Beyond the Shadows

Women of Hope #3

by Robin Lee Hatcher

Loneliness and grief stalk Deborah Haskin after her husband’s death, but hope eases her pain when she marries Gideon. After their marriage, Deborah discovers a devastating secret—Gideon is an alcoholic! How can someone who has brought her healing bring so much hurt, too?

Award-winning romance and inspirational author Hatcher tackles a difficult subject: the frequency of alcoholism among churchgoers and the church’s reaction to it. Hatcher’s many fans will enjoy this thought-provoking romance, which would also make a good reading-group choice. — Library Journal

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Christian Romance

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.

Be sure to follow Robin on BookBub so you'll receive new book and special deal alerts:
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Reviews

[Hannah Beth (Hannah's Book Cafe) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The topic was a hard one to cover and I thought the author did a good job. However, maybe it is just me but it felt just a bit, rushed? I would have liked to have seen more of Gideon's recovery process, not just a nice clean wrap up in the end of the book.

Otherwise, this is a good read and an encouraging one to someone who may be going through something similar in their own life. We can all use a bit of a reminder to lean more on God instead of ourselves.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Wrenching

A must read for everyone! Alcoholism affects more than just the person addicted. This story gives the reader a view as to how it affects the family, the friends, the community as well as the drinker.

[Vicki Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiction but Very Much Real-Life

This book is very thought provoking. Being an alcoholic or Living with one are both hard. A close walk with the Lord seems to be required to come out the other side in one piece. I haven't personally experienced either of these intense trials, but my own trials have shown me the same thing. God didn't mean for Christians to float through life, doing whatever we want. The Lord intends for us to stay close to Him and walk in His will for each of us...relying on His strength and mercy and grace. This is definitely a book I would recommend.

[Ann H. Bennight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping read

The characters in this story are so believable that they seem real. Like you might meet them on the street. Like people you could welcome into your life. I loved how Deborah heard from God, and that she quotes scripture. This is the kind of read that makes you want to be a better disciple. To live more fully the life God intends for us to live.

[Sherrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Hatcher adeptly introduces the reader to the complicated world of alcoholism. Set during the 1950s, when the stigma was even greater than today, we watch familiar behavior driven by addiction, fear, anger, and shame. Still keening from the loss of her first husband, Deborah gives her heart and life to Gideon, but when alcohol puts them in jeopardy, she has to consider the safety her family. Through the caring heart of a coworker who has already been down this road, Deborah rediscovers her faith and allows God to hold her through the trials and setbacks.

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart hurts

First let me say I was disconcerted with multiple first person voices, but I really got into it as the story progressed. There was so much here. I was grateful for the scriptures and the prayers, grateful for transparent leadership in a local congregation that really cared. Dealing with addiction is never easy. You must come to the understanding that you were putting your addiction ahead of God in your life. That my friends is worth the whole book all by itself. Thanks also for the extended (probably original) Serenity prayer.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Shadows deals with alcoholism and it's effect on the entire family through fiction. But it also deals with how there is hope in Christ. I admired Deborah for her determination to stand by her husband an love him. One of my favorite paragraphs stated "There's a reason the Bible tells us not to forsake gathering together with other believers. Because without them, we suffer. When you see a Christian neglecting being in fellowship, you're seeing a Christian in spiritual trouble." I recommend Beyond the Shadows by Robin Lee Hatcher to others.

[Gail Helgeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the author wrote from the perspective of those who knew Deborah at the end of every chapter. You will see what I mean when you read.
Gideon was a master manipulator and Deborah always wanted to believe him. Such a great story about alcohol and its effects on everyone who knows the abuser.
I read this story in one sitting. A can't put down page turner. Had me hooked to see what would happen next.
Want to understand what its like to love an alcoholic? Read the book.

[David Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. It was often painful to read about the pain caused by another's alcoholism but it was beautifully written. I have always considered Robin Lee Hatcher to be a talented writer but Beyond the Shadows just lifted her many levels above talented. I have been fortunate not to have dealt with alcoholism personally or it's effects on a loved one but this book has given me a new found respect on those who have. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Bravo Robin Lee Hatcher.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book you will read about a tragic accident and alcoholism. The characters in this book are truly amazing people. Deborah is struggling after the accident and the church members are all there to support her. Gideon has been a great help to Deborah since he arrived at the farm. What happens next will have you turning the pages to see what happens next. I had the honor to review this book for the author.

[Judy Cook · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do not want to write a review. I will stop reading my Kindle books if I always have to review everything

I will not write a review not clear this out so I can go to my library and read something good


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[Mrs G Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

So honest

This book was so good to read. I want to say it was a delight but it was really hard at times. It reminded me that even in my struggles and good intentions and even when I fail to carry through He still loves me and wants the best for me, and that is realised in complete surrender. What I face is different to what Deb and Gideon faced, but our God is the same.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of Hatcher's "heavier" novels, but that doesn't mean it's not worth reading! Just be advised that it deals with alcoholism and all the ways it affects a family. Hatcher has written an emotional, raw, very realistic story that has pain and difficulties, but also hope and redemption.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

It's a book about a journey many go thru...it shows the effects that achloism has on not just u but everyone around you...it shows Gods love and grace through it all and how Je turns it to the greater good if we just surrender.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching account of the affects of alcoholism on a family.
I found it to be a quick read. The insights of observers at the end of chapters was an effective way to help tell the story. Satisfying ending.

[Debbie Crotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope 🩵

Hope is one of my favorite words. Hope and Faith. Story of love , heartbreak, forgiving , trusting, hope, faith , hurt , .. love Robin Lee Hatcher books where God and Faith play such an important part in it ..
very good book to read ..

[JustMe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[ChrisGA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very emotionally- wringing story of living with an alcoholic.

[Roxine]

Good read

A good plot, imagery, flow, struggle, and end.

You will hardly want to put this moving novel down!

Thank you.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of Alcoholism

Our author writes on most subjects because it seems God has brought her through a lot of trials . She brings this to every book she writes.

Well written example of addictions.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Melissa Dunning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I liked the way the author told the story.

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't expect to like this one as much as I did. Turned out to be very worth reading.

[Ij · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect read for those who are undergoing a crisis in their relationship with God. The presence and absence of God in crisis and in happiness

[Liselouh · Rating 3 out of 5]

She doesn’t good job with a difficult topic but it is still quite bland.

[Heather Purvis]

4.75

[Joy Kidney]

This is a powerful story of the devastation alcoholism wreaks on a marriage and everyone around the couple. And how can a church family help them through everything. A story of redemption and hope.

[Darcy Schock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond the shadows is a story of loss and redemption. Deborah losses her first husband in a farming accident and hastily marries again. Their marriage starts out great but fades into years lost to alcoholism. I love how the author paints a picture of faithfulness even when feelings are all over the place. It was a great read, bringing understanding to the journey of an alcoholic and the loved ones who struggle through the pain of living with them. It was an easy read with a lot of good lessons woven in.

[Rachelle Bachiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for writing this book Robin. It touches on alcoholism and how it affects the people you come in contact with and worst of all, your family. When you stray away from God this can happen if you have had this problem before. Stay close to God and Christian friends that can help you overcome and have victory over the enemy.

[Paul Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Spoilers) At the previous attempt I stopped reading after the first chapter. The overtly Christian content was stifling the narrative.

Having run out of other audio books I reloaded this one and tried again. On the whole I'm glad I did. The tale of a young widow who is visited by a friend of her husband sounds somewhat predictable and certainly the stuff of the Romance shelves but I was drawn in by the gentle language.

Deb, the main character, remarries in haste and lives to bitterly regret it. Her new husband is a secret drinker and in her naivety she fails to spot the signs until it's almost too late.

I couldn't give this five stars because one matter detracted from the otherwise chilling authenticity. Deb had a violent reaction against Gideon's drinking, even when it remained at the social stage. She demonstrated fully-fledged fear an

d loathing from the outset. Perhaps it has to do with the era and setting. The story is set in 1950s Idaho when the social stigma of alcoholism was high and the condition less understood.

Other features are painfully and accurately drawn, the lies, cunning, denial, secrecy and personal isolation of the drinker, the arguments, the recriminations and the promises and the co-dependence. A near catastrophic event brings about a climax but we don't learn the final outcome.

I found the religious theme and approach rather intrusive and the Christain intervention somewhat trite but ultimately, if as a non-Christian, you strip away those aspects, the tales stands tall as a tragic account of addiction.