Title: Along Came Hell, or So I Thought
Author: Lois Young
Publisher: Authors’ Tranquility Press (April 3, 2024)
ISBN: 978-1964037196
Pages: 282
Genre: Self-Help
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Hollywood Book Reviews
In Along Came Hell, or So I Thought, author Lois Young details her family’s battle with betrayal, anguish, and forgiveness when her husband openly admits to engaging in shameful behavior toward the unlikeliest of persons.
In Ed and Jean’s home, a routine Thursday night swiftly turns catastrophic as Ed admits to doing the unthinkable: improper behavior towards his grandchildren. In the forty-four years that he and Jean have been together, Ed has not only been the president of the church council but also a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He has also led other organizations during that period. Following his shocking disclosure to the family, Ed agrees to relinquish his leadership position and surrender to the sheriff’s department. Jean is outraged and perplexed by these atrocities, and despite her best attempts to recall some of their best moments and offer him forgiveness as a Christian, her search for answers only leads to more questions.
As the days pass, Jean becomes increasingly depressed and begins to isolate herself. She remembers being curious about Ed’s whereabouts and activities during family get-togethers, events, and other occasions. In light of this, she would rather go into the unknown on her own than with him, preferring that he remain in jail and cease from writing to her.
Even though Matthew 18:22 teaches that Christians must forgive others seventy times seven, this touching tale shows how tough it can be at times. The horrors described in it have the power to totally destroy anyone’s chance of survival, and I have no doubt that many readers would concur. Seeing Young’s family weather the storm with the help and well wishes of her therapist, family, and friends is amazing.
One of the most important lessons she delivers, despite the story’s dismal opening, is that no one is ever alone and that God’s boundless compassion, kindness, and patience are always present – especially in the face of adversity. Another important lesson is the necessity of prayer being simple and sincere. For anyone seeking to comprehend the process of shedding one’s former identity and learning how to move past it, Along Came Hell, or So I Thought is a must-read. It is simple, Bible-based, and an excellent resource for overcoming emotional pain and trauma. It’s a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of finding peace within oneself. Readers looking for inspiration, spiritual insight, and personal growth will find this book a worthwhile addition to their collection.