Passages of Hope

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HAYNES, TERRI J.

PASSAGES OF HOPE

Walk through Doors to the Post via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Gracie Kingston begins renovating on the Philadelphia house inherited from her grandmother and finds a secret room. It is connected to a house nearby, the home of William Still, the man known as the father of the Underground Railroad. As she researches, she discovers a mystery in her house's ownership. 

In 1855, Olivia Kingston helps a mother and her young child by hiding them in a secret room in her home. As she helps, she learns that there may be an impostor conductor in their community. As Gracie's and Olivia's stories intertwine, they learn the meaning of sacrifice and love.

My Review:

I am so late exploring this multi-authored series, but I am definitely going to be making up for that lapse in bibliophile judgement! 'Passages of Hope' is an excellent example of why I need to backtrack. 

Exceptional storytelling with dual timelines intricately woven together to build up to an impactful conclusion with so many nuances to both plot and character development in both timelines...well, I'm gobsmacked! And stymied about what to say and keep this review spoiler free -- and there's so much I want to say!!!!

I especially appreciated the parallels in the issues Olivia and Gracie struggle with. On the surface, their story arcs seem very different, but at the heart of each is their misguided (and stubborn) idea that they need to do everything all on their own. Learning to accept proffered help, to grow closer in relationships as they work towards a common good, to grasp the concept that accepting assistance isn't a sign of weakness -- so inspiring because we are at our most vulnerable when we risk letting people in. But, oh the impact others can make on our lives (and we on theirs) is so powerful and Haynes really showcases that here.

Both timelines are fast paced and emotionally riveting. There's angst and treachery and even romance! And so many nuggets of faith and wisdom -- sometimes from unexpected places. Inspiring and goose bumping and stand-up-cheering by the end.

Goal Update: #2 Catch up on a series I'm behind in, #5 Diversify my reading

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- Winner's Choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Passages of Hope, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 26 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.

The Underground Railroad Brides Collection

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BLAKEY, BARBARA TIFFT
CECIL, RAMONA K.
COLEMAN, LYNN A.
DOWDY, CECELIA
HALL, PATTY SMITH 
HAYNES, TERRI J.
LEE, DEBBY
PANZERA, DARLENE
ZELLER, PENNY
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD BRIDES COLLECTION

Love guides hearts along the road to freedom

Nine historical couples walk the road to love even as they dare to escape and help others break free from the injustices of slavery between 1849 and 1860. From Southern states Georgia and South Carolina to above the Mason-Dixon Line in Indiana and Pennsylvania, they work within the network known as the Underground Railroad.

There is hope for the future when people come together to fight evil and when men and women find love in the midst of great challenges. And through it all, faith is the key to victory in these stories from nine inspiring Christian authors.

My Review:

An eclectic mix of stories that all share a fascinating theme. I've long been intrigued by the Underground Railroad and the real-life heroes and heroines who sacrificed so much for the cause of freedom so it was especially exciting to discover a whole novella collection dedicated to this subject. And I loved how each author brought unique qualities to their stories as well as different aspects of the Underground Railroad. Such diversity in storytelling!

Sadly though, I will confess to being disappointed over the lack of diversity in the main characters. Out of the nine stories only two had African American heroes and heroines. Given the subject matter and that subtitle -- 9 couples navigate the road to freedom before the Civil War  - I expected more.

Terri J. Haynes and Cecilia Dowdy brought fresh perspective with their African American main characters. In Haynes' Free to Love, Maryland slave Winnie rescues wounded fugitive Hiram and nurses him back to health. In Dowdy's The Bakery Bride, recently manumitted slave, Ruth finds work in a Philadelphia bakery owned by a free black abolitionist. Both stories provide a different viewpoint that I really appreciated -- a multidimensional aspect that enhanced my reading pleasure.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Underground Railroad Brides Collection, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 27 2019. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!