Disclosure: I received a copy of this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

As I started to read Chasing Hope by Kathryn Cushman I was reminded of the way that God can take any dream and work it for His good. Even when we can’t see the ways that God is working in our lives, He’s there all the same, guiding and shaping our future. For those who believe in His goodness and mercy, there is comfort that even times of pain can be redeemed into something beautiful. Chasing Hope has that silver lining that many people search for in the wake of their fallen dreams.

The main character in the story, Sabrina, was on her way to the top as a world-class athlete when she received a devastating diagnosis.  The pain she endured was not a result of her grueling training sessions but instead caused by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.  Sabrina seems like the kind of person who just chases her goals and refuses to give up.  Still, her inner struggle about the ways that her future plans had been altered kept resurfacing for her.  A truly good book always gives the reader something to relate to, and this one does just that. I recently found out that a dear former student of mine has been diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.  As I read Chasing Hope, I wondered how his life plans might be changed.  It reminded me to pray for him and for his family.  He is a go-getter like Sabrina, someone who is meant to do great things in life.  I have no doubt that God can work this for His good and that the young man will someday see God’s hand in even this battle.

The characters in Chasing Hope were polar opposites yet found common ground. How often do I dismiss someone’s unique talents because they’re not like mine, or their interests aren’t in line with my interests?   The story doesn’t really have a strong Christian influence through the whole book.  In fact, one might not even know it was a Christian fiction book at all.  The references to God are woven into the characters rather than being an obviously evangelistic message.   Chasing Hope was a realistic story about the way life changes and how we can help each other have  a good attitude through it all.