“Julie Overlease’s book, Hope Upon Impact, testifies, like soldiers restarting their lives returning from war, that it’s not the tragedy that strictly determines the outcome of events, but how we react. Overlease’s often inspiring account of love, community, and faith in a beneficent God is not only a joy to read, but vividly portrays the interplay of the saving power of all three, separate roots to the Tree of Life. This is a story of overwhelming love, overwhelming mutual friendship within community, and overwhelming gratitude for God’s beneficent salvation.”

The truth is, it’s not important in the final analysis what the tragedy was. Whether you are a person of deep faith or an atheist, you can’t help but admire, be humanly moved and inspired by the outcomes. If strength overcoming terrifying adversity can illuminate life’s most meaningful path forward, Overlease’s faithful journey will shine a beacon through the jungle, right after you wipe the tears of pain, gratitude and joy from your eyes. “

Rabbi Dr. Mark H. Levin, DHL

Founding Rabbi of Congregation Beth Torah – Overland Park, Kansas

Author of Praying the Bible

“Twelve-year-old Evelyn Overlease’s freak injury resulting in a traumatic brain injury became the occasion for a deepened faith for her parents, family and friends. This is the story of faithful parental love, of a community of faith surrounding a hurting family with compassion, care and prayers, and ultimately a testimony of hope in God’s providence. This memoir chronicles how, for the person of faith, God provides many consolations and signs of his love in the midst of the unexpected and terrifying storms of life.”

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

Archbishop of Kansas City in Kansas

“An uplifting testament to the power of prayer and perseverance. Overlease and her family share their journey of healing, always directing the reader back to the hope they found in the consoling prayers and support of so many people all across the country. This book speaks to the power of love through prayer and service. Prayer changes things. It heals and restores, renews, and rebuilds. Evelyn is proof of its sustaining grace.”

Mary E. Lenaburg

Author of Be Brave in the Scared: How I Learned to Trust God during the Most Difficult Days of My Life

“Hope Upon Impact is one of the most amazing books I’ve had the honor of reading! Julie Overlease’s heartfelt story of her daughter’s horrible accident and recovery, as well as the strong faith of her family and friends, left me speechless, thankful and full of hope. But it’s not only that. As an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction alike, I find her writing style to be nothing short of fantastic! She owns an innate ability to capture the moment and draw on the emotions that cause you to feel as though you are in that exact moment with her. You laugh, you cry, you pray, you hope and you cheer, all the while turning page after page of this gripping story, hungry for more! She balances strong emotional content with gentleness, transparency, strength and professionalism. She is, in my opinion, an incredible writing talent with an unlimited future! Whether you’re a parent, love an amazing story or just simply want to read a great book by a great author, Hope Upon Impact is a MUST for your list!”

Les Norman

Author, Host of the syndicated Breakin’ the Norm radio show

Retired MLB player for the Kansas City Royals

Your Content Goes Here

“Hope Upon Impact reaffirms that we are to trust God at all costs. Julie Overlease reminds us in a heartfelt and moving way, through her experience of spending time with God, understanding that God’s will is not necessarily ours, and surrendering ourselves, all can become whole through the power of Jesus. I am reminded that mercy is not so much something God has, as God is.”

Fr. Jim Sichko

Evangelist and Papal Missionary of Mercy for Pope Francis

“For many, finding a cause for hope amidst tragedy feels impossible. When her young daughter Evelyn suffered a traumatic brain injury, Julie Overlease managed to find faith amidst her fear and to see evidence of God’s omnipresent love at every turn. By sharing her family’s journey, Overlease offers encouragement and inspiration for anyone facing obstacles, providing an important reminder that even in the hardest moments of life, we never journey alone.”

Lisa M. Hendey

Author of I Am God’s Storyteller