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Life After
It could have been me.
Snow whirls around an elevated train platform in Chicago. A distracted woman boards the train, takes her seat, and moments later a fiery explosion rips through the frigid air, tearing the car apart in a horrific attack on the city’s transit system. One life is spared. Twenty-two are lost.
A year later, Autumn Manning can’t remember the day of the bombing and she is tormented by grief—by guilt. Twelve months of the question constantly echoing. Why? Why? Why? Searching for answers, she haunts the lives of the victims, unable to rest.
Paul Elliott lost his wife in the train bombing and wants to let the dead rest in peace, undisturbed and unable to cause more pain for his loved ones. He wants normalcy for his twelve-year-old daughter and young son, to see them move beyond the heartbreak. But when the Elliotts and Autumn are unexpectedly forced together, he fears she’ll bring more wreckage in her wake.
In Life After, Katie Ganshert’s most complex and unforgettable novel yet, the stirring prose and authentic characters pose questions of truth, goodness, and ultimate purpose in this emotionally resonant tale.
Snow whirls around an elevated train platform in Chicago. A distracted woman boards the train, takes her seat, and moments later a fiery explosion rips through the frigid air, tearing the car apart in a horrific attack on the city’s transit system. One life is spared. Twenty-two are lost.
A year later, Autumn Manning can’t remember the day of the bombing and she is tormented by grief—by guilt. Twelve months of the question constantly echoing. Why? Why? Why? Searching for answers, she haunts the lives of the victims, unable to rest.
Paul Elliott lost his wife in the train bombing and wants to let the dead rest in peace, undisturbed and unable to cause more pain for his loved ones. He wants normalcy for his twelve-year-old daughter and young son, to see them move beyond the heartbreak. But when the Elliotts and Autumn are unexpectedly forced together, he fears she’ll bring more wreckage in her wake.
In Life After, Katie Ganshert’s most complex and unforgettable novel yet, the stirring prose and authentic characters pose questions of truth, goodness, and ultimate purpose in this emotionally resonant tale.
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2017
157 people are currently reading
3630 people want to read
About the author
Katie Ganshert
20 books1,197 followersKatie Ganshert is the Christy Award–winning author of inspirational novels that explore hope, redemption, and the complexity of human relationships.
While she no longer writes contemporary Christian fiction, Katie’s inspirational novels continue to connect with readers who love emotional, thought-provoking stories grounded in faith.
Under the pen name K.E. Ganshert, she now writes clean, high-stakes fiction—fantasy, dystopian, and supernatural romance with all the yummy tension but none of the explicit content.
Explore her full catalog at katieganshert.com.
While she no longer writes contemporary Christian fiction, Katie’s inspirational novels continue to connect with readers who love emotional, thought-provoking stories grounded in faith.
Under the pen name K.E. Ganshert, she now writes clean, high-stakes fiction—fantasy, dystopian, and supernatural romance with all the yummy tension but none of the explicit content.
Explore her full catalog at katieganshert.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 552 reviews
June 30, 2017
"Bad things happen all the time, all over the world. And we believe in God's goodness. We believe He is good. We say He is good. Until bad things turn personal. That's when we start to question."
Life After was such a moving and emotional story! This book really made a lasting impression on my heart!
So many times you see the headlines on the news of tragedies that have happened. But sometimes you can forget that the people who survive and the families who lost love ones, still have to live everyday after the headlines go away. Life After follows the journey of Autumn Manning a survivor of a train bombing, that took the lives of 22 people. A year has passed Autumn still struggles with the guilt of being the only one who lived.
Paul's wife was one of the 22 who died in the bombing. He desperately wants to forget that day and move forward from the hurt and to give some type of normalcy, for himself and hs two children. But when the Elliot's and Autumn are unexpectedly forced together, he fears she'll bring more wreckage in her wake.
Katie Ganshert has a gift writing not just "book characters" but real people. This book showed healing, comfort, and wholeness though the power of God's love, but she doesn't shy away from the pain and struggle it takes to get there.
I think what really made the book for me was overlapping of the two stories of Autumn and Elliot's family.
Amidst the awful thing that has happened in both of their lives, they were able to develop this bond between each other. And I'm glad that the author didn't try to over romanticize things between them. Even though they did have a few sweet moments. This story really reminded me how God can really make beauty from ashes.
This book deserves 5 stars all the way!
Favorite Quotes ♥
"But maybe she was asking the wrong question.
Maybe comfort wasn't to be found in the why.
Maybe Comfort was found in the Who.
"He closed his eyes. But it was too late. A tear slip down his cheek...This man had shown her a piece of his soul. A jagged, ugly, honest piece that was raw and bleeding and unlovely. A piece that match a piece of hers."
Life After was such a moving and emotional story! This book really made a lasting impression on my heart!
So many times you see the headlines on the news of tragedies that have happened. But sometimes you can forget that the people who survive and the families who lost love ones, still have to live everyday after the headlines go away. Life After follows the journey of Autumn Manning a survivor of a train bombing, that took the lives of 22 people. A year has passed Autumn still struggles with the guilt of being the only one who lived.
Paul's wife was one of the 22 who died in the bombing. He desperately wants to forget that day and move forward from the hurt and to give some type of normalcy, for himself and hs two children. But when the Elliot's and Autumn are unexpectedly forced together, he fears she'll bring more wreckage in her wake.
Katie Ganshert has a gift writing not just "book characters" but real people. This book showed healing, comfort, and wholeness though the power of God's love, but she doesn't shy away from the pain and struggle it takes to get there.
I think what really made the book for me was overlapping of the two stories of Autumn and Elliot's family.
Amidst the awful thing that has happened in both of their lives, they were able to develop this bond between each other. And I'm glad that the author didn't try to over romanticize things between them. Even though they did have a few sweet moments. This story really reminded me how God can really make beauty from ashes.
This book deserves 5 stars all the way!
Favorite Quotes ♥
"But maybe she was asking the wrong question.
Maybe comfort wasn't to be found in the why.
Maybe Comfort was found in the Who.
"He closed his eyes. But it was too late. A tear slip down his cheek...This man had shown her a piece of his soul. A jagged, ugly, honest piece that was raw and bleeding and unlovely. A piece that match a piece of hers."
April 15, 2017
Katie Ganshert’s Life After is one of those books that I have a hard time conveying just how much I loved it and just how profound of an impression it made on me. Of the handful of contemporary authors that I read, Ganshert is one at the top of that list and deservedly so. In this story, she deals with the heavy topic of survivor’s guilt, grief and loss with aplomb and clarity. The characters are messy and flawed and so unflinchingly real that I couldn’t help but want the best for them. Though faith and questioning are central to the story, there is no heavy-handedness here. The story is steeped in tragedy, but ultimately ends with triumphant hope.
Autumn Manning is a conflicted character, yet wholly relatable. She is the sole survivor of a train crash and her soul cannot find peace in “life after.” She cannot reconcile why she was spared and while so many she feels who were more worthy of survival were not. She is an ordinary woman is faced with complex questions about God’s goodness, life’s purpose and her part in it all. I connected quickly to Autumn’s heart and kind spirit and struggled along with her as she wrestled with the emotions and questions that arose after the accident.
The secondary characters, including Paul Elliot and his family, are layered and multi-faceted, as are Autumn’s interactions with them. The family members of those who also perished in the accident spoke volumes to this reader, and their interactions with Autumn were both heartbreaking and healing at the same time. I especially found Reese Elliot to be an accurate rendering of a twelve-year-old heart and mind; her character more than any of the others broke my heart – happily Ganshert knows just what to do with those broken pieces, taking what seems irreversibly broken and creating something new.
Though Autumn’s specific situation is not commonplace, readers can relate to the overall idea of survivor’s guilt and feelings of unworthiness. Ganshert writes in such a way that nothing feels dramatized or added just for the sake of shock value, but rather the characters act in a way that feels normal, even in their out-of-the-ordinary circumstances. This is definitely an introspective, character-driven novel, but I never felt that the story lagged at any point. I squeezed in a page or two here and there whenever I could, yet I didn’t want it to end.
The ending strikes a poignant balance between realism and hopefulness. The back cover copy calls Life After an “emotionally resonant tale,” and I can’t think of any better words to describe how it has stuck with me long after turning that last page. Katie Ganshert is one of my favorite authors, and of her novels that I have read, Life After is the most complex, layered story yet – just don’t make me choose a favorite because I have loved them all! I highly recommend Life After for readers of contemporary fiction, looking for a realistic, character-driven novel.
Autumn Manning is a conflicted character, yet wholly relatable. She is the sole survivor of a train crash and her soul cannot find peace in “life after.” She cannot reconcile why she was spared and while so many she feels who were more worthy of survival were not. She is an ordinary woman is faced with complex questions about God’s goodness, life’s purpose and her part in it all. I connected quickly to Autumn’s heart and kind spirit and struggled along with her as she wrestled with the emotions and questions that arose after the accident.
The secondary characters, including Paul Elliot and his family, are layered and multi-faceted, as are Autumn’s interactions with them. The family members of those who also perished in the accident spoke volumes to this reader, and their interactions with Autumn were both heartbreaking and healing at the same time. I especially found Reese Elliot to be an accurate rendering of a twelve-year-old heart and mind; her character more than any of the others broke my heart – happily Ganshert knows just what to do with those broken pieces, taking what seems irreversibly broken and creating something new.
Though Autumn’s specific situation is not commonplace, readers can relate to the overall idea of survivor’s guilt and feelings of unworthiness. Ganshert writes in such a way that nothing feels dramatized or added just for the sake of shock value, but rather the characters act in a way that feels normal, even in their out-of-the-ordinary circumstances. This is definitely an introspective, character-driven novel, but I never felt that the story lagged at any point. I squeezed in a page or two here and there whenever I could, yet I didn’t want it to end.
The ending strikes a poignant balance between realism and hopefulness. The back cover copy calls Life After an “emotionally resonant tale,” and I can’t think of any better words to describe how it has stuck with me long after turning that last page. Katie Ganshert is one of my favorite authors, and of her novels that I have read, Life After is the most complex, layered story yet – just don’t make me choose a favorite because I have loved them all! I highly recommend Life After for readers of contemporary fiction, looking for a realistic, character-driven novel.
April 10, 2017
Where does one find words for emotions that have none? That would be my exact tangle of feelings after finishing this story a mere thirty minutes ago. It is a rare moment that I close the final pages of a book and immediately feel pressed to get my thoughts down on paper (or, in this instance, in type on a computer). This is one of those exceptions (obviously). The moments (and emotions) I could suppress no longer, they must be written! So here I am, struggling to find adjectives for you. What I am finding? Is this: for those grieving, for those broken, for those who don’t understand, for those questioning “why”, this story is for you!
There may seem a simplicity to the plot, yet vast amounts of emotion and chaos rest in these pages. It is not an easy story, but it is certainly a powerful one. I could recount the details (I won’t), I could wax glorious on the characters (I might), I could try and put words to the meaningful things that only my heart understands at this moment (yep, pretty sure that’ll happen #sorrynotsorry).
In our limited, human understanding of grief and death, the questions that come, the thoughts that circle, these are common things I’ve decided. It’s natural to wonder and wish and regret even a tiny bit. There is always much to be experienced in the After. Whether that After follows a temporary or a final goodbye, it doesn’t matter. The thoughts must be thought, the feelings must be felt. And so it goes with the lone survivor of a train explosion, our main character, Autumn. She is searching for...something. And in these words describing her journey to finding it, the reader discovers a few answers themselves! Or at least, that was my experience. :)
The beautiful thing about this story, for me, wasn’t entirely the quirky characters, each with their own stories inside them (although they were certainly pretty awesome! :). While they are a wonderful part of this adventure, even when they have a small part to play in the overall big story, they each use even their limited page time to create a huge, final impact, and it was those very moments that struck me the most. This story isn’t just Autumn’s journey, or Paul’s journey, it’s also Reese’s, and Tate’s, and Claire’s, and Ina’s, and many others. It’s all these individual characters and their individual moments that mesh together into one giant, glorious journey!
I admit it, I sat down with book in hand, prepared to only skim through the prologue and save the rest for later. Only it didn’t work out that way. At all. (And so it goes, fellow readers, am I right?? ;) The first few paragraphs gripped my heart and before I knew it, I was tearing through the chapters, so anxious to find out how things were going to go for all these beloved characters! And then…
And then!
I reached pretty near the end and a certain few truths hit my heart like an explosion. As one grieving, they were words of truth I needed to hear. They reached into a crack in my heart that I didn’t really even realize was there and burst it open, blowing everything to smithereens in a mere second! A gentle and beautiful reminder that I had forgotten. I literally wept, my friends. And it’s been a great while since a fictional story has affected my emotions to that degree. It was a moment of softening and love. So as I sit here struggling for words (and writing so very many anyway, huh? ;), all I am ultimately left with is this glorious feeling of happy. Of a heart so filled with relief, comfort, grace, and HOPE. This is a hopeful story, friends.
So often I strive to be practical when writing a review, but I know I am sadly missing that mark with this one. All I can tell you is it hit my emotions in a way that I was unprepared for! It was an emotional journey from beginning to end and if I could tell Ms. Ganshert anything, in this very, single moment right now the truest words I have for her are these: Thank you. Your story resonated with me and I am incredibly grateful I had the privilege to read it.
**I received a complimentary copy via Waterbrook & Multnoma. All opinions expressed are my own.
There may seem a simplicity to the plot, yet vast amounts of emotion and chaos rest in these pages. It is not an easy story, but it is certainly a powerful one. I could recount the details (I won’t), I could wax glorious on the characters (I might), I could try and put words to the meaningful things that only my heart understands at this moment (yep, pretty sure that’ll happen #sorrynotsorry).
In our limited, human understanding of grief and death, the questions that come, the thoughts that circle, these are common things I’ve decided. It’s natural to wonder and wish and regret even a tiny bit. There is always much to be experienced in the After. Whether that After follows a temporary or a final goodbye, it doesn’t matter. The thoughts must be thought, the feelings must be felt. And so it goes with the lone survivor of a train explosion, our main character, Autumn. She is searching for...something. And in these words describing her journey to finding it, the reader discovers a few answers themselves! Or at least, that was my experience. :)
The beautiful thing about this story, for me, wasn’t entirely the quirky characters, each with their own stories inside them (although they were certainly pretty awesome! :). While they are a wonderful part of this adventure, even when they have a small part to play in the overall big story, they each use even their limited page time to create a huge, final impact, and it was those very moments that struck me the most. This story isn’t just Autumn’s journey, or Paul’s journey, it’s also Reese’s, and Tate’s, and Claire’s, and Ina’s, and many others. It’s all these individual characters and their individual moments that mesh together into one giant, glorious journey!
I admit it, I sat down with book in hand, prepared to only skim through the prologue and save the rest for later. Only it didn’t work out that way. At all. (And so it goes, fellow readers, am I right?? ;) The first few paragraphs gripped my heart and before I knew it, I was tearing through the chapters, so anxious to find out how things were going to go for all these beloved characters! And then…
And then!
I reached pretty near the end and a certain few truths hit my heart like an explosion. As one grieving, they were words of truth I needed to hear. They reached into a crack in my heart that I didn’t really even realize was there and burst it open, blowing everything to smithereens in a mere second! A gentle and beautiful reminder that I had forgotten. I literally wept, my friends. And it’s been a great while since a fictional story has affected my emotions to that degree. It was a moment of softening and love. So as I sit here struggling for words (and writing so very many anyway, huh? ;), all I am ultimately left with is this glorious feeling of happy. Of a heart so filled with relief, comfort, grace, and HOPE. This is a hopeful story, friends.
So often I strive to be practical when writing a review, but I know I am sadly missing that mark with this one. All I can tell you is it hit my emotions in a way that I was unprepared for! It was an emotional journey from beginning to end and if I could tell Ms. Ganshert anything, in this very, single moment right now the truest words I have for her are these: Thank you. Your story resonated with me and I am incredibly grateful I had the privilege to read it.
**I received a complimentary copy via Waterbrook & Multnoma. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 25, 2017
I am blown away.
I think this may be my favorite book of 2017.
I saw this on my sister-in-law's bookshelf, picked it up, read the prologue, and was immediately hooked. As soon as I got home, I grabbed it from my library, and couldn't wait to dig in. This is the first novel I have read by Katie Ganshert, and will most certainly not be the last. She has an unforgettable writing style, and writes just as unforgettable characters. This is the kind of book that leaves you clutching it to your chest, not wanting to let the story go.
Firstly, it's rather interesting to note that this book is basically futuristic - published in April 2017, it is actually set in April - July 2017. So, the author was writing about events that would "happen" (It's still fiction) in a matter of months. I've never read a book set in the near future like this, so it was kind of mind-blowing.
Secondly, characters. Oh. My. Goodness. Such heart, beauty, and raw honesty wrapped up in a book character like this I have not seen before. Autumn was the perfect character - not that she *was* perfect, but that she was a flawed human being trying to cope in the aftermath of a tragic accident, and trying to move past her own issues and make an impact in others' lives. Paul was an equally perfect character; I just love everything about him. I loved the father\daughter story line with him and his daughter, Reese. So, so sweet. Reese's character arc was also fantastically done. And Tate was just plain adorable. I have never experienced such a tragic event as these characters did, but I found my self empathizing and relating to them nonetheless, which speaks well to the author's writing ability. Characters make or break a story for me. And Ganshert nailed them.
As previously mentioned, Ganshert's writing style is unforgettable, and stunningly beautiful. Poetic and elegant, yet simple and heartfelt. It was what drew me to read the book in the first place. If you took out the amazing characters, and the original story line, (not to mention the gorgeous cover!), I would still read more of this author's works.
The story was arresting and original, and very thought-provoking. The way Ganshert revealed bits and pieces of the plot slowly, all down the last chapters was lovely and intriguing, and not at all frustrating, as it can often be. The theme of beauty from ashes was phenomenal, as was using the symbol of a phoenix. The sweet and subtle romance woven ever-so-gently throughout was just delightful. I absolutely loved it.
All in all, this is a book I highly enjoyed, and would give 10 stars, if I could. I will definitely be re-reading this in the future, and checking out more of this marvelous author's works.
CONTENT NOTE: Due to rather adult themes, I would recommend this for ages 16+.
I think this may be my favorite book of 2017.
I saw this on my sister-in-law's bookshelf, picked it up, read the prologue, and was immediately hooked. As soon as I got home, I grabbed it from my library, and couldn't wait to dig in. This is the first novel I have read by Katie Ganshert, and will most certainly not be the last. She has an unforgettable writing style, and writes just as unforgettable characters. This is the kind of book that leaves you clutching it to your chest, not wanting to let the story go.
Firstly, it's rather interesting to note that this book is basically futuristic - published in April 2017, it is actually set in April - July 2017. So, the author was writing about events that would "happen" (It's still fiction) in a matter of months. I've never read a book set in the near future like this, so it was kind of mind-blowing.
Secondly, characters. Oh. My. Goodness. Such heart, beauty, and raw honesty wrapped up in a book character like this I have not seen before. Autumn was the perfect character - not that she *was* perfect, but that she was a flawed human being trying to cope in the aftermath of a tragic accident, and trying to move past her own issues and make an impact in others' lives. Paul was an equally perfect character; I just love everything about him. I loved the father\daughter story line with him and his daughter, Reese. So, so sweet. Reese's character arc was also fantastically done. And Tate was just plain adorable. I have never experienced such a tragic event as these characters did, but I found my self empathizing and relating to them nonetheless, which speaks well to the author's writing ability. Characters make or break a story for me. And Ganshert nailed them.
As previously mentioned, Ganshert's writing style is unforgettable, and stunningly beautiful. Poetic and elegant, yet simple and heartfelt. It was what drew me to read the book in the first place. If you took out the amazing characters, and the original story line, (not to mention the gorgeous cover!), I would still read more of this author's works.
The story was arresting and original, and very thought-provoking. The way Ganshert revealed bits and pieces of the plot slowly, all down the last chapters was lovely and intriguing, and not at all frustrating, as it can often be. The theme of beauty from ashes was phenomenal, as was using the symbol of a phoenix. The sweet and subtle romance woven ever-so-gently throughout was just delightful. I absolutely loved it.
All in all, this is a book I highly enjoyed, and would give 10 stars, if I could. I will definitely be re-reading this in the future, and checking out more of this marvelous author's works.
CONTENT NOTE: Due to rather adult themes, I would recommend this for ages 16+.
February 7, 2017
Katie's trademark is writing beautiful novels about broken people.
In Life After, Autumn Manning struggles to make sense of why she is the lone survivor of a train explosion. She is not at all at peace with herself and barely ekes out an existence.
It is a well written story with details unraveling throughout. Secondary characters added depth to the story. I especially enjoyed the "headlines" that Autumn interjected throughout.
My gratitude to Publisher Waterbrook for a complimentary copy of the novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
In Life After, Autumn Manning struggles to make sense of why she is the lone survivor of a train explosion. She is not at all at peace with herself and barely ekes out an existence.
It is a well written story with details unraveling throughout. Secondary characters added depth to the story. I especially enjoyed the "headlines" that Autumn interjected throughout.
My gratitude to Publisher Waterbrook for a complimentary copy of the novel. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 7, 2017
I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Life After. Katie Ganshert is a favorite novelist of mine and I was eager to dive in. Always a masterful storyteller, Ganshert ups her game in Life After. You feel the desperation, the isolation, and the loss felt from the one survivor of a train bombing. She had us thinking beyond those who perish in mass tragedies. What about those who survive? What s their life like after?
I found myself wanting to return to the story when I wasn't reading it. I love when a story and its characters weigh on my mind like that!
I highly recommend this book! Pick it up at LifeWay Christian Stores April 2017!
I found myself wanting to return to the story when I wasn't reading it. I love when a story and its characters weigh on my mind like that!
I highly recommend this book! Pick it up at LifeWay Christian Stores April 2017!
June 17, 2017
An enjoyable, absorbing, heartfelt story. After having a miss with Katie Ganshert in The Art of Losing Yourself, I was hesitant to try again; but because of friends' excellent reviews, I decided to give it a try. I'm quite glad I did! The characters were so vivid and so well-drawn. I especially enjoyed seeing the heroine and the victim's daughter bond with each other...though I must say that my favorite scene was the basketball game in the rain!
The main thing I didn't like was the repeated simile of a phoenix from the ashes. It's a mythological creature, and the myth of it isn't exactly compatible with the tenets of Christianity. I understand many people use the symbol now, and have since the times of ancient Egypt, but it was heavily revered and idolized in pagan culture, and not something it seems Christians should compare themselves to.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free review copy.
The main thing I didn't like was the repeated simile of a phoenix from the ashes. It's a mythological creature, and the myth of it isn't exactly compatible with the tenets of Christianity. I understand many people use the symbol now, and have since the times of ancient Egypt, but it was heavily revered and idolized in pagan culture, and not something it seems Christians should compare themselves to.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free review copy.
May 12, 2017
Wow. There are so many things I thought about while I read this book. Surprisingly, I didn't cry (which I tend to do with books dealing with grief), but felt very introspective. I think that's due to Autumn's detached observations, her coping mechanisms, and the deep questions she and other characters wrestled with. The book started a bit slow for me as things began to unfold and be revealed, but the pace steadily picked up and I appreciated the time I was able to take with each level of Autumn's reemergence into a functioning life. The part that hit home to me personally was when Paul was reflecting on how his children had grown. It made me think of my relationship with my own 10 year old daughter and how I can preserve our bond and sense of unity that seems to come so naturally when they are younger.
"There were moments when Reese still seemed so young and innocent, but even more moments like the one he experienced with Tate as he carried him up the stairs, only instead of her weight or height catching him off guard, it was her... apartness. There were more and more pieces of his daughter that were becoming a mystery to him. It filled Paul with the same sense of alarm that it had with Tate. The same sense that if he didn't grab something quick, this monumentally important thing would slip away."
The book explores many angles of the timeless question of why bad things happen, or why God allows bad things to happen. The thoughts and processes of the characters were natural and realistic, and I loved the profound conclusions they came to as they interacted with each other and learned from the insights shared. Autumn's developing relationship with the Elliot family brought light and hope to her, them, and to the overall story. I especially enjoyed 6 year old Tate and his mannerisms- he practically jumped off the page! I didn't expect a romance to come out of the circumstances, so it was a pleasant surprise, especially when I wasn't sure if I should be rooting for Seth, Autumn's former fiancee, or Paul, who was dealing with more baggage than he could handle. The extended family of Autumn and Paul play important roles that illustrate the variety of family situations, the imperfections, and the love and loyalty we share in spite of it. The way the author wove so many aspects and themes together is beautiful and I highly recommend this novel!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
"There were moments when Reese still seemed so young and innocent, but even more moments like the one he experienced with Tate as he carried him up the stairs, only instead of her weight or height catching him off guard, it was her... apartness. There were more and more pieces of his daughter that were becoming a mystery to him. It filled Paul with the same sense of alarm that it had with Tate. The same sense that if he didn't grab something quick, this monumentally important thing would slip away."
The book explores many angles of the timeless question of why bad things happen, or why God allows bad things to happen. The thoughts and processes of the characters were natural and realistic, and I loved the profound conclusions they came to as they interacted with each other and learned from the insights shared. Autumn's developing relationship with the Elliot family brought light and hope to her, them, and to the overall story. I especially enjoyed 6 year old Tate and his mannerisms- he practically jumped off the page! I didn't expect a romance to come out of the circumstances, so it was a pleasant surprise, especially when I wasn't sure if I should be rooting for Seth, Autumn's former fiancee, or Paul, who was dealing with more baggage than he could handle. The extended family of Autumn and Paul play important roles that illustrate the variety of family situations, the imperfections, and the love and loyalty we share in spite of it. The way the author wove so many aspects and themes together is beautiful and I highly recommend this novel!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
April 19, 2017
The prologue had me immediately engaged, and from there it never let up. Autumn’s life has been changed dramatically, and no one around her can relate to what she has been through.
This book grapples with the weight of survival and the pressure to make your survival mean something
This story takes an honest look at how life can be turned upside down in one unimaginable moment. It is a story about grief, and how we grapple with it, try to understand it, and ultimately how we attempt to move forward.
Can Autumn learn to heal without forgetting?
This is a standout novel. My favorite read of the year so far.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own.*
For my full review: https://bookshelvesandwindows.wordpre...
This book grapples with the weight of survival and the pressure to make your survival mean something
This story takes an honest look at how life can be turned upside down in one unimaginable moment. It is a story about grief, and how we grapple with it, try to understand it, and ultimately how we attempt to move forward.
Can Autumn learn to heal without forgetting?
This is a standout novel. My favorite read of the year so far.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts expressed are my own.*
For my full review: https://bookshelvesandwindows.wordpre...
December 31, 2017
23 passengers stepped on a Chicago “L” train on what seems an ordinary day.
It’s ordinary for an elderly man who’s been married to his wife for over sixty years. It’s ordinary for a college student who’s a bright, beautiful young woman on the cusp of her whole life. It’s ordinary for a young mother and son.
It’s not ordinary for Autumn Manning or Vivian Elliott.
23 passengers step on the train. 22 passengers never return to their homes in the wake of a bombing. Autumn is the sole survivor of the attack, an attack that’s dubbed her the “miracle survivor,” but left her emotionally unable to “live.” When her path intersects a year later with that of Paul, the widower of Vivian, things become complicated, painful and somehow, full of joy in a combination of unexpected emotions.
Katie Ganshert is one of THE brightest and most talented authors in the contemporary inspirational (or Christian) fiction scene. Or this is my impression of her stories. Her writing is challenging, simple (again, always used as a compliment), and emotional, all of which she conveys to page with a “no fuss” kind of storytelling. It’s no surprise then that her latest novel, Life After, would be no differently composed. In fact, this may be her greatest accomplishment yet.
Life After is a breathtaking symphony of loss, hope and forgiveness told in a way that brings together so many people without overwhelming the reader by cluttering its pages. Some books can shove too many characters at us, but this is an example when lots of characters are for the benefit of the tale. The characters that come into Autumn’s life aren’t only mere figments of therapeutic release, they’re somehow made to be vital to the story even though their time “on screen” is brief, especially in comparison to Autumn (who carries much of the story) or Paul.
“I guess that's what life is, though, isn't it? A whole bunch of little moments that don't seem significant or life-altering at the time, but when you look back . . . They become the most profoundly beautiful things.” ― Katie Ganshert, Life After
This isn’t the typical happily ever after story. Instead, it’s a mature story of love, acceptance, healing and finding our way “home.” Interwoven into this are the personal relationships and tribulations between families. The structure or “set up” of the story is well put together. From the POV switch off to the journal entries and Reese’s letters, this story has all the classic makers of a tearjerker that’s sure to, in the end, leave you with a smile. Though not everything ends up being a rose-colored glass result, I was surprised at the tenderness of how everything comes out even if it’s just a tiny bit “rushed.”
No matter what, it’s in the flaws that this story shines. Whether it’s the journey to feeling “whole” again; a teen trying to navigate the secret she doesn’t understand; or a man who inadvertently restricts a healthy healing process, the stories in Life After is an emotional heart stopper. Those who enjoy this type of fiction are missing out unless they pick up this beauty. You’ll be hooked from first page to last. ♥
Life After hits store selves April 18th!
Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book.
It’s ordinary for an elderly man who’s been married to his wife for over sixty years. It’s ordinary for a college student who’s a bright, beautiful young woman on the cusp of her whole life. It’s ordinary for a young mother and son.
It’s not ordinary for Autumn Manning or Vivian Elliott.
23 passengers step on the train. 22 passengers never return to their homes in the wake of a bombing. Autumn is the sole survivor of the attack, an attack that’s dubbed her the “miracle survivor,” but left her emotionally unable to “live.” When her path intersects a year later with that of Paul, the widower of Vivian, things become complicated, painful and somehow, full of joy in a combination of unexpected emotions.
Katie Ganshert is one of THE brightest and most talented authors in the contemporary inspirational (or Christian) fiction scene. Or this is my impression of her stories. Her writing is challenging, simple (again, always used as a compliment), and emotional, all of which she conveys to page with a “no fuss” kind of storytelling. It’s no surprise then that her latest novel, Life After, would be no differently composed. In fact, this may be her greatest accomplishment yet.
Life After is a breathtaking symphony of loss, hope and forgiveness told in a way that brings together so many people without overwhelming the reader by cluttering its pages. Some books can shove too many characters at us, but this is an example when lots of characters are for the benefit of the tale. The characters that come into Autumn’s life aren’t only mere figments of therapeutic release, they’re somehow made to be vital to the story even though their time “on screen” is brief, especially in comparison to Autumn (who carries much of the story) or Paul.
“I guess that's what life is, though, isn't it? A whole bunch of little moments that don't seem significant or life-altering at the time, but when you look back . . . They become the most profoundly beautiful things.” ― Katie Ganshert, Life After
This isn’t the typical happily ever after story. Instead, it’s a mature story of love, acceptance, healing and finding our way “home.” Interwoven into this are the personal relationships and tribulations between families. The structure or “set up” of the story is well put together. From the POV switch off to the journal entries and Reese’s letters, this story has all the classic makers of a tearjerker that’s sure to, in the end, leave you with a smile. Though not everything ends up being a rose-colored glass result, I was surprised at the tenderness of how everything comes out even if it’s just a tiny bit “rushed.”
No matter what, it’s in the flaws that this story shines. Whether it’s the journey to feeling “whole” again; a teen trying to navigate the secret she doesn’t understand; or a man who inadvertently restricts a healthy healing process, the stories in Life After is an emotional heart stopper. Those who enjoy this type of fiction are missing out unless they pick up this beauty. You’ll be hooked from first page to last. ♥
Life After hits store selves April 18th!
Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book.
February 6, 2019
An interesting premise in this book: Life after tragedy for the sole survivor of a train crash. As she seeks to reluctantly move forward with her life after her family stages an intervention, Autumn Manning begins to meet the families and friends of those lost in the crash.
April 19, 2017
The latest novel from Katie Ganshert is perhaps her most riveting. It’s both poignant and profound, and I know I’ll still be thinking about it for months to come. From the very first words, the story captivated me and I could barely put it down!
Autumn Manning may have been the sole survivor but she is not the only one whose “life after” points to that day as a starting point. Paul Elliott and his children have been struggling with their own grief and – for Paul – a heaping of guilt as well. As Katie Ganshert connects Autumn’s path with Paul’s, what follows is an emotionally-charged and deeply poignant masterpiece.
The richness of the characters – and their emotions – is never so complex that it becomes inaccessible but is instead so profoundly human that it resonates in the soul. And in the humanity, Ganshert has woven a subtle thread of faith that, after all is said and done, wraps around the heart like both a comforting hug and a gentle challenge.
In the midst of “the feels”, however, there are moments of levity. Autumn’s internal headline-creating, for example – an element to the story that made her all the more real and authentic, in my opinion. There are also some hints of romance that – while not dominant in the story – made my heart smile.
Bottom Line: The characters you meet on the pages of Life After feel real, their stories grippingly honest. In equal parts sobering and uplifting, the presentation is wholly tender and this is perhaps my favorite aspect of the novel. Exquisitely written and full of authenticity, Life After and its characters will linger with me for quite a while.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Autumn Manning may have been the sole survivor but she is not the only one whose “life after” points to that day as a starting point. Paul Elliott and his children have been struggling with their own grief and – for Paul – a heaping of guilt as well. As Katie Ganshert connects Autumn’s path with Paul’s, what follows is an emotionally-charged and deeply poignant masterpiece.
The richness of the characters – and their emotions – is never so complex that it becomes inaccessible but is instead so profoundly human that it resonates in the soul. And in the humanity, Ganshert has woven a subtle thread of faith that, after all is said and done, wraps around the heart like both a comforting hug and a gentle challenge.
In the midst of “the feels”, however, there are moments of levity. Autumn’s internal headline-creating, for example – an element to the story that made her all the more real and authentic, in my opinion. There are also some hints of romance that – while not dominant in the story – made my heart smile.
Bottom Line: The characters you meet on the pages of Life After feel real, their stories grippingly honest. In equal parts sobering and uplifting, the presentation is wholly tender and this is perhaps my favorite aspect of the novel. Exquisitely written and full of authenticity, Life After and its characters will linger with me for quite a while.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
see my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
May 9, 2017
This was an amazing book! This is the first full length book I have read of this author (I've read a few of her novellas) and I really like her writing style. The emotions and struggles that Autumn and the other characters go through are so well written that they grip your heart and you HAVE to keep reading to find out how it all turns out.
The angst of turning teenager Reese and the emotions she's going through and the anxiety she's causing her father is so heart-breaking. And then there is Paul's secret about Vivian and how his guilt is eating at him. Paul and Reese have to learn to be open and honest with each other and those around them in order to start the process of healing.
Autumn's guilt about being the only survivor has totally changed her life. She has so many issues to work through but she slowly opens herself up to her family and those around her again. I love how her family is there for her even though they overwhelm her sometimes. Autumn's interaction with the victim's families for the video is precious and helps further the healing process for all involved.
This is a complex story with a depth of emotion that will take you from sorrow and guilt to healing and hope and leave you with the beautiful truth that God doesn't always give us the miracle but he will always comfort us if we let Him (Jesus wept!).
*Thanks to the author and publisher for a complimentary ARC copy of this book. I was not paid or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
The angst of turning teenager Reese and the emotions she's going through and the anxiety she's causing her father is so heart-breaking. And then there is Paul's secret about Vivian and how his guilt is eating at him. Paul and Reese have to learn to be open and honest with each other and those around them in order to start the process of healing.
Autumn's guilt about being the only survivor has totally changed her life. She has so many issues to work through but she slowly opens herself up to her family and those around her again. I love how her family is there for her even though they overwhelm her sometimes. Autumn's interaction with the victim's families for the video is precious and helps further the healing process for all involved.
This is a complex story with a depth of emotion that will take you from sorrow and guilt to healing and hope and leave you with the beautiful truth that God doesn't always give us the miracle but he will always comfort us if we let Him (Jesus wept!).
*Thanks to the author and publisher for a complimentary ARC copy of this book. I was not paid or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
December 21, 2017
Autumn boards a train and minutes later wakes up in a hospital with no memory of what happened after she left work. She is the lone survivor from the crash, caused by a bomber. She's racked with survivor guilt and can't seem to get past the thought of all of the people who didn't make it like she did. Her obsession leads her to a family that lost their wife and mother on the train that day. To complicate matters, she was initially mistaken for this woman and Paul, the husband, had come to identify her at the hospital. Paul just wants to move on, Autumn is stuck in time. The two are force to work together and as they do, healing happens.
I absolutely loved this story. The emotions were so raw, the drama so real. The author did a great job of pulling me into the story and I couldn't put the book down. The authenticity made me feel like each scene was actually happening as I read. The characters were flawed, wounded, and yet likeable. The plot was incredibly original and well thought out. The author wove so many inspirational and faith based messages into the story, but I didn't once feel overpowered or preached at. I have no idea what genre this story would be placed in, but I do know that it is a story that I will be recommending to everyone, regardless of their reading preferences. It's just that good.
I received a copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.
I absolutely loved this story. The emotions were so raw, the drama so real. The author did a great job of pulling me into the story and I couldn't put the book down. The authenticity made me feel like each scene was actually happening as I read. The characters were flawed, wounded, and yet likeable. The plot was incredibly original and well thought out. The author wove so many inspirational and faith based messages into the story, but I didn't once feel overpowered or preached at. I have no idea what genre this story would be placed in, but I do know that it is a story that I will be recommending to everyone, regardless of their reading preferences. It's just that good.
I received a copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.
April 24, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
What an incredible and gripping and emotional story! I love the hope of healing that comes through even as the characters live out deep and raw grief. It's a story that will last through the ages because it's relevant in each and every age, no matter the technological differences. It's a story that will impact many folks for the good, and I pray it draws millions of hearts to search out more knowledge about the great God who comforts those who seek Him. Life After is a story I won't soon forget, nor do I want to. It's found a permanent place in my heart and in my book stash. I hope you'll give it a chance to touch you in a significant way too.
Note: There were a couple of phrases that went into the expletive category for me, as well as a few crude remarks. These are the reasons I docked a star, giving only four rather than five.
One thing I'm coming back and adding to my review (I forgot to mention it the first time around): I found it really strange that the bomber only had two names. In the history of terrorist events that I've seen in the news in my life and in history books prior to that, the bad guys are almost always named by their first, middle, and last names. For example: John Wilkes Booth (assassinated President Abraham Lincoln) and Lee Harvey Oswald (assassinated President John F. Kennedy). Maybe that only is with political assassinations, though. I just found it a little strange, but this did not affect my rating at all.
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, authors, and sites like Netgalley, Litfuse Publicity Group, and Blogging for Books. They do not require me to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
What an incredible and gripping and emotional story! I love the hope of healing that comes through even as the characters live out deep and raw grief. It's a story that will last through the ages because it's relevant in each and every age, no matter the technological differences. It's a story that will impact many folks for the good, and I pray it draws millions of hearts to search out more knowledge about the great God who comforts those who seek Him. Life After is a story I won't soon forget, nor do I want to. It's found a permanent place in my heart and in my book stash. I hope you'll give it a chance to touch you in a significant way too.
Note: There were a couple of phrases that went into the expletive category for me, as well as a few crude remarks. These are the reasons I docked a star, giving only four rather than five.
One thing I'm coming back and adding to my review (I forgot to mention it the first time around): I found it really strange that the bomber only had two names. In the history of terrorist events that I've seen in the news in my life and in history books prior to that, the bad guys are almost always named by their first, middle, and last names. For example: John Wilkes Booth (assassinated President Abraham Lincoln) and Lee Harvey Oswald (assassinated President John F. Kennedy). Maybe that only is with political assassinations, though. I just found it a little strange, but this did not affect my rating at all.
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, authors, and sites like Netgalley, Litfuse Publicity Group, and Blogging for Books. They do not require me to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
January 22, 2018
Loved this! Kate Ganshert is a highly talented, creative writer. Not to mention that her stories are consistently great. This one was no exception. Life After is definitely going on my favorite reads list for this year.
March 6, 2019
I'm officially a Katie Ganshert fan! This was such a different book. So well written and, well, different. I did say that before, didn't I?
Autumn Manning gets on a train and wakes up in a hospital weeks later. She is the only survivor of a train explosion. For months she is nearly paralyzed with guilt. She's obsessed with the people who died, and can no longer function as the well-adjusted, happy person she used to be.
Meanwhile, Reese, the 12-year old daughter of one of the women who died on the train has been cyber-stalking and writing letters to Autumn... until the day her father finds out. This begins a strange not-friendship for quite a while. The father (Paul) is trying to protect his daughter by avoiding the topic of death and by trying to keep her away from Autumn. But somehow they are thrown together because the daughter (Reese) just can't let it go.
What we learn about Reese's feelings, and what we learn about her mother, as well as her father's relationship with his wife all comes out slowly until we have the complete story... and what a story it is!
Good book.
Looking forward to a new Ganshert novel!
Autumn Manning gets on a train and wakes up in a hospital weeks later. She is the only survivor of a train explosion. For months she is nearly paralyzed with guilt. She's obsessed with the people who died, and can no longer function as the well-adjusted, happy person she used to be.
Meanwhile, Reese, the 12-year old daughter of one of the women who died on the train has been cyber-stalking and writing letters to Autumn... until the day her father finds out. This begins a strange not-friendship for quite a while. The father (Paul) is trying to protect his daughter by avoiding the topic of death and by trying to keep her away from Autumn. But somehow they are thrown together because the daughter (Reese) just can't let it go.
What we learn about Reese's feelings, and what we learn about her mother, as well as her father's relationship with his wife all comes out slowly until we have the complete story... and what a story it is!
Good book.
Looking forward to a new Ganshert novel!
January 16, 2019
Such an amazing book! I'm not sure how Katie does it, but each book gets better and better.
April 20, 2017
I have absolutely adored all of Katie's contemporary romance titles, so needless to say I have been looking forward to her next release since 2015, and wow, Life After was totally worth the wait! This is probably going to be a fairly short review, not because I didn't like this book, quite the contrary I loved every single solitary second of this book! My dilemma is that Life After was so incredibly beautiful and amazing that I am completely speechless out of fear that I cannot possibly do this amazing book justice with my review.
Just like with all of Katie's other novels I was swept into the story from page one and hated having to turn the final page! I have seen reviews that are calling this Katie's most complex book to date and I wholeheartedly agree with that assessment, it is very hard for a book to really surprise me anymore, but there were several twists in this book that I never saw coming, and I loved that! I know this is far from the most eloquent review I've ever written but let me just say that Life After made me smile, laugh, feel the characters' pain as well as their joy, and brought me to tears a time or two! This story does tackle some serious issues that we face in the world today, and in the wrong hands it could have become a very depressing storyline, but in Katie's skillful hands hope and faith leaped from the pages, which did not surprise me one bit as I know that hope, faith and joy are the hallmarks of everything Katie writes. And just so you know I never for a second found the story depressing!
Without giving anything away I will just say that this book gave me a new understanding of the story of Lazarus and filled me with a whole new sense of awe at how amazing our Lord is!
I seriously loved every bit of Life After and am eagerly awaiting Katie's next book!
This is absolutely a must read, one for the keeper shelf and it will be on my favorite books of 2017 list! And just in case you hadn't already guessed I highly recommend Life After! Buy it as soon as you can, you won't be sorry!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher through Blogging for Books. No review required. The above review is my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
Just like with all of Katie's other novels I was swept into the story from page one and hated having to turn the final page! I have seen reviews that are calling this Katie's most complex book to date and I wholeheartedly agree with that assessment, it is very hard for a book to really surprise me anymore, but there were several twists in this book that I never saw coming, and I loved that! I know this is far from the most eloquent review I've ever written but let me just say that Life After made me smile, laugh, feel the characters' pain as well as their joy, and brought me to tears a time or two! This story does tackle some serious issues that we face in the world today, and in the wrong hands it could have become a very depressing storyline, but in Katie's skillful hands hope and faith leaped from the pages, which did not surprise me one bit as I know that hope, faith and joy are the hallmarks of everything Katie writes. And just so you know I never for a second found the story depressing!
Without giving anything away I will just say that this book gave me a new understanding of the story of Lazarus and filled me with a whole new sense of awe at how amazing our Lord is!
I seriously loved every bit of Life After and am eagerly awaiting Katie's next book!
This is absolutely a must read, one for the keeper shelf and it will be on my favorite books of 2017 list! And just in case you hadn't already guessed I highly recommend Life After! Buy it as soon as you can, you won't be sorry!
I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher through Blogging for Books. No review required. The above review is my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
August 27, 2017
We rarely know when death will come.
Some are warned in sickness - like the track of dirt that runs around the edge of a baseball field, cautioning outfielders that they are running out of room. The end is near. But others - many others - meet death without any warning at all, in an unforeseen moment that wretches consciousness in two, separating the living from the dead.
Beautiful beautiful beautiful. I absolutely loved this story. It's so touching. The characters were relatable and the ending full of hope. In a world where hope is often so hard to find Katie Ganshert does an awesome job at bringing it without down playing the evil.
I found myself very able to relate to the main character - even though I had never gone through something as traumatic as she had, I have known the feelings of being stuck and not being able to move past fears. And I think that's one of the reasons I loved this book so much. It deals with a survivor who learns how to be a thriver.
And this author writing style! Can we just park here for a minute please? I was literally in love with how she writes from page 1. There were so many times where my heart resonated with the words on the page. It has some of the most profound words in it!
There were some mature issues dealt with here (adultery, depression, a train explosion) but the author didn't go into detail and ultimately ended with God being the One Who could cure those scars. That's why I'm still giving it 5 stars!
She didn't understand how it worked. She didn't understand why people starved to death and children ended up in orphanages while barren women longed for babies. She didn't understand why a cigarette break could save one person's life while driving home to get your daughter's hair bow could snatch another's. She would never understand why those people. Why that train. Why her.
But maybe she'd been asking the wrong question.
Maybe comfort wasn't to be found in the why.
Maybe comfort was to be found in the who.
A God who wept.
Some are warned in sickness - like the track of dirt that runs around the edge of a baseball field, cautioning outfielders that they are running out of room. The end is near. But others - many others - meet death without any warning at all, in an unforeseen moment that wretches consciousness in two, separating the living from the dead.
Beautiful beautiful beautiful. I absolutely loved this story. It's so touching. The characters were relatable and the ending full of hope. In a world where hope is often so hard to find Katie Ganshert does an awesome job at bringing it without down playing the evil.
I found myself very able to relate to the main character - even though I had never gone through something as traumatic as she had, I have known the feelings of being stuck and not being able to move past fears. And I think that's one of the reasons I loved this book so much. It deals with a survivor who learns how to be a thriver.
And this author writing style! Can we just park here for a minute please? I was literally in love with how she writes from page 1. There were so many times where my heart resonated with the words on the page. It has some of the most profound words in it!
There were some mature issues dealt with here (adultery, depression, a train explosion) but the author didn't go into detail and ultimately ended with God being the One Who could cure those scars. That's why I'm still giving it 5 stars!
She didn't understand how it worked. She didn't understand why people starved to death and children ended up in orphanages while barren women longed for babies. She didn't understand why a cigarette break could save one person's life while driving home to get your daughter's hair bow could snatch another's. She would never understand why those people. Why that train. Why her.
But maybe she'd been asking the wrong question.
Maybe comfort wasn't to be found in the why.
Maybe comfort was to be found in the who.
A God who wept.
May 28, 2017
The story picked up around a third of the way through, but I seemed to be missing the connection to the characters that so many other reviewers felt. As the plot developed, the religious undertones became very heavy-handed, to the point that I felt some of the book's questions were being answered with vague religious platitudes. I wanted more from this book.
July 19, 2017
Such a beautiful heartwarming story! The story in itself was so sad. Woman survives a bombing where she is the only suvivor! Her struggle and another families that questioned why? Making her way and finally accepting!
May 29, 2022
A 4.5 book!
Autumn is the only survivor of bomb on the L in Chicago. She is suffering from survivor guilt. Reese who mother died in the crash is writing Autumn letters to tell her how good her mother was. Reese father Paul finds out of the letters and at first doesn't want her around Autumn. As time goes on and much contact between the 2 they start to form a friendship. Paul wife is not who everyone thinks she was. How can he confess to his children who their real mom was. Autumn starts to film all the survivors family as a healing process but will the truth set her free?? Will Paul and Autumn become more than friends? Will Reese finally see the truth of who her mother really was? Loved this book and I just love Katie Ganshert writings. She writes truth and present day struggles. I am so glad I picked this one up at the library. I highly recommend this wonderful novel. So worth the read!!
Autumn is the only survivor of bomb on the L in Chicago. She is suffering from survivor guilt. Reese who mother died in the crash is writing Autumn letters to tell her how good her mother was. Reese father Paul finds out of the letters and at first doesn't want her around Autumn. As time goes on and much contact between the 2 they start to form a friendship. Paul wife is not who everyone thinks she was. How can he confess to his children who their real mom was. Autumn starts to film all the survivors family as a healing process but will the truth set her free?? Will Paul and Autumn become more than friends? Will Reese finally see the truth of who her mother really was? Loved this book and I just love Katie Ganshert writings. She writes truth and present day struggles. I am so glad I picked this one up at the library. I highly recommend this wonderful novel. So worth the read!!
July 11, 2017
Life After was absolutely compelling! I loved the way the author opened up the story with the prologue. It gave the reader a peek into the events of the fateful day involving the fictional event that the story was woven around. It also provided some information that the main character of the story no longer remembered due to the trauma they experienced. It was a very interesting way to start the story.
Even though this book deals with a tragedy and some very serious subject matter, I felt very hopeful throughout the novel. The author did a great job of slowly revealing important pieces of information relevant to the characters in the book. I loved the the emotional and spiritual growth that the main characters gained by the end of the story. The one thing I would have loved to have seen in this book would have been an epilogue of perhaps a year later. But even without an epilogue, this was a fascinating novel.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Even though this book deals with a tragedy and some very serious subject matter, I felt very hopeful throughout the novel. The author did a great job of slowly revealing important pieces of information relevant to the characters in the book. I loved the the emotional and spiritual growth that the main characters gained by the end of the story. The one thing I would have loved to have seen in this book would have been an epilogue of perhaps a year later. But even without an epilogue, this was a fascinating novel.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
February 21, 2017
4.5 Stars RT Top Pick
Another stunning novel from Ganshert. Authentic, real characters radiate from each page, drawing readers into a deep, meaningful tale. Autumn is flawed and broken, but these aspects of her personality make her more relatable and her story more powerful. This book shows that the messy parts of life exist for everyone, and it is only in being vulnerable that healing can begin. Life After will stick with the reader for a long time, with many truths to ponder.
Autumn is the sole survivor of a train bombing that took the lives of many people. One year later, she's still hiding away, feeling intense guilt and unable to move on. She meets the daughter of one of the victims, and the two begin to spend some time together. Autumn explores her own grief and beliefs about what happened in order to mend the brokenness inside and move toward a positive future.
https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
Another stunning novel from Ganshert. Authentic, real characters radiate from each page, drawing readers into a deep, meaningful tale. Autumn is flawed and broken, but these aspects of her personality make her more relatable and her story more powerful. This book shows that the messy parts of life exist for everyone, and it is only in being vulnerable that healing can begin. Life After will stick with the reader for a long time, with many truths to ponder.
Autumn is the sole survivor of a train bombing that took the lives of many people. One year later, she's still hiding away, feeling intense guilt and unable to move on. She meets the daughter of one of the victims, and the two begin to spend some time together. Autumn explores her own grief and beliefs about what happened in order to mend the brokenness inside and move toward a positive future.
https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
August 23, 2017
Wow. A roller coaster of emotions in response to a plethora of significant experiences throughout the book. Life after.... coming full circle with life before. Then the cycle begins again...life hereafter.
September 25, 2017
This book. . . Wow. The poetic way of writing that Katie Granshert possesses is stunningly gorgeous and heartbreaking at the same time. The story was glorious, complex, real life and just beautiful. I honestly can’t do a normal review for this book, nor do I want to, simply for the reason that it can’t be picked apart or critiqued. The characters were spot on, each one interesting. The MC was a delightfully flawed human being as were the other characters. The romance was subtle, not in your face or graphic in anyway. My favorite kind of romance. The kind that happens slowly and leaves you loving them both in their weaknesses, instead of fangirling over their perfectness.
The PTSD of the main character was just as quirky as her personality, but not too much. Seriously, I am struggling for words. Just go read it.
The religious aspects of the book were so good as well. Not shoe horned in, flowing naturally and beautifully, illustrating the tale as only God’s truths can.
That is all I will say, that and I am giving it five glowing stars and I can’t wait to read another Katie Granshert book. Bravo to the author. This is my favorite kind of fiction. You have reignited the passion in me.
Content Warning: SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
April 14, 2017
This is a well crafted novel centering on surviving tragedy. Autumn was the only survivor of a commuter train bombing. How she deals with surviving and how so many others deal with their loss is the meaty subject of the plot.
This moving novel highlights many issues. One is guilt. There is survival guilt. There is the guilt surrounding the death of a loved one, including the “what if” and “if only I'd questions. How do we deal with the guilt when another dies because they were doing an errand for us? Another issue is the sovereignty of God. Why are some spared and other not? How does our view of God relate to our feelings of responsibility or guilt?
Another issue in the book is how one learns to live with loss and the hurt. Some never lose their trust in God and find comfort in Him, even when there was no miracle. Others, like Autumn, must deal with recurring terror and nightmares. How will she ever get on a commuter train again?
Perhaps the issue that fascinated me the most was memories. We want to remember people better than they were. Can we change our memories? Do we keep the bad parts secret? Is there a right time to be brutally honest?
I appreciate learning something when I read a novel. Besides learning about the issues surrounding loss, I also was introduced to petrichor and how it relates to that smell of rain.
This is a well written novel and I highly recommend it. Potential readers should be aware that it mostly deals with the after effects of tragic loss and survival. Readers who have recently experienced such a loss may find this well written novel difficult, so intense are the issues involved.
I received a complimentary galley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This moving novel highlights many issues. One is guilt. There is survival guilt. There is the guilt surrounding the death of a loved one, including the “what if” and “if only I'd questions. How do we deal with the guilt when another dies because they were doing an errand for us? Another issue is the sovereignty of God. Why are some spared and other not? How does our view of God relate to our feelings of responsibility or guilt?
Another issue in the book is how one learns to live with loss and the hurt. Some never lose their trust in God and find comfort in Him, even when there was no miracle. Others, like Autumn, must deal with recurring terror and nightmares. How will she ever get on a commuter train again?
Perhaps the issue that fascinated me the most was memories. We want to remember people better than they were. Can we change our memories? Do we keep the bad parts secret? Is there a right time to be brutally honest?
I appreciate learning something when I read a novel. Besides learning about the issues surrounding loss, I also was introduced to petrichor and how it relates to that smell of rain.
This is a well written novel and I highly recommend it. Potential readers should be aware that it mostly deals with the after effects of tragic loss and survival. Readers who have recently experienced such a loss may find this well written novel difficult, so intense are the issues involved.
I received a complimentary galley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 12, 2018
Life After is an intriguing, realistic, touch-your-heart, make-you-teary-eyed kind of novel. I wasn't wanting it to end quite yet. I didn't love it, but I definitely enjoyed it. It's the first book that's kept me invested in...a while. #win
BUT MAN Paul and his kids and Autumn. JUST YES. The relationships between these four was fantastic and so cute and real. <3333 FAVORITE part of the whole book was just...them. All of them. Together. The transformation of these guys over the course of the novel (especially Paul and Autumn) was FABULOUS.
(*whispers* I WANTED MORE AT THE END. I mean it was sorta perfect but I still wanted a little more Paul + Autumn... XD)
Our Creator weeps with us in our suffering.
(I think my rating is closer to 3.5)
BUT MAN Paul and his kids and Autumn. JUST YES. The relationships between these four was fantastic and so cute and real. <3333 FAVORITE part of the whole book was just...them. All of them. Together. The transformation of these guys over the course of the novel (especially Paul and Autumn) was FABULOUS.
(*whispers* I WANTED MORE AT THE END. I mean it was sorta perfect but I still wanted a little more Paul + Autumn... XD)
Our Creator weeps with us in our suffering.
(I think my rating is closer to 3.5)
April 18, 2017
I, personally, have never read anything by Katie Ganshert. I have heard about a number of her books and love the covers but have never moved them up in priority to my read now pile. But when the chance came up to be on her Launch team, I jumped at the chance. Her newest book Life After looked really interesting. While the novel is labeled as a contemporary romance, I think it goes deeper than that. With rich characters and an interesting plot, I'm really glad I spent time with Autumn and Paul.
With any good book, the author has to write clearly enough for me to follow the story. Ganshert does a good job at this. Her writing is clear and concise. She doesn't head hop, and she allows the characters to speak what is really bothering their soul. The setting was described well that I could see the bus station or downtown Chicago, which I have been to a number of times since I only live three hours away.
Right away, Ganshert grabs my attention with the prologue and keeps my attention from then on. The story starts with nameless characters. (Don't worry. The characters will be revealed as you read the story!) These characters run into each other and then I feel the bomb go off. Chapter one starts with Autumn the only survivor of the story showing her existence in the world. The story really doesn't slow down at any time. Ganshert's completely original and unpredictable novel about how to move on after something tragic in life happens really spoke to my heart. I couldn't wait to uncover how Paul and Autumn were going to change.
Change . . . boy, did both characters change. A good novel has a transformation of its characters. Both Paul and Autumn were different people by the end of the book. At the beginning, Autumn is a shy, timid woman who completes numerous puzzles and avoids social interactions. Whereas, Paul is trying to handle being a single father to two kids and keeping the secret of his marriage in the dark. Unfortunately, Ganshert peels away their coverings and allows both of them to rely on each other and learn how to move on. One of my favorite things about Life After is Ganshert's abilities to reach inside each character and spill their inner turmoil on the pages. I completely empathized with Autumn and Paul, rooting for them to find happiness and peace in their struggles.
While the story held my attention, I did have one issue with the plot. What actually happened on the train? I see the bomb explode in the beginning, then I spend the rest of the story following Autumn and Paul on their path to happiness. I wanted to see what actually happened. Maybe Autumn could have Reese, Paul's daughter, read a newspaper article with images about the incident. Or have Autumn show an article when she is looking through her scrapbooks of the dead people. She probably has a number of the articles since she is so obsessed with the incident. Allow me, the reader, to see what happened. How destructive was the mess? Obviously, it was a huge mess if 21 people died from a bomb. This could be just me.
In conclusion, Life After by Katie Ganshert is a gut-wrenching story that buries deep into the human emotions after a horrible event. Maybe even having the reader nodding in agreement with why bad things happen to good people. Life After is a story that will stick with me long after I close the book.
I received a complimentary copy of Katie Ganshert's Life After from Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishers, and the opinions stated are all my own.
With any good book, the author has to write clearly enough for me to follow the story. Ganshert does a good job at this. Her writing is clear and concise. She doesn't head hop, and she allows the characters to speak what is really bothering their soul. The setting was described well that I could see the bus station or downtown Chicago, which I have been to a number of times since I only live three hours away.
Right away, Ganshert grabs my attention with the prologue and keeps my attention from then on. The story starts with nameless characters. (Don't worry. The characters will be revealed as you read the story!) These characters run into each other and then I feel the bomb go off. Chapter one starts with Autumn the only survivor of the story showing her existence in the world. The story really doesn't slow down at any time. Ganshert's completely original and unpredictable novel about how to move on after something tragic in life happens really spoke to my heart. I couldn't wait to uncover how Paul and Autumn were going to change.
Change . . . boy, did both characters change. A good novel has a transformation of its characters. Both Paul and Autumn were different people by the end of the book. At the beginning, Autumn is a shy, timid woman who completes numerous puzzles and avoids social interactions. Whereas, Paul is trying to handle being a single father to two kids and keeping the secret of his marriage in the dark. Unfortunately, Ganshert peels away their coverings and allows both of them to rely on each other and learn how to move on. One of my favorite things about Life After is Ganshert's abilities to reach inside each character and spill their inner turmoil on the pages. I completely empathized with Autumn and Paul, rooting for them to find happiness and peace in their struggles.
While the story held my attention, I did have one issue with the plot. What actually happened on the train? I see the bomb explode in the beginning, then I spend the rest of the story following Autumn and Paul on their path to happiness. I wanted to see what actually happened. Maybe Autumn could have Reese, Paul's daughter, read a newspaper article with images about the incident. Or have Autumn show an article when she is looking through her scrapbooks of the dead people. She probably has a number of the articles since she is so obsessed with the incident. Allow me, the reader, to see what happened. How destructive was the mess? Obviously, it was a huge mess if 21 people died from a bomb. This could be just me.
In conclusion, Life After by Katie Ganshert is a gut-wrenching story that buries deep into the human emotions after a horrible event. Maybe even having the reader nodding in agreement with why bad things happen to good people. Life After is a story that will stick with me long after I close the book.
I received a complimentary copy of Katie Ganshert's Life After from Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishers, and the opinions stated are all my own.
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