ENDURING HOPE SERIES #6
PAULA'S REVIEW:
This was such an eye-opening book about a tragedy that I was not aware of. The devastating explosion of a ship in Halifax, Nova Scotia, carrying munitions and explosives in December 1917.
Seen through the eyes of a courting couple who were neighbors: Pearline and Oliver, an injured soldier back from the war in France.
Ms. Todd expertly wove real history into the story of this catastrophe, incorporating many details about the aftermath of this profound event.
Heroine Pearline was faced with the loss of her parents and found herself opening her home to orphans. Hero Oliver struggled with his injury and self esteem because of it. But both had sincere faith in God that saw them through, brought them closer together and set their priorities right.
I was fascinated by the advancements in eye and plastic surgery of the times. And that so many people that were blinded in the explosion that a group founded an Institution for the Blind to train them.
I am enjoying learning new things from this historical series, Enduring Hope.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Barbour Publishing and via NetGalley. 5 stars and a solid faith thread. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Pearline Campbell stared at the shard of glass protruding from her left hand. How did it get there?'
A massive explosion in the Halifax, Nova Scotia harbor on the morning of December 6, 1917 ended the lives of thousands of people and changed the landscape for hundreds of others for the rest of their lives. Just a few days prior to the explosion, Pearline Campbell's life had already dramatically changed when her beloved fiance returned from the war in Europe with facial disfiguration and the loss of one eye. Her gratitude over his return was quickly snuffed out when he abruptly terminated their engagement. It was only the beginning of what Pearline would be called upon to endure.
Sergeant Oliver Hamilton could not put the woman he loved through the torture of his continued recovery, and so his strategy had been to cut ties quickly, allowing Pearline to live a happy life without him. Witnessing her disappointment had been brutal, but watching her lose nearly everyone dear to her heart just a few days later, was even worse.
This story struck so many chords; devastating history, unexpected grief, surprising blessings, tests of faith, and enduring hope for the future. If ever there were characters who took the truths of Psalm 91 to heart, they can be found within the pages of this book . . . "He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust".
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
BackCover Blurb:
Her Family, Her Home, Her Future—All Leveled in One Thunderous Explosion
When life seems weighed down by challenges, there are always pillars of enduring hope and love to be discovered.
Three days ago, Pearline Campbell's family was whole and Oliver Hamilton still loved her. But upon returning to Halifax disfigured and shellshocked, Oliver ended their relationship. Then came Thursday, December 6, 1917, when the Halifax harbor was leveled by a tremendous explosion. . .and Pearline fears nothing will ever be whole again. Her parents are dead, her brother is missing, and her sister refuses to speak. Pearline must fortify herself to open her home to needy orphans, including an unidentified baby. Where can she find the strength for each new day as misery grips the city?
More from the Enduring Hope Series:
The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey
The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly J. Goshorn
The Caregiver of Wounded Knee by Debby Lee
The Daughter of Shiloh by Terri J. Haynes
The Girl from Tomorrow’s Town by Naomi Musch
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