Review of Where Hope is Found by Rebecca L. Marsh

One tiny moment in time can shatter your whole world.

A family beach vacation turns to tragedy and Marissa must find a way for her and her traumatized eight-year-old daughter, Maisy, to move forward and heal. But memories of what she lost surround her, threatening to take her to a dark place; a place she can never go again. 

When her brother extends an invitation for her and Maisy to move in with him on Princess Island, Marissa thinks it might just be the fresh start she needs. But can she really find hope and healing on an island surrounded by the same ocean that broke her heart?

Where Hope is Found is an emotional drama about love, loss, and healing. 

Available on Amazon.

Make sure you’ve got some tissues handy when you read this one!

Given what this story is about I had to steel myself to read the first few chapters where we first meet Marissa and her beautiful family. Admittedly, I had to skim read those chapters and speed through the accident. I just couldn’t face the heartache. Of course, this speaks volumes of Rebecca Marsh’s ability to craft a story that pulls the reader in and touches your soul.

The majority of the story covers the aftermath of the accident and how Marissa finds a way to move on from the tragedy. Although, does anyone ever really ‘move on’ from such loss?

It would be impossible to read this story and not be sympathetic towards the heroine. Marissa struggles through each and every day. Some days are brighter than others. Some days she can see the light and others are so dark it takes small miracles to save her from them. Cocooned in her grief she is unable to see how much her daughter needs her. She also refuses to allow Maisy to grieve as she needs too. It would be easy to judge her at this point, but who is anyone to tell someone else how they should act in their deepest despair. I think the author cleverly uses Marissa’s mother and brother to battle out that same issue.

Perhaps, the addition of the Howard storyline wasn’t my favourite part of the story. I felt there was so much else for the reader to focus on and so much for Marissa to deal with. He does prove to be great catalyst character and his work with Charlie and Maisy is endearing.

Despite the heavy nature of the story, I found myself flying through the pages. I wanted to know what happened next and I found the author’s style to be engaging and immersive.

Overall, this is a beautiful story of finding yourself when your life has shattered all around you. I give Where Hope is Found 4/5 espresso shots.