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Journey of Hope
Marriage Is Not Her Mission
Escaping a society wedding, Annabelle Baldwin followed her heart to Liberia to pursue her calling as a missionary. But when an attempted kidnapping lands her under the protection of Stewart Hastings, Anna's journey takes a new turn. The wounded war veteran needs a guide through the jungle. It's a job the underfunded missionary can't refuse, despite the feelings Stewart stirs in her guarded heart.
Stewart knows he won't succeed without Anna's expertise. And when danger puts her life at risk, he realizes he cannot live without Anna by his side. But what will it take for a man who has lost his faith to capture the heart of a woman who lives for hers?
Escaping a society wedding, Annabelle Baldwin followed her heart to Liberia to pursue her calling as a missionary. But when an attempted kidnapping lands her under the protection of Stewart Hastings, Anna's journey takes a new turn. The wounded war veteran needs a guide through the jungle. It's a job the underfunded missionary can't refuse, despite the feelings Stewart stirs in her guarded heart.
Stewart knows he won't succeed without Anna's expertise. And when danger puts her life at risk, he realizes he cannot live without Anna by his side. But what will it take for a man who has lost his faith to capture the heart of a woman who lives for hers?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 16, 2013
7 people are currently reading
463 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Kaufman
4 books35 followersDebbie Kaufman was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky with the exception of a few early years in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She now lives in Georgia, giving her a mix of accents that leaves both Northerners and Southerners suspicious of her true origins.
Hooked on reading from a young age, Debbie’s favorite day growing up was the Saturday the local bookmobile came to her neighborhood. Because of the six-book limit at the bookmobile, she also rode her bike on a five-mile round trip to the library on other days just to keep her addiction satisfied. All that reading led to her mother’s famous refrain, “Get your nose out of that book.”
These days, Debbie lives in Georgia, writes award-winning stories and enjoys spending time with her husband, her four children, her grandchildren, and her two dogs. Her first published novel, The Doctor’s Mission, will be on the shelves in November, 2011. She’s currently hard at work on book two in the series.
Hooked on reading from a young age, Debbie’s favorite day growing up was the Saturday the local bookmobile came to her neighborhood. Because of the six-book limit at the bookmobile, she also rode her bike on a five-mile round trip to the library on other days just to keep her addiction satisfied. All that reading led to her mother’s famous refrain, “Get your nose out of that book.”
These days, Debbie lives in Georgia, writes award-winning stories and enjoys spending time with her husband, her four children, her grandchildren, and her two dogs. Her first published novel, The Doctor’s Mission, will be on the shelves in November, 2011. She’s currently hard at work on book two in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 14, 2016
So, I've never read a more in-depth description of anything pertaining to African tribes -or the missionaries' circumstances there- in Liberia. I will take this time to say I knew pretty much nothing on the precise subject going in, but HOLY DETAILS! This deserves 5 stars for just that. Note: I don't normally give 5 star reviews to Harlequin books. I hold them to a slightly stricter standard since I read them all the time and if something slams me in the face with its awesomeness, it truly deserves the added star.
Anyway! I found Anna and Stewart's journey very insightful and informative while I enjoyed their story. The most interesting, and almost random, event happened in the end when I almost forgot about what happened in the beginning xD Don't read that if you don't want to be crazified for a good 10 seconds as you read the last chapter. Really, it is as random to you -the reader- as it is for the characters lol.
Definitely recommend if for nothing but the historical details that are just amazing.
Anyway! I found Anna and Stewart's journey very insightful and informative while I enjoyed their story. The most interesting, and almost random, event happened in the end when I almost forgot about what happened in the beginning xD Don't read that if you don't want to be crazified for a good 10 seconds as you read the last chapter. Really, it is as random to you -the reader- as it is for the characters lol.
Definitely recommend if for nothing but the historical details that are just amazing.
January 1, 2014
It's 1920. You're in Liberia. Two Americans find their way to Liberia for different reasons. A beautiful female missionary and a man searching for help for his ailing mother. She guides him through the country to help him in his quest at the same time, she does what she can for her mission. To think that a man listened to a woman guide in the 1920s is amazing! There are many twists and turns that make you wonder. It's how you find the people who live there and react to them that makes this historical fiction a work of art. Both of these American's are stubborn and yet have so much for others.
Very well written and a lot of fun to read! Great book! Loved it! Pick up a copy today!
Very well written and a lot of fun to read! Great book! Loved it! Pick up a copy today!
September 2, 2016
I won this in a GoodReads giveaway, so not normally the kind of thing I would read. There were a few issues straight off: it wasn't obvious to me what nationality the main character of Stewart was, and his war service was quite vague. Also, the child character of Taba was heavily mentioned early on, but didn't appear for the first time until about 150 pages in, something I am always against.
The story was overall well written, and I did enjoy following the developing love story between Anna and Stewart.
The story was overall well written, and I did enjoy following the developing love story between Anna and Stewart.
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January 12, 2016"The Author brings to life an intriguing story of the dangers that face those who are dedicated to spreading God's word. The hero's struggle to understand the heroine's faith is well done (RT Book Reviews)". 4 stars
June 18, 2020
Great book.
January 15, 2014
About the Book:
Marriage Is Not Her Mission
Escaping a society wedding, Annabelle Baldwin followed her heart to Liberia to pursue her calling as a missionary. But when an attempted kidnapping lands her under the protection of Stewart Hastings, Anna's journey takes a new turn. The wounded war veteran needs a guide through the jungle. It's a job the underfunded missionary can't refuse, despite the feelings Stewart stirs in her guarded heart.
Stewart knows he won't succeed without Anna's expertise. And when danger puts her life at risk, he realizes he cannot live without Anna by his side. But what will it take for a man who has lost his faith to capture the heart of a woman who lives for hers?
About the Author:
Debbie currently lives in Georgia and enjoys spending time with her husband, their four children, three grandchildren, and two dogs. She supplements her reading habit with the occasional crochet project, baking, and visits to her favorite coffee shop where she is often found writing her next book.
My Review:
Annabelle didn't expect to hear of her possible marriage to a man she's only met once. He's handsome and all but come on, she's never met him before. Her plan always was to be a missionary and nothing more, but now it seems this handsome man needs a guide and she's just the woman for the job. She really hopes her fellow missionaries aren't serious about her marriage to this man. Guide him through the jungle, that's all, it'll be easy, right?
Stewart knows he needs Annabelle to be his guide but the idea of marriage was not part of his suggestion. She is beautiful and all but he just needs a guide at this moment, maybe the marriage thing a little later. And on top of it all she's a missionary and he has never even looked inside a bible. That would just be doomed from the start. The trip is going to be dangerous, how is he going to be able to keep her safe while she guides him. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if she got hurt. He needs a plan and fast, one that will keep her safe and they get to their destination.
If you would like to purchase a copy you can do so here.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
Marriage Is Not Her Mission
Escaping a society wedding, Annabelle Baldwin followed her heart to Liberia to pursue her calling as a missionary. But when an attempted kidnapping lands her under the protection of Stewart Hastings, Anna's journey takes a new turn. The wounded war veteran needs a guide through the jungle. It's a job the underfunded missionary can't refuse, despite the feelings Stewart stirs in her guarded heart.
Stewart knows he won't succeed without Anna's expertise. And when danger puts her life at risk, he realizes he cannot live without Anna by his side. But what will it take for a man who has lost his faith to capture the heart of a woman who lives for hers?
About the Author:
Debbie currently lives in Georgia and enjoys spending time with her husband, their four children, three grandchildren, and two dogs. She supplements her reading habit with the occasional crochet project, baking, and visits to her favorite coffee shop where she is often found writing her next book.
My Review:
Annabelle didn't expect to hear of her possible marriage to a man she's only met once. He's handsome and all but come on, she's never met him before. Her plan always was to be a missionary and nothing more, but now it seems this handsome man needs a guide and she's just the woman for the job. She really hopes her fellow missionaries aren't serious about her marriage to this man. Guide him through the jungle, that's all, it'll be easy, right?
Stewart knows he needs Annabelle to be his guide but the idea of marriage was not part of his suggestion. She is beautiful and all but he just needs a guide at this moment, maybe the marriage thing a little later. And on top of it all she's a missionary and he has never even looked inside a bible. That would just be doomed from the start. The trip is going to be dangerous, how is he going to be able to keep her safe while she guides him. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if she got hurt. He needs a plan and fast, one that will keep her safe and they get to their destination.
If you would like to purchase a copy you can do so here.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
April 3, 2014
My Review: This book is breathtakingly written in the rarest form of elegance and skill! It's a refreshing journey into the Christian aspect of romance ~ pure and fresh and all things wonderful. This is my first novel by author Debbie Kaufman and her poignant writing style keeps the reader at the comfortable pace. It's full of charismatic, cheerful and uplifting words, written to sooth the reader of God's divine goodness in all ways of our world, good or bad.
The book starts out with a page turning near abduction of Anna - the book's heroine and crusader of the jungles with her missionary work to bring hope and faith to those in need. Her near abduction from two chloroform yielding thugs puts Stewart right into her path at the right time ~ he can not only not forget her plite, but he's drawn to her in ways even he can't explain at first. He is twice wounded - once at war and once by his fiancé who couldn't deal with his horrific war wounds and called off their engagement. However, he needs to Anna's help and as she returns to the jungles, he becomes her guide and the pair intend to 'help each other.' They battle the dangers of the Leopard men tribes, small factions of people that do not like outsiders and send strong warnings to those who dare to enter their territories and most importantly, the dangers of daring to love again.
Journey of Hope fulfills it's expectations of a phenomenal Christian view of romance in it's purity of prose, standards of loving God first and foremost and having a vision of your purpose in life. Falling in love along the way is definitely the added bonus! Into this tale the author weaves in messages of hope and faith sustained, even in the toughest of times. God our Savior remains with us during our hardest battles and times of trials, even when we might believe He has forsaken us. The author brings home the beauty and strength for Christian romance!
5 well deserved stars!
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book to review by the Christian Women Affiliate. My opinion is that of my own and in no way influenced by the receipt of this book to review.
The book starts out with a page turning near abduction of Anna - the book's heroine and crusader of the jungles with her missionary work to bring hope and faith to those in need. Her near abduction from two chloroform yielding thugs puts Stewart right into her path at the right time ~ he can not only not forget her plite, but he's drawn to her in ways even he can't explain at first. He is twice wounded - once at war and once by his fiancé who couldn't deal with his horrific war wounds and called off their engagement. However, he needs to Anna's help and as she returns to the jungles, he becomes her guide and the pair intend to 'help each other.' They battle the dangers of the Leopard men tribes, small factions of people that do not like outsiders and send strong warnings to those who dare to enter their territories and most importantly, the dangers of daring to love again.
Journey of Hope fulfills it's expectations of a phenomenal Christian view of romance in it's purity of prose, standards of loving God first and foremost and having a vision of your purpose in life. Falling in love along the way is definitely the added bonus! Into this tale the author weaves in messages of hope and faith sustained, even in the toughest of times. God our Savior remains with us during our hardest battles and times of trials, even when we might believe He has forsaken us. The author brings home the beauty and strength for Christian romance!
5 well deserved stars!
Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book to review by the Christian Women Affiliate. My opinion is that of my own and in no way influenced by the receipt of this book to review.
May 22, 2014
" Journey of Hope" by Debbie Kaufman is getting five stars from me!
I really don’t know what to say about this book except that I was hooked from the first page. I wanted to see where Anna and Stewart’s journey ended and if it ended the way they both wanted it too.
This is a love story but so much more! It is a story of faith and courage and living out what you believe.
Anna is a missionary in Liberia and after an attempted kidnapping, her bishop hires her to guide Stewart into the Liberia jungle and Anna’s life is changed forever as well as Stewart’s.
Neither Anna nor Stewart are looking for romance but just maybe God has something else in mind, as Stewart tells Anna when they are discussing there former finances, as they both had one. This is the direct quote from the book on page 109 “ Poetic,but no. For now, my students are enough for me. If God wants otherwise,I trust he’ll send the right man into my life, one who will see my heart.” Stewart’s voice took on an unexpected fervor. “ Perhaps he did. Maybe your standards are the problem.Are you sure you’d recognize him even if he stood in front of you?” Anna is attracted to Stewart but there is a problem, he is not a believer.
This story is full of details about the dangers of the Liberia jungle and the customs of people who live there.
This book also has life lessons as well as the love story ,which I believe will touch your heart and make you see that God doesn't promise to deliver us from pain or even death, but gives us ,the strength to walk through life's trials, whether we are delivered from them or not.
I really recommend this book.
There are questions for discussions at the end of the book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
I really don’t know what to say about this book except that I was hooked from the first page. I wanted to see where Anna and Stewart’s journey ended and if it ended the way they both wanted it too.
This is a love story but so much more! It is a story of faith and courage and living out what you believe.
Anna is a missionary in Liberia and after an attempted kidnapping, her bishop hires her to guide Stewart into the Liberia jungle and Anna’s life is changed forever as well as Stewart’s.
Neither Anna nor Stewart are looking for romance but just maybe God has something else in mind, as Stewart tells Anna when they are discussing there former finances, as they both had one. This is the direct quote from the book on page 109 “ Poetic,but no. For now, my students are enough for me. If God wants otherwise,I trust he’ll send the right man into my life, one who will see my heart.” Stewart’s voice took on an unexpected fervor. “ Perhaps he did. Maybe your standards are the problem.Are you sure you’d recognize him even if he stood in front of you?” Anna is attracted to Stewart but there is a problem, he is not a believer.
This story is full of details about the dangers of the Liberia jungle and the customs of people who live there.
This book also has life lessons as well as the love story ,which I believe will touch your heart and make you see that God doesn't promise to deliver us from pain or even death, but gives us ,the strength to walk through life's trials, whether we are delivered from them or not.
I really recommend this book.
There are questions for discussions at the end of the book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
February 5, 2014
I don't generally read inspirational fiction, but when my friend and Petit Fours and Hot Tamales blog sister Debbie Kaufman offered me an ARC of her latest release in exchange for a review I couldn't resist. And I'm so glad I took the plunge! What a wonderful story! Debbie did her homework; I learned a lot about the culture of 1920's Liberia and the kinds of experiences the missionaries had with the tribes there. And if I didn't know better, I would swear that these two main characters were real people - very different from one another, with goals that both complement and hinder the other. Stewart, prospecting for the mining company he works for and desperately in need of funds to help his ailing mother, cannot succeed in his task without the assistance of a guide and a translator. After meeting Anna, he realizes she is perfect for the job. Estranged from her family, Anna has found solace in the jungles of Africa, sharing the gospel and changing lives. And there is one child in particular that she cannot help with her limited resources, so when Stewart makes her an offer, she feels she cannot refuse. As they journey together, they being to develop feelings for each other. But Stewart hides a secret that makes him feel unworthy of a woman's love. And Anna's faith makes it impossible for her to even consider a romantic relationship with a nonbeliever. Will Anna and Stewart meet their goals? Will they find the love they crave? Read the book and find out! Five enthusiastic stars! Highly recommended!
NOTE: I received a copy of this book for FREE in exchange for a written review. There was no expectation that this review be either positive or negative, and I was not given any financial compensation to read the book or write the review. This information is disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book for FREE in exchange for a written review. There was no expectation that this review be either positive or negative, and I was not given any financial compensation to read the book or write the review. This information is disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 [...] Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
January 25, 2014
This story about a missionary in the jungles of Liberia in the 1920's is an excellent one. Annabelle and Stewart both have very important tasks they need to complete within a specific deadline that will save or improve the life of someone else, but there are many conflicts between the two responsibilities. Will one of their aims have to be sacrificed for the other? The depiction of missionary life seems very realistic, considering some of the biographies/autobiographies I've read, and the action definitely keeps you interested throughout. The author must have done a great deal of research on Liberia, missionaries, and prospecting to create a story that seems so believable. The different backgrounds and viewpoints the two main characters hold at the time the story begins become even more interesting as they change and grow as people. The issues of why catastrophic events happen in the lives of Christians, the courage and strength faith can give an individual, the power of forgiveness, salvation, and spiritual growth are all dealt with in a very nice manner. The importance of staying true to your convictions even when it seems fruitless comes through in a beautiful way, and the sweet romance that develops is heartwarming.
I won a free copy of this book from the author, but I was not required to post a review, and the opinions above are my own.
I won a free copy of this book from the author, but I was not required to post a review, and the opinions above are my own.
April 24, 2014
Journey of Hope was given to me and, although not my usual kind of read, I did enjoy it, especially the danger episodes with the ants and leopard men. The slowly encroaching romance between a missionary and a gold prospector, although squeaky clean, was intriguing too. A good read for those of a Christian persuasion.
July 12, 2020
(violence, violence toward women, paganism, shamanism, mentions of cannibalism and human sacrifice) I loved this book! It was well researched and well written with a plot that kept me turning pages. I admit, the cover did not excite me, but this was definitely a case of "don't judge a book by its cover."
October 4, 2015
This book is a cut above the standard Christian romance. Set in the 1920's in Liberia, it's like a Christian version of "The African Queen". The location felt real and the plot and characters were unique. It reads more like the memoir of a real missionary's romance than another genre novel. I will definitely go back and read the first book, and look forward to others by this author.
July 26, 2014
I don't know what it was like to be a foreign missionary nearly a century ago, but I feel like I have an excellent idea. The best part of the book is how well the author does in bringing you into that time period.
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May 25, 2015Interesting
Kaufman effectively conjured an unlikely romance in the setting of Stanley's "How I found Livingtone." This made for interesting reading outside my normal comfort zone.
Kaufman effectively conjured an unlikely romance in the setting of Stanley's "How I found Livingtone." This made for interesting reading outside my normal comfort zone.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews