My Hope Next Door (The Fairfield)

This was a heavy book, especially for a romantic fiction. It was about a girl who wanted to break free from chemical but also emotional addictions of her past. In the process she returned home, tried to resolve relationships with people in her past, and got romantically involved with the preacher's son.

Tammy Gray portrayed the struggle of the protagonist, Katie, very well. The efforts to climb out of the past are fraught with doubt, discouragement, and setbacks. Gray did a great job of bringing me into Katie's dark struggles. But, I didn't feel much hope and happiness. Thus, such drastic redemption and change didn't quite resonate.

It troublesome that Katie tried to maintain relationships with her friends of the past while trying to make a clean start. It is important to deal with the past, forgive yourself, and seek forgiveness of others. At the same time, for addicts to maintain a clean future, it is important to change their environment. That might even mean severing relationships, walking away, and starting over. There is no shame in leaving starting over.

I liked how Asher helped pull Katie out of the dark and helped her deal with her past. But the romance, while tender, heart-felt, and clean, just didn't seem realistic. The situation behind Asher's "past" was a bit contrived. Clearly he didn't descend into dark places that Katie did. So for her to relate with him and for him to just disregard her past doesn't seem quite realistic.

I didn't "like" the relationship between Katie and her parents, but you weren't supposed to like it. It was a caustic environment. Gray did an excellent job of not resorting to crude, vulgar language and descriptions that are the reality is such situations. Still, I know that people can change, but Gray never addressed how Katie could ever break free from her parent's influence and ingrained training and develop healthy relationships in the future. Just saying that Christ did it isn't enough. Even with Christ's help, it takes time for old patterns to change and become new. While that time and struggle was well represented in Katie's struggle to let go of her past, it wasn't addressed in how she dealt with people.

Thank you to Net Galley and Waterfall Publishing for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Katie Stone escaped her home town of Fairfield four years ago and has felt guilty ever since. Now her dad needs help with her mother, so she’s home again. Reluctantly. Very reluctantly. But she’s changed: she’s no longer the drug addict who spends more time with her boyfriend than with her family. She’s become a Christian … as if anyone in Fairfield is going to believe that.

Once home, she finds her new next door neighbour is Asher Powell. Asher, pastor’s son and town good boy, the guy she teased for being so boring all through high school. And she finds her dad’s new best friend is her ex-boyfriend, the person she’s least in interested in spending time with. Oops.

Asher has his own issues with the church and mistakes and judgement. It’s not that he’s given up on God. Just the church his dad pastors, the church he’s attended all his life.

My Hope Next Door was one of the best Christian novels I’ve read this year. It had a clear Christian message—a message it delivers as much to the people in the church as outside.

Thanks to Waterfall Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Newly born-again Katie Stone has returned home to help look after her sick mother, and she’s definitely not expecting a welcome party. Her relationship with her parents has never been close, but she’s come because her dad has asked her to and he must be desperate to have done it. She’s also not looking forward to seeing the old crowd, either. In fact, she’s dreading it. And with good reason, because when she does, the ramifications are every bit as bad as she’d thought they’d be.

Asher Powell is Katie’s neighbour and he can’t help but be intrigued by her. He used to go to school with Katie and he knows what she was like back then. But she’s different now, on the inside as well as the outside, and despite his attraction to her, Asher can’t possibly let her into his heart. He’s got his own set of problems to deal with. The ripple effect from the break up with his girlfriend a few months earlier is still carrying on, made worse by the fact he’s the pastor’s son, and he hasn’t been back to church since.

What follows is a beautifully realistic story of two people falling in love despite their shortcomings. And what a bunch of shortcomings they are. Katie was into everything the world could offer before she came to Christ and she battles with seeing herself as worthy to be loved, especially when her parents don’t seem to. And despite being a Christian for practically his whole life, Asher has his issues too one that every young man faces, Christian or not plus his anger and disappointment at how his church let him down. How can he love Katie with all that going on?

Tammy L Gray’s writing style is fabulous. I loved how the author showed me Katie and Asher layer by layer, how they became real people right from the start. I also needed to wipe the sweat from my brow because I was in a hot and humid, Georgia U.S.A. summer, not a cool Australian springtime! That’s clever writing.

My Hope Next Door would have to be one of the most real contemporary Christian romances I’ve read this year. (I don’t think I’ve ever read one with a character like Katie’s so new to the Christian faith with an immediate past to deal with.) My Hope Next Door gets into the raw nitty-gritty of everyday Christian life, yet gives hope and encouragement and inspiration. I’ll be looking out for more books by this author for sure.

Getting out of town for Katie Stone, seemed like the right idea at the time. Running away from the demons of her small hometown. However, when returning home four years later, she never realized how hard it is to bury those demons and put them to rest would be.

A bad girl during her teenage years, the new Christian, Katie, comes home to help her parents and struggles to let go of her past. Judgemental looks fill the eyes of the congregation at church, the grocery store, everywhere. Everywhere but next door.

When returned, Katie realizes her parents now have a new neighbor, Asher Powell. They grew up in the same town, but their lives were complete opposite. Asher was the good, Katie was the bad. Katie’s parents were never really involved in her life, Asher’s dad is the town Pastor.

Even though they have vast differences, Asher and Katie strike up a friendship that help the two of them through rough times in their lives. Asher is totally swoon worthy. He is a hot nerd, what is better than that?

This book was amazing. I devoured it like chocolate cake. It didn’t want to put it down and I didn’t want it to end. That is how you know you have a good read on your hands.

The story is about overcoming your past, living with your mistakes and trying to move on and grow from them. That is a lot of what becoming a Christian is. Katie learns to not let judgement people stop you from living your life. She and Asher both learn to stop living in the past, which is something that is so hard to for some of us.

This read was relatively “clean”. There are a few bad words here and there and talk of drug use and abuse. There is no sexual content at all just a slight mention, which is great. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading smut/steamy reads too.

You all have to check it out! You can also read this review and more on my blog! [...]

Real characters dealing with real life, some really great chemistry and some really hot kisses – right up my alley!

Katie and Asher have both made mistakes they regret, but they come from very different backgrounds and have very different reputations to overcome. The classic “bad girl” image follows Katie around town, even at home, no matter how deeply she knows she is a new person. For Asher, it’s just the opposite. He has to fight the “pastor’s son” reputation – of being held to a higher standard by the church and by the community. Both are afraid for people to really see the depth of their failures, and both are weary of the facade each has been maintaining. One of the most beautiful and touching things to me about My Hope Next Door is watching their friendship develop and deepen – long before they fall in love – into one that allows them to be flawed safely with each other.

If you were a bit of a wild child before you met Jesus and you’ve got a past you regret, you (and Katie) will find much grace in this book. If you, like me, were the “good girl” but you have a moment you regret, you (and Asher… though he is not a girl lol) will find much grace in this book. If you find it difficult to move beyond your reputation, you will find much grace in this book. And if you’ve ever been bullied or belittled by people who should have been your biggest champions, you will find much grace in this book.

You will also find some fantastically fan-requiring kisses in My Hope Next Door! And a swoonworthy hero (once he sets his mind to pursue Katie… watch out!!) and a heroine you’ll want to hug. And an antagonist you’ll want to purse whomp – on a day when you’ve returned from the library with an extra large haul – at least until you find a whole lot of grace in his story too. You’ll also find one of my favorite depictions of a pastor and pastor’s wife ever – I adore Asher’s parents!!! Wise and compassionate and fun and full of … you guessed it …GRACE.

In fact, Tammy L. Gray wraps every page of My Hope Next Door in grace. Gray doesn’t shy away from the raw reality of brokenness but it’s written tastefully and with great care, and the spiritual elements are equally met head-on without being “in your face” or preachy. The main characters have an electric chemistry, but their romance is more of a slow burn – and the friendship that forms first is one of my favorite things about the book. But… never fear! Once the slow burn gets some heat behind it, you’ll need to break out your trusty fan for the kisses that follow! If you like Julie Lessman’s Isle of Hope series or Kristen Heitzmann’s novels, make sure you check out My Hope Next Door and Tammy L. Gray as well.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book.)

I’m sure everyone has those authors that no matter what they write, you’re going to read it.
For me, Tammy L. Gray is one of those authors.

Having devoured everything Ms. Gray published, I trusted her newest release would be equally enjoyable. I’m not even sure I looked at the back cover of My Hope Next Door before I decided I had to read it. And I’m happy to say, this book is everything it needed to be.

Like her other stories, Katie and Asher are characters who struggle with problems. Real ones. There’s sin, despair, grudges. a wanting to have a better life…. The journey the heroine and hero take may only be fiction, but the hope shared inside their imaginary lives can bring the real world encouragement.

On top of being a new Christian, Katie still hasn’t forgiven herself from her past, especially now that she’s returned home with her unchangeable mistakes following her everywhere. Her family life was never perfect, and she’s knee deep back in it. From Katie’s hording mother to her worn father, the supporting characters are just as authentic as the heroine. I love this about Ms. Gray’s writing. She puts effort into the smallest of details.

Asher struggles with his own form of forgiveness. He was hurt by those in his church, and I liked that the story didn’t dwell only on how hypocritical churches can be, but that healing can happen if we open our heart to the idea.

My Hope Next Door is more than another second chance theme, it’s a page turner filled with faith, healing, and love.

Fans of Varina Denman’s Mended Heart Series, Julie Lessman’s Isle of Hope, and Kristen Heitzmann’s Told You Series will love this story. And if my review hasn’t swayed you to check out Ms. Gray’s writings, the 1st book in her Winsor Series, Shattered Rose is currently free on kindle.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest thoughts, which I have provided.

Former bad girl Katie Stone can feel the weight of her reputation settle over her as she drives home for the first time in years. Feeling deeply guilty about her past mistakes, Katie wants to do the right thing for once. But the small town where she grew up is not nearly as forgiving as she’d hoped. Despite it all, she’s determined to help her parents cope with her mother’s recent illness, and Katie finds a surprise ally in the man next door.
Asher Powell never minded being the son of a small-town pastor until a recent breakup leaves him wounded by lifelong members of his church. He remembers his new neighbor as a mean-spirited high school troublemaker, but he senses that her newfound faith and desire for forgiveness are sincere.
Through an unexpected friendship, two people from different worlds find peace, hope, and a second chance they never dreamed was possible.

Tammy L Gray is one of my most favorite authors so I was anticipating her next book. I was not disappointed! Gray’s books are always raw and real. She sends the message through her books that being a Christian doesn’t mean everything is sunshine and roses but with God’s grace we find hope and healing. My Hope Next Door is about Katie Stone and Asher Powell. Katie has been gone from her home town for 4 years. She has found peace with Christ but must now face her past. A past full of broken relationships, mistakes, and heart ache. She has come home to help care for her ill mother. After leaving town with destruction in her wake she must trust God to give her the strength to face her parents, her best friend, and an ex-boyfriend. God sends her an unexpected ally in the form of Asher Powell. Asher and Katie have known each other all their life but Katie was the “Bad Girl” and Asher was the “Preacher’s Kid”. Asher has had his own heart ache and broken relationships. There is an instant connection and friendship. Both must find healing and forgiveness before they can have their miracle of a second chance. This book will pull you in and you will fall in love with Katie and Asher. Be prepared to not want to put this book down. I found myself reading into the wee hours of the morning. My only disappointment was that I finished too quickly. I highly recommend this book! *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Bring on the popcorn and the hot tamales because this is one of those books that makes you just want to sit back in a comfy chair with your favorite snack (or Asher's, hence the aforementioned popcorn & hot tamales) and just let time pass by while you read.

I love Tammy L. Gray's books; I've read every one. Once again, she's hit the nail on the head--NO ONE is perfect. We've all got our faults, our baggage that weighs us down and steals our hope. Robs us of joy. Threatens to burden us for a lifetime. And it's refreshing to read about characters that are true-to-life and truly flawed, just like the rest of us. Maybe it's a mistake made in a relationship--moving too far, too fast. Maybe it's being a rotten, embittered youth with a crappy attitude, an ax to grind and the reputation to match. No matter your past, the hope of redemption exists for us all.

"You can't have a future until you accept the past. That doesn't mean you have to live the way you used to, but it does mean you can't deny what made you who you are. You made mistakes. Own them and move on."

^^That was my takeaway.

All of the Katies of the world need an Asher to remind them that in spite of the ugliness of our burdens & mistakes--both past & present--there is still beauty to be found within. We've just got to OWN IT (the ugly) and MOVE ON (to what God has in store in spite of it). A little chemistry doesn't hurt, either. After all, the truth sounds a little better when it's coming from the hot web designer-by-day, carpenter-by-night next door. Amiright?!

So, like I said... get yourself a bowl of popcorn & hot tamales and settle in for a sweet romance with some truth to it. It'll leave you smiling!

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher, however all comments & opinions are my own.

I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley. I am choosing to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I started 2 books and just could not get into them. I was "hoping" (see what I did there?) something amazing would come my way. Enter My Hope Next Door. I could not put it down. I spent the entire day reading only having to stop to feed my family.

What drew me in was it was real. A lot of people think that because you are a Christian and believe in God that it means your life is all butterflies and rainbows. Well it's not and that is clear in this book. Tammy brings up real problems and shows that even Churches and Christians have problems and issues non believers do. We believe in God but because we are sinners, we still will have problems. We need to rely on God to help us through them. Jesus can get you through anything. He got the books characters though so many trials.

People often like Romance books because of the love and sexual tension and even sex. This book has the love and sexual tension but it shows that romance can be achieved and you can still be pleasing to the Lord. Satan is always pulling at us and wanting us to sin and all of the temptation that comes with being in a relationship really tests that. It is possible to love and feel loved and that is clear in this book.

This book is not dull. It is full of excitement and you will not want to put it down. It will give you hope that "through Christ, all things are possible".

Being from a small town I could definitely relate to Katie Stones reluctance to return home. Although I do not agree with manner in which she left home, but it is understandable and it was her choice. The greeting she got when she was home was cold at best. Her mother was miserable. Her treatment of Katie was despicable as was her fathers at times. The friendship she shared with Asher Powell was the saving grace of the whole story. He showed her the love and acceptance and understanding that she needed in order to get her situation under control. I can't stand someone trying to hold you emotionally hostage for their feelings about how something else turned out, apologize and its over. You apologize for something a million times over and those people will still not be satisfied it's their issue not yours. You could cut your kidney out and hand it over and they'll still ask for more. In the end she found peace for herself and thats all you could ask for,great book.

I highly recommended My Hope Next Door to anyone trying to reconcile a dark past with a bright future. Katie and Asher's story of healing and hope is gradual and full of fits and starts. In other words, real.

Filled with many brief flashes of wisdom, My Hope Next Door is the kind of book you can turn to in times of near-despair and re-absorb its messages about redemption, friendship, and life-giving love.

Asher becomes an icon of Our Heavenly Father's love and fidelity (albeit a hot-looking one) to Katie's prodigal daughter. Though the gravity of their sins and the sordidness of their pasts contrast starkly, Asher must grapple with guilt, shame, and forgiveness in much the same ways as Katie, giving them each opportunities to extend love and support to the other.

It was refreshing to read a story in which the pastor and his wife are flawed and human yet not hypocrites, as is often portrayed. It may make their story arc dull were they major characters, but that's not the case here.

As always, Tammy Gray handles sexual attraction honestly, integrating natural physical attraction with love and not glossing over the specter of temptation.

In sum, more than a lighthearted love story, it's a touching romance filled with the promise of peace from the source of all hope.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for my honest review.

Tammy L. Gray has written an inspiring story of mistakes, forgiveness, redemption, and love. Throughout the story, Katie Stone struggles with the mistakes and choices from her past and the changes she has made and is continuing to make to be a better person; to heal the relationships with her parents and previous friends that she hurt. Katie begins a lovely friendship with the boy next door, Asher Powell (the preacher’s son). And their friendship blossoms into a precious and beautiful romance. But Katie’s past mistakes still haunt her and she doesn’t know if a good, kind man like Asher Powell really wants to be with her and stay with her, even though he has made some mistakes of his own. Katie must face her past in order to obtain the future that she so desperately desires. I love the powerful story of Katie’s change and change of heart. This story has deeply developed characters that readers will become attached to. A deeply heart stirring story, readers will not want to miss this delightful read.

Genre: contemporary, romance, new adult, Christian
Publisher: Waterfall Press
Publication date: September 13, 2016
Number of pages: 310

Content Rating: PG, some content may not be appropriate for kids, nothing graphic
Book Rating: 4 stars

A review copy of this book was provided by Tammy L. Gray’s influencer team.

There is so much beautiful truth packed into the pages of My Hope Next Door. Katie Stone and Asher Powell embody my favorite type of couple — people who are completely different on paper, but then God brings them together and their relationship is awesome and wonderful.

Although Katie is a former “wild child” and Asher is “the pastor’s kid,” when they become friends, they learn that perhaps they have more in common than they could ever imagine. Their relationship illustrates redemption, grace, and true love.

Like Katie, how many times have we as Christians struggled to remember that Jesus really has forgiven us? Or do we continue to drag around the weight of the sin and shame? How do we handle it when the people in our lives won’t forgive us?

Like Asher, do we struggle with the weight of gossip and misconceptions? How can we forgive people who have hurt us so deeply? How do we forgive ourselves for the costly mistakes we make? Will we let bitterness rule our lives?

Forgiveness is a key theme of this book. Ms. Gray also does an excellent job of dealing with dysfunctional family dynamics, showing how a chronic illness can impact families, and showing the danger of gossip.

This is one of the most powerful books I have read in awhile, and I highly recommend it!

I was gifted a copy of My Hope Next Door in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

A beautifully written, gritty novel about two flawed characters wrestling with their past mistakes yet moving forward (and toward one another), desperate for hope and genuine love. We live in a hurting world these days and I applaud the author for crafting a story that touches readers right where they are: wrestling with all the broken crazy. Katie, the heroine, didn't want to be the person she once was, yet like anyone returning to their hometown and all that they knew and experienced, her guilt and shame greeted her at every turn. I loved how Asher, still dealing with the fallout and public shaming of his own misdeeds, offered her a glimpse of what love is and a chance to change. Yet the presence of her former friends and boyfriend still caught her attention and threatened to pull her back under. Such a great depiction of real life and all our struggles, yet our Savior is always with us, offering hope and a better way. Bravo, Tammy l. Gray! Many thanks to the author and Waterfall Press for the complimentary advance copy of this novel. All opinion stated here are my own.

Tammy L. Gray’s latest novel, My Hope Next Door, is a phenomenal read!

When Katie Stone returns to the small hometown she left years ago, she’s reminded of all the trouble she caused. But, she’s determined to right her wrongs and help her parents handle her mother’s recent illness. Asher Powell, her next door neighbor, becomes Katie’s greatest friend and biggest support. He has his own inner battles raging, but he recognizes the sincerity in Katie’s faith and her attempts at forgiveness. The unlikely friendship that forms between these neighbors may help to bring them both the peace and hope they long for, as well as second chances they never dreamed possible before.

Having read and enjoyed all of Miss Tammy’s books, I had high expectations for this new novel. And I was not disappointed! The characters of this book, like all of her novels, were caught in very real scenarios: sins and drama that anybody could fall into in the real world. It made the characters more lovable and believable. The way she tackled the messages of forgiveness and love was well-thought out. She wove truth into this fictional tale, and she did it well.

Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. I was constantly pulling it out every chance I got to see what else Katie would try and how it would end up. If romance, forgiveness, and friendship are elements one appreciates in a novel, My Hope Next Door will not be a letdown! If I had to give this book a rating, I would give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Gray has once again written a deeply moving story. She excels at writing novels with grit, heart, complete realism - the broken beautiful. Her characters are far from perfect but are moving along on a journey seeking truth, reaching for hope and compelled by grace. I loved the open and honest look at those who have fallen and desire to live a redeemed life. The struggle, the hurts, the shame and grief come through; but so does the hope, love, grace and redemption.

I was truly gripped as I watched both Katie and Asher navigate not only their friendship and feelings for one another; but also in the ways that they struggled with their issues, others, their trust, and how they grew along the way. Even some of the secondary characters tugged hard at me; giving me a desire to see their lives transformed as well. Although there is no indication that this will be a series, if Gray happened to follow up with their stories I would be delighted to read them.

Another well told novel, that is both captivating and stirring!

This wonderful Christian romance about judging others and forgiving ourselves is beautifully written. It entices the reader and we are soon carried away into a life of heartache and regret. Katie Stone is the town bad girl. She's pretty much covered the gamete of the wild teenage ways. She ran away when in became to unbearable and is now coming back to see if perhaps she can help her parents without her small town noticing.

Asher Powell lives next door to the parents of Katie. He is the preacher's son and although he doesn't resent it, it has complicated his life. Of course, these unlikely neighbors seem to hold the key to the other's ability to move forward.

Ms. Gray does a lovely job of meshing two worlds, helping us understand grief and regret, and finding the ability to move forward.

Content: Use of drugs, non-descriptive teenage intimacy, mild violence, talk of abuse, kissing.
Source: Netgalley (less)

Ms. Gray has written a wonderful book about wonderful, imperfect, very human people doing their best to live faithfully in an imperfect world. Her characters have such depth and are so well developed that by the end of the book I felt I knew them as friends and I want to continue knowing them for a long time. As a PK (Preacher's Kid) myself, I can relate to the struggles within the church as faithful people work through their imperfections, in community--not always a pretty picture. As a nurse and the daughter of aging parents, I can relate to the struggles with medical issues and the accompanying denial, anger and fatigue. As a fellow human being on this journey through life, I am given hope and inspiration through this well thought out and well written book. The themes of forgiveness and redemption and hope permeate this book from start to finish.

I think this book has a wide audience. I would recommend it to anyone teen and older. I would especially recommend it to people hurting from the results of bad personal decisions and those wounded by interactions with people and circumstances in the organized church.

I received a free advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

*I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley*
This book is a must read. Beautiful writing and beautiful story - just amazing. The story makes you think about people that you think you know but you really don't know them at all. People who hide their feelings and their hurt. You think that person has the perfect life but just maybe they are putting on that smile when something is really going on in their lives. We shouldn't judge people. This story showed how with just a little bit of help you can change a person's life. I really loved the story and I always get caught up, like these people are my friends. Asher and Katie are two very different people but they had a connection. They found peace, hope and a second chance with each other. I've enjoyed reading all of Tammy L Gray's books and each one seems better than the next. I highly recommend this book.

This contemporary Christian romance isn’t your typical read. Whilst there is the handsome neighbour and bad-girl-turned-good meet-cute, the vivid characters and authentic faith struggles make this one that stands apart.

I love the leading lady, she’s honest and plucky, determined to dig into her new found relationship with Jesus and make it work in each trying situation. It’s a healthy reminder as a life-long Christian to make sure I’m checking in with God and applying the principles I’m so diligently reading. Our preacher’s son doesn’t play into that stereotype either, he is complex and faces with his own challenges, a great opposite to Katie. Both sets of parents, exes and the small townspeople flesh out the cast. The storyline isn’t surprising but the time spent with these characters is worth it and I’ll be back for more from Tammy.

Looking at the cover of the book makes you believe it's your usual Christian fiction read. But there is much more to Katie and Asher's story and it's gritty, dark and completely captivating. Even though Katie had difficulty forgiving herself, she was written well and didn't seem bitter and unapproachable. Most authors go to the extreme and paint their leads so icy it's difficult to root for them and hard to believe any man would fall for them, but Mrs. Gray did a fantastic job of not falling into this cliché, and I was rooting for Katie and Asher throughout their long and bumpy road.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
I love Tammy L. Gray books, and this one was no different. Tammy has a way of taking hard topics for the church to confront, and crafting them in to a story that leaves you feeling hopeful that change and freedom are possible. Growing up in "the church", and also coming from an addictions background, I know first hand how destructive looks, words, and actions can be. What I love about Tammy is that she doesn't pretend that this doesn't exist, but tackles it head on and exposes that Christians struggle and are not perfect...and that is OKAY!
In My Hope Next Door she tackles the struggle of two people who come from VERY different backgrounds, and how difficult it can be to overcome the obstacles of trust and honesty in a relationship.
This story didn't pull at the heart strings like many of Tammy's other books, but it was still so good at exposing real issues and the emotions that go along with that. I also love that she shows how passionate we can be in a relationship without crossing any lines. Just because Christ is in you doesn't mean temptation doesn't beat at the door, and she weaves that into her stories perfectly. I definitely recommend this book!!

Shame. Guilt. Rejection. Consequences. These are words that we can all relate to. Whether you were raised in church in a loving, Christian family trying to live a life you were “supposed to” (like Asher) or your experience is very different. Maybe you were like Katie and grew up in a non-Christian, dysfunctional family that didn’t express love and you rebelled and indulged in anything and everything. Whatever your story, the pain that we all experience (& express in different ways) is very real and we all desire love and acceptance. “My Hope Next Door” tells the story of two very different individuals from both sides in a very raw, real way. This is not your predictable Christian Fiction book with shallow characters and canned story line. Once again Tammy L. Gray enthralls us with her authentic, real characters, real life issues, and real life pain. This story of hurt and healing will not only keep you turning the pages, but will cause you to examine your own life as well as how you treat and view others. This book will entertain and change you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

"You want me to believe some holy power has turned your life around? Well then, Katie, show me the difference."
Faith in Jesus Christ can't be a surface decision, and as you dive into the story of Katie and Asher, you begin to see just how much Jesus requires of us. It's not saying what comes to your mind when you are mistreated, but rather giving grace. It's forgiving when everything in you wants to retaliate. It's saying "no" when your flesh is screaming "yes!" It is change, flowing from the life-giving source, washing all the past mistakes and hurts clean as fresh snow. It is facing the past, head on, even when it is the hardest thing you've had to ever do.
Once again, Tammy L. Gray has knocked it out of the park! She has combined romance, Christian faith, and page-turning excitement into one "can't put it down" book. You will fall in love with the characters and root them on, caring about the choices they make. You will be challenged to show your faith in Jesus in every action you make. You will laugh and cry and your heart with be sad when you turn the last page because you just don't want it to end.

Well told story about how difficult it is to find redemption sometimes and that life does give you a second chance; or maybe that people CAN really change through the grace of God. It wasn't an overly religious book but there is a strong Christian theme throughout it.

I gave it four stars because there came a point in the story when "that night four years ago" started to seem too over dramatized, especially after the details of the night all came out. At that point it made some of the characters (Cooper and Lalia) seem junior highish a bit like drama queens. The references to Katie leaving them to explode, or whatever, when she took off seemed a bit over the top.

But, Katie and Asher's story and Katie and her parents' story, truly make the book worth reading.

To say I loved the book would be an understatement. I would say it's a favorite Tammy L. Gray book...but they all are. I've already read it twice.

This book is so REAL LIFE...even though it's fiction. I believe anyone will be able to see themselves in this book. It's not a book that makes you "feel good" all the time. There is pain & tears...emotionally and physically. We all have a past and many of us have dealt or are dealing with church hurt. And just because we are Christians...it doesn't mean everyone is always forgiving.

This book will capture your heart from the first page and...by the end, it will also capture your spirit and give you more peace. Not just about the book, but about yourself.

A beautiful story...beginning to end.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Katie has left home to start fresh, running from several mistakes in her past. She returns home to care for her sick mother and ends up living next door to the pastor's son, Asher. She and Asher don't have good memories of high school since she was a different person. But, Asher sees her as different now, and a new person needing a second chance. Can Katie let go of the past to walk into a new future of being forgiven? Can she let herself believe she can really be a new creation? God shows up as the Redeemer and the God of second chances as He helps her move forward with new relationships, and to right some old wrongs. Tammy L. Gray is such a talented writer and I enjoy each book that she writes more than the last. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I recently met Ms. Gray at a convention and received a signed copy of this book. I am so glad I found this wonderful book. I loved the characters and the moving plot. There is a lot of substance, more than is usually found in a romance. I'm fact, I have just downloaded another book by this author and can't wait to read it. I listened to the audio version and the narrator is excellent. Kindle Unlimited offers this book with the audio for $1.99,great deal. Happy ☺reading ?!

Katie Stone was notorious for being wild during high school and after and for hanging out with a bad crowd. She grew up in a dysfunctional home, and things were strained, particularly between her and her mother. After a serious incident happened in the community which left Katie guilt-ridden, she abruptly left town and moved to Florida, where she continued her wild life for almost four years, until she wandered into a church and was led to Jesus Christ. With God’s help, Katie worked hard to have a positive transformation in her life. Four months after Katie’s conversion, her father, out of desperation, contacted Katie and asked her to come home to Fairfield, Georgia and help care for her ailing mother, who had multiple sclerosis.

Katie then returned home, where she met the neighbor who had purchased the house next door. Though Katie did not recognize the man at first, when he came over to help with her heavy luggage, he turned out to be Asher Powell, the preacher’s son, with whom she had attended high school. Back then, Katie called Asher “Holy String Bean” and was very mean to him. Now Asher was muscular, and no longer skinny. Ashton had been a Christian for many years, but also had some bad things happen since high school, for which he had trouble forgiving those who had wronged him.

It was also necessary for Katie to deal with her ex-boyfriend, Cooper Myles; she wanted nothing to do with Cooper, and he was very belligerent. Cooper continued to be an aggressive obstacle through most of the book. In addition, Katie had to go back and make amends with former friends, after alienating them in the past.

As Katie dealt with her mother’s illness and bad attitude and the stresses brought on by trying to organize the extreme clutter in her parents’ home, she spent more and more time with Asher, as she needed to take breaks from what she was dealing with at home. Katie and Asher gradually talked more and more about their individual past histories and became good friends and confidants as they learned to trust each other more. They helped each other get beyond their past indiscretions and learned to forgive themselves for the negative things they each had done, as well as forgiving those who had participated in those past shameful actions.

You will want to read this tremendous book to see how many problems Katie and Asher faced, how they dealt with them, how God worked through their lives to deal with the circumstances, and how things came about to create a happy-ever-after ending.

I have read most of the books written by Tammy L. Gray, and she is one of my favorite authors. I highly recommend that you read My Hope Next Door and believe that you will find it as enjoyable and uplifting as I did.

I received a free copy of My Hope Next Door via Net Galley in exchange for writing a review on this book and have here shared my honest opinion concerning this inspiring book.

Tammy Gray is an amazing author who always tackles hard, real life challenges, from bullying, to eating disorders, to past sins that seem too big for God's grace. She brings hope to situations that seem so bleak. She always has me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next. She has an amazing way of developing characters so profoundly, you feel like you know them. I always find myself missing them once the story is finished. This book is no different from all the rest in that aspect. The romance elements always seem natural and the chemistry is strong. It's never forced, but makes you fall in love, too.
In My Hope Next Door, Katie Stone, former bad girl, moves home after 4 years, and finding Christ. Her new, unexpected friend is Pastor's kid Asher Powell. This is an amazing story of healing, grace, restoration, and how God can use anyone who is willing to let Him. Asher is a beautiful depiction of Christ. Even though it may be fiction, this story can teach amazing truths for life. It's always worth it to do the right thing, no matter how hard it may seem. An unexpected romance blossoms, but with obstacles to overcome.

Another great book by Tammy L Gray. This story will have you laughing, smiling, and maybe crying. Katie, the girl you worn your sons to stay away from, comes home after 4 years as a new believer. Asher the preachers kid lives next door now. Together they find out what true love and redemption is all about.

I received this book as a gift for an honest review.

This story deals with the harsh reality of "sins of our youth," and the transforming power of Christ in the lives of two persons from the "opposite side of the tracks." I love a Christian novel that actually names and credits Christ, rather than making vague references to God and faith. The characters and their struggles were realistic and believable. Good romance!

This story deals with the harsh reality of "sins of our youth," and the transforming power of Christ in the lives of two persons from the "opposite side of the tracks." I love a Christian novel that actually names and credits Christ, rather than making vague references to God and faith. The characters and their struggles were realistic and believable. Good romance!

My Hope Next Door - PG13 (subject matter)
Violence: physical intimidation
Language: a couple swear words
Sex: references to past sexual activity, no details; some kissing

I love Ms Gray's writing! I appreciate her *real* take on modern Christians and her witness of the truth. Real h - real H. Great story!

A lovely story of grace and redemption, of the journey of forgiving yourself, and opening your heart to the good things God has for you, even when you feel you don't deserve them. A moving read for fans of Christian romance, who enjoy stories with grit, emotion, and real-life struggles.

This author knows how to write a great redemption story. I was hooked from the beginning. I listened to the audio - it was amazing. I desperately wanted for the characters to triumph over their personal struggles. Great read.