I never expected the kind of reviews I have received. I just told my story and was shocked at how it affected so many people -- here are a few:
Battered Hope is a perfect title for this story of triumph over multiple and unrelenting obstacles faced by a woman and her husband. I am not going to summarize the plot as that is found in the synopsis. Rather, I want to focus this review on my response as a reader. At first glance, the onslaught of unfortunate seemed unbelievable except for the author’s ability to present her story in an honest, vivid way, even adding humor at times to provide some relief from the tension. She does not sugarcoat her experiences or her responses to them nor does she blame others for the chaos in her life. I found that refreshing as a reader and it helped me to trust her and root for her as the narrator of this story.
Her ability to build tension and keep her story moving forward is a credit to her tenacious spirit and strong faith as well as to her storytelling skills. I actually read this memoir twice because it felt overwhelming that despite enduring so much for so long, she was still able to share the lessons of her trials so effectively. I wanted to give this story a second chance because I sensed an underlying strength and resilience in her character that made me want to understand both her and her story’s main message more clearly.
So many people will relate to this story. We all have burdens and challenges in our lives, many of which we do overcome. To take that extra step, as Carol has, to share the rawness and pain and to show at so many junctures how her faith in God pulled her through gives us all the gift of hope. For non-Christians, she does not preach, but rather she shows through her faith how her hope for a better life was nourished.
I recommend this memoir without reservation to anyone who has encountered life’s challenges and needs to find a source of hope that their life will be better too.
Her ability to build tension and keep her story moving forward is a credit to her tenacious spirit and strong faith as well as to her storytelling skills. I actually read this memoir twice because it felt overwhelming that despite enduring so much for so long, she was still able to share the lessons of her trials so effectively. I wanted to give this story a second chance because I sensed an underlying strength and resilience in her character that made me want to understand both her and her story’s main message more clearly.
So many people will relate to this story. We all have burdens and challenges in our lives, many of which we do overcome. To take that extra step, as Carol has, to share the rawness and pain and to show at so many junctures how her faith in God pulled her through gives us all the gift of hope. For non-Christians, she does not preach, but rather she shows through her faith how her hope for a better life was nourished.
I recommend this memoir without reservation to anyone who has encountered life’s challenges and needs to find a source of hope that their life will be better too.
This review was from a woman who survived a near fatal car crash while moving to a new city -- she was revived twice at the scene. She wrote this from her hospital bed:
Thankfully, I got to finish this book before I moved but fear it may not have made it through the accident. I have also read many of the reviews others have written and everyone says something similar -- you are strong, you are resilient - so what can I add that will convey to others what this book meant to me and why they should buy it? When you read this you wonder if this all happened. How could anyone survive everything and still be able to love and care about others? In the end this book gives the reader hope and inspiration to NEVER give up. Considering I am recovering from some major traumatic events, both physical and emotional, I firmly believe that reading how some one else has not only survived, but has risen above everything, is one if the components that the doctor should prescribe to any patient who is ready to give up. Thank you Carol for putting your experiences to paper and thanks for being YOU.
Diane B
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Carol Graham, has faced a lifetime of successes and failures. She understands how endurance and faith can turn a sense of despondency into eventual success. Her entire life has been a testimony to mental stability despite unbelievable odds. Carol’s everyday existence is a symphony of humor, heartache, and everything in between. This is mirrored in her blog,Never…Ever…Give Up Hope , which is always insightful and often funny. Her blog is a vital demonstration of how this remarkable woman incorporates faith into every aspect of her life. Traci L
________________ Battered Hope will grab you right from the first chapter. I couldn'’t put it down. This story how Carol Graham overcame many obstacles will intrigue and inspire you. It is a true testimony how faith in God can see you through the darkest moments in life. I highly recommend Battered Hope. Gwen B.
________________ Battered Hope will grab you right from the first chapter. I couldn'’t put it down. This story how Carol Graham overcame many obstacles will intrigue and inspire you. It is a true testimony how faith in God can see you through the darkest moments in life. I highly recommend Battered Hope. Gwen B.
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As
one reads Battered Hope you feel at first almost overwhelmed with the
repeated and ongoing disasters of sickness, betrayal, injustice and
financial ruin buffeting you at every page. But turn the page
you must because Carol Graham’s story compels you to find out how
Carol will survive, and I am sure for some to see what further chaos
will ensue. However, the power of the story is not in the
disasters and chaos, it is in the fact that Carol and her husband
have endured as a couple with their sanity intact. This speaks
volumes of their faith in each other and in God. The book gives
insight into the strength of love and commitment as well as helping
you keep a proper perspective on the problems in your own life. The
book is a fairly short 288 pages, the story very readable and
its message of hope that shines through is one everyone should
read. Dan
Mc
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Carol thank you for going through whatever pain and work you did in order to provide inspiration for the rest of us! I am inspired to look at the difficulties I'm going through with a different perspective I have always been big in self-pity, and I hate that and want to end that cycle. Yours is the opposite way, and the best way. Thank you for helping me see a different path to work towards. I so admire people like you. Becky
Carol thank you for going through whatever pain and work you did in order to provide inspiration for the rest of us! I am inspired to look at the difficulties I'm going through with a different perspective I have always been big in self-pity, and I hate that and want to end that cycle. Yours is the opposite way, and the best way. Thank you for helping me see a different path to work towards. I so admire people like you. Becky
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By the way, I did not get any work done today and it is all your fault.I was reading your book and could not put it down. Very well written. If you were here I would give you a big hug. But that will have to wait. Can I say I'm proud of you? S.G.
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Fabulous book! Non-stop energy and agility right through every
chapter. Truly a great read. Thank you for sharing your amazing life
experiences. F. D.
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This morning instead of working I picked up your book again. I am only at page 65, but one thing I cannot get over is how remarkably strong your faith is. As you say in your book many people would have blamed God, and possibly left religion behind. I am not sure how to word this, but, the fact that the two of you can still believe in God after what I have read and most likely more, is astounding to me. It shows me how incredibly strong the two of you are, to be able to still trust in anyone other than yourselves is amazing. G. D.
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This morning instead of working I picked up your book again. I am only at page 65, but one thing I cannot get over is how remarkably strong your faith is. As you say in your book many people would have blamed God, and possibly left religion behind. I am not sure how to word this, but, the fact that the two of you can still believe in God after what I have read and most likely more, is astounding to me. It shows me how incredibly strong the two of you are, to be able to still trust in anyone other than yourselves is amazing. G. D.
________________
I finished this book and just wanted to say that it was riveting, sad, astounding – all of those and more. The fact that Carol is still here to tell the tale is amazing! D.D.
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5.0 out
of 5 stars ABSOLUTELY RIVETING, June 1, 2013
Absolutely riveting! I was not
able to put this book down. Simply captivating. The author
definitely has a gift for telling her story! I was going
through a hopeless situation while reading this book and her
story and strength made me realize that if she can make it, I
can as well. She writes it like a novel which makes it an
enjoyable read. It kept my attention throughout. Dar
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Well done! You are a very
patient woman and have an amazing faith. I too have made some very
poor choices in life and I too know if I didn't have God in my life I
would have given up and crumpled and long time ago. I too have
wondered how others survive without him? Thank you! S. E.
________________
Just
finished your book and it is AMAZING,unbelievable and certainly a
page turner!! It truly is a testimony of faith,hope and
perseverance,yet a story of God's grace and triumph! B. L.
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Wow --
you went through some heavy and hard times....I finished the
book in a day and half!! I really admire your tenacity and will to
keep going forward when things looked so bleak....strong woman. M. C.
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I finished your book this morning. I started it last night. OMG! What a nightmare. You had to be strong to survive all of those challenges and a VERY strong faith. A. M.
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I finished your book this morning. I started it last night. OMG! What a nightmare. You had to be strong to survive all of those challenges and a VERY strong faith. A. M.
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Girl! Absolutely
riveting! I can truly see how people
won't be able to put your book down. Simply captivating. You definitely have a gift! D. S.
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Admirable. Very
unusual challenges to overcome. Positive strength and faith were her
best friends. I really enjoyed this novel. I was able to read it very
quickly and loved the large print. A. M.
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Carol, you
are a champion and a servant – thanks for your courage and your
commitment. Throughout your story I felt joy for you with hope of the
beginnings, what should
have become good but cried and cried when time and time again the hope was
battered by people who took advantage of you. I appreciate so
much that you do understand and say in your book for others to learn
“What did God have to do with our bad decisions, our
mistakes, and our failures? And yes, I too have said over the years
“How do people go through the trials of life without God to lean
on?” Well done E.M.
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I am 89 years old and I read your book without putting it down.
I cried and cried and related with your pain. I won't tell you why
but suffice it to say, you gave me hope, for the first time in a very
long time. A.F.
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Finished your
book. I will never again complain about my insignificant
problems. So sorry you two have been through all that but so
glad that you made it this far. Thanks for your example of
faith under fire. Dan
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I've been reading
your book for 3 days and busy as heck and already on chapter 7. It is very well written and keeps me wanting to know more.
Your faith in God is very encouraging and I will always keep it close
with me. Thanks so much and I hope writing this helped you and your
family heal even more. "Feed my fears or feed my
faith, The choice was mine" I'm going to write that down.
H.E.
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Fascinating book.
You are a very courageous woman. P.L.
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God told you to
write this book, so why are you surprised it is a success? S A G
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Even
though I knew the story I had to keep reading and turning the pages
at rapid speed because again, I could not believe the unending
diatribe of debilitating events that make up the story and your life. Shelley
H Rae (Editor of Battered Hope)
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______________
I
read the whole book and I must tell you I am amazed that you are
still standing. I know it is very powerful and it
will bless many lives that are going through tragedy in their lives
as well.
________________
________________
The
Book was wonderfully written, but I do admit it was awfully hard for
me to read about all the sadness. You seem to be so positive and happy go-lucky ....thank you for the book I
will share it with many. C. T.
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- Anonymous -- NOOK Posted June 25, 2013 Absolutely the best read
I literally
could not stop reading this memoir written as a novel. There is so
much happening and keeps your attention. Very well written with
mystery, drama, emotional highs and lows. I cried and laughed and
was encouraged in so many ways. If she can get through what she went
through, I can certainly get through my problems with God's help.
______________
Amazon
- 4.0 out of 5 stars Great Story Telling,
October 11, 2013
R.
Pogue (Portland, OR)
Carol knows how to tell a story - the
book is very engaging. More than that, I'm really impressed by her
courage and devotion to her family. An inspirational life!
________________
Carol's book is easy to read and
inspirational, July 8, 2014
By
Suzy
Que - This is a story about determination,
hope, faith, patience and persistence. Carol's book is easy to read
and inspirational.
________________
Battered,
maybe tattered, but definitely not shattered hope!, April 21,
2014
By
Marie
Angele Abanga - This book is one more of those which
get me hooked for 24 hours. I could only give it the max of
5 stars although Carol deserves more! Wow, what Determination -
what Discipline - what Dedication - What Faith. I thought I had a
thriller to my life, but l must admit this memoir is one of the most
thrilling I have come across. From numerous health hazards and you
name the rest, from being dubbed and abused and being tossed by both
man and the law... Indeed, only a woman of faith like Carol will lean
in, along with her family and numerous faithful dogs. Carol's
faith could be ours too and a safe way to
live on!
_________________
A Story of Real Tenacity,
October 23, 2013
By
Mary
Olson - The author suffered a lot in her life,
but was able to overcome the difficulties and make the best of it
with God's help.
__________________
It arrived yesterday at 1:00 in the mail and I finished it by 11 last night. Wow! What
turmoil and great faith! I want to order another copy and have it sent to my daughter to be an encouragement through
her.”
A.K.
_________________
Life is a Struggle,
|
If you think life has tested you, reading this
book will show you that no matter how bad your life gets, there is
someone who has it so much worse.
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