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Grasping Hope
Katie McGowan knows her fears are irrational. They’re also beyond her control. Her mind says her fiancé is faithful, but the betrayal of her past love ignites a fear stronger than her trust. Attempts to overcome it are unsuccessful. Nothing banishes her panic attacks for good. Dreading Austin’s response if he finds out about her struggle to trust, Katie hides the truth nearly destroying their relationship. It takes a lesson in hope to start healing. Katie is released from the nightmare holding her captive to enjoy the blessings God has given. But when tragedies change her life forever, Katie’s understanding of hope is challenged. Unresolved anger and disappointment leave Katie doubting the sincerity of her beliefs. Desperate to prove her faith and minimize her failure as a believer, Katie buries her feelings beneath all the right words. When she’s faced with losing everything, will Katie abandon her hope or cling to the lifeline God has given?
254 pages, Paperback
Published March 19, 2019
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Heather Greer
15 books351 followersLiving faith, one story at a time.
My stories feature characters readers will love with stories that encourage living out faith every day, even when life gets messy.
Growing up as a reader of Christian fiction, these are the types of stories that captured my imagination and grew my faith. These are the stories I still want to read. I love opening a story for entertainment and leaving it inspired in some way.
While my stories are fiction, each one contains a little bit of me on the pages. It might be found in the setting, a hobby the character enjoys, or a struggle I've faced in my own life.
If you want to know what I'm reading, check out my reviews here or on my website, heathergreer.com. If you sign up for my newsletter while you're there, you'll receive monthly news about what I'm writing and giveaways.
My stories feature characters readers will love with stories that encourage living out faith every day, even when life gets messy.
Growing up as a reader of Christian fiction, these are the types of stories that captured my imagination and grew my faith. These are the stories I still want to read. I love opening a story for entertainment and leaving it inspired in some way.
While my stories are fiction, each one contains a little bit of me on the pages. It might be found in the setting, a hobby the character enjoys, or a struggle I've faced in my own life.
If you want to know what I'm reading, check out my reviews here or on my website, heathergreer.com. If you sign up for my newsletter while you're there, you'll receive monthly news about what I'm writing and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 8, 2020
As I read the beginning pages of this book, it was apparent that the betrayal of Katie's first fiance had left her with a deep hurt that she couldn't fully relinquish. Even now, after becoming engaged again, Katie is still finding it hard to forget what had happened before. As much as she tries, she can't completely believe that Austin won't hurt her also. It is when she admits to her best friend Erin that she sometimes wonders about God's presence in her life, that Katie is reminded that "God is bigger than any thing we face, but that doesn't mean that the answers come easily....there are some struggles that just take time." Will these words convince Katie that she needs to turn her worries over to God? Can she allow herself to truly trust Austin? Most of all, will she let go of fear and truly trust God?
Author Heather Greer offers a very realistic look at human feelings in Grasping Hope. Lack of trust, unfounded fears, and even feeling angry at God are all explored and Katie faces some real-life situations that reveal her need to fully surrender. She realizes, and we are reminded, that true faith includes both trust and forgiveness!
The realistic life happenings make this book sometimes hard to read but its title truly defines it. Grasping Hope will leave you hopeful and you will be glad that you've read this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit Book Tours. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Author Heather Greer offers a very realistic look at human feelings in Grasping Hope. Lack of trust, unfounded fears, and even feeling angry at God are all explored and Katie faces some real-life situations that reveal her need to fully surrender. She realizes, and we are reminded, that true faith includes both trust and forgiveness!
The realistic life happenings make this book sometimes hard to read but its title truly defines it. Grasping Hope will leave you hopeful and you will be glad that you've read this book.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit Book Tours. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
April 16, 2020
As with so many of the books that I sign up to review, this one surprised me, and in the best way. Not only is the title exceedingly appropriate during this current COVID-19 crisis, but the biblical lessons that it imparts are just as fitting. In moments of joy and of heartache, God always shows up to remind us that He has been with us all along, and that His strength is truly all that we need.
A sequel to “Faith’s Journey”, Heather Greer’s “Grasping Hope” continues Katie McGowan’s story, but it can also be read as a standalone. For the full impact, however, I would recommend reading both. Of the two, this second one is my favorite because it spoke to my heart on a more personal level. As the story began, I was concerned that it would end up being too despondent, but even though it is in many ways a heavy read, Greer writes it with an uplifting tone. In fact, I am glad that the story did not end with Katie and Austin getting married because a saccharine happily-ever-after would have diluted the power of this story. Greer achieves a seamless balance between joy and despair while taking readers on what could easily be a real-life journey. Katie’s struggles are familiar to so many of us, myself included. She suffers panic attacks from a previous relationship and has feelings of unworthiness and insecurity, acknowledging that “God is working, even in me, even with this mess. I’m just tired of feeling like a flunky of the faith who can’t even pray with the faith of a mustard seed to get through this.” At one time or another, we all feel this way, but that is when we need to draw nearer to the Lord and to His Word. Sometimes when it seems that all hope is lost, that is the point at which God steps in and astounds us with His power and grace.
Engaging and emotional, “Grasping Hope” reveals our need for utter dependence on God. As with Katie, so many things happen in our lives and in the world that don’t seem to make sense, but when we trust and rely on God’s sovereignty over every situation and every tragedy, we can experience the peace that only Jesus gives. In the novel, Katie realizes that “God didn’t promise her that if she followed Him, she wouldn’t have to go through the fire or flood. He promised that He would be there with her when she did.” I love that Greer points this out because it is so easy to forget that God doesn’t always remove the pain or circumstances, but He does go with us through them every step of the way. May our prayer echo Katie’s: “Take my fears and let me face whatever the future holds with real hope that I can only find in knowing You.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
A sequel to “Faith’s Journey”, Heather Greer’s “Grasping Hope” continues Katie McGowan’s story, but it can also be read as a standalone. For the full impact, however, I would recommend reading both. Of the two, this second one is my favorite because it spoke to my heart on a more personal level. As the story began, I was concerned that it would end up being too despondent, but even though it is in many ways a heavy read, Greer writes it with an uplifting tone. In fact, I am glad that the story did not end with Katie and Austin getting married because a saccharine happily-ever-after would have diluted the power of this story. Greer achieves a seamless balance between joy and despair while taking readers on what could easily be a real-life journey. Katie’s struggles are familiar to so many of us, myself included. She suffers panic attacks from a previous relationship and has feelings of unworthiness and insecurity, acknowledging that “God is working, even in me, even with this mess. I’m just tired of feeling like a flunky of the faith who can’t even pray with the faith of a mustard seed to get through this.” At one time or another, we all feel this way, but that is when we need to draw nearer to the Lord and to His Word. Sometimes when it seems that all hope is lost, that is the point at which God steps in and astounds us with His power and grace.
Engaging and emotional, “Grasping Hope” reveals our need for utter dependence on God. As with Katie, so many things happen in our lives and in the world that don’t seem to make sense, but when we trust and rely on God’s sovereignty over every situation and every tragedy, we can experience the peace that only Jesus gives. In the novel, Katie realizes that “God didn’t promise her that if she followed Him, she wouldn’t have to go through the fire or flood. He promised that He would be there with her when she did.” I love that Greer points this out because it is so easy to forget that God doesn’t always remove the pain or circumstances, but He does go with us through them every step of the way. May our prayer echo Katie’s: “Take my fears and let me face whatever the future holds with real hope that I can only find in knowing You.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
April 14, 2020
Grasping Hope
Grasping Hope is a very inspiring story. Katie goes through so much. Katie goes through trust issues and then loses. She does have a son and friends and family to help her. I felt bad for Katie. I loved how she found the strength to make it through everything. I would love to see a another book with Katie in it. But we can use our imagination to see the good things coming her way.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
Grasping Hope is a very inspiring story. Katie goes through so much. Katie goes through trust issues and then loses. She does have a son and friends and family to help her. I felt bad for Katie. I loved how she found the strength to make it through everything. I would love to see a another book with Katie in it. But we can use our imagination to see the good things coming her way.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
April 14, 2020
My Thoughts :
This book is one that I read in a day, one that I could not put down due to the deep impact it had on me. I easily was able to identify with the main character, Katie, who tried so hard to handle her deep seated problems on her own. I could have been Katie during the early years of my life. She experienced panic attacks as a result of her intense worry about living up to others' expectations. A panic attack has to be the worse feeling in the world, one of being terrified , not really knowing why. I laughed at times, at others, I cried as I walked alongside Katie in her desire to love Austin, all the while not wanting to admit her weaknesses, and always wondering if she was good enough for him. It was such a delight seeing Katie's heart being molded and her life changing through things happening beyond her control. After being cheated on and betrayed by a former love, Katie had such a struggle overcoming her feelings of insecurity. The reconnecting with her parents and once again regaining her faith helped her so much. She was able to maintain a relationship with Austin despite her fears and worries.
The plot moved at a steady pace and had a very unexpected development in about the middle of the book that was surprising, at least to me. It was not a path that I wanted the story to go down, however, it certainly made my interest jump to a higher level . The author chose the perfect moment to draw readers
right into the depth of the tale.
A five star book!!! Loved it! Will eagerly be awaiting a new book from this author!
This book was provided by CelebrateLit. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
This book is one that I read in a day, one that I could not put down due to the deep impact it had on me. I easily was able to identify with the main character, Katie, who tried so hard to handle her deep seated problems on her own. I could have been Katie during the early years of my life. She experienced panic attacks as a result of her intense worry about living up to others' expectations. A panic attack has to be the worse feeling in the world, one of being terrified , not really knowing why. I laughed at times, at others, I cried as I walked alongside Katie in her desire to love Austin, all the while not wanting to admit her weaknesses, and always wondering if she was good enough for him. It was such a delight seeing Katie's heart being molded and her life changing through things happening beyond her control. After being cheated on and betrayed by a former love, Katie had such a struggle overcoming her feelings of insecurity. The reconnecting with her parents and once again regaining her faith helped her so much. She was able to maintain a relationship with Austin despite her fears and worries.
The plot moved at a steady pace and had a very unexpected development in about the middle of the book that was surprising, at least to me. It was not a path that I wanted the story to go down, however, it certainly made my interest jump to a higher level . The author chose the perfect moment to draw readers
right into the depth of the tale.
A five star book!!! Loved it! Will eagerly be awaiting a new book from this author!
This book was provided by CelebrateLit. The thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.
April 12, 2020
I do not know if it is just me, or possibly the times we are living in- all of us being isolated- but I do know that some stories are just really affecting me. Alot. And this is another one.
I have read the first in this series and I was excited to see that Katie and Austin are engaged and ready to start their lives together. Bring in Katie's best friend Erin and Katie's manager, Paul, and you have another delightful love story to watch unfold.
Katie struggles with insecurities and fears that have scarred her in her past relationship. Part of the reason that she came home and reconnected with her parents, her faith, and met Austin. Though to some, her fears seem irrational, but to Katie they are very real and can and will affect her relationship with Austin.
Well, then about halfway through the story a most unfortunate twist came that really shocked me. I continued on in sort of a disbelief hoping that the road the author just detoured us on was not so. I was not ready for that. The title of Grasping Hope becomes a much needed task Katie must do. A Katie who has already been through too much.
This is another book that I am having trouble rating. I did not love nor like the story after all was said and done. However, that has nothing to do with the author's writing. It was just the story.
I was provided a copy of the novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
I have read the first in this series and I was excited to see that Katie and Austin are engaged and ready to start their lives together. Bring in Katie's best friend Erin and Katie's manager, Paul, and you have another delightful love story to watch unfold.
Katie struggles with insecurities and fears that have scarred her in her past relationship. Part of the reason that she came home and reconnected with her parents, her faith, and met Austin. Though to some, her fears seem irrational, but to Katie they are very real and can and will affect her relationship with Austin.
Well, then about halfway through the story a most unfortunate twist came that really shocked me. I continued on in sort of a disbelief hoping that the road the author just detoured us on was not so. I was not ready for that. The title of Grasping Hope becomes a much needed task Katie must do. A Katie who has already been through too much.
This is another book that I am having trouble rating. I did not love nor like the story after all was said and done. However, that has nothing to do with the author's writing. It was just the story.
I was provided a copy of the novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
April 9, 2020
Our past can be powerful. Opening up her story, Greer proves this through Katie. Katie is constantly haunted by memories, and she can’t seem to shake her ghosts. As someone who deals with anxiety, too, I could understand Katie’s pain as she dealt with panic attacks and her inability to fully trust and commit.
The story moves quickly, though, and soon focuses on Katie’s present-and the tragedies that occur there. I couldn’t help but sympathize with Katie and hurt with her as her life just seemed to continue to go downward in a spiral. I felt bad for her and just wanted to crawl through the pages and give her a big hug and tell her everything would be alright.
I never read the first book in the series, although now that I read the second one, I kind of want to. Grasping Hope, though, could stand alone on its own. Greer was able to recap pretty much everything that happened in the first book through dreams Katie had and conversations between characters, which I appreciated. I didn’t feel overwhelmed by a ton of information, nor did I feel lost in the book.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book! It was interesting, sad, and hopeful and a good reminder that God is in control, everything happens for a reason, and that God will always be with you.
I had received a copy of this book as part of the Celebrate Lit Blogging Team and was required to give an honest review.
April 6, 2020
My Thoughts on Grasping Hope:
The first thing I noticed about this book is how wonderful the cover was. This cover grasped me and drew me in. I knew I wanted to read this book.
Katie has issues with trust. It’s been earned though. She has her reasons and they’re really good ones. After all, her past love cheated on her and betrayed all of her trust in men.
Can she overcome her issues without losing her fiance? Should she be honest with him and hope he understands?
Katie is such a wonderful character. She’s so complex and so relatable. I was drawn to her and instantly knew that she was a character I could get to know and relate to. Her story drew me in. At the beginning she is reluctant to face her demons but as she matures and takes them on it’s interesting to watch all the hard topics start to break away.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
The first thing I noticed about this book is how wonderful the cover was. This cover grasped me and drew me in. I knew I wanted to read this book.
Katie has issues with trust. It’s been earned though. She has her reasons and they’re really good ones. After all, her past love cheated on her and betrayed all of her trust in men.
Can she overcome her issues without losing her fiance? Should she be honest with him and hope he understands?
Katie is such a wonderful character. She’s so complex and so relatable. I was drawn to her and instantly knew that she was a character I could get to know and relate to. Her story drew me in. At the beginning she is reluctant to face her demons but as she matures and takes them on it’s interesting to watch all the hard topics start to break away.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
April 3, 2020
At first I thought this novel was just another chick lit with girl guy relationship squabbles. Katie and her sidekick Erin talking about their relationship troubles with guys and going shopping, picking out dresses, planning a wedding. At one point Erin says, “There is nothing better than shopping.” (84)
Then came the dramatic turn at the middle of the novel. The second half of the book is thought provoking and heart tugging. There are many themes explored in dialogue and character thought, such as authenticity, forgiveness, honesty and more. Katie has to work through many struggles and I like how others come near her to help. I really appreciated the discussions about faith and the reality of being angry with God.
I recommend this novel. It is a good one for showing how people can survive tragedy and work through the ensuing obstacles. It will tug at your heart strings.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Then came the dramatic turn at the middle of the novel. The second half of the book is thought provoking and heart tugging. There are many themes explored in dialogue and character thought, such as authenticity, forgiveness, honesty and more. Katie has to work through many struggles and I like how others come near her to help. I really appreciated the discussions about faith and the reality of being angry with God.
I recommend this novel. It is a good one for showing how people can survive tragedy and work through the ensuing obstacles. It will tug at your heart strings.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 11, 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, as this is the first time I have read a book by Author Heather Greer. I began reading it and the story immediately grasped my attention and I kept reading until I was done, in about 4hrs.
Katie McGowan is the main Character of the book. She is engaged to Austin, but she has trust issues. She wants to trust her current fiance as she knows he is different then her first fiance. She is really struggling with Anxiety and Trust, and really bad nightmares. She is given the gift of Hope and begins healing. She begins to restore her faith in God after talking to her friend Erin. She realizes God has never left her, instead Katie stopped following God due to her trust issues. Will Austin and Katie's relationship survive? Will Katie completely be able to let go of fear and anxiety? I HIGHLY suggest reading this book.
I feel this book has a GREAT message. The message being we have to always be faithful in our faith and God will lift us up. Fear and Anxiety is letting Satan win, we need to have Victory in God. FANTASTIC Book!
Katie McGowan is the main Character of the book. She is engaged to Austin, but she has trust issues. She wants to trust her current fiance as she knows he is different then her first fiance. She is really struggling with Anxiety and Trust, and really bad nightmares. She is given the gift of Hope and begins healing. She begins to restore her faith in God after talking to her friend Erin. She realizes God has never left her, instead Katie stopped following God due to her trust issues. Will Austin and Katie's relationship survive? Will Katie completely be able to let go of fear and anxiety? I HIGHLY suggest reading this book.
I feel this book has a GREAT message. The message being we have to always be faithful in our faith and God will lift us up. Fear and Anxiety is letting Satan win, we need to have Victory in God. FANTASTIC Book!
April 16, 2020
Grasping Hope" by Heather Greer is a book that literally have me crying. I loved this book even through the tears. I know this book if fiction, but I underlined a few things that really talked to my spirit. It was at if God was talking to me personally with the words that Erin 's grandma speaks to Katie. I really recommend this book to anyone that is having a hard time to find the reason to hold on to hope.
This book is not a happy ever after type of story because there is heartache and death and murder and drug abuse. Not too graphic but this story is another example of fiction can be and is real life.
This book is the second book about Katie McGowan. And I recommend reading "Faith's Journey" but if you don't I still think this book would be an encouragement to you. But, I think knowing what has taken place before this novel just makes this book more powerful.
I don't know if there is another book in the works, but if one comes available this reader will be reading it.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
April 12, 2020
I went into Grasping Hope with high expectations after reading book one, Faith’s Journey. My expectations were met, and this novel stands out as one where the harshness of reality is overcome through God and good friends.
It’s going to be difficult to say all I need to say without spoilers, but I will do my very best.
Katie is given a gauntlet of obstacles to overcome, and she doesn’t always make the right choice in how to move forward. Austin, too, has some moments where I was left going, “Really, Austin? Really?”
What I love most in this novel is Heather Greer’s use of faith and the guidance of good friends standing together in the face of tragedy. Katie does her best to accept things as they are, but her fears are powerful enemies that won’t back down without a fight.
I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
It’s going to be difficult to say all I need to say without spoilers, but I will do my very best.
Katie is given a gauntlet of obstacles to overcome, and she doesn’t always make the right choice in how to move forward. Austin, too, has some moments where I was left going, “Really, Austin? Really?”
What I love most in this novel is Heather Greer’s use of faith and the guidance of good friends standing together in the face of tragedy. Katie does her best to accept things as they are, but her fears are powerful enemies that won’t back down without a fight.
I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
April 3, 2020
I have to admit Grasping Hope was completely different than what I was expecting. However, I am happy to say it was so very good. Right from page one, I instantly felt connected to Katie. Actually, I could have changed her name to mine, and it would be telling my story at one time in my life. Her story made cry at times and found myself having to find some tissues to keep handy. I found a lot of inspiration within the pages. There are lot of lessons that so many other readers could learn from, as well.
I am giving Grasping Hope a very well deserved five plus stars. I am hoping to read more by Heather Greer in the future. She is now on my “authors must read” list. I know so many other readers will relate to this book and will find so much inspiration by it. I highly recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I am giving Grasping Hope a very well deserved five plus stars. I am hoping to read more by Heather Greer in the future. She is now on my “authors must read” list. I know so many other readers will relate to this book and will find so much inspiration by it. I highly recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
April 10, 2020
I think one of the things I liked most about this story was the openness Katie shares about her life. She has bouts of anxiety and it is controlling her life. Something that happened in her past makes her doubt her fiancé at times. I worried that she would push him away but his steadfast love and faith helps them work through their relationship. The struggle Katie faces was well written and I understand her feelings of being inadequate as a pastor’s wife. We allow our past to define us and forget that God has forgiven us. It is a good story that shows a couple facing obstacles together and allowing God to show them forgiveness and hope.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
April 17, 2020
This book provides a realistic look at someone who struggles with her beliefs and tries to find hope. The book examines such themes as trust, faith, forgiveness, and more. Once you have been hurt, it can be hard to trust again. But Katie strives to overcome her doubts and fears.
Even though you may know your fears are irrational and not based on truth, it can be hard to overcome those feelings. I found this book worth reading. It illustrates the importance of being honest with the ones you love and facing things together.
It also illustrates the power that comes from having faith in Jesus Christ and believing in His Word and truths. So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
Even though you may know your fears are irrational and not based on truth, it can be hard to overcome those feelings. I found this book worth reading. It illustrates the importance of being honest with the ones you love and facing things together.
It also illustrates the power that comes from having faith in Jesus Christ and believing in His Word and truths. So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
April 16, 2020
Hope, it's something we can't live without. Fear, something some of us face daily. I had to read this book. How would Katie overcome her fears? What are her fears? I read this book as a standalone and found it to work well that way. What scares one person doesn't always affect the next one the same way, but through it all, there is God. I understand panic attacks and I really felt for Katie and I liked how this story flowed and how much hope was worked into it.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. This review is mine and contains my thoughts and opinions of this book.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. This review is mine and contains my thoughts and opinions of this book.
August 25, 2020
ALL THE FEELS. It's hard to not want to reach through the pages and pull Katie to where she needs to be, but going through the journey with her is what makes it so powerful. The lessons learned are great reminders for us all that God is with us, no matter what. I can't wait to read the next one.
December 19, 2022
Poignant. A strong message in a sad but courageous story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews