Orchard of Hope

The Heart of Hollyhill #2

by Ann H. Gabhart

It is 1964, and 14-year-old Jocie Brooke is about to have an unforgettable summer. Her father has found a new love, her hippie sister is about to have a baby, and her aunt is finally pleasurable to live with. But, when a black family from Chicago moves into the quiet hamlet of Holly County, Kentucky, Jocie finds herself befriending a boy that some townspeople shun. Due to the unspoken racial lines in this southern town, the presence of these newcomers sparks a smoldering fire of unrest that will change Holly County--and Jocie--forever.
Orchard of Hope, the riveting sequel to The Scent of Lilacs, takes readers along to experience unexpected love, fear, forgiveness, new life, and a deeper understanding of the value of each individual's story.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Christian Historical Fiction, Contemporary

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. At the age of ten, she started dreaming of writing stories others would want to read. That dream has come true as she's published over thirty-five novels. She and her husband have three children married to three beautiful in-law children who have gifted her nine grandchildren. She still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dogs, reading, and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, was a best-seller and was followed up by two more stories about the Merritt sisters. She keeps her stories in Kentucky and has enjoyed going to the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains for some stories including These Healing Hills and Along a Storied Trail. And if you like mysteries, you can try her Hidden Springs Mysteries published under the author name, A.H. Gabhart. Visit Ann's website http://annhgabhart.com to find out more. There you can sign up for her newsletter where she does giveaways several times a year.

Reviews

[Ann Gabhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept Jocie's story going in this book. All three of my Hollyhill books are stand-alone stories, but if you want to read them all, I'd suggest reading them in order. I brought in some new characters in this one and let Jocie see what the Civil Rights movement in the sixties was all about. I loved one of my viewpoint characters, Cassidy, in this book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd in a series of life in the small town of Hollyhill. The focus continues on Pastor David Brooke and his family. Once a “colored” family from Chicago moved into town things begin to happen that makes everyone question themselves and how they really feel about their town staying the same or are they ready for changes. Ann Gabhart provides insight into the 60’s racial issues and how love, christianity, and hate can effect a whole town and not only how we choose to see others but also how we want to be seen ourselves.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow.... last 10 pages? Tissues needed.

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author pens a good story that takes place in 1964. This was a time when discrimination was especially difficult for people of color in the south.

Jocie was a very likeable character who faced some tough situations for such a young girl. Considering the trails that she thrown her way, she handled them quite well.

I'm not sure why I had a tough time with this novel. I absolutely loved, The Scent of Lilacs, the first book in this series. But, sadly this story fell flat and seemed to move too slowly for me.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel that follows The Scent of Lilacs, it continues the story of Jocie and her family. (Note that there is enough background given that it can be read as a stand-alone even though it is a sequel.) Jocie is feeling guilty because her father's employee and her friend Wes is recovering from a broken leg, an event that happened when he was rescuing Jocie during a tornado. There is a new family in town, and Jocie makes the acquaintance of Noah, the teenage son, when they have a bike collision. Noah helps Jocie get back to town, and somehow ends up working at the newspaper office for Jocie's dad. The new family, who happens to be black, just wants to live peacefully and start an apple orchard, but it is the 1960's, and they are not sure the community will accept them. Jocie's father, who is also a pastor, is hopeful that things will go smoothly with the new family, with the birth of his daughter Tabitha's baby, with Wes's recovery, with Jocie, and especially with his possible romantic interest in Leigh, a woman who has expressed interest in him. There are many issues that arise as the book progresses that are critical to the people who are dealing witht hem. The story, told through several voices, is complex and very entertaining, and is definitely a good read!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a moving book!
Set in Rural Kentucky in the 60s, Ann Gabhart's Orchard of Hope picks up where the Scent of Lilacs left off. Tabitha's baby is due any day, Jocie is getting ready to start high school. David and Leigh's relationship is blooming and Wes is healing from a leg injury.
However, a new family has moved to town and heads are turning to notice. Myra and Alex Reardon buy a piece of land in Hollyhil and some people aren't happy about it. A Freedom train activist, Myra isn't afraid of a challenge and she doesn't back down.
In a moving book filled with loss and hope, endings and beginnings, hatred and love, doubt and renewal of faith, Orchard of Hope doesn't disappoint. I think everyone should read this book. While it is set in the 1960s, it is applicable for today's audience. Highly recommend to all.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orchard of Hope is about life in the small town of Hollyhill in 1964! I enjoyed hearing more about the life of 14 year old Jocie Brooke in this sequel to The Scent of Lilacs. Jocie lives through a tornado and meets a new boy in town, Aaron, who is a boy of color. Aaron's family has moved from Chicago so it is a new experience both for his family and the town of Hollyhill. I admired Jocie's father, the Reverend Brooke as he provides support to many people in the community even when the Klan comes after him and he finds himself falling in love. I found Jocie's pregnant sister somewhat humorous as she neared the end of her pregnancy. You will be encouraged as you read how the community comes together in the time of need. I received a complimentary audio book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Hulah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming story full of delightful and quirky characters set in the little town of Hollyhill Kentucky.
The story takes place in early 1960’s when desegregation of schools was happening and times were tense. The story is told through the eyes of the innocent, and witty 14 year old Jocie Brooke, the minister, and local newspaper owner’s daughter.
Ann Gabhart does a beautiful job of creating characters that grab hold of your heart and don’t let go. Realistic small town adventure, charm, humor and drama all in this sweet book. I had the extra treat of listening to this story on audio and the author herself narrated; Ann Gabhart’s sweet Kentucky accent added to the authenticity of the characters.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect book to read during these times of unrest. The small town of Hollyhill has always known peace and kindness, until an orchard is sold to an African American family from Chicago, circa 1964. The town accepts them with uneasiness, but when the Klan finds out, things turn ugly.
At the center of this series is Pastor David, his 2 daughters, an illegitimate grand child on the way and his older Aunt Love who lives with them.
This is the 2nd book in the series and I have loved getting to know this family, town and church. I can't wait to read the next installment!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and at times heartbreaking story of a young girl’s growth over the summer of tragedy and forgiveness. Second in the series of a small town and Jocie Brooke’s family. Her father is the Pastor of a local church and also the Editor of the local paper. The summer Jocie turns 14 is a fearful time, she lived through a tornado, her friend Wes was hurt badly and now a new family has moved to town, which has caused a lot of anger and brought bigger city issues like sit-ins and the Klan into their once peaceful existence.

[Sandra Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! What a book! The writing is excellent and Ann Gabhart knows how to draw you onto the story and lives of the characters. This is the second of the series. It is best to read #1 first. The story resonates in my heart & is so relevant today amidst the hatred & violence and evil that pulls people into wanting to stop any voice different than your own. As in the story with some relative truth from our own history in the US evolution always wants to shut up the voice of love & hope & unity to all.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A blessing

I’m always nervous to read a series of stories Because quite often the next book is never as good as the first book. This is absolutely untrue about this series. The first book grabbed my heart and the second book even more so. The characters are real and lovable and hilarious at times. Such a great read in these present, mean days when many are so unkind without being sappy.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of the Heart of Hollyhill series delves into the issue of race relations in the 1960s. It presents some difficult realities of hate, but also the power of redemption and healing and hope.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad I read this book. I found it much more interesting then the first book in the series and I plan on getting the next book in the series. Seems like I could identify with the characters and was wondering how things would develop.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Loved reading how Christ really wants us to live with one another. Each person in this novel is precious. Ann Gabhart truly knows how to write a story that moves me between tears and laughter and plain awe in how she pulls the story together.

[Phillip Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite author!

I've loved this series by Ann Gabhart. I'm old enough that I lived through this 60's time period. Great look at this turbulent time. I always appreciate the faith woven through the storyline. On to the next in the series!

[Louisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series of books and will be sorry to see it end. They show the warm Christian values we need more of in this country, and that I feel we are losing. In fact, I think I liked this book more than the first one in the series.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful second installment in the Hollyhill series! I love it so much. The story is beautiful how the church comes together. Bring tissues for the last two chapters, you’re going to need them.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changes are coming to Jocie's family and the town of Holly Hill. Jocie's sister, Tabitha, is about to have a baby. Her father has a girlfriend. A new family has moved into town, a black family from Chicago. The Klan are after them and their friends. What the town needs is a revival.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming

I so enjoyed this novel. Through laughter, tears, and more laughter. Ann writes about the trials of growing up during the early civil rights era. I highly recommend this novel.

[Janet Friesner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful series. Don't want to put it down. Highly recommended.

[Cathy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith, hope and love

This story is full of hope. The 1st book was all about faith, this is all about hope. And its an amazing story I can't wait to read the next!

[Barbie N · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

I enjoyed the first book, but this one has me in tears. I seem thoroughly looking forward to three next one!

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this cast I love this town…miss Sally was an amazing person…The explanation she gives about her brother and the Lord being in charge was perfect timing at this time in my life…

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t finish

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful easy read. Enjoy all the characters. Feel like I'm right in the town of Holly Hill.

[Brittnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! The title says it all.

[IVY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book.

[Dana McReynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the series, set in the 60’s, the author really captured the racial tension and issues of this time period. I love these characters and can’t wait to read book 3.