Chasing Hope by Kathryn Cushman, Book review

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 15, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0764208270

Synopsis:

A Touching Story of Two Unlikely Friends.
The Power of Trust.
The Struggle of Pain.
And How, Sometimes, Following God Can Lead You to the Most Unexpected Places.

A Personal Drama of Shattered Dreams and Second Chances

A talented runner fully committed to Olympic dreams, Sabrina Rice's future was shattered by a devastating diagnosis. One forfeited scholarship and several years later, she has new goals and dreams that have nothing to do with running--something that's become far too painful to think on.

Until the day she sees Brandy Philip running across the community college campus, easily outpacing security. Sabrina immediately recognizes world-class speed, and it's all the more painful that it belongs to a teenage graffiti artist. When a chance encounter brings the two young women together, Sabrina becomes Brandy's best hope for staying out of juvenile hall. Soon, Sabrina begins to feel an uncomfortable nudge that her new life is just about to be toppled...that God may be calling her to minister to this talented but troubled girl.

 
Here are my thoughts:


Once all of Sabrina Rice's hopes encompassed running in the Olympics, her ultimate goal!  She hoped to use her amazing skill whilst serving the Lord as a missionary.
But when this plan comes to a screaming halt, she must trust God has something else in store for her and follow a new path.
When she meets unexpectedly Brandy, a troubled teenager, the last thing she expects if for her Grandmother and God to team up against her! 
Brandy has an obvious gift for running but no skills and despite the emotional trauma involved, it seems Sabrina is called to coach the young girl thus keeping her out of juvenile home.

Chasing Hope is a noteworthy story of how God directs our lives in whatever path He believes we can do the most good as Christians. But most of all, it clearly highlights the tremendous commitment athletes embrace as they work towards their goal. 
Not particularly athletic myself, I am humbly awed by the stamina athletes, (young and old) exude in their pursuit of that gold medal!

Well written with a great depth perception, Kathryn Cushman's Chasing Hope is my first novel by this author but not my last!


When choosing a novel I like first of all to visit their website and read any interviews I can come up with. 
This way I have an opportunity to 'feel' the author and decide if I will come up with something other than reading for the sake of reading! 
Once again I was not disappointed as I read TitleTrakk.com! Kathryn Cushman sounds as a kindred spirit as she describes herself as goofy, klutzy and blessed, likes such music as Casting Crowns and Harry Connick Jr. and says:
 "If there is something you love to do, then do it. Don’t wait for “someday”; make the time today." 
(Source HERE)


 I give it 4 stars!


About the Author:

"Through my newest novel, Chasing Hope, I explore the world of competitive running (I even ran in several 5 k’s while writing this book), chronic disease, and times when dreams die and life feels terribly unfair. Have you ever really, really worked for something, and then watched someone who seemed far less deserving end up with the prize? If so, I think you’ll enjoy Sabrina’s story."

(Source: Kathryn Cushman's website (HERE)



Note to Readers: Be sure to check Katie's biography (HERE) and meet Dusty, Boots, Chance and Popcorn!

I received a paperback copy of this title from BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.