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Heartbeats #1
Where It All Began
An impossible choice. An unforeseen consequence. The hand of God.Sandra Baker thought her life was on the perfect track until she ended up pregnant. Her boyfriend, not wanting the baby, pushes her to have an abortion and though she doesn't want one, she realizes she cannot support a baby alone.
After the procedure, Sandra's life falls apart as the guilt creeps in. She turns to alcohol, her relationship ends, and she struggles to find meaning in her life.
When she meets Henry Dobbs, a strong Christian man, she begins to wonder if his God would accept her. Will she tell Henry her darkest secret? And will she ever be able to forgive herself and find healing? Find out in this emotional love story. Fans of Colleen Coble, Lori Wick, and Karen Kingsbury will love this inspirational romance from best-selling author Lorana Hoopes. Grab your copy today!*Special discussion question section included for book groups*
After the procedure, Sandra's life falls apart as the guilt creeps in. She turns to alcohol, her relationship ends, and she struggles to find meaning in her life.
When she meets Henry Dobbs, a strong Christian man, she begins to wonder if his God would accept her. Will she tell Henry her darkest secret? And will she ever be able to forgive herself and find healing? Find out in this emotional love story. Fans of Colleen Coble, Lori Wick, and Karen Kingsbury will love this inspirational romance from best-selling author Lorana Hoopes. Grab your copy today!*Special discussion question section included for book groups*
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2016
36 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Lorana Hoopes
148 books290 followersLorana Hoopes is an inspirational romance and children’s author originally from Texas. She now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children. When not writing, she can be found singing or acting on stage or kickboxing at her gym. You can also find her hosting her show Write the World where she interviews authors and writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 20, 2018
Where It All Began was a story built around the topic of abortion and the consequences of that decision.
Lorena weaved a story that at times was hard to read as a Christian, but it's a topic that needs to be addressed in our present society. Her characters of Sandra and Henry were well-developed and were very different from each other. Sandra was not a Christian and didn't know about Gods forgiveness. Henry was a Christian and tried to expose her to God's truths.
Through a series of events, Sandra is forced to come to grips with her sin. She learns along the way that God can heal and take bad circumstances and use them for his glory.
An inspiring and deeply moving read.
Lorena weaved a story that at times was hard to read as a Christian, but it's a topic that needs to be addressed in our present society. Her characters of Sandra and Henry were well-developed and were very different from each other. Sandra was not a Christian and didn't know about Gods forgiveness. Henry was a Christian and tried to expose her to God's truths.
Through a series of events, Sandra is forced to come to grips with her sin. She learns along the way that God can heal and take bad circumstances and use them for his glory.
An inspiring and deeply moving read.
September 3, 2019
A good book. I think this author had good grasp of subject she was writing about. I hope to read more in this series. A recommended read.
Keep up the good work.
Keep up the good work.
July 9, 2017
Both of the characters were highly likeable and you are just pulled right into the story. The premise of the story is one that we see often but I really enjoyed the author’s twist on it.
Even though this is a Christian romance and a clean novel, there is so much depth of feelings between two main characters. There is plenty of sweet romance, endearing with longing love. You really get a sense of how much these two mean to each other. I may or may not have shed a few tears over this story!
The author includes some beautiful sections with an inspirational message of believing in listening to your heart.
This is a refreshing novel that will leave you feeling wonderful.
Even though this is a Christian romance and a clean novel, there is so much depth of feelings between two main characters. There is plenty of sweet romance, endearing with longing love. You really get a sense of how much these two mean to each other. I may or may not have shed a few tears over this story!
The author includes some beautiful sections with an inspirational message of believing in listening to your heart.
This is a refreshing novel that will leave you feeling wonderful.
February 26, 2018
What an amazing book. I love the way it flowed. Great Christian read. So nice to read a book that has a content that is relevant and important issues.
June 8, 2017
BOOK REVIEW: Where it all Began By Lorana Hoopes
I loved the way this author showed the ugly side of abortion, how Sandra did not want the abortion but did it because her boyfriend Peter pressured her to do and refused to discuss the chance of keeping the baby. It is only after Sandra has the procedure and their relationship breaks down doe her boyfriend realises what he has done.
Throughout this book you feel each emotion that Sandra goes through as you watch battle with depression and turning to alcohol to mask the pain she is feeling.
On one of her worst days Sandra is given the support of a stranger how lives in the same apartment block and through friends set up of a blind date she again meets this stranger Henry. Sandra comes to the realization that all the negative and disturbing feeling she had when around her ex-boyfriend she does not have with Henry.
Very early in the relationship Henry introduces Sandra to his faith in God, Jesus and his church and Sandra begins to explore this new appreciation for Henry’s dedication to his faith but she always doubts within herself why God would forgive her for her sin of abortion. Henry and Sandra are together for many months, when Henry proposes to Sandra which she agrees to but she keeps her secret from Henry.
After being married for two years and trying to have a child of their own Sandra discovers because of her abortion she can no longer have children and thinks god is punishing her for her sins. But the real test of life and their combine belief in their faith in god is when Sandra and Henry are involved in a motor vehicle accident leaving lasting effects on both.
Will their marriage survive? Will Sandra still have faith in God or will she turn her back.
Though this book does have a happy ending for the couple there are a lot of tests and challenges for them both and how they struggle especially Sandra to keep her belief in God and that he does love her, will guide her to the path where she can carry his message of love but also have an impact on other women’s lives by telling her story. This book though it’s a romance is about one woman’s journey both the ugly and the good.
There were a few very strong messages in this book and though I myself am not very religious, I do believe in God and Jesus and found that I could relate very much to what Sandra was going through, why people came into her life at just the right moments when she needed help the most and how she could change the lives of other.
This book truly is empowering to any woman that reads it, though it has a strong religious component to it, it is not all the book is about.
I will defiantly have been reading this book again in time, like today I took away something powerful and profound, I am sure any future times that I read this book, it will have different messages for me. If you are not religious please don’t shun this book because to the religious content there is so much more to this book and deserves a read
Bronwyn
I loved the way this author showed the ugly side of abortion, how Sandra did not want the abortion but did it because her boyfriend Peter pressured her to do and refused to discuss the chance of keeping the baby. It is only after Sandra has the procedure and their relationship breaks down doe her boyfriend realises what he has done.
Throughout this book you feel each emotion that Sandra goes through as you watch battle with depression and turning to alcohol to mask the pain she is feeling.
On one of her worst days Sandra is given the support of a stranger how lives in the same apartment block and through friends set up of a blind date she again meets this stranger Henry. Sandra comes to the realization that all the negative and disturbing feeling she had when around her ex-boyfriend she does not have with Henry.
Very early in the relationship Henry introduces Sandra to his faith in God, Jesus and his church and Sandra begins to explore this new appreciation for Henry’s dedication to his faith but she always doubts within herself why God would forgive her for her sin of abortion. Henry and Sandra are together for many months, when Henry proposes to Sandra which she agrees to but she keeps her secret from Henry.
After being married for two years and trying to have a child of their own Sandra discovers because of her abortion she can no longer have children and thinks god is punishing her for her sins. But the real test of life and their combine belief in their faith in god is when Sandra and Henry are involved in a motor vehicle accident leaving lasting effects on both.
Will their marriage survive? Will Sandra still have faith in God or will she turn her back.
Though this book does have a happy ending for the couple there are a lot of tests and challenges for them both and how they struggle especially Sandra to keep her belief in God and that he does love her, will guide her to the path where she can carry his message of love but also have an impact on other women’s lives by telling her story. This book though it’s a romance is about one woman’s journey both the ugly and the good.
There were a few very strong messages in this book and though I myself am not very religious, I do believe in God and Jesus and found that I could relate very much to what Sandra was going through, why people came into her life at just the right moments when she needed help the most and how she could change the lives of other.
This book truly is empowering to any woman that reads it, though it has a strong religious component to it, it is not all the book is about.
I will defiantly have been reading this book again in time, like today I took away something powerful and profound, I am sure any future times that I read this book, it will have different messages for me. If you are not religious please don’t shun this book because to the religious content there is so much more to this book and deserves a read
Bronwyn
February 12, 2018
Where It All Began by Lorana Hoopes is a powerful contemporary Christian family novel. At its heart is a God who loves us no matter what we have done. "God meets you where you are and changes you from there."
God is the God of restoration. He can restore the lost years and give us new hopes and dreams for our futures.
The novel surrounds the painful subject of abortion and its aftermath. The trauma may well have long reaching arms.
Guilt links in. "Would I ever be able to forgive him?... Would I ever be able to forgive myself?" Consumed by guilt, life may spiral downwards. "Will this massive guilt ever go away?" We need to face our guilt and surrender it to the One who can heal us. God can heal via the medical professionals too. We must never be afraid to seek professional help.
In our guilt, we may try to dull it by turning to alcohol. "Maybe I could just drink the pain away." Alcohol is not the answer as our problems are still there when we wake up.
Prayer is powerful. It builds our relationship with God. "I know you probably don't listen to prayers from people like me." God hears the prayers of everyone. Whatever we have done, we can always have a fresh start in God.
Children are at the heart. Children deserve to be loved and cared for. There are the themes of fostering and families too.
I found Where It All Began a really powerful read. Written in the first person, I really 'felt' the emotions of the lead character. She was young and vulnerable, pressured into doing something she regretted. No one should ever be pressured into ending life. "Our reputation is not worth a child's life." Everyone should be given love, care and support.
A powerful read that will have you reaching for the tissues.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
God is the God of restoration. He can restore the lost years and give us new hopes and dreams for our futures.
The novel surrounds the painful subject of abortion and its aftermath. The trauma may well have long reaching arms.
Guilt links in. "Would I ever be able to forgive him?... Would I ever be able to forgive myself?" Consumed by guilt, life may spiral downwards. "Will this massive guilt ever go away?" We need to face our guilt and surrender it to the One who can heal us. God can heal via the medical professionals too. We must never be afraid to seek professional help.
In our guilt, we may try to dull it by turning to alcohol. "Maybe I could just drink the pain away." Alcohol is not the answer as our problems are still there when we wake up.
Prayer is powerful. It builds our relationship with God. "I know you probably don't listen to prayers from people like me." God hears the prayers of everyone. Whatever we have done, we can always have a fresh start in God.
Children are at the heart. Children deserve to be loved and cared for. There are the themes of fostering and families too.
I found Where It All Began a really powerful read. Written in the first person, I really 'felt' the emotions of the lead character. She was young and vulnerable, pressured into doing something she regretted. No one should ever be pressured into ending life. "Our reputation is not worth a child's life." Everyone should be given love, care and support.
A powerful read that will have you reaching for the tissues.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
June 21, 2019
I enjoyed this book but in some ways it was hard to read; because it is a book about a very serious subject. It is about abortion and the impact it can have on many lives. There is some romance in this principally between Claire and Henry. But it is more about abortion and it’s affects and aftermath. Claire gets pregnant from her live-in boyfriend who at time is, Peter. He doesn’t want the baby and pushes Claire into getting an abortion. Actually every time she tries to discuss the baby with him he refuses to discuss it except to tell her to abort it. A girlfriend of hers wasn’t anymore helpful when she turns to her for help. She feels like she doesn’t have a choice. Peter refuses to accompany her to the abortion clinic. She is all alone and it ends up being more of an assembly line process. The nurse and doctor say very little to her. It ends up being a painful process and later she finds out that because of the abortion she can have no other children. After the abortion she has nightmares and other issues come up because of the impact that abortion has on Claire’s life; but good things happen too. Claire finds Christ. She becomes involved in helping other women to know they have other options available to them and provides support to women who decide against abortion. In addition Claire and Henry become involved in foster care and love the children placed in their care. Two of the children become available to them to adopt. The book ends beautifully. There isn’t any profanity and sexual narrative at all.
June 4, 2017
Life, they say for some, flips 180 degrees overnight. For others, it might be a slow agonising topple. There may be many moments in the topple when you feel you can almost get back up before your grip slips again, until you hit rock bottom. It's hard to decipher which kind of fall is worse, but it's not so hard to spot the actual winners. The ones who bounce back from the dump.
Sandra Baker starts off seemingly as one of the many girls who presume they have life under control - all until they find a jackass to control their fate and happiness. Sandra makes the same blunder, in choosing a totally self-centred almost-heartless guy for a boyfriend. He mercilessly pushes her into abortion. The circumstances wreak havoc in the mind of Sandra who turns to addictive elements for solace. Sandra's life is steadily spiralling down, until she meets the (literally) God-sent Henry.
This story is not about a preachy debate on believing and atheism. It's rather a tale of perseverance and self-reliance. Some may call that supportive super power God while others may call it a guardian spirit. This story just shows us that even at the most despairing of moments, we are not alone, and we will not left in lurch if we have enough for faith, in ourselves first.
Sandra Baker starts off seemingly as one of the many girls who presume they have life under control - all until they find a jackass to control their fate and happiness. Sandra makes the same blunder, in choosing a totally self-centred almost-heartless guy for a boyfriend. He mercilessly pushes her into abortion. The circumstances wreak havoc in the mind of Sandra who turns to addictive elements for solace. Sandra's life is steadily spiralling down, until she meets the (literally) God-sent Henry.
This story is not about a preachy debate on believing and atheism. It's rather a tale of perseverance and self-reliance. Some may call that supportive super power God while others may call it a guardian spirit. This story just shows us that even at the most despairing of moments, we are not alone, and we will not left in lurch if we have enough for faith, in ourselves first.
February 26, 2018
A story you won't soon forget
This story will stay with you long after you finish reading it. Sandra and Henry's story is at times both heartbreaking and heartwarming. You'll see the consequences of choices made, and the loving redemption of God in the aftermath. I started this book and couldn't put it down. It had my attention from the first page, and kept it til the very end. The story had a bit of an abrupt ending, but I know that it is a continuing series. It was just a story that I hated to see end. If you're looking for a story that packs a punch, you won't be disappointed in this one.
This story will stay with you long after you finish reading it. Sandra and Henry's story is at times both heartbreaking and heartwarming. You'll see the consequences of choices made, and the loving redemption of God in the aftermath. I started this book and couldn't put it down. It had my attention from the first page, and kept it til the very end. The story had a bit of an abrupt ending, but I know that it is a continuing series. It was just a story that I hated to see end. If you're looking for a story that packs a punch, you won't be disappointed in this one.
April 6, 2019
What an amazing story of sin, heartbreak, love and redemption! Sandra, a nursing student, discovers she is pregnant. Her boyfriend, Peter, doesn’t want to talk about it, then decides she must abort. They don’t have time for a baby right now. Knowing it is not right, Sandra still has an abortion anyway. But this “simple procedure” leads to very strong emotional and physical complications.
This book is a wonderful story of how God’s love can forgive and restore the lives and dreams of the people who turn to Him.
This book is a wonderful story of how God’s love can forgive and restore the lives and dreams of the people who turn to Him.
October 25, 2019
This story touches on the effect abortion had on Sandra's life. Everything seemed to fall apart! DrInking , nightmares. Until Henry came into her life. He showed her compassion, love and God's love. Henry showing and teaching her how Gods love is always in his heart..How God will forgive. A loving story between Man, woman, and letting God lead in their lives. A beautiful story of love by Lorana Hoopes and the narration was superb by Corry Reynolds I was gifted an audio book and offered my honest review
December 29, 2019
Finding yourself pregnant is difficult but more so when the guy wants you to have an abortion. Then there is the guilt when you decide to do what he wants. The woman suffers more than the man since he can just walk away from the situation & forget it all when he decides he doesn't want to be involved with the woman anymore. Since this happens a lot in today's society I think this story very appropriate for both men & women to read. I appreciate the christian perspective also. God is eager & willing to forgive & restore. It is very well written & has an HEA.
July 3, 2017
It's rare to find a book in which the characters can relate so much to every day life. It's even more rare to find those characters in which you can think of them like friends while you read. The characters suffer with every day, real problems, which makes them very tangible.
Everyone needs a bit of inspiration from time to time and Where it All Began is the perfect story to fall into for not only great entertainments, but for a blessing and reminder to have faith.
Everyone needs a bit of inspiration from time to time and Where it All Began is the perfect story to fall into for not only great entertainments, but for a blessing and reminder to have faith.
February 21, 2018
this is a heart wrenching book about abortion & the long range pain it gives people. But it is also a book that shows that GOD makes good things come out of the bad! He never leaves us or forsakes us! He is a healer that loves us as much as He loves our Savior Messiah! that love never changes! He is love! Wrong choices can be very devestating. That is why He hates sin! So if you are young I hope you will read this book & that it might help you make better choices!
April 24, 2018
Well-written book dealing with premarital sex, abortion, foster parenting, adoption and honesty in marriage! God loves us all and nothing is too bad for Him to forgive if we only ask and accept His forgiveness! Lorana Hoopes brings tears of sorrow and of joy to your eyes through this story. I recommend Where It All Began to others who enjoy contemporary fiction. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
November 30, 2018
Heartache, Sadness, Forgiveness, Happiness, Love, Anxiety you name it this book has it. I listened to the audiobook and it was narrated pretty good. There are a few spots where the narrator seems to read a little too fast but it doesn't affect the storyline at all. Lorana Hoopes nailed the emotions in this story. She is a terrific author! I look forward to reading & listening to more of her stories!!!
June 24, 2020
While I enjoyed the Pro-life message, it came at the expense of the abortion of two babies (very sad face). While one lady had a very ho-hum attitude about it, the other was very distraught about her decision which ultimately lead her to the Lord and a relationship with him (happy face). This story line has a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns and emotions. I did like the overall redemption message, because the Lord loves us no matter what and He will forgive us if we ask.
December 15, 2020
Where It All Began (Heartbeats #1) was another great read by Lorana Hoopes. Sandra ended up pregnant right as she thought her life was right on track. Her boyfriend doesn't want to have a baby and pushes her to have an abortion, her life falls apart and she turns to alcohol for comfort. She meets Henry who is a strong Christian man who helps bring her to God. I really enjoyed Sandra and Henry's story and can't wait to read more by Lorana Hoopes.
February 26, 2018
My seventh read from amazing author Lorana Hoopes. I read 507 books last year and this author is the very best of the lot and this is another amazing Christian read, God's hand is shown throughout the book, I spent a Sunday afternoon letting my Kindle read this book to my wife & I, much better than TV. *Spoiler* AS adoptive parents for five kids the book hit especially close to home!
March 2, 2018
I enjoyed the message in this book. It earns four out of five stars from me. It felt like some parts dragged a little, but I wanted to know how things ended for this couple. I shed a couple tears, but I predicted the happy ending.
If you don’t mind a taste of realistic humanity in your Christian stories, this is the author you want to read.
If you don’t mind a taste of realistic humanity in your Christian stories, this is the author you want to read.
March 6, 2018
This book has some very serious topics in it. There is abortion, not being able to have children after an abortion, drinking, a tragic accident, fostering children and accepting God into your life. If you are looking for a carefree, happy, romance book I would recommend other books by Lorana Hoopes. I did enjoy reading this book and its serious topics.
August 30, 2019
Loved it, very emotional
Sandra's journey through loss, New love and finding God, as well
As losing physical abilities is an emotional roller coaster. I liked how it was written and thought her reliance on a crutch very natural, but would have liked to have seen her go to AA or other counseling. Incredibly good read.
Sandra's journey through loss, New love and finding God, as well
As losing physical abilities is an emotional roller coaster. I liked how it was written and thought her reliance on a crutch very natural, but would have liked to have seen her go to AA or other counseling. Incredibly good read.
February 14, 2020
** Audiobook Review** I was given a copy of this audio book for an honest review. This sweet, christian romance novel is written by Lorana Hoopes & narrated beautifully by Corry Reynolds. Once again, Lorana delivers a dynamic story that tests the characters beliefs and commitments with a few gut punches. I loved listening to the first book in the Heartbeat series.
April 15, 2023
Deep Subject
Life can bring the unexpected & does so for the main characters. The h attends church & questions if she has sinned more than God can forgive. She & the H come to learn that God can rewrite mistakes to something unexpected, powerful & beautiful. The author keeps events moving forward, so it's hard to stop reading.
Life can bring the unexpected & does so for the main characters. The h attends church & questions if she has sinned more than God can forgive. She & the H come to learn that God can rewrite mistakes to something unexpected, powerful & beautiful. The author keeps events moving forward, so it's hard to stop reading.
March 18, 2018
Abortion
This is a very good book. It addresses the pain and guilt faced by women after an abortion and how God can forgive and guide women to a fulfilling life and use her to help others.
This is a very good book. It addresses the pain and guilt faced by women after an abortion and how God can forgive and guide women to a fulfilling life and use her to help others.
March 20, 2018
Reality
This book was sad and happy. It shows how there are consequences to every choice we make. I loved Sandra and Henry and felt everything with them, good and bad. Now they both love God and He will see them through life.
This book was sad and happy. It shows how there are consequences to every choice we make. I loved Sandra and Henry and felt everything with them, good and bad. Now they both love God and He will see them through life.
July 20, 2019
Great book
Sandra has a very interesting story. Forgiveness is so prominent in this story. We think we have committed the most unforgivable sin that God can never love us. Sandra has that feeling. Read this book to see how she is brought to God.
Sandra has a very interesting story. Forgiveness is so prominent in this story. We think we have committed the most unforgivable sin that God can never love us. Sandra has that feeling. Read this book to see how she is brought to God.
April 22, 2020
The power of forgiveness
When you have a real relationship with God we can and will forgive your sins. God can given you the desires of your heart but not the way you think he should.
When you have a real relationship with God we can and will forgive your sins. God can given you the desires of your heart but not the way you think he should.
Read
November 10, 2019excellent read! Can't wait to get more of her books and read them.
May 20, 2022
Great book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews