in an unexpected way. The “church face,” how we hide heartache behind a cheerful façade, “I’m fine”--the standard church answer. How pastors and their families are held to a higher, impossibly unrealistic standard. Can you imagine if every reader of Stronger Than the Storm started a book group in their church to talk candidly about these issues? We could be a catalyst to change church culture, one congregation at a time.
Deena Adams has already established herself within the Christian fiction realm as an ambassador of hope, and that theme was masterfully woven throughout the story. Upon reading her bio, I learned that God has given her the gifts, background, and experience to shape this remarkably authentic, moving story. I look forward to reading more of her work.
As the author of this book, of course I love the story. I based the opening chapters of the Holbrook family's journey on a really hard season my husband and I went through with a prodigal child twenty years ago, but the bulk of the book is completely fictional.
I didn't shy away from hard topics, like sex outside of marriage, drunkenness, crisis pregnancy, abuse, infidelity, and devastating family secrets, but I believe I addressed each in a non-graphic, clean way that honors God and encourages readers. At least, that's my hope.
If you enjoy gritty, true-to-life Women's Fiction/Family Drama that points to hope in Jesus, may I wholeheartedly encourage you to give my debut novel a try? I hope you won't be disappointed.
This debut novel by Deena Adams is best read when you can sit and commit to journeying through the story with the characters. Self-claimed parenting expert Beth struggles with a prodigal child, her pastor husband longs for something more in his career, and she lives with a secret that could upend her world. And it does, once she confesses it. The journey she goes on, along with her confused husband and a daughter trying to find her place in the world--and her family--is one worth taking along with her. If you love deep-level emotional stories, this book is a must. The trials, the joys, and the spiritual epiphanies are spot-on and touch the heart.
I received an advanced copy from the author, but all opinions are my own.
I received an advance copy of Stronger Than The Storm from the author and was not required to leave a review. These are my honest thoughts. Stronger Than The Storm is so true to life. The author takes you through a story of a runaway teenager, family secrets, betrayal, hurt, faith, forgiveness and love. I found this book to be so relatable in different areas of my own life. Christian families are not exempt from the struggles of everyday life with teenagers, spouses, family members and other outside influences. The author did an amazing job of capturing my attention and drawing me into the life of the Holbrook family. I love that Deena Adams addressed the struggles of teen pregnancy, infidelity, and the consequences of a single choice. I’m looking forward to Deena’s next book!