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Hope Rising
They say a smile can change the world. It can also change the course of your life.
In 1993, Grace Gambino’s life takes a harrowing turn when she waves at a bearded man with a kind smile, plunging her into a nightmare that lasts 1286 days. Unbeknownst to her, she is pregnant with Mariah Hope, a daughter who becomes the light in her darkest hours. While Grace battles the psychological and physical chains of her captor, Mariah fills the dark hole he has dug. One she so desperately wants to plummet into.
Declan Callahan never dreamed he was moving next door to something out of a Stephen King novel. A widower, running from his own dark past of guilt and regret, does his best not to involve himself with the bearded neighbor and his beautiful daughter. Until one winter’s morning when he becomes an unexpected ally in Grace and Mariah’s escape.
Grace tries to piece together a life for herself and Mariah with the shards of glass left from her past, but it’s proving to be all but impossible.
Declan never intended on becoming the sunrise to the new nightmare Grace is living. Is he the catalyst to keep Grace from giving up on the life she fought so hard to get back, or will they both end up another piece of the pasts they are running from?
In 1993, Grace Gambino’s life takes a harrowing turn when she waves at a bearded man with a kind smile, plunging her into a nightmare that lasts 1286 days. Unbeknownst to her, she is pregnant with Mariah Hope, a daughter who becomes the light in her darkest hours. While Grace battles the psychological and physical chains of her captor, Mariah fills the dark hole he has dug. One she so desperately wants to plummet into.
Declan Callahan never dreamed he was moving next door to something out of a Stephen King novel. A widower, running from his own dark past of guilt and regret, does his best not to involve himself with the bearded neighbor and his beautiful daughter. Until one winter’s morning when he becomes an unexpected ally in Grace and Mariah’s escape.
Grace tries to piece together a life for herself and Mariah with the shards of glass left from her past, but it’s proving to be all but impossible.
Declan never intended on becoming the sunrise to the new nightmare Grace is living. Is he the catalyst to keep Grace from giving up on the life she fought so hard to get back, or will they both end up another piece of the pasts they are running from?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2024
9 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Sheets
2 books29 followersVanessa Sheets lives in northern Illinois with her husband, five children, grandson and mom, aka Da Homma. Three very mischievous cats run her house, day and night. She grew up in Durand, Illinois with cornfield lined roads. Summer is her favorite season because she loves to be outside and active. She enjoys creating, gardening, and cooking or anything that will keep her hands and mind busy. Her weaknesses are crème brûlée, crab legs, and filet mignon. Her days start off with coffee and end with binging her favorite shows. She loves to sing but can’t dance. At all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Did not finish
January 27, 2025DNF at 49%
Too much sadness. I can handle some traumatic back stories and some trauma on page. But when sad back stories are constantly brought up, it gets to be a bit much. The only escape from the sadness was the insta-love. Which the insta-love seemed a bit out of place given that she was brutally assaulted for three years. The tone of this story seemed a bit off balance and the overall story was not what I expected.
Too much sadness. I can handle some traumatic back stories and some trauma on page. But when sad back stories are constantly brought up, it gets to be a bit much. The only escape from the sadness was the insta-love. Which the insta-love seemed a bit out of place given that she was brutally assaulted for three years. The tone of this story seemed a bit off balance and the overall story was not what I expected.
November 7, 2024
Wow. I mean, there really are no other words except, you have to read this for yourself to understand.
From the very start, I was sucked into Grace’s world. I was hooked. The suspense was on a whole other level I hadn’t anticipated. I could have read the entire thing from her point of view.
But of course, the author amped up the emotions by providing a backstory for Declan, having us read from his point of view too. It made it near impossible for me to put the book down.
Without dropping any spoilers I will at least mention some possible trigger warnings: there’s mention of kidnapping, death, suicide, and rape.
But on the flip side, there’s a love story full of surprises that will make you smile and cry.
You have to read this story. You just have to. Just make sure you have tissues nearby.
From the very start, I was sucked into Grace’s world. I was hooked. The suspense was on a whole other level I hadn’t anticipated. I could have read the entire thing from her point of view.
But of course, the author amped up the emotions by providing a backstory for Declan, having us read from his point of view too. It made it near impossible for me to put the book down.
Without dropping any spoilers I will at least mention some possible trigger warnings: there’s mention of kidnapping, death, suicide, and rape.
But on the flip side, there’s a love story full of surprises that will make you smile and cry.
You have to read this story. You just have to. Just make sure you have tissues nearby.
October 31, 2024
I was pretty much hooked from the first chapter. Everytime I thought I could put it down the end of the chapter had me wanting to read more. Reading this book I felt like I could put myself in the scenes and it was real life. I’m not a fan of books that just end and leave me wanting more and this story really was complete when the last page was done. Trigger warning that some of the material is very realistic and might be hard for some readers that have experienced traumas in their past, but this book also gives hope that people can overcome hardships and there is help available so don’t feel like your alone
November 1, 2024
Never has a book broken me into a thousand pieces and put me back together! Being a mother this tugged at every heart string imaginable. What an emotionally, strong journey for these amazingly,resilient, beautiful people to take. The fight and drive that some people have to just keep going in the face of trauma or defeat and not give up is just a true super power!
November 2, 2024
Great book! Hooked from the beginning!
November 10, 2024
The author did a number on me writing this. Grace and Mariah are champions. And Declan is an amazing fighter for love, chances, and hope. I can't tell you all the various emotions that flooded me while eating the words of the pages of this book like they were going to disappear, but there were many.
Take a trip with them through their lives. The trauma, pain, love.. the hope. You won't regret it!
Take a trip with them through their lives. The trauma, pain, love.. the hope. You won't regret it!
December 8, 2024
Grace's life is forever changed when she is abducted and forced to do unimaginable things at the hand of her captor. The birth of her daughter is the only thing that keeps her going. When the new neighbor moves into the only house nearby, Grace feels this is her only chance to escape with her daughter. Declan becomes the savior Grace needs but his still past haunts him. Will these two broken souls be able to heal each other?
This story kept me on the edge of my seat reading into the night with no regrets as I devoured Grace and Declan's story. It was terrifying and heartbreaking. If you enjoy dark romance and love an imperfect hero, this is a must read!
This story kept me on the edge of my seat reading into the night with no regrets as I devoured Grace and Declan's story. It was terrifying and heartbreaking. If you enjoy dark romance and love an imperfect hero, this is a must read!
November 27, 2024
I've just closed my kindle and I'm speechless. It's hard hitting but evocative as well. The fact that these type of stories are actually not uncommon, make the scenarios scarier. A saga of a woman whose life is taken away, yet her strong will to survive despite all odds is inspiring in itself. Add to that mama bear attitude, it was definite that once cornered this mother would roar and kill to protect her cub. Women strength is my kryptonite so this book holds a special meaning for me.
Having said that, it broke me hard, I didn't know how much more torture I could endure, but since Grace Gambino took it like a warrior, I would too.
Grace was kidnapped and held prisoner in a stinky basement, in the middle of nowhere, for 1286 days by a vengeful monster. He abused, raped, beat, starved, punished, tied, flogged her EVERY.DAY for almost 4 years.
Why...because he wanted revenge. (Read the book to find out why)
Grace bears all, because her baby girl Mariah is the only "Hope" she has to look forward to.
"Mariah Hope saved my life in more ways than one. She was the only reason I still breathed the air on this earth, and the very meaning behind the rare smile on my face."
Rescue comes by chance in the form of a saviour neighbour who needs offset his own trauma by saving grace.
This story intends to break you. Make no mistake. It's not an easy red, there's triggers galore, but what remarkably written story it is.
It stabbed my heart and I bled tears. Since I'm a dark romance addict, I love warped storylines that don't necessarily give you a ribbon tied HEA per se, like everything is hunky dory now.
Such stories don't end on rainbows and sunsets, but at heartache and vaccum where someone precious used to be. But like the title, author keeps the Hope alive and well.
Somehow the ending made the story more relatable and believable for me. I'm impressed by the writing. It pulled out every emotion from my battered soul, some scenes were graphic in intent, but not explicitly torturous. She spares the readers the details, leaving it upto our imagination, which is very smart. Because it doesn't lesson the dread and readers can dish their imagination as much as they can digest.
I'm so glad she reached out and offered me this book, it was profound experience I would've missed otherwise
4.5 stars for Keep Turning Those Pages
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Having said that, it broke me hard, I didn't know how much more torture I could endure, but since Grace Gambino took it like a warrior, I would too.
Grace was kidnapped and held prisoner in a stinky basement, in the middle of nowhere, for 1286 days by a vengeful monster. He abused, raped, beat, starved, punished, tied, flogged her EVERY.DAY for almost 4 years.
Why...because he wanted revenge. (Read the book to find out why)
Grace bears all, because her baby girl Mariah is the only "Hope" she has to look forward to.
"Mariah Hope saved my life in more ways than one. She was the only reason I still breathed the air on this earth, and the very meaning behind the rare smile on my face."
Rescue comes by chance in the form of a saviour neighbour who needs offset his own trauma by saving grace.
This story intends to break you. Make no mistake. It's not an easy red, there's triggers galore, but what remarkably written story it is.
It stabbed my heart and I bled tears. Since I'm a dark romance addict, I love warped storylines that don't necessarily give you a ribbon tied HEA per se, like everything is hunky dory now.
Such stories don't end on rainbows and sunsets, but at heartache and vaccum where someone precious used to be. But like the title, author keeps the Hope alive and well.
Somehow the ending made the story more relatable and believable for me. I'm impressed by the writing. It pulled out every emotion from my battered soul, some scenes were graphic in intent, but not explicitly torturous. She spares the readers the details, leaving it upto our imagination, which is very smart. Because it doesn't lesson the dread and readers can dish their imagination as much as they can digest.
I'm so glad she reached out and offered me this book, it was profound experience I would've missed otherwise
4.5 stars for Keep Turning Those Pages
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
November 3, 2024
This is the fist book I have read by Vanessa Sheets and let me tell you I'm ADDICTED!! If you love Jennifer Hartmann like I do you are gonna devour this book! I went into this book not knowing that she actually grew up in my hometown so it was so cool to know that places she was talking about.
If you are sensitive to certain subjects please make sure you read the trigger warnings. This is a heavy book that will have you going through a lot of emotions so make sure you will be ok to read this. This book definitely took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride but it was definitely worth it because it was a beautiful story. Grace ends up being kidnapped and plunged into a nightmare that last 1286 days. When she was taken she didn't realize she was pregnant and her daughter Mariah Hope is the only thing that kept her going through all the stuff she has to deal with while being held captive. Declan who is a widower ends up moving in next door. Never did he imagine the horrible things he would end up seeing when he moved in. But one morning he will become the unexpected ally in Grace and Mariah's escape. This story will tear at your heartstrings but it will bring your heart back together. Grace, Declan and Mariah are wonderful characters in this book. They hold a lot of trauma and grief but can they help each other heal? This story was well written and held my attention from the beginning until the end. i didn't want it to end. I HIGHLY recommend this book and I look forward to reading more of her book.
Thank you Vanessa Sheets for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
If you are sensitive to certain subjects please make sure you read the trigger warnings. This is a heavy book that will have you going through a lot of emotions so make sure you will be ok to read this. This book definitely took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride but it was definitely worth it because it was a beautiful story. Grace ends up being kidnapped and plunged into a nightmare that last 1286 days. When she was taken she didn't realize she was pregnant and her daughter Mariah Hope is the only thing that kept her going through all the stuff she has to deal with while being held captive. Declan who is a widower ends up moving in next door. Never did he imagine the horrible things he would end up seeing when he moved in. But one morning he will become the unexpected ally in Grace and Mariah's escape. This story will tear at your heartstrings but it will bring your heart back together. Grace, Declan and Mariah are wonderful characters in this book. They hold a lot of trauma and grief but can they help each other heal? This story was well written and held my attention from the beginning until the end. i didn't want it to end. I HIGHLY recommend this book and I look forward to reading more of her book.
Thank you Vanessa Sheets for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
November 23, 2025
Hope Rising by Vanessa Sheets is an emotional, heart-wrenching journey that tackles incredibly heavy and sensitive topics with honesty and care. This story delves into the death of a spouse, captivity, sexual assault, physical abuse and suicide. Please check triggers before diving in. It’s one of those reads that grips you from page one and doesn’t let go.
Grace is an unbelievably strong FMC. Even in the darkest moments, she holds tight to hope. It’s the only thing she has left to keep her daughter, Mariah safe. Her resilience is breathtaking, and her love is fierce enough to break your heart and heal it at the same time.
Declan’s character was just as compelling. Even while battling his own trauma and scars, he still stepped in exactly when Grace and Mariah needed him most. His presence becomes a lifeline, and watching his quiet strength intertwine with their survival made the story even more powerful.
This book is intense, emotional, and beautifully done. Have your tissues ready, seriously! But it’s also a story about love, healing, and the small sparks of hope that can survive even the darkest storms.
A painfully beautiful read, and an easy 5-star book for me.
Grace is an unbelievably strong FMC. Even in the darkest moments, she holds tight to hope. It’s the only thing she has left to keep her daughter, Mariah safe. Her resilience is breathtaking, and her love is fierce enough to break your heart and heal it at the same time.
Declan’s character was just as compelling. Even while battling his own trauma and scars, he still stepped in exactly when Grace and Mariah needed him most. His presence becomes a lifeline, and watching his quiet strength intertwine with their survival made the story even more powerful.
This book is intense, emotional, and beautifully done. Have your tissues ready, seriously! But it’s also a story about love, healing, and the small sparks of hope that can survive even the darkest storms.
A painfully beautiful read, and an easy 5-star book for me.
November 7, 2024
Amazing read, you won’t want to put this one down. Throughout the entire book, I felt like I was right there experiencing life with Grace & Mariah. This is a very emotional read about love, loss, captivity, abuse and trauma. If you have experienced any type of abuse in your life it might be triggering for you to read, however, Vanessa does an amazing job of showing what any mother and a woman can over come and the strength that we all have within us when times are tough. Then add in Declan and his story that by the end, you will be left crying but also with an overwhelming feeling of love in your heart.
September 2, 2025
This book has you feeling emotions from deep down in your soul. I have never so badly not wanted to put a book down and need a break to digest and prepare for what awaits these characters at the same exact time. It so perfectly ties together romance and suspense in a beautiful way. The cherry on top was the nostalgia I got from the local references such as the old ToysRUs behind the Cherry Valley mall. This is easily in my top five favorite books of this year! Vanessa and her husband are very sweet and it was such a pleasure to meet them. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
November 7, 2024
This book was so well written, I felt I was right there, experiencing life alongside Grace. I was on the edge of seat wanting everything to work out for the best for everyone. My heart broke, was scared and was happy for them. I admired her fight and drive and was so happy it didn't leave me wanting more. Excellent twists and turns and character development. I can't wait to see what Vanessa writes next!
November 7, 2024
This is Vanessa’s second book. Let me tell you her writing gets better and better. This will have you hooked from page one. The characters are so beautifully described and they have been through so much heartache. You will root from them from beginning until the end. Little Mariah will steal your heart. You will want to gut punch Frank he truly is evil. If you grew up in the 90’s you will appreciate the details. I can’t wait to read more from Vanessa.
November 7, 2024
Could not put down from the beginning!
Unlike other books that take a few chapters to get into it, the author pulls you in immediately! You’ll find yourself emotionally engaged with the young woman and her daughter and be rooting for them. Every detail is perfectly woven into set up an amazing ending you could not have predicted! This is a must read! Be ready for a ride of emotions and sexy energy!
Unlike other books that take a few chapters to get into it, the author pulls you in immediately! You’ll find yourself emotionally engaged with the young woman and her daughter and be rooting for them. Every detail is perfectly woven into set up an amazing ending you could not have predicted! This is a must read! Be ready for a ride of emotions and sexy energy!
November 4, 2024
I don’t know where to start with this book. My heart is tangled in so many feelings anger, heartache, love, joy, longing. This is not a book I would typically read but, I am so happy I did. I can honestly say that I was fully invested in the story within the first chapter. Please do yourself a favor and purchase this book and read it ASAP.
November 6, 2024
Another amazing book by Vanessa! Pulled me in from me from the very start and I couldn't put it down. It had all my emotions going. My momma heart resonated with how you would do anything and everything for your baby. Following along as Grace navigates her life with and through trauma with such fierceness had me smiling and cheering her on the whole time.
November 9, 2024
I'm not sure where to begin. This book was so good. I could not put down. I was hooked from cover to cover. I loved reading both characters pov. There was suspense that kept me at the edge of my seat.
This book had me laughing and crying all at the same time.
Give this a read it's so good you won't be disappointed.
This book had me laughing and crying all at the same time.
Give this a read it's so good you won't be disappointed.
November 10, 2024
This book started out strong, toward the middle it feel really flat. I felt that Grace and Declan formed a relationship very quickly, it was almost insta love. I think it lacked depth. And it was cheesy which just doesn't fit with the tone of the story. Also the ending was a bit disappointing and sad.
January 6, 2025
The traumas that both of these characters endured is heartbreaking. It shows just how strong a person can be when they have something to fight for. You were brought into their world, felt their pain and joy, and rooted for them the whole way through. I was not prepared for the ending. 💔 But it just proved what a mother’s love can do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2025
The cover is gorgeous! I was so glued into Grace's world as I was instantly hooked .. the suspense that is in this book will take you on a whole new level ... I honestly love how there is a backstop on Declan.. no spoilers here as you will have to read it yourself as it will make you smile and cry. It is such a beautiful story
February 11, 2026
Hope Rising is one of those stories that doesn’t just stay with you it settles into you. The emotional weight of Grace’s captivity is handled with care and realism, never sensationalized but deeply human. What moved me most was the portrayal of motherhood as both anchor and lifeline. Mariah isn’t just a child in the story she is hope personified.
November 7, 2024
This book caught my attention and held it from page one. The book takes place in Rockford Illinois, and mentions many business names. As someone who grew up in the area, I didn't necessarily enjoy that. It was a little weird. But otherwise it is a very good read, and I would definetly recommend.
November 9, 2024
Wow! Vanessa has done it again. The book lives up to it name Hope Rising this book gives hope despite heartbreaking and very difficult situations. Trigger warnings: abuse, kidnapping, rape, graphic sexual scenes, suicide.
March 2, 2025
I couldn’t put it down!
After reading Break Away, I had to read this book. Now I can’t wait for this author’s next book. This is not a sequel. Both are stand alone books by a really talented story teller.
After reading Break Away, I had to read this book. Now I can’t wait for this author’s next book. This is not a sequel. Both are stand alone books by a really talented story teller.
August 1, 2025
A very touching story of a topic not often discussed.
a very touching snd moving story, a very good read!! Gives one a lot to think about as this happened way more than we would ever be aware of.
a very touching snd moving story, a very good read!! Gives one a lot to think about as this happened way more than we would ever be aware of.
October 20, 2024
Very well written story about captivity, abuse, hope, mental health, and overcoming trauma. Made me really feel Grace’s emotions and her triumph!!! Great book that is easy to read.
November 7, 2024
This book can not be described in less than a thousand words what an amazing book.
February 3, 2025
Wonderful book, great story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews