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Hope, Grace & Faith
“It took hitting rock bottom for me to realize that if I wanted something better for my girls, I had to learn to love myself first.”
Leah was first thrust under the reality television microscope when her teen pregnancy was documented on MTV’s groundbreaking series, 16 and Pregnant. Since then, fans of Teen Mom 2 have watched her life play out on the small screen—from her struggle to rise to the challenges of motherhood, through her harrowing journey to find a diagnosis for one of her twin girls with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and the collapse of two marriages. She has learned to live under the harsh glare of media scrutiny, yet there is a truth behind the reality that the cameras have never revealed.
In her unflinching and honest memoir, Leah takes readers behind the scenes and shares an intimate, often heartbreaking, portrait of her turbulent childhood in rural West Virginia, the rock bottom that forced her to reevaluate her life, and her triumphant break from toxic relationships and self-destructive cycles to live her life with hope, grace, and faith.
Leah was first thrust under the reality television microscope when her teen pregnancy was documented on MTV’s groundbreaking series, 16 and Pregnant. Since then, fans of Teen Mom 2 have watched her life play out on the small screen—from her struggle to rise to the challenges of motherhood, through her harrowing journey to find a diagnosis for one of her twin girls with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and the collapse of two marriages. She has learned to live under the harsh glare of media scrutiny, yet there is a truth behind the reality that the cameras have never revealed.
In her unflinching and honest memoir, Leah takes readers behind the scenes and shares an intimate, often heartbreaking, portrait of her turbulent childhood in rural West Virginia, the rock bottom that forced her to reevaluate her life, and her triumphant break from toxic relationships and self-destructive cycles to live her life with hope, grace, and faith.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
October 30, 2021
This is a Non-Fiction Biography Memoir. Leah Messer was on Sixteen and Pregnant and Teen Mom 2. I watch her on Sixteen and Pregnant, and I also watched some of Teen Mom 2. I have not watched Teen Mom 2 in years, but Leah Messer was one of my favorite. I listen to the audiobook of this book, and the audiobook was narrator by Leah Messer which made the audiobook even better. The audiobook is short just over 3 hours long, and the fact I listen to my audiobooks at a faster speed it was super quick listen. I am really happy to get her side of what happen. I am so glad she as decided to live of herself. I think if you watch her on TV you will enjoy this audiobook or book, but I do not know if you will get anything out of it if you never watched her on TV. I was kindly provided an e-audiobook of this book by the publisher (Post Hill Press) or author (Leah Messer) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
May 5, 2020
As a fan of the Teen Mom/16 and Pregnant franchise, I have grown to know Leah through the numerous challenges that she faced in her journey as a single mother of three. This book makes us understand Leah's actions, past and present, and offer a new perspective on her upbringing and her relationships. This is a quick, insightful read, and possibly one of the best books released by one of the show's moms!
May 5, 2020
With the help of my Amazon echo I finished the book within a matter of hours. I have always wanted to read from Leah's point of view about her life. MTV and the public eye always have a need to make ratings. I am not trying to make fun of MTV and their need to make gripping television. However, for fans that is why it is important to focus on what really happens. I applaud Leah for writing this short book to enlighten family and friends about what really happens off camera. I have not watched teen mom two in quite some time. However, Leah was always my favorite to watch. I too deal with a disability not like her daughter. However, I know what is it like to live a life different. As well as having to adapt to a different normal. I have always hoped one day I could hang out with Leah and her family. I hope one day that will happen. Thank you Leah for writing your story book form. God bless!
February 25, 2021
I’m a fan of the Teen Mom/16 & Pregnant franchises, and have watched Leah grow up and face all that life throws at her as a young mother. But to hear her tell all the trauma and disfunction in her childhood that framed who she grew to be, a lot of her decisions made a little more sense. It gives the listener/reader new insight to the way she was raised, which caused her to crave love from anyone and everyone she could.
It was a super short story (I mean she is only in her 20s lol) but I think it would make people judge her less and help others realize they can overcome their backgrounds as well.
Thanks to Netgalley for this audiobook in exchange for my review.
It was a super short story (I mean she is only in her 20s lol) but I think it would make people judge her less and help others realize they can overcome their backgrounds as well.
Thanks to Netgalley for this audiobook in exchange for my review.
July 22, 2020
No real surprises here—not a stunner as far as writing goes, but enough honesty and introspection to keep things interesting. I still haven't seen any of 16 and Pregnant or Teen Mom, so I don't have any context for Messer outside of the book, but it's nice to see less mud-slinging of exes than in some related books I've read.
But mostly I just find this to be a really good illustration of cycles of poverty and teen pregnancy. Messer's pregnancy as a teenager isn't all that surprising when you consider the context: being the child of a teenage mother to begin with, not having any sex ed, not having any emphasis placed on education, a community that was very tolerant (even encouraging) of young girls dating with much older boys... Quite separate from a person's individual decisions and so on, it's hard to break a cycle when you've had no other consistent model.
It also strengthens my suspicion that shows like Teen Mom can be simultaneously beneficial and toxic for the people taking part—a valuable source of income for young mothers who can be quite financially vulnerable, and something that might give them a chance at a career quite different from the ones they'd expected, but also a source of extra drama (the show might not be manufacturing drama outright, but it's definitely stirring the pot) and something that opens the participants (who are, again, often in vulnerable positions) up to the opinions and criticism of the masses in ways that they are unlikely to be prepared for.
But mostly I just find this to be a really good illustration of cycles of poverty and teen pregnancy. Messer's pregnancy as a teenager isn't all that surprising when you consider the context: being the child of a teenage mother to begin with, not having any sex ed, not having any emphasis placed on education, a community that was very tolerant (even encouraging) of young girls dating with much older boys... Quite separate from a person's individual decisions and so on, it's hard to break a cycle when you've had no other consistent model.
It also strengthens my suspicion that shows like Teen Mom can be simultaneously beneficial and toxic for the people taking part—a valuable source of income for young mothers who can be quite financially vulnerable, and something that might give them a chance at a career quite different from the ones they'd expected, but also a source of extra drama (the show might not be manufacturing drama outright, but it's definitely stirring the pot) and something that opens the participants (who are, again, often in vulnerable positions) up to the opinions and criticism of the masses in ways that they are unlikely to be prepared for.
February 8, 2021
I normally don’t do autobiographies but I have to say I enjoyed this one. We never see this much on the show and people are so quick to judge. I have always loved Leah and I am so glad that she is at such a beautiful, positive place in her life.
June 19, 2022
Messer shares about her dysfunctional childhood, and becoming not only a teen mom, but a famous one.
It was very sad to read about her childhood, knowing that so many kids are going through the same things; it's so difficult to know what to do to help them all.
I liked hearing about some of the behind-the-scenes situations that didn't make it to TV.
It was disappointing to hear Messer say that she doesn't regret anything and wouldn't do things differently, right after admitting she made a lot of mistakes, because, "everything has gotten me to where I am now." This is a popular line of thinking that I just don't understand and can't get behind.
I was frustrated, too, with the fair amount of profanity in the book. (There are also, naturally, sexual references.)
However, Messer does seem to have done some hard inner-life work and learned some lessons that hopefully will affect her daughters for the better.
It was very sad to read about her childhood, knowing that so many kids are going through the same things; it's so difficult to know what to do to help them all.
I liked hearing about some of the behind-the-scenes situations that didn't make it to TV.
It was disappointing to hear Messer say that she doesn't regret anything and wouldn't do things differently, right after admitting she made a lot of mistakes, because, "everything has gotten me to where I am now." This is a popular line of thinking that I just don't understand and can't get behind.
I was frustrated, too, with the fair amount of profanity in the book. (There are also, naturally, sexual references.)
However, Messer does seem to have done some hard inner-life work and learned some lessons that hopefully will affect her daughters for the better.
January 28, 2021
I gave this book 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️. It wasn’t a bad book book I felt like Lea didn’t confront the real problems she was having regarding her opioid addiction. She constantly blamed her parents for everything and while I do believe that your childhood and upbringing can have an impact on your adulthood the things that she went through some of them were her fault due to just making bad decisions.. also I feel like this book was mainly about her mom and dad and not her due to most of the book centering around her mom going from man to man and how she moved so many times. Then she went on to tell us how the dad was a minister but became hooked on drugs and how their relationship was strained. Several times I found myself wondering when I would read more about Lea ...I was very generous with the 3 ⭐️ rating since I couldn’t give it 2 1/2⭐️⭐️💫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2020
This book was based off the authors family past and present. Leah Messer really creates such a thorough work of art. I am sure there will be many people that can relate to different things she experienced in her life, not all but some. Flaws are just stepping stones or skipping a rock off water sometimes it works and sometimes we struggle. Love it and would highly recommend it. I really found it hard to stop reading
April 20, 2022
I thought this book was quite entertaining! Leah pretty much spills it all, and I can appreciate that. However, she doesn’t accept a whole lot of responsibility.
December 1, 2020
Fast and great read, I love memoirs, this one I picked up because I had been watching teen mom 2 for some time and have always been impressed with Leah. She opens up and heals through this book, it reminded me a lot of the glass castle where she describes her traumas without having a victim hood mindset. It truly is a book of her own reflection and it was a wonderful read.
May 9, 2025
It’s his gusting how exploited she has been by mtv and her family. This is an inspiring story about overcoming your demons. Enjoyed this read
June 9, 2020
This book is about Leah Messer from the t.v show Teen mom on MTV. It talks about her dramatic childhood leading up to when she had her 3rd daughter. It's her side of the story without MTV having a say of what gets filmed or not.
This book was really good. A page-turner. Didn't talk me long to read it. I had a hard time putting it down. It gives a very good look into Leah's side/life without MTV fishing for ratings.
I would recommend this book to people that are Teen mom fans. And that want to hear the other side.
Warning tho this book has lots of abuse of all kinds. She really hasn't had an easy life.
This book was really good. A page-turner. Didn't talk me long to read it. I had a hard time putting it down. It gives a very good look into Leah's side/life without MTV fishing for ratings.
I would recommend this book to people that are Teen mom fans. And that want to hear the other side.
Warning tho this book has lots of abuse of all kinds. She really hasn't had an easy life.
January 10, 2021
4.5 stars. Leah has always been one of my favorite of the teen moms and I thought this memoir was engaging, honest, and unputtdownable. Review to come.
May 18, 2020
I'm so proud of the woman that Leah has turned into. Her childhood was horrible, and I feel heart broken that she had to go through all of that. I'm just glad that she has grown and improved her life so her girls can have a great childhood!
February 27, 2021
Hope, Grace & Faith is a raw and honest memoir by Leah Messer. As a fan of Teen Mom 2, I felt like I really got to understand the real Leah, and fellow fans will get to do the same after listening/reading the book.
This book is all about the ups, downs, and the in-betweens. I have watched Leah on Teen Mom 2 since the very beginning. I always enjoyed her story because she always seems so approachable and down to earth and I loved how much she adores her kids. There were a few moments that made me question her choices on the show and made me feel like I wanted to know why she made certain choices. In this book, she gives her entire backstory and her troubled past that isn't part of the show.
This book really made me understand Leah better. Her childhood wasn't the best and I saw how some of her parent's choices and actions had such an impact on her life. There were so many moments that I wish I could have just given her a hug because she has gone through it.
One of the things I respected most was Leah's openness. Some of the topics she talked about can be very triggering and yet she talked about it in hopes that her story could help someone. And I feel like she most certainly accomplished that. She shows her struggles so that readers can see how she overcame them. It wasn't without hard work and the love of her family. Her love of her daughters pushed her to want to be better for herself and for them. That is inspiring!
I give Hope, Grace & Faith 5 stars. I loved Leah's story. It is beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring. She has grown so much over the years and it is nice to see her owning her mistakes and moving forward. I think her story will resonate with so many and teach so many that your past does not define who you are.
This book is all about the ups, downs, and the in-betweens. I have watched Leah on Teen Mom 2 since the very beginning. I always enjoyed her story because she always seems so approachable and down to earth and I loved how much she adores her kids. There were a few moments that made me question her choices on the show and made me feel like I wanted to know why she made certain choices. In this book, she gives her entire backstory and her troubled past that isn't part of the show.
This book really made me understand Leah better. Her childhood wasn't the best and I saw how some of her parent's choices and actions had such an impact on her life. There were so many moments that I wish I could have just given her a hug because she has gone through it.
One of the things I respected most was Leah's openness. Some of the topics she talked about can be very triggering and yet she talked about it in hopes that her story could help someone. And I feel like she most certainly accomplished that. She shows her struggles so that readers can see how she overcame them. It wasn't without hard work and the love of her family. Her love of her daughters pushed her to want to be better for herself and for them. That is inspiring!
I give Hope, Grace & Faith 5 stars. I loved Leah's story. It is beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring. She has grown so much over the years and it is nice to see her owning her mistakes and moving forward. I think her story will resonate with so many and teach so many that your past does not define who you are.
January 18, 2021
I've always had a soft spot for Leah - I remember her 16 and Pregnant episode way back when the show first aired, and her story really stuck with me. I haven't had MTV (or cable) in almost a decade, but I've kept up with her story and the stories of some of the other Teen Moms.
I'm glad that Leah is at the age where she can look back at her childhood and young adulthood and reflect on how it impacted her life and decision making. I don't think I realized that she came from a long line of teen mothers. There's a lot of generational trauma, drug use, and poverty in her story. Leah has definitely made some poor decisions over the years (who hasn't?) but in the context of her life story it makes sense. I hope that naming and identifying all of the things that have influenced her story (along with some good therapy) will help her heal some of the wounds.
A great read for any Teen Mom 2 fans out there.
I'm glad that Leah is at the age where she can look back at her childhood and young adulthood and reflect on how it impacted her life and decision making. I don't think I realized that she came from a long line of teen mothers. There's a lot of generational trauma, drug use, and poverty in her story. Leah has definitely made some poor decisions over the years (who hasn't?) but in the context of her life story it makes sense. I hope that naming and identifying all of the things that have influenced her story (along with some good therapy) will help her heal some of the wounds.
A great read for any Teen Mom 2 fans out there.
March 5, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Tanor Audio for allowing me to listen to this copy for my honest opinion.
Ok, this was my first memoir/autobiography and I have to say I don't know where to start to review it so I'm just going to go ahead and tell you my thoughts while reading this one. I have been a huge fan of Leah's since 16 and pregnant. I think that she has so much strength as a mother and it is wonderful to see how much she has grown over the years. I think that getting the back story from her about a lot of the things that MTV didn't show or just played out differently was really eye-opening to see that even though it is "reality" there's a lot that is not. I commend Leah so much for putting her life out there for the world to see, and opening up and not being afraid to talk about things that others would shy away from. Learning about her life growing up was so heartbreaking to read, but seeing how she has overcome those obstacles through the years and has taken her experiences and changed, so that way she can break the cycle for her girls and give them the best life she can. I loved Leah before this and I love her even more now!
I also am really glad that this was narrated by Leah, if it wasn't I don't think it would have hit home as much as it did.
Ok, this was my first memoir/autobiography and I have to say I don't know where to start to review it so I'm just going to go ahead and tell you my thoughts while reading this one. I have been a huge fan of Leah's since 16 and pregnant. I think that she has so much strength as a mother and it is wonderful to see how much she has grown over the years. I think that getting the back story from her about a lot of the things that MTV didn't show or just played out differently was really eye-opening to see that even though it is "reality" there's a lot that is not. I commend Leah so much for putting her life out there for the world to see, and opening up and not being afraid to talk about things that others would shy away from. Learning about her life growing up was so heartbreaking to read, but seeing how she has overcome those obstacles through the years and has taken her experiences and changed, so that way she can break the cycle for her girls and give them the best life she can. I loved Leah before this and I love her even more now!
I also am really glad that this was narrated by Leah, if it wasn't I don't think it would have hit home as much as it did.
August 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve been watching the TM / 16 and pregnant franchise since it first aired on MTV, when O was 16. Leah, I have been following your journey since the very beginning and have SO much respect for you. You have grown so much, and it has been incredible watching your story all these years. To this day, Teen Mom + Jersey Shore continue to be the ONLY 2 reality shows I watch at all anymore. Thank you for still being apart of the show and continuing to share your life. Though it was heartbreaking to watch you struggle on air with your battles, it was amazing to witness the transformation and change of who you are today. Thank you for your openness, honesty, and awareness. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s not an easy one at all. you are an incredible mum and an inspiration. I listened to the audiobook on spotify, read by Leah and was GLUED to it. Had to finish it asap. 5 stars and would recommend if you’re a Teen Mom fan ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 29, 2020
Having watched these shows since they started over a decade ago, it is difficult not to read these memoirs when they come out, but I'm not sure why I'm ever surprised when they are so... blah. That said, Leah has been through a lot in her life, and I hope she's able to keep her head on straight and hold her problematic family at bay while her girls continue to grow up. If nothing, else, this Teen Mom lucked out with the fathers of her girls, who seem positively stable and awesome compared to many of the others on the show. If you watch the show as it airs, you'll already have heard about the few things that were "shocking" in this book, and there isn't much else in the book that people wouldn't have known from watching the show-- maybe some of the sadder things about her dad and her childhood? At any rate, the book was ok, for fans of the show, and Leah tries really hard but she's not a great writer. Just 2 stars.
January 19, 2024
Leah Messer is well known to those who watch MTV's Teen Mom 2. I watched her story transpire for several years, though I haven't watched any new episodes in several years. In this book, she takes a look back at many different relationships in her life, from her family to her romantic interests. Within the first thirty minutes of this book, I can see why she behaved in some of the ways that she did. I think it is great that she recognized that she needed help for herself and that she got it. Some people never do.
This book is currently available to listen to for free on Audible Plus, and it is a short listen. I believe it was around three hours. I appreciated that she was able to tell her story and look back on some of her hard moments with mature eyes and a sense of growth. I hope she continues to be a good mom for all of her girls and that she finds happiness in herself.
This book is currently available to listen to for free on Audible Plus, and it is a short listen. I believe it was around three hours. I appreciated that she was able to tell her story and look back on some of her hard moments with mature eyes and a sense of growth. I hope she continues to be a good mom for all of her girls and that she finds happiness in herself.
April 22, 2021
If you watch the show, this is a good book to read.
I also feel like this is a great example of what a fucked up childhood can result in. This book is also a strong example of the reality of what poverty looks like. I’m happy Leah is in a better place, but I hate that it took so long for her to work through so much. AND just to realize she needed to love herself.
The writing felt like a conversation with her which I loved. We were kind of all over the place with timing and if you don’t know the show, you’ll be lost. Overall, I had very low expectations but my expectations were totally exceeded. This was a fun guilty pleasure read that was low-key educational. For show fans, this is the book for you to learn even more about Leah.
I also feel like this is a great example of what a fucked up childhood can result in. This book is also a strong example of the reality of what poverty looks like. I’m happy Leah is in a better place, but I hate that it took so long for her to work through so much. AND just to realize she needed to love herself.
The writing felt like a conversation with her which I loved. We were kind of all over the place with timing and if you don’t know the show, you’ll be lost. Overall, I had very low expectations but my expectations were totally exceeded. This was a fun guilty pleasure read that was low-key educational. For show fans, this is the book for you to learn even more about Leah.
February 5, 2024
I've always liked Leah and hearing her experience through her own words really just put the human behind the face on our screens. Leah had a tough upbringing that eventually led to her own rock bottom, but all she had needed to do was realize the strength she had within herself to climb on out and into a journey of redemption from herself. I can empathize with her past and wish her the best in the future with her girls. Go Leah!
April 23, 2024
I came for the tea & she delivered. It filled in gaps with the show that never quite made sense from an outside perspective. It didn’t seem a little too short & like kind of a stream of consciousness trauma dump overall. I would’ve loved for the ending to feel less rushed and for some more of her positive life experiences to be included. My heart goes out to her for everything’s she’s been through and it’s amazing how far she’s come despite it all.
April 4, 2025
5 stars - this was excellent. So much more than I expected from Leah after the way they portrayed her on Teen Mom. Her back story was so so sad. I can imagine putting my kids through what she went through at such a young age. She was dealt a shit hand but still managed to overcome. I hope she keeps doing well in her recovery ❤️🩹
February 16, 2021
I loved this book
Leah opened her heart and poured everything out about her life on to the pages of this book. She had a hard time and managed to become a better person despite that. She is such an inspiration and good role model for her girls.
Leah opened her heart and poured everything out about her life on to the pages of this book. She had a hard time and managed to become a better person despite that. She is such an inspiration and good role model for her girls.
June 19, 2021
I enjoyed this read. I had no idea Leah went through so much trauma as a child. I enjoyed reading of her struggles and how she is working to improve. It’s nice to see her glow up now and I’m totes happy for her.
January 19, 2024
I am a teen mom junkie. Even if I don’t like them I want to read all their books.
I absolutely love Leah. She had a hard life from being poor, seeing her dad struggle with addiction, her mom being controlling, moving non stop, dealing with anxiety and depression, being a teen mom to twins and one being special needs, 2 failed marriages, a traumatic labor, addiction herself. That’s A LOT.
She got help. Put in the work. And admits her wrongs.
I absolutely love Leah. She had a hard life from being poor, seeing her dad struggle with addiction, her mom being controlling, moving non stop, dealing with anxiety and depression, being a teen mom to twins and one being special needs, 2 failed marriages, a traumatic labor, addiction herself. That’s A LOT.
She got help. Put in the work. And admits her wrongs.
February 11, 2024
I had such higher hopes for this one because I really liked Leah's story on 16 and Pregnant. But this book was all over the place. She would be talking about something and then take a right turn and talk about something else in the same sentence. Not my fav.
September 29, 2024
How can you rate someone’s life experience anything other than 5 stars. Reality TV is my guilty pleasure & I’m currently rewatching teen mom 2 so had to read this. BUT DANG this girl has been through so much 💔
Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews