Reviews & Giveaway: Hope at Dawn & Hope Rising by Stacy Henrie

Hope at Dawn

(Of Love and War #1)
by Stacy Henrie

Adult Historical Romance
Paperback, 384 Pages
June 24th 2014 by Forever

Summary

With her brothers away fighting the Great War overseas, Livy Campbell desperately wants to help her family. Her chance comes when she meets a handsome stranger who lands her a job as a teacher in a place far from her parents' farm. But the war casts a long shadow over the German-American town that Livy now calls home—and the darkness will test everything she thought she knew about family and love . . .

More than anything, Friedrick Wagner wants to be part of his adopted country's struggle for peace. But when the bitter animosity between Germans and Americans soon turns citizens against newcomers, friend against friend, he will do whatever it takes to protect Livy from the hysteria that grips their town. As tragedy—and dark secrets from the past—threaten their future, Friedrick and Livy have one chance to stand up for what's right . . . and one chance to fight for their love.

      

My Review

I absolutely loved Hope at Dawn! It was heartbreaking, sweetly romantic, inspirational, set in a small town and full of friendship and family loyalty. It was set historical during WWI in the States where tensions were high between "Americans" and those who were from Germany or had parents from Germany and made what the two main characters were striving for so much more difficult, but at the same time, rewarding.

I loved these characters! I loved Livy and her strength and independence as she leaves home to teach children of German descent. I love her open heart and mind when many were outright cruel and discriminatory to others. I loved the relationship with her family and with her students. I also loved Friedrick. His dedication to his family and to what is right and God shown through as he struggles to protect his family while staying true to his heart. Then there were other friends, family, townspeople, but most of all the sweet children whom Livy taught. There were definitely some sweet moments.

If you enjoy inspirational or traditional historical romance then I would highly recommend Hope at Dawn! It pulled so many emotions from me: anger for judgmental and cruel treatment, happiness for the friendships and family love, sadness for the hardships and struggles, heartened by the inspirational moments that were intricately woven into the story, and elation for the beautiful love story. This is becoming a favorite series that will take an indefinite place on my shelves.

Content: Some violence (a man tarred and feathered), but clean.
Source: I would like to thank Forever/Grand Central Publishing and the author Stacy Henrie for my complimentary review copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

Hope Rising

(Of Love and War #2)

by Stacy Henrie

Adult Historical Romance

Paperback, 384 Pages

December 16th 2014 by Forever

Summary

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.

       

My Review

The opening of Hope Rising completely pulled me in. You have two characters who make two choices with catastrophic consequences. One of the choices we know almost immediately while the other remains vague until further into the story. Set in France during WWI and between a nurse and an injured soldier, there is immediate tension and heartbreak, but also where there can be hope.

I loved Evelyn and her skill as a nurse. She was a great friend to others as well as showing compassion to others. I also loved Joel. He deals with a lot of quilt and heartache, most of which he bottles away until Evelyn breaks his resolve. They were a great match and I loved how their romance blossomed through doubts and hardship. I also loved getting to know Alice and some of the other healthcare personnel as well as some of the soldiers.

The story kept a steady pace as Joel works at recovering from some injuries. There was some tension with some secrets and then between Joel and Evelyn as they figure out their hearts. The ending was more intense when there is some danger and then sweet as things come together.

If you enjoy historical romance both traditional and inspirational then I would highly recommend Hope Rising and the Of Love and War series. There were challenges, danger, friendships, inspirational moments woven in, and sweet romance. Definitely a story that left a smile on my face with a sigh of contentment.

Content: There was a reference to a woman becoming pregnant out of wedlock and injured soldiers with some references to the war violence, but I would consider this clean.

Source: I would like to thank Forever/Grand Central Publishing and author Stacy Henrie for my complimentary review copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

About the Author

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. She and her family currently reside in Utah.

Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest

Giveaway

Print copy of Hope at Dawn or Hope Rising (winner's choice)
US/CAN Only
Ends April 3rd

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