A Violent Hope

by Ericka Clay

Get this book at erickaclay(dot)com.

Mack Reynolds is battling his demons. After years spent attempting to heal wounds from being abused as a child, he confronts the author of his nightmares—his uncle—leading to a catastrophic decision and permanently sealing his fate.

As the reality of Mack’s decision unfolds, his wife, Natalie, and daughter, Wren, live life in a dark void, falling into addictions and assessing their pain through ways that only force them farther apart.

It’s not until Mack’s mother, Rochelle, can confront her past, her questionable living arrangement with her husband and his mistress, and the bitter hurt that’s metastasized inside of her that Natalie and Wren can receive the guidance they both desperately need. But is it too late?

Told through the lives of the three women touched by Mack’s struggle, A Violent Hope takes a deeper look into the human heart and the God who repeatedly heals all wounds.

246 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2020

About the author

Ericka Clay is a traditionally published novelist and poet formerly represented by Robyn Russell.

She graduated from the University of Arkansas Creative Writing department and is the author of several books including her latest novel, A Bird Alone.

Ericka has been awarded several times by Writer's Digest for various short fiction pieces. She has written four novels (one of which placed as a quarter-finalist in the 2010 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest) and has had her work featured in literary journals like Ruminate and Rock and Sling.

Ericka lives in Arkansas with her husband, daughter, two rats (yes, you read that correctly) and an insatiable need to push buttons, both figuratively and literally.

Learn more at https://erickaclay.com.

Reviews

[Cheryl Bostrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave, Insightful, Gripping.

Dark. Gritty. Raw. Author Ericka Clay meets pain head on, and, with a deft hand, skillfully leads readers into the broken hearts of those living in the grimmest of circumstances.

Not the sort of book I’d usually read, much less write a five-star review for.

But from the first page of A Violent Hope, I cared about her complex, nimbly illustrated characters, and I wanted to see them through.

With authenticity and beautiful mastery of language, Ericka intersects her characters’ difficult lives with the God who loves each of them. In a style and subtlety you’ll find only in the best of fiction (either Christian or mainstream) the author shows the patience of God as He nudges and directs and defers to individuals’ free will. Ericka not only portrays dimensional human beings, but she also gives us a glimpse of the character of God.

This book fills an important niche in Christian fiction. As a statement from her imprint Believable Books explains, this book “follows gritty characters from their rock bottoms all the way to their God-glorifying tops. Believable Books seeks to bring light to a dark literary world, with grace, hope and the redemptive love of Christ always at the core.”

I look forward to future work from this talented author.

***I connected with Ericka on IG, and when I learned about the book, asked to read an advance copy for potential review—without compensation or direction from her.

[grim_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful story. I was happy that this wasn't your typical Christian fluffy novel. This book was raw and real and shed so much light on how we are lost and we can be found and loved in Jesus Christ. I think this story will ring true to many. The characters struggled with some hard things. Drug and alcohol abuse, abortion, suicide. In the end we know where our help comes from.

The only reason I gave it a 4/5 is because I struggled with it being God's point of view during the first half. The connection wasn't really there for me. I do think its a great novel though.

I was given and ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own.

[Kaelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartfelt, gripping story that really spoke volumes. A Violent Hope is a beautiful picture of finding hope in the midst of hopelessness. It's a truthful depiction of the ugliness of life without God. It also shows how one person's bold faith can have a chain reaction, highlighting the importance of never giving up. Beautifully written and honestly real, this book is a must read!
(Review given in exchange for free ARC.)

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gave me hope during a dark time in my life.

[Christen Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am SO GLAD I gave Ericka Clay’s newest novel, A Violent Hope, a chance because if I would have prejudged it [in comparison to other Christian fiction I’ve read in the past] I would have missed out on an excellent opportunity to grow in my faith and relationship with Christ. Ericka Clay is the real deal and a girl after my own heart – she doesn’t use any b.s. in her story-telling and her characters are so transparent that you will see your own self stripped down within them.

A Violent Hope is told through the lives of three women impacted by one man’s struggle. It beautifully weaves together the internal battle of good versus evil with the gentle nudges and quiet whispers of the intuitive voice that lives inside everyone. A Violent Hope examines the depths of the human heart and the God who can redeem what is broken and restore it into a new creation.

If time would have allowed, I would have pulled an all-nighter reading this book. As it was, it took me a few days to complete but each time I had to stop reading I felt myself grumble inside because I just had to know what was going to happen next. I particularly loved the different perspectives and personalities of the three women along with the narrator’s voice. I won’t give any spoilers, but the narration throughout is what stuck with me. It led me to view my own life (thoughts, feelings, behaviors) in relation to how God sees me. That element alone made this novel more spiritually insightful than most Christian non-fiction books I’ve read.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been trying to muddle around in my brain on how to write this review. A Violent Hope isn't your run-of-the-mill kind of book. This book is a gut punch and will shake you up, but seriously, this is real life. No fluff. I think if we look around us, get outside of our little suburban, minivan driving life, we see that there are people going through the worst that life has to offer. That's what this book touches on. Touches? More like slams you with.

See, look at me not being fluffy in my review.

We start off with Mack, who sets this story in motion. This broken little boy, who we all want to save. This broken little boy who we want to have a fairytale ending for his life because he's suffered so much. Except life. As we're introduced to Mack, we also see how God is with him. I had to take a moment to realize what I was reading and how the author was writing.

Mack's choices make a lasting mark on the women around him. The "now" time part of the book circles around those women: Natalie, Wren, and Rochelle. They're all hot messes and have been for a long time. It's overwhelming to me to see how the choices others make can impact the lives of innocent people. I mean, if we look at our own lives we can see how our choices have impacted friends and family. Right? It's the same here, but with rougher consequences.

You can see with Natalie's heart that she wants to make a new start for herself and Wren, but best laid plans and all. Her life derails again and just becomes a runaway train while she pulls Wren right along with her. Wren is a victim of her circumstances. She hasn't asked to have this life, but she's a product of it. How situations unfold in her life, you hope for the best, but you've seen where she's come from. And then there's Rochelle. The guilt that wears on her is evident as it should be. She can't fix the past, but she can bring light into the darkness that she's been a part of. Her efforts certainly have an impact.

Throughout the story you can see God's hand at work. There is redemption, but the cost has been high. If you want a powerful read that will take you out of your comfort zone, this book is what you're looking for. It's not for the faint of heart, but really should be read!

*I received this book from the author. This is my personal opinion.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a novel quite unlike any other I have read. The first half of the book and the Epilogue are from God's perspective. I really liked how realistic events are portrayed in these sections with a whisper of God here and His hand on a shoulder there. This part of the novel was very touching. The second half of the novel switched viewpoints of the three major women involved in the story. I found the frequent change of viewpoint a little disconcerting. I was not as impressed with this second half of the book as I was the first half.

This is a gutsy novel. Clay doesn't pull any punches on what characters experience or what they are thinking. It is not a cozy or nothing-bad-happens kind of novel. But it does show that very harmful events are used by God in the end. It shows too that very broken people can be healed by God. Just be prepared to read of the harmful events and experience the brokenness of people.

Much of the novel deals with raw and strong emotions, sometimes hatred or disgust toward others. Because of that, I recommend it to readers who are mature in their understanding of God and how He can work in even the worst of situations. Sensitive readers may find the material too intense.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Tenkara Smart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an intriguing story told from the perspective of GOD, the ultimate omniscient perspective. The characters are well developed and the stories of each of their lives and how they intertwine flows well. My 5 stars is not only because I felt connected to the characters in many ways, but also because Ericka Clay is a fantastic writer. Throughout the book, I found myself wanting to highlight, highlight, highlight her words and phrases but I decided not to because I felt I might end up highlighting half of the book. Her phrasing and insights were excellent and I think her writing style is the main reason I give it a 5-star review - A good story with interesting characters, outstanding writing, and I recommend.

[Kim Rodgers · Rating 4 out of 5]

In A Violent Hope, Ericka Clay brings gritty realism to Christian fiction. If you're looking for the typical soft or sugar-coated CF, you won't find it here. The author tackles serious issues and features dysfunctional relationships of many kinds. And through it all, she shows us how God loves even the most flawed, broken, and unlovable of us. I would recommend this book.

I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. The opinion is 100% mine.

[Anna Cabral · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book's pacing and plot development, as well as the overall message about God's redemption. The book is very raw, authentic and real. I also loved the author's testimony at the end.

[Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis: Clay invites readers into the tragic lives of Mack, Rochelle, Natalie and Wren. Deeply affected by generational iniquity, these family members seek to claw their way out of hardship…
Scripture Connection

She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”

Gen. 16:13
Spiritual Content

Clay takes a unique approach to the narration, with the first half of the novel being narrated by God.

Through this perspective, there’s a bit of commentary that provides further insights into the characters’ motivations, while also contrasting their thoughts with God’s (see Isaiah 55:8). The narration sheds light, for instance, on truths of identity.

There is definite spiritual warfare in the novel, including experiences of demonic oppression. In these moments, we see God’s Sovereignty.

The novel’s arc showcases God’s redemptive plan, while emphasizing the reality of free choice. God is dogged in His love for and pursuit of us, but He absolutely doesn’t force the wills He gave us.

Reviewing the Book

I created an Instagram account about a month ago and have been enjoying Ericka Clay’s content. She writes about her “messy walk with Jesus,” breaking down some common myths about the Christian walk, while simply sharing life with the Lord.

I was honored when Ericka reached out and offered me an e-review copy of her 2020 novel, A Violent Hope. Given what I had read of her writing (just via Instagram), I was also highly intrigued.

This was a really tough book to read— like up there with A Child Called It tough. It opens up with a child experiencing chronic sexual abuse at the hands of a family member. The book also includes drug and alcohol abuse, other instances of sexual assault, depression and suicide and spiritual warfare.

With that said, there is definitely purpose to the traumatic events of the story. The narrative follows several generations of family members, through the lenses of various characters, and it is ultimately a story of redemption.

What I Liked

One strong element of Clay’s novel is that it really debunks this notion of a “one-size fits all” Christianity, showing that the Lord ministers to the hurting, regardless of their skin color and church attendance. And instead of portraying Christians as the typical middle-class devotees, Clay writes about Jesus showing up in the lives of those who are poor and oppressed (kind of like we see Him doing in the Bible). I think this is so very important! While I don’t support embracing sin in the name of Christianity, BEING POOR ISN’T A SIN.

In the United States, the word “Christian” means something different than “follower of Christ.” Instead, the term seems to describe white, middle-class, political Conservatives (as suggested by the acronym “WASP,” meaning White Anglo-Saxon Protestant).

The writing immediately drew me in. I was in the middle of another book when I first started reading this one and, after the first page, I had trouble stopping.

Ericka has a distinctive voice and her writing, while formatted in prose, has a strongly poetic quality.

The pacing, in addition to the writing, made for a highly engaging read. The book has a different feel because events are often summarized, as the book covers a lot of time.

There were several pointed lines delineating between going to church and walking in relationship with Jesus. I really appreciate Clay’s unapologetic stance on this theme.

Content Notes

As referenced above, this book packs a lot of really rough content. Although the material is not overly graphic, in most cases, it’s definitely there.

Incest & Pedophilia
Sexual abuse (outside of the family)
Mental health issues, including: depression and suicide, characters with evident disorders
Violence
Drug and alcohol abuse
Adultery
Premarital sex and discussion of abortion
Demonic attacks (this was somewhat descriptive, in my opinion)
The content was harsh, but it was also real. Sin is real and so are its consequences. We see the reality of sin, throughout Scripture. With that said, content may be too intense for many readers.

Recommendation Status

Based on the content concerns, which made this book an extremely painful book to read, I strongly advise prayerful reader discretion. A Violent Hope certainly raises some valuable points and it is absolutely well-written, but this is not a light story. It is, however, a realistic portrayal of God intervening in some very dark places. It’s also such an important reminder that Christianity means walking with Jesus, not being rich, white, or a regular church attendee.


I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Ashley Kagaoan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Violent Hope is definitely the perfect title for this book as it is filled with violent and horrific life matters: sexual abuse, alcoholism, drug addiction, and adultery. Normally, I wouldn’t read a book like this because it is a lot to consume. However, Ericka Clay has such unique style of writing, one that is completely her own, which compels me to read everything she writes.
I have followed Ericka’s writing journey and I can say, in my opinion, this is the strongest writing I’ve seen from her. The writing was very clear and it was easy to read, in the sense that it flowed so well. There was a nice rhythm to it with simple yet effective scenes.
The three heroines of this story are family: grandmother, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. They are all brought together through Mack a man whose upbringing was full of neglect and sexual abuse so severe that it consumed him. This story shows how unhealed pain is passed down through generations.
I appreciated the interconnectedness and woven lives of the three women and how it conveys “…the depth of God’s mercy. How he hovers and weaves through all of us.”
I believe this story displays the strength of women and how they can rise from tragedy and rock bottom through faith and supporting one another. It takes strength and courage to have hope, take up their crosses, and choose Jesus.
This is a book that will leave you pondering long after you’ve read it, like what is the meaning of Mack’s heart tattoo? I’m still thinking about that one and much more.

[Pam Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Violent Hope is very much unlike my usual choice of books. In fact, I can't say that I "liked" the story. It is too full of hurt and despair to be "likable."

But I don't know when, or if, I've ever read anything much more compelling. After I downloaded the book onto my Kindle, I checked out the first few pages to be sure it came through OK. I started reading, and by the time I got to the second or third page, I was drawn in so strongly that I couldn't put it down. I ended up reading the entire book in one afternoon.

The story is full of the raw messiness of life, including time after time when bad choices are made that negatively impact the individuals involved and others close to them. But what kept tugging at me as a reader was the thread of Hope -- at times almost hidden, but still there -- that kept showing up in the lives of the characters.

A Violent Hope is a well-written story that provides an awesome reminder that Christ doesn't give up or stop drawing hearts to Himself, even hearts tangled up in ugliness. While there is nothing I would consider overly graphic or inappropriate in the way the author portrays events in the story, I would recommend this book for mature readers.

Thanks to the author, Ericka Clay, for providing a digital copy of her book. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[H.A. Pruitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Mack. The first five chapters focus on Mack, and then the rest of the book focuses on the three main people in his life: his mother, wife, and daughter. A Violent Hope shows readers hopeless hearts and also how hope can come into those hearts.

This book is Christian fiction but is not at all like most Christian fiction. The characters are broken people--very broken people who know they are only human, know they can't escape, know their lives are barely an unbearable existence, and yet see no hope and so stay in that dark place. However, this book exemplifies that with God hope is always within reach if they just decide to reach.

Positives
This book is real, disturbingly real, and disturbingly necessary. People really like live and feel like this, but most people don't know, believe, or talk about it. This book punches you in the face with reality on so many levels.
It shows where God is. God never leaves the characters although they leave Him. God never gives up. He stays.
The pace and language immerse you in these people's lives. It helps you start to understand what hopeless life feels like and helps you stop judging and start avidly praying.
If you ever wrote someone off, read this.

Negatives
Feminist undertones: I don't think it was intentional, but the book had feminist undertones; all the males were either portrayed as complete scumbags or weak.
Anti-church: Church folks can definitely be as nasty, judgemental, and closed as the book portrayed, but the book left you with a feeling that all churches are nasty.

Overall, it is a very good book, and I recommend it to all readers.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you’re looking for something refreshing to take your mind off of the problems in today’s world, look no further. This book will take you on an emotional ride that you will not soon forget! Natalie, Rebecca, Rochelle, and Wren. The relationship between these four females, and their extended relationships, will take you on a journey that will have you feeling much better, at the end, then you did at the beginning. anger, tears of sadness, joy, understanding, sympathy, and empathy, or just a few of the emotions you will experience with this book. It will be different for every reader. At times, you will ask yourself why did they do this, at other times, you will tell yourself, I have been there. The most beautiful thing about this story, is the fact that it almost never was written. When you are finished,. You will be grateful that the author decided to give it another shot.

[Susie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I do not consider myself the target audience for this book, I can view it objectively and say that I think it's one which fans of Ericka Clay will enjoy.

The subject matter is bleak and the book is populated with flawed characters making poor choices. Credit goes to the author for presenting such grim content as suicide, drug addiction and abortion in a realistic and forthright way.

The framework for the narration didn't appeal to me but readers of this genre will likely appreciate it.

I've read another book by Ericka Clay before and I can see that in the intervening time her writing has matured - it retains the lyricism of her poetry background but has a restraint suitable to a novel. She employs some very satisfying turns of phrase throughout.

I received a digital copy of this book from the author. All comments in this review are my own.

[Mary Grace Kroef · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing I thought when I started reading this book was "What the... Gods talking to me!" Few people have or would write a story using God as their narrator. I wasn't sure how I liked it at first, but in the end it was beautiful. Somewhere in the middle, the view points flip and three very colorful women share the narration. I sometimes found it hard to keep the story lines straight, and that is why my rating is 4 instead of 5 stars. Their stories are genuine and the author doesn't shy away from writing about the ugly parts, like wetting the bed while sleeping high. The message of hope in the middle of this is strong, even to the point of making me feel uncomfortable despite being a Christian myself. A Violent Hope is not your average christian fiction novel. For that, I loved it.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written novel told from the perspective of God. It’s a real look at what life would be without faith and how faith can heal. It’s such an emotional rollercoaster with very well developed characters. If you are in a dark place or wrestling with your faith, this is a great book to read.

I was given a free copy of this book for my honest review.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

God’s never-failing love

Wow! Never have I seen an author write like this before! I think other ones should take up the challenge to write all or part of a story from God’s perspective. This is a story of what it means to really have Jesus in one’s life. Very well done!

[Ericka Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I wrote after becoming a Christian. It was a feat to blend the raw reality of life with the hope of following Jesus. Mack is one of my favorite characters of all time. His quiet sadness and deep knowledge that something is wrong but not quite knowing what is an example of that struggle we all have looking for something, anything, without knowing we're really looking for God.