Orchard of Hope

GIVEAWAY

GABHART, ANN H.
ORCHARD OF HOPE

The smoldering embers of unrest are stirring--and even Jocie's sweet spirit can't put them out.

It's already been an eventful summer for Jocie Brooke. Little does she know, things have only just begun to heat up. Drought has gripped the quiet Kentucky town of Hollyhill and it seems as if everyone is waiting--for rain, for a fresh start, for the next step toward the future.

Into this tense haze of anticipation comes a new family, aiming to make a better life for themselves by planting an orchard on the outskirts of town. Fresh off the freedom train, Alex and Myra Hearndon are sensitive to what the color of their skin may mean in the segregated South. And even though Jocie quickly befriends the family, suspicion from both sides of the racial divide proves a formidable obstacle. Can Jocie help bridge the gap? Or will life in her quiet community fall apart at the seams?

Bestselling author Ann Gabhart invites you back to Hollyhill for a gripping tale of unexpected friendship, forgiveness, and the bright promise of a new beginning.

My Review:

 A book to be savored. Jocie is back and just as captivating. She made her debut in Scent of Lilacs where she stole my heart. No need to have read the first book to enjoy this one (though I bet you'll want to after you've finished Orchard of Hope!) Perfect title, by the way. Doesn't everyone need an orchard of hope? Love the imagery in that phrase. .

Jocie is in the thick of things when racial unrest reaches her small, peaceful town. Gabhart uses her earnest teen aged innocence has a sharp contrast to the brewing unrest swirling around her. But this isn't just Jocie's story. Gabhart allows other characters to share their point of view as the tensions in a complicated plot reach a startling crescendo.  A riveting read fueled with hope in the midst of the impossible.

Giveaway Opportunity

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Orchard of Hope please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday December 15 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck! 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group".