We Hope for Better Things

We Hope for Better Things By Erin Bartels / Revell

Wow! Outstanding! A must read…. I am recommending this book with five stars. It’s a split-time novel with three (that’s right 3 !!!) different settings. It’s the goal oriented, determined women who tie all plot lines together. These ladies dare to trust and follow their heart. Each demonstrates courage and does not shy away from making tough choices. They make some decisions that are charged with emotion and bring on hard times. But they face their circumstances with bravery.

The first character we meet is present day Elizabeth Balsam, a journalist who calls Detroit home. A quest sends her to the country home of her great-aunt, who is now elderly and living alone in a Civil War era home. During the 1860’s, individuals seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad found their way to this house. As the story progresses, more and more details from this early tumultuous time period are revealed.

The plot stirs your heart and lays bare all the emotional hurts caused by racism. First during the Civil War Era, then in the streets of Detroit in 1960’s. As you read, you will call to mind the title and realize how well suited it is for the plot. Truly…. “We Hope for Better Things!” At the conclusion, it’s likely you will be thinking… “We hope people will demonstrate a greater capacity to love one another and show kindness. We hope people will speak out against bullying and racism. We hope people will seek out ways to build communities and encourage others. We hope not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

This is Erin Bartels’ debut novel. You’ll find yourself so engrossed in the storyline you keep reading “just one more chapter” long into the night.

I received a copy of this book from Revell – a division of Baker House Publishing in exchange for my honest review.