This Is What You'll Remember: A Memoir

by Holly Waugh

In this gripping memoir, Holly Waugh shares her story of how the devil tried to derail her life as a child by sending all manner of evil into it; how God used the most tragic day of her life to capture her heart; and how with Jesus….redemption and restoration are possible.

219 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2019

Reviews

[Melissa Ried · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness. This is a hard story to read, not because of the writing (which is fantastic) but because of the heartbreaking stories Holly shares in this book. She has suffered more tragedy than any one person should have to endure, but she also shares her journey of trusting God and knowing that her suffering has not been in vain. Holly is a great writer and elicits compassion for little Holly, who is abused by 2 different stepfathers. Holly shares with tremendous vulnerability and it makes for a book that you don’t want to put down.

I received an advance copy of this book and I am so grateful for that privilege.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of Holly’s memoir with little to no expectation as I didn’t know really any of her story and I was completely and instantly captivated by her life and what she’s overcome as soon as the story began. I raged with anger at parts and I cried uncontrollably at others. It’s such an important story and I am so glad I was able to read and I hope it finds its way into the hands of others that need to know they can overcome unthinkable life experiences as well.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Holly’s vulnerability telling her story! Her story is full of encouragement that despite the obstacles life throws your direction, you have the power to overcome them and use them for the greater good. An inspirational read!

*I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but all opinions are my own.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is What You'll Remember: A Memoir is a compelling look into Waugh's life and what she has endured. It illustrates that even when you are not looking for Him, even when you are pushing Him away, even when you want nothing to do with Him, He is there. Waugh shares, with grit and honesty, the trials she has surpassed which have included abuse and unimaginable betrayal and loss and she does so with grace and mercy. For those who harmed her, for those who tried their best, for those who walked away. And for herself.

This is what I'll remember: GRACE

I received an advanced digital copy and all opinions are my own.

[Alyssa Molina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is What You’ll Remember is a powerful story of redemption. Holly’s memoir takes us through a childhood filled with hardship and abuse, some challenges that would knock the legs out from under the toughest of us in her young adulthood, and shows on the other side a woman who is loving, caring, and thriving. She talks about the role God and her faith has had in her story in a matter-of-fact way that is not cheesy or preachy. The writing is conversational and easy to read. Overall this is a very good book about overcoming challenges and specifically overcoming sexual abuse in a healthy way.

** I received an advanced reader copy of the book, but all of the opinions expressed are my own**

[Beverly Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to start..I cried and laughed..I wanted to hug a young girl who traveled this road and survived. Any one who is or has climbed high tragedies will see that there is love and survival on the other side...a double hug for Holly.

I received an advance copy and these are my thoughts.

[Carolyn Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this raw, poignant memoir, Waugh takes her reader through her hellish childhood filled with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and devastating loss. But her story doesn’t end there; instead, she shows the continued journey through her healing and redemption, living a productive and fulfilling life and advocating for others. In addition to her own story, she shares resources available to help people experiencing these kinds of trauma. A difficult but good read. I received an advance copy of the book.

[Sheila O'Rear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cards are stacked higher than high over the years for this author. Details of what she endured for years took me on a journey similar to a roller coaster. A story of tragedy that ends with the author standing higher than any cards stacked against her. I received an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing strength. I have such a faithful proudness right now in the courage.

[Tammi Mossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, heart-wrenching story with a happier ending than you may be expecting. I read every chance I got during two days to finish it as quickly as possible.

I appreciate Holly's vulnerability in every area of her life discussed herein, and I would imagine that some parts took more courage to share than other items. However, I even more appreciate and love the faith she shows and the hope that she offers.

Thank you for a good use of my time and a wonderful resource to share with others. And thank you for an encouragement I needed and found therein (even if we never have occasion to discuss it).

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a quick read, and yet not. It's an honest look at the author's childhood.

[Bree Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a seat in a comfy chair-- you won't be putting this book down until you're finished reading. Open up your heart and arms to hold young Holly as she walks through more challenges than most of us can possibly imagine. This memoir is riveting, heartbreaking, and healing. You will experience all the feelings and emotions as you walk side by side with Holly. You will cry real tears and feel real anger and sadness as little Holly overcomes trial after trial.
Holly doesn't just open a window and let you peer into her life -- she asks you to sit next to her, hold her hand, and experience it right along with her. You turn page after page wanting to know what happens next. You marvel at her fortitude and ability to find the good in the midst of unspeakable darkness. Her ability to overcome what she did, and to put it all into words -- her vulnerability, gives me hope. This is a story of finding hope, Jesus, and self worth despite the worst of circumstances.

I received an advance copy of this book and I am so grateful for that privilege.

[Miranda Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an advance readers copy of this book and I’m so glad I was able to be apart of this amazing new authors launch. Her story is heartbreaking and incredible. It truly shows how strong and amazing of a person she is. I didn’t know what expect with this book as I hadn’t known Holly or her story before the book but once I started reading I couldn’t put it down. I can’t believe how much she went through and how incredible it is that she was led to her faith through it all.

[Courtney Birkbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Waugh takes you on her journey through abuse, struggle, pain and ultimately (most importantly), redemption. My heart was left in a ball of tears, happy and sad, after reading her book. She doesn't hold back. She lays it all out there for us, her readers, to understand, to feel and to experience her life with her.
There were moments I held my breath, tears pouring down my face, and moments my face nearly broke from smiling, because of the freedom and grace she found in her life.
This is a must read for anyone who has struggled (no matter with what), and feel encouraged that you're not alone.
You won't regret grabbing a copy of this book! Thank you, Holly, for sharing your heart and life with us.

[Brandi Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a binge read. Holly was so raw when talking about her life that at times it was hard to keep going - yet impossible to put down. I laughed, cried, cringed, felt furious and also celebrated when she found her worth and joy again. She is so vulnerable in this book, holds nothing back and you start to feel like you actually know her, or that you’re in the room, or the cafeteria, or the hatch of her car, or standing in the intersection with her. The way she describes her life makes you vividly picture the scenes in your head. I also love this book because it encompasses her journey, from brokenness to forgiveness and beyond. Her story is heartbreaking and inspiring all at the same time and I hope this is just the beginning of her career as an author!

*I received an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

[Mercy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book I simply could not put it down, and I even ended up reading it a second time. Holly shares her story in a way that is brutally honest, full of vulnerability and authenticity. She shares about how she has continually found healing through all of the trauma life has thrown at her. She speaks to the resiliency of humans and the power of faith to turn an entire life around. This is a story of grace, redemption, and healing.

[Mistie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy to review. This book is a tale of a young woman and her journey through life. There is sadness, rage, anger, love, joy, transformation, and peaceful acceptance. Grab a box of tissues,nestled down and start reading. You will not put it down until you ha e finished it. Definitely worth the time, and you might discover something a out yourself in the end.

[Evelyn Aucoin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Resilient is the only word I have for the author’s life story. Again and again, she had to find her strength, ground down into her faith and move forward. One baby step at time - sometimes - but forward is forward. I received an advance copy of this book, and read it in only 2 days - which is very fast for me because of work and other demands on my time. It is a authentic recount of abuse and neglect, but a tempered approach to describing the events that is non-graphic.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced digital reader copy of this book. I knew nothing about Holly's story before I read page 1. I could not stop reading her story. I finished it in less than a day because I wanted to know more and see how it all unfolded. I don't want to give any spoilers, but Holly's story is heartbreaking and inspirational all at the same time. If you know anyone who has suffered from physical, sexual or mental abuse, or had mental health struggles, you should get them this book. Holly's story is one that will draw you in and wonder how she survived it all. (You'll find out how in her book). I highly recommend this book! I will be buying a hard copy as soon as it's available!

[Sherrie Duran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I could barely put it down. This book is real but respectfully and so bravely written. Holly takes you on a journey through the most vulnerable places of her soul. It will make you wonder, it will make you angry for justice, it will make you cry and it will make you smile. This is What You'll Remember will take you back through your own life story and see the importance of forgiveness, healthy boundaries, honesty, "keeping a clean filter", faith and being as kind to yourself as you are to others. You will not be the same person after reading this memoir. I know I'm not. Thank you for sharing your story with the world, Holly. I love you even more than I did before, if that is possible.

[Amy Gatlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The moment I started reading this book, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. Holly's raw, honest story of her grief and pain-filled life make you feel like she sitting right next to you, sharing her deepest hurts. Just when you think she will catch a break, she is failed again by those that should be there to love and protect her. Her story draws you in and you want justice and healing for her. The best part of this book is seeing how she is capable to love and protect others even though she had very few adults that modeled this in her life. This is a tragic but beautiful story where she is able to find peace, forgive others and draw on her faith to act in Christ like ways.

[Laurel Williston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so hard to read, but it is so worth it. You know that phrase “The truth is stranger than fiction”? You’ll think that this must be a fictional story, because that much stuff couldn’t happen to one person, and no good could come from it.

The book is written simply, but it is compelling. I kept wanting to know what would happen next, and it was so easy to read. Now I have to wait for the sequel... ;)

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace. That is the one word I would use to describe this book. God is so faithful. Despite many of the worst situations one can endure, the author finds the God of grace. Throughout the book she shares struggles; the impact of people she encounters (good and bad); and the evidence of God’s grace. It’s hard to forgive those who harm us. It’s even harder to understand how a good God can allow such evil in the world. Yet, the reality is, we are placed in those trials due to the sin nature of the world. It’s only through His grace we find peace.

To quote the author:
“Over time, God has begun to show me that bad things happen because we live in a fallen world. Evil truly does exist. However, God can, and has, taken those bad things and worked them together for my good. He hasn’t wasted one ounce of what I’ve gone through.”

I received an advanced copy of this book.

[Mandy E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect when I received the ARC of Holly's memoir, but, honestly, it was captivating. I finished the book in two days because I could not put it down. (And that says a lot because I have about 5 unfinished books I'm trying to read sitting on my nightstand.) I was instantly drawn into her story and felt like I was riding a roller coaster of emotions as I read about her heartbreaking journey. Anger. Sadness. The desire to just reach through the page and hug the little girl that endured things that no one should ever have to endure. But this is an ashes to beauty story if I've ever read one, and I'm grateful that Holly was brave enough to share it with us. I highly recommend this book!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I began reading this book, I could not put it down. The author vulnerably shares her heart-wrenching yet redemptive journey. Through gifted storytelling she reassures the reader that no matter the specific loss or struggle: you are not alone in this. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Jennifer Willerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started this book I could not stop reading. This Is What You'll Remember is hard and sad and engaging and good and redemptive. What an amazing honor to be able to read this author's life story; it feels holy and sacred to be invited in. The experiences Holly has had in her life seem unimaginable at times. The telling of her story and how it all weaves together to create the beautiful tapestry of her life is so well done. Highly recommend.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by the author.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read an advance copy of Holly Waugh's memoir, and once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It was such an emotional story, heartbreaking at times, but full of hope and grace at the end. She is vulnerable and brave in sharing her story, and it's a powerful one of redemption that everyone should read.

[Rebecca LaCount · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab a box of tissues, a cup of coffee and a comfy chair to settle into for this amazing read. Holly's book brings you on her true, nearly unbelievable, heartbreaking, redemptive tale of her life. It is woven with humor, sadness and triumph. I am so incredibly blessed to have received an ARC of this book for my honest review. Honestly? It was amazing. It was worth the sleepless nights when I couldn't put it down. It's worth every penny and then some.

[Heather Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir in the truest sense of the word. I have never read an autobiography that had me feeling so many emotions so deeply. Holly’s is a deeply involved story written well, and in a way that keeps you looking for resolutions and answers. I was privileged to have access to an advanced copy for review purposes.

[Sara Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly shares her story of abuse in many different forms and how she overcame even the darkest of days. I found myself reading this memoir and not believing that what she was recounting was true, because it seemed impossible that one person could encounter so many obstacles so early in their life.

I received an Advanced Copy from the author, but this opinion is all my own!