Lost Without You

by Cynthia Beals

Five years ago, Nicole Brennan made a mistake that affected not just her but those close to her. A year later, when she was at her lowest, someone helped her to see that she mattered and to find her way to a faith that she had for so long denied. Now, four years later, with a nursing degree under her belt, Nicole sets out to reconcile with her former mother-in-law, Deborah. When an angry, bitter woman answers the door and lashes out at her, delivering devastating news, Nicole leaves in tears but decides to make one more attempt to reach out to Deborah the next morning. She arrives and finds the front door ajar and the older woman collapsed on the floor from a stroke. After a two-week stay in the hospital, Deborah comes home-and Nicole stays to take care of her so that she can avoid going to a rehab facility. As they settle in to a new routine, Deborah realizes that she needs to let go of the bitterness in her heart if she wants to move forward. Forgiving Nicole is a big part of that, but can she do so? In this novel, a woman seeking forgiveness from her ex-mother-in-law becomes her caregiver following a stroke, changing both their lives forever.

Genres: Fiction

234 pages, Hardcover

First published February 17, 2020

Reviews

[brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story about forgiveness. Also, this book gives great examples of how God places people in your life for a reason. Some to learn from, some to teach, and some to help each other grow. I laughed and cried, but was sad to have turned the last page.

[Katherine Mata · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Lost Without You” by Cynthia Beals is her debut work as an author. Out of love and curiosity, I picked up this book wanting to support a new author knowing that it may not necessarily be something I’d normally read.

The message is a strong and vital one for anyone of any religious background: forgiveness. While the concept of forgiving someone is not novel, it seems to be the hardest thing for people to do in real life. What better way to capture how powerful forgiveness is than to write about it? Beals gives us a glimpse into the lives of her characters whose past is marred by questionable choices. These choices, ultimately, lead these characters back to each other in order to find healing in what they have done personally and in what others have done for them.

I am not a religious person. I respect all beliefs equally and choose not to express any myself. However, I can read the characters’ stories and understand how forgiving themselves and others can bring such peace to their souls on a personal and spiritual level. As I said, it’s not a novel idea, but it is a powerful one worth rewriting throughout time.

To those who find comfort and peace with religion, this story feeds positivity and hope into situations that seem helpless. The story is lush with references to the Bible and scripture that many find rewarding. You will not be disappointed with Beals’ book and her sense of understanding the joy that the Bible can bring to others.


My only wish for “Lost Without You” is further character development, especially for those who make brief, but meaningful appearances. There are characters whose background could have enriched this story and tug on the emotions of its readers.

Nevertheless, Beals’ breakthrough novel “Lost Without You” delivers comfort to those who find themselves on their own path towards forgiveness and peace. It is a straight path, with no distractions, that the reader takes with these characters toward spiritual enlightenment. I would recommend taking this journey with both Beals’ and her characters in order to truly appreciate the story Beals created for readers to enjoy.

[Tracy McKellar-Jenish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story! I had picked this up quite awhile ago when I met the author selling her books at a bookstore. I only wished I had read it sooner…she does a wonderful job of painting the scene for the reader. Would love to read more books developing the characters she introduced us to.
This book was a good reminder about hearing from God, forgiveness and starting over at anytime and any age.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing story about bitterness and tough forgiveness. Issues we all deal with at some time in our lives.

The main character displays loving caregiving in spite of...
I appreciate the fact that Cynthia Beals portrays moral values throughout her book journey.

Ready for the next book, Cynthia!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend was promoting her aunt's new novel so I had to read the first before reading the new second one.
I read this in one sitting. It's a wonderful story of forgiveness - of others and self, God's grace, strong women.
Looking forward to Whisper Valley...

[Diana Duell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy Christian fiction, this book is for you. This is a lovely story about how God works in and through people. God will bring those into your life when they are needed and bring you to others when you are needed. The characters were well developed and relatable.

[Jennifer Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book about forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Very spiritual, heartwarming, and well-written. I cried many tears throughout the entire book. I can’t wait to read the sequel and the new mystery/suspense book the author is currently writing.

[Berni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Cynthia's first novel. It was a good storyline on forgiveness. The characters were introduced and helped each other at just the right time.