Saturday, September 7, 2024

WHEN HOPE SANK by Denise Weimer, Reviewed by Rebecca Maney

A DAY TO REMEMBER Series #3

"What kind of woman shed her layers and swam out into a flooded river to rescue a stranger?"

Lily Livingston is the epitome of a remarkable young woman. The outcome of the war between the states may have officially been determined, but in the hearts and souls of Arkansas men and women, the conflict was far from over. However, when tragedy strikes on the Mississippi River one evening, Lily does not flinch, but risks her life to save another, not realizing that she has brought a former prisoner of war under the roof of her uncle's inn.

After surviving the suspicious explosion aboard the steamship Sultana, Lieutenant Cade Palmer's multiple injuries may not be considered life threatening, but the severe damage to one of his hands could definitely alter his future as a surgeon. Under the tender watch-care of the innkeeper's niece, Cade begins a physical recovery that proves as excruciating as his mental and spiritual rehabilitation. Added to those challenges are the taut political tensions percolating among members of the household including the seemingly impossible bond that Cade is forming with the lovely Lily Livingston.

With the ease of an accomplished weaver, this story's maker sews together the layers of her plot with an impeccable blend of history and story, love and loss, past and present (and dare we say, future?) . . . concluding with a rather astonishing acceleration of mystery and suspense . . .altogether finding much comfort in that still small voice who whispers to our souls, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee". (Isaiah 43:2)

Perhaps hope didn't sink after all!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
Can Hope Resurface After Evil Tries to Drown It?

Introducing a series of 6 exciting novels featuring historic American disasters that transformed landscapes and multiple lives. Whether by nature or by man, these disasters changed history and were a day to be remembered.

The Civil War has taken everything from Lily Livingston—her parents, her twin brother, her home. Now she works at her uncle’s inn and keeps her head down. Speaking up for her beliefs proved too costly in a part of Arkansas split by conflicting loyalties and overrun by spies and bushwhackers.

Emaciated in body but resilient in spirit, Lieutenant Cade Palmer is crowded onto the Sultana with other paroled Andersonville and Cahaba POWs for the journey north. But a fiery explosion on April 27, 1865, rends the steamer and empties two thousand men into the frigid Mississippi River.

Recovering from wounds that might end his career as a surgeon but clinging to his faith, Cade threatens both Lily’s defenses and her heart. How can she tell him she might’ve prevented the tragedy if only she’d reported a suspected saboteur’s claims? And when the man returns to town and encoded messages pass through the hotel, will Lily follow her convictions to prevent another tragedy?

Also available in the A Day to Remember series:
When the Waters Came by Candice Sue Patterson
When the Flames Ravaged by Rhonda Dragomir

Barbour Publishing, May, 2024
Available in digital ebook, paperback, and audiobook:
 

 

1 comment:

  1. Wow, Rebecca, I'm so blessed by your generous surprise review!

    ReplyDelete

Share This Post

How Our Giveaways Work: The Official Rules

We, the ladies of Inkwell Inspirations, would love to give free stuff to everybody. Since we can't, we will often have a giveaway in conjunction with a specific post. Unless otherwise stated, one winner will be drawn from comments left on that post between the date it was published and the end of the giveaway as determined in the post. Entries must be accompanied by a valid email address. This address is used only to contact the commenter in the event that he/she is the winner, and will not be sold, distributed, or used in any other fashion. The odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. NO PURCHASE, PLEDGE, OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Pinterest