This is a beautiful, warm romance that provides hope in a war setting and a faith-based message for any setting.
Hope Rising (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie
- File Size: 605 KB
- Print Length: 353 pages
- Page Numbers Source ISBN: 145559881X
- Publisher: Forever (December 16, 2014)
- Sold by: Hachette Book Group
- ASIN: B00JJ320YS
- Genre: Historical Romance, Christian, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: December 16, 2014
FROM A GREAT WAR, SPRINGS A GREAT LOVE
In France at the height of World War I, American nurse Evelyn Gray is no stranger to suffering. She's helped save the life of many a soldier, but when she learns her betrothed has been killed, her own heart may be broken beyond repair. Summoning all her strength, Evelyn is determined to carry on-not just for herself and her country, but for her unborn child.
Corporal Joel Campbell dreams of the day the war is over and he can return home and start a family. When a brutal battle injury puts that hope in jeopardy, Joel is lost to despair . . . until he meets Evelyn. Beautiful, compassionate, and in need of help, she makes an unconventional proposal that could save their lives-or ruin them irrevocably. Now, amidst the terror and turmoil of the Western Front, these two lost souls will have to put their faith in love to find the miracle they've been looking for.
Review:
Evelyn broke nursing rules by getting involved with Ralph, a soldier on leave. Ralph returned to the front lines before Evelyn discovered she was pregnant. Evelyn continues her dedicated work in the French hospital while dealing with sickness, fatigue and waiting for the time when Ralph will fullfill his promise to do the right thing and marry her.
Corporal Joel Campbell and his best friend, Ralph, are injured on the frontline. Ralph doesn’t survive but his last words are calling Evelyn’s name. Joel opens his eyes in the hospital to meet Evelyn.
Evelyn is in more turmoil having lost the man she loved and hoped to marry. She is afraid her condition will be discovered and she will be sent home. She has no idea how to explain her situation to her grandparents.
Joel guesses her circumstances after a few encounters. Evelyn learns that Joel’s injuries may leave him alone instead of having a full family and farm like he was raised with had dreamed of. As Joel and Evelyn begin to develop a friendship she thinks that perhaps they can help each other. Unfortunately Joel initially takes umbrage at her proposal. Then he decides they should take time to get to get to know each other better and then make a decision.
Evelyn and Joel help a local young boy, Louis, who does chores for an extra meal. Evelyn is teaching Louis and his friends to read while Joel shares his love of bird watching with Louis. There are other enjoyable characters like the surgeon Evelyn works with and her roommate.
This story shows a view of World War I that is realistic and provides a slice of hope in a setting of tragedy and loss. The characters are warm and the romance is sweat and engaging. The writing flows well and even the grimness of war is handled with a gentle tone. I loved the faith foundations that supported the characters and helped them to see that God's plans are not our plans but can provide something wonderful even if unexpected.
I totally enjoyed the read and look forward to reading the novella,
A Christmas of Hope, which I will review next week. It is likely I will pick up the first book in this series,
Hope at Dawn, too. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy a clean, historical romance with a sound faith message.
I received this from Forever, through NetGalley, for an honest review and part of blog tour.
Tis the season for second chances…
Having experienced the heartache of unrequited love, Maria Schmitt desperately seeks a new life. Landing a position as a clerk in a Sioux City bank is just what she needs to get started on her journey toward healing. But a dashing stranger soon puts her job-and her heart-in jeopardy. Saving lives was all Dale Emerson ever wanted to do . . . until a fateful day in France shattered his career as a surgeon. He lost everything that mattered, and the last thing he wants to do is resign himself to a life without medicine working at his uncle's bank. Then he meets Maria, a compassionate woman who can see past his scars to the man he once was-and the man he could be again. With Christmas right around the corner, these two wounded hearts may find that hope and a little holiday cheer are just the ticket to letting go of regrets-and embracing a future full of love and possibility.
About Stacy Henrie
Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations from Brigham Young University and worked in communications before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a stay-at-home mom to three, Stacy loves the chance to live out history through her fictional characters, while enjoying the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century. In addition to author, she is a reader, a road trip enthusiast and a novice interior decorator.
Stacy’s SM:
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Buy links for A CHRISTMAS HOPE:
Excerpt:
Evelyn lowered her gaze to the root she’d tripped over rather than continue to stare at her gallant rescuer. “It’s mostly Louis and Pierre who’ve been interested in reading, but they’ve caught on well.” She slid a few more inches away from him, finagling her feet around the gnarled roots. Breathing was difficult with Joel so close.
He shifted to lean his shoulder against the tree trunk. “Is something wrong?”
She pressed her lips together and shook her head. “Are you angry at me? For coming over to the group, instead of staying away like we talked about?” Evelyn flicked a glance at those hazel eyes.
“No, not at all.”
Silence reigned for several heartbeats, then she felt his finger beneath her chin. He gently prodded her head upward until she had to look at him. Her stomach flip flopped as she peered fully into his handsome face. Light fuzz covered his chin and jaw. He needed another shave. A strange, irrational thought that she must be the one to do it filled her mind.
“Are you afraid of something, Evelyn?”
You.
She kept the word sealed inside as her thoughts spiraled like a tornado. What if he didn’t reciprocate these growing feelings? What if he decided not to marry her next week? There’d been times over the last few days when she thought Joel was beginning to soften toward her, even like her. She’d notice a lingering look from him or a smile, but they would disappear as quickly as they came and his manner would return to its usual, kind aloofness. Perhaps she ought to be asking him a similar question. What was he afraid of?
“I’m fine, really.” She swallowed hard. “Just a bit tired is all.”
Instead of releasing her chin as she expected, Joel lowered his gaze to her mouth. The rush of sound in Evelyn’s ears grew as thunderous as a windstorm.
Was he going to kiss her? Should she let him?
She wanted him to kiss her, had dreamt of this moment She held her breath as Joel leaned forward. Closing her eyes, she waited for his lips to reach hers. Would his kiss be as glorious as she’d imagined? Or better? She felt his breath brush her chin, sending her stomach into another frenzy of flutters.
The sudden blare of horns dropped like a bomb into the quiet of the trees, obliterating their shared moment. Evelyn opened her eyes and turned toward the hospital. “More wounded soldiers.”
Joel straightened, robbing her of the warmth of his closeness. “Which means more surgeries.”
His disappointed tone had her hopes soaring heavenward again. Did it mean he cared? “Yes, it does. Will you watch after Louis for me?”
“I don’t profess to be as good a teacher as you, but I’ll try.”
“Thank you.”
She turned to go, but Joel caught her hand, stopping her retreat.
“Evelyn?”
“Yes?” She wished she didn’t sound so breathless.
Wished she didn’t have to leave him.
He released her hand to brush her cheek with his thumb, heating her skin with the tender touch. “Good luck.”
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