What If?

A Story of Hope

Christian - Fiction
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 08/12/2026
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

Samuel Grace writes stories that explore hope, redemption, and the quiet ways grace appears in everyday life.

His debut novel, What If? A Story of Hope, invites readers to consider the possibility that even the most broken moments can lead to something beautiful.

Samuel lives in Colorado with his wife, Diane, where he continues writing stories that inspire reflection, faith, and healing.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

What if the hardest moments in life are leading somewhere we can't see yet? In What If? A Story of Hope by Samuel Grace, Sarah and Mark Grayson live on a farm in the small town of Willow Creek, Kansas. After years of hoping for a child despite Sarah's slim chance of becoming pregnant, they receive the news they have prayed for. She’s finally pregnant. Their daughter, Nadine, is born on Christmas Day. Her name fittingly means "hope." She grows up in a close family and experiences loss while she is still young. What happens to her stays with her and helps shape her life. The novel moves forward through different stages of Nadine’s journey, showing the decisions she has to make and the ways her faith is challenged. Real events from each time period are also woven into the story. No matter what she faces, though, hope keeps coming back. Will Nadine still believe that miracles are possible when her future turns out very differently from what she expected?

The cover of What If? by Samuel Grace caught my attention right away. After finishing the book, I have one word to describe it: amazing. I appreciated that it moved through the years because I got to see Nadine grow up and watch the world change around her. I also found the real events, like the AIDS epidemic, interesting since I hadn’t given those types of things much thought in a long time. The messages that “miracles happen every day” and “everything happens for a reason” are woven throughout. There are some difficult parts, but there is always hope. I was so happy that Sarah was able to receive the one thing she wanted so badly after being told the odds were against her. Some of Nadine’s experiences also reminded me that something frightening or painful in the moment can sometimes turn out to be a blessing. Anyone looking for faith-based fiction about family, loss, purpose, and second chances should pick this one up. Christopher Reeve said, "Once you choose hope, anything's possible." I couldn't think of a better quote for this book.

Brenda King

What touched me most was the book's message of hope. Even in its darkest moments, the story never loses sight of the possibility of healing and redemption. Some scenes were genuinely emotional and had me reaching for tissues, while others left me reflecting on my own life and the people I cherish.
The writing is heartfelt and sincere, and the themes of forgiveness, sacrifice, and purpose are woven naturally throughout the story. Whether you're a person of faith or simply someone who enjoys inspirational fiction with strong emotional depth, there's a lot to appreciate here.

Wendy

This book spoke to my heart! I believe anyone can see a piece of themselves in this book! In a world that doesn’t make sense at times, there is a true hope and broken pieces can shine again!

Kirsten Dent

Whoa. Samuel tells a story in such a beautiful, personable way. This book packs a powerful punch that is filled with deep emotion. I laughed, did a ton of crying, and smiled. I related to his characters, and loved them. I found this book to be encouraging, and I urge you to buy it. Read it, and you'll feel God's love, and comfort. Read it, and be filled with hope.

Jill Rey

What If?” shows us the hope in the moments that surround us. The hope even in the toughest of times, and the quiet beauty of life when we let hope take hold.

Author Samuel Grace has crafted an extraordinary story of a family in a fictional town outside of Kansas City. This small town is reminiscent of the idyllic towns peppering the Midwest. But there’s hardship in even the most beautiful of journeys.

As a mother and father pray for a child, against all odds their miracle is granted. Born on Christmas day, Nadine grows up enchanted by hope with a tenacity for life. “What If?” is her story, from the moment she’s born the echoing voice of a higher power is within her. Through the loss of her aunt, her grandparents, and soon her own mother, Nadine’s story is marked with difficulties and hard decisions. Watched over by a miracle, readers are guided by hope and that voice within.

Offering an immersive experience the audiobook production of “What If?” is extraordinary. Weaving in sound effects, echoing voices, and a spellbinding ambiance, our narrator brings this story to life. As we walk beside Nadine and the life she builds for herself, Grace continuously reminds us of all that is important. Showing us love, community, acceptance, and finally forgiveness, this powerful story resonates deeply.

Spanning generations, “What If?” is a beautiful story. Despite navigating hardships, detours, loss, and more, Nadine holds on to hope in this timeless classic.

Joseph B

The book really stirred my soul in an unexpected way.

Terrell Wilson

This book is one of my best reads of the last year!! It tackles such complex issues and human stories with tact and grace. Highly suggest it

Alex Keller

I listened to this book on Rakuten. It was a gripping, real, draining, emotional roller-coaster. Samuel Grace uses powerful life experiences to tell a story of faith challenged. Broken trust. Loss of innocence. Fortitude in the face of impossible odds. Acceptance of the things we can not change. Perseverance in the face of undaunting opposition. Forgiveness for those that tore us to our core. And the promise of God's grace and mercy fulfilled. I feel this book is exactly what every Christian needs in their library. And everyone else could certainly benefit and feel an emotional tug from this book as well. What if? A story of Hope, has found a home not only in my personal library. But, also in my Heart! Thank you Samuel Grace!

Elizabeth E

Great story of hope when circumstances look dark. It encouraged me to do what's right even when the consequences are hard. The ending was great because the dreams long forgotten came true.

Ann Boyle

What a wonderful read showing the victorious lives of people who have faith. Thank you Vaso for such a blessing!!!

Jennifer

Oh my goodness—this book is SO good!

What If? A Story of Hope is one of those rare books that grabs hold of your heart and doesn't let go. From the first page to the last, I found myself completely drawn into Nadine's story and the powerful message woven throughout every chapter: that God is always at work, even in our deepest pain, and that hope remains even when everything seems to be falling apart.

The themes of faith, loss, redemption, forgiveness, sacrifice, and the sanctity of life are beautifully woven together in a way that feels both deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. This book doesn't shy away from life's hardest questions, yet it continually points readers back to the truth that God's plans are bigger than we can imagine and that every life has purpose and value.

I loved how historical moments were intertwined throughout the book. It brings another layer of heart and humanity to an already powerful journey.

This book feels truly God-breathed. There were multiple moments that brought tears to my eyes as I reflected on God's goodness, grace, and sovereignty. It has already touched my life, and I know it will impact countless others.

I'm so glad you listened to that fiery wife of yours and finished writing this book! Thank you for trusting me to read through it and glean from your story. I'm incredibly proud of you, Vaso.

I don't care where you are in life, what side you stand on, where you've been, what you've done, or where you're going—this book is a must-read. Even if you're not much of a reader, you'll find yourself completely drawn in and walking away with a renewed sense of hope. This story reminds us that our lives matter, our choices matter, and that God can bring beauty, healing, and purpose from even the most broken places.

God is so good.

Ellen K

“What If” by Samuel Grace is a beautifully written story about how by maintaining faith, something that could have been a tragedy turns into a blessing. I love the way the characters are developed and intertwine with each other, and I love watching Nadine‘s growth throughout the story. In so many ways, the characters are relatable and real. The trials and tribulations that Nadine goes through are both heartbreaking and heartwarming. She never loses her faith. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with their faith to show what keeping your faith alive can mean in your life.

Gina J

I just finished What If?: A Story of Hope and I’m still wiping away tears—tears of sorrow, but mostly tears of profound joy and renewed faith. This book is a masterpiece of emotional depth and spiritual insight that left me feeling seen, healed, and hopeful in a way few stories ever have.

Samuel Grace weaves a multigenerational tale centered on Nadine Grayson, born on Christmas Day in a small Kansas town, whose life is marked by heartbreaking tragedy, impossible choices, and moments of quiet grace. From loss and suffering to redemption and unexpected beauty, the narrative masterfully explores the “what ifs” that haunt us all—the roads not taken, the pain we endure, and the divine threads that turn our brokenness into something sacred.

What sets this book apart is its raw honesty about human suffering paired with an unshakeable message of hope. It reminded me strongly of The Shack, Redeeming Love, and When Crickets Cry—deeply moving, faith-centered fiction that doesn’t shy away from darkness but points relentlessly toward light. Grace’s writing is beautiful and evocative, pulling you into the characters’ hearts so completely that their journeys feel like your own. I found myself reflecting on my own life, whispering prayers of gratitude, and believing again that heaven truly remembers what earth forgets.

This isn’t just a story you read—it’s one that lingers, comforts, and restores. Perfect for anyone walking through grief, doubt, or simply needing a reminder that hope is stronger than regret. If you’re looking for a novel that will make you cry, laugh, reflect, and ultimately walk away transformed, this is it.

I cannot recommend What If?: A Story of Hope highly enough. It’s easily one of the most powerful books I’ve read in years. Five glowing stars and a permanent spot on my favorites shelf!

Corbin

This book was very inspiration to me. It talks a lot about Christ and over coming tough times. I myself am not a Christian but the message still came across as very powerful. Seeing every character change and grow even through tough times and seeing them making the best of their situations with the people they met was my favorite part of the book!

Marissa Cavazos

I read the audiobook but I had to leave a review here. It was an emotional journey through heartbreak, hope, faith, and redemption. The story was beautifully written and brought to life by an engaging narrator who made it easy to become invested in the characters and their experiences.

While some parts hit very close to home and were difficult to listen to at times, that’s also what made the story so powerful. It felt authentic and relatable, capturing the pain of loss and disappointment while reminding listeners that healing, growth, and second chances are possible.

What I appreciated most was the message of hope woven throughout the story. Even in the darkest moments, themes of faith, perseverance, and redemption shined through. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after it ends.

I highly recommend this audiobook to anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories that explore life’s challenges while offering encouragement and inspiration.