Book Review: Forward to What Lies Ahead by Chloe S Flanagan

This page contains affiliate links. If you click a link and buy something, I receive a commission for the sale. This does not cost you anything. But if you do use my links, I appreciate your support.

Synopsis of the book:

Sometimes being strong isn’t enough. Ever since she was a teenager, Regina Whitman has relied on her tough, independent spirit to survive and to protect the ones she loves. Even when heartache and disappointment strike, she finds the strength to press forward, rebuild her life, and do meaningful work. But just when her outlook seems brightest, a tragic and shameful secret from the past catches up with her, jeopardizing her future and threatening the lives of the people around her. In the face of overwhelming danger and darkness, can Regina learn to trust God and embrace the love she doesn’t think she deserves? Or will the painful guilt of her past destroy her?

My review:

This story had a little bit of suspense and romance, but largely focused on Regina’s struggle to receive God’s grace as the free gift that it is. I liked the way that this author portrayed that struggle because it is a real one for many Christians.

For me, the story didn’t really begin until almost half way through the novel. I just wasn’t able to connect with Regina in the first half of the book. She came across as unfeeling and judgmental. I thought she softened up, and was easier to relate to, when Mac came back into her life.

Given that the story seemed to be Regina’s story, rather than a straight romance or suspense, I think that the other character viewpoints also kept me from connecting to her.

I liked how the author took Regina through the struggle of accepting God’s grace. She was like many people who think that they need to do something to receive it and have a hard time with the concept that it is freely given. When Regina came to the place where she could accept it as a gift and not a result of her works, she blossomed.

What I enjoyed most about this book:

The way that Regina struggled with accepting God’s grace for her sins and how she blossomed when she was finally able to do so.

What I didn’t like about this book:

That I wasn’t able to connect with the characters, particularly Regina, for half of the book.

My rating:  2 1/2 out of 5 stars

Would I recommend this book to others?  I would recommend this book for the faith aspect because it did a good job of showing a real faith struggle.

Note: I received this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed are my own.

Where can I learn more about this author and their books?

Chloe S Flanagan, author website

-Loraine Nunley