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Hope's Enduring Echo
A charming historical romance about two young people whose discovery of fossilized bones leads to a love that echoes through the ages—from the bestselling author of The Songbird of Hope Hill
Geology student Leo Day has been waiting for a big find to prove his career path is worthy to his father. While riding the train along the Arkansas River in Canon City, Colorado, Leo spots a young woman waving at the passing cars holding something that looks like a piece of fossilized bone. He catches up to the girl after leaping from the slow train and his pulse gallops when he recognizes it as a rib bone from a smaller dinosaur species, most likely a Allosaurus. She confides she’s found several similar bones, and he asks her to show him where.
Whether it was loneliness or boredom that led Jennie Ward to leave the water line and escort this stranger to the place where her daddy’s border collie had unearthed several bones, she couldn’t say, but she enjoys visiting with him. Could he become the friend she’s been praying for? As he leaves, he promises to return soon and asks if she’ll be his guide. She has little time for socializing, given her responsibility to the water works due to her father’s injury and aftermath, but the opportunity to gain a friend is too hard to resist. She agrees.
As the weeks pass, Leo, a man longing for a father’s approval, and Jennie, a girl trapped by her loyalty to a despondent father, become friends and confidantes. And God’s plan for both Leo’s and Jennie’s futures will unfold like an excavation of dinosaur bones.
Geology student Leo Day has been waiting for a big find to prove his career path is worthy to his father. While riding the train along the Arkansas River in Canon City, Colorado, Leo spots a young woman waving at the passing cars holding something that looks like a piece of fossilized bone. He catches up to the girl after leaping from the slow train and his pulse gallops when he recognizes it as a rib bone from a smaller dinosaur species, most likely a Allosaurus. She confides she’s found several similar bones, and he asks her to show him where.
Whether it was loneliness or boredom that led Jennie Ward to leave the water line and escort this stranger to the place where her daddy’s border collie had unearthed several bones, she couldn’t say, but she enjoys visiting with him. Could he become the friend she’s been praying for? As he leaves, he promises to return soon and asks if she’ll be his guide. She has little time for socializing, given her responsibility to the water works due to her father’s injury and aftermath, but the opportunity to gain a friend is too hard to resist. She agrees.
As the weeks pass, Leo, a man longing for a father’s approval, and Jennie, a girl trapped by her loyalty to a despondent father, become friends and confidantes. And God’s plan for both Leo’s and Jennie’s futures will unfold like an excavation of dinosaur bones.
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2025
42 people are currently reading
3610 people want to read
About the author
Kim Vogel Sawyer
82 books1,211 followersAward-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different languages. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.
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April 19, 2025
Solid 4 stars, personally ⭐️ Christian Fiction - Historical
About this book:
“Geology student Leo Day has been waiting for a big find to prove his career path is worthy to his father. While riding the train along the Arkansas River in Canon City, Colorado, Leo spots a young woman waving at the passing cars holding something that looks like a piece of fossilized bone. He catches up to the girl after leaping from the slow train and his pulse gallops when he recognizes it as a rib bone from a smaller dinosaur species, most likely a Allosaurus. She confides she’s found several similar bones, and he asks her to show him where.
Whether it was loneliness or boredom that led Jennie Ward to leave the water line and escort this stranger to the place where her daddy’s border collie had unearthed several bones, she couldn’t say, but she enjoys visiting with him. Could he become the friend she’s been praying for? As he leaves, he promises to return soon and asks if she’ll be his guide. She has little time for socializing, given her responsibility to the water works due to her father’s injury and aftermath, but the opportunity to gain a friend is too hard to resist. She agrees.
As the weeks pass, Leo, a man longing for a father’s approval, and Jennie, a girl trapped by her loyalty to a despondent father, become friends and confidantes. And God’s plan for both Leo’s and Jennie’s futures will unfold like an excavation of dinosaur bones.”
Series: As of now, no. Seems to be a stand-alone novel.
Spiritual Content- Psalm 40:1 at the beginning; Scriptures are mentioned, remembered, thought over, quoted, & discussed; Many, many prayers & thanking God; Feeling peace; Church going, sermons, & singing hymns; Many talks about God, prayers/praying, having Hope, & creation; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Jennie has prayed for her father to get better for over a year, but hasn’t lately because she thinks that if God hasn’t answered them by now, He wasn’t going to (adding that her Mama could “waste her time imploring Him”, but Jennie was done); Jennie does a prayer that has a hint of sarcasm to it and thinks that if God was as forgiving as her Mama said, He’s understand “her momentary lapse into bitterness”; Jennie has been taught that Someone was always watching over her and that knowledge has curtailed her yielding to many temptations over the years, but wonders that if God isn’t answering her prayers, if He’s even paying attention to her and if she even has to behave then, but decides she won’t deliberately get up to mischief whether God was watching or not because she doesn’t want to hurt her Mama; Jennie feels as if it would be selfish to pray for her own silly emotions when her parents need the prayers more in her eyes; Leo plans to visit the different churches in town as he hasn’t experienced other denominations’ services and thinks it could be “interesting and enlightening”; Jennie and Leo both have a moment where they don’t pay attention during a prayer or sermon because of other thoughts and feel ashamed; Leo considered skipping church for hunting dinosaur fossils, but ultimately to still go to church; All about many mentions of prayers, praying, answered prayers, thanking God, & blessings over food (including Jennie and Leo praying for and with each other); Many mentions of God, His will, peace, having hope, & not holding on to bitterness; Many mentions of churches (including different denominations like Presbyterian and Baptist & a home-church service), church going, services, worship, hymns, sermons, & ministers; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of Jennie’s family doing a home-church most Sundays with just the three of them; Mentions of faiths & sharing it with others; Mentions of God-given talents; A few mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of the Holy Spirit; A couple mentions of Christians; A couple mentions of blessings & being Blessed;
*Note: Leo hopes to one day help prove that the earth is thousands of years old and not millions like some of his professors teach (when his father asks him what eternal good is Leo doing, Leo wants to respond that he truly believes that he could “do eternal good by disproving scientific theories that discredited creationism”; *Spoiler* ); Leo discusses with Jennie about creationist views and evolution views (including how the Great Flood effected things, how evolution is a theory, and Scripture talking about giant creatures); *Spoiler* ; ‘Heaven only knows’ is said once; Mentions of evolution, eras, & fossils of prehistoric creatures like dinosaurs and trilobites; A mention of Santa Claus.
Negative Content- Pain, Injuries, & Being caught in a hailstorm (barely-above-not-detailed); Jennie, Etta, and Leo all try to avoid lying to each other and others (some half-truths and fibs are said still with guilt and asking God for forgiveness; Leo grapples with his conscience about keeping the Ward family’s secret); Mentions of an accident, injuries, & pain (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of the passing of a beloved dog from old age, finding him, & grief/sobbing (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); A few mentions of eavesdropping; A few mentions of mummified remains of cats being used in science; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a cigarette; A mention of hunters;
*Note: After Jennie’s father fell and broke his leg two years prior, he hasn’t been the same and his wife, Etta, is his caretaker while Jennie does his work for their living; Jennie struggles with a “tumble of emotions” like “resentment and worry and sorrow and sympathy” when thinking about her father and how he is now; Jennie feels guilt over her father’s accident (*Spoiler* ); Jennie’s father interrupts, snaps, and is unkind to Jennie and Etta at times because of his “woebegone attitude”; Jennie’s father, Claude, tells Etta that she should have given up on him months ago and that he is worthless and a burden to her (She is hurt by this as she loves him and promised before God to be faithful whether in sickness or death and tells him so); Jennie feels guilt for wanting her father to be hurt (emotionally) like he did to her and asks God to forgive her for the thoughts; Jennie has a fear that she might not have much more time with her father if he doesn’t get better because it seems as if he is withering away; *Spoilers* ; Leo thinks that Claude may have ‘melancholia’ (which the discussion questions at the end of the book call it depression) and shudders when he thinks of the “treatments” available for it (such as being shocked with electricity or removing a portion of the brain; Leo does not share about this with Jennie); *Spoilers, but also a mental illness* ; Leo and his father have a strained relationship because of Leo not following in his father’s footsteps as a minister and his father disapproving of his career choice (Leo thinks often about wanting to be recognized by his father and gain approval from him; *Spoiler* ); Many mentions of mental illnesses (called “mental diseases”, an “imbalance somewhere in the brain”, and an “illness of the mind” throughout the book), psychiatrists, & an insane asylum (Leo is also concerned that Claude could become violent to Jennie and Etta & share with his family in a letter that Claude is emotionally unstable, which could be perceived as “harsh and critical” but he wants his parents to understand the problem so they can specifically pray); Mentions of schoolmates and professors ridiculing Leo for his interest in paleontology and/or having a creationist view; A few mentions of books and fictional characters (Pinocchio & Oliver Twist); A mention of Leo always thinking that dish washing was a duty for girls as his mother and sisters saw to the cooking and cleaning up at home, but washes dishes himself as a job at the hotel.
Sexual Content- A hand kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and a border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss; Wondering about a possible kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Etta also kisses Claude on the forehead twice & cuddles into Claude in their bed once (barely-above-not-detailed); A few Touches, a couple Embraces, Flutters, & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); A few blushes; Some noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Claude makes a comment about Jennie and Leo wandering around without supervision (which Leo tries to tell him that nothing like that has happen and Jennie is very hurt by her father’s accusation; *Spoiler* ); Some young men corner Jennie and make her uncomfortable with their “overly friendly advances” (Leo doesn’t think they meant harm, but scares them off anyway); Etta thinks about how Jennie hadn’t reached the age of noticing boys when they moved to town, but that apparently Jennie isn’t indifferent and Etta thinks Jennie is smitten with Leo; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of handsome men; Very light love, falling in love, & the emotions (Jennie tries to guard herself the majority of the book from having more than friendship feelings for Leo because he will only be there for a summer and reminds herself about it a few times; She also makes a vow to herself to not let her “silly emotions” interfere in their budding friendship);
*Note: A mention of Leo looking at the end of a pup to find out the gender.
-Jennie Ward, age 17
-Leo Day
-Etta Ward
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1915
352 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Full disclaimer: This book made me want to cry at about sixteen different parts. 🥲😭🥹
It almost felt like a YA Historical novel with Jennie being seventeen. The mother-daughter relationship between Etta and Jennie plus their conversations were so good to see. I’ve commented on this before in another book by this author, but it’s so nice to see a parent who is active in their young adult’s life and not only caring for them, but also praying hard for their grown child.
The faith content was outstanding in this book. Incredibly strong and incredibly prevalent throughout it. Despite her father being a bear about different things, Jennie honors and obeys both him and her mother. She’s tempted to not listen to their words like most teens might be, but prays about it and does the right thing. Having been a caretaker to a family member for nearly a year this book went with some emotions I’ve felt, but other emotions I could understood in a way that only one who has walked this path could, despite my family’s situation being different from the Ward family. In a way, it felt a little unnerving to read, like it was almost too raw to read and I was encroaching on their private lives. But in another way, I understood. I understood where they were coming from and how the path to healing isn’t as easily as we hope or pray for.
The romance was very light and definitely not the main focus of the book. You could argue the romance is basically non-existent because of the age difference with Jennie being only 17 and Leo is in college. That age gap doesn’t personally bother me in this historical setting and how they don’t even share a kiss or any romantic feelings in that way until the final chapter which is partially set a year later. He treated her at first very brotherly, but then they became close friends. The ending had me squeeing in delight! 🥹🥹🥹
Leo might be threatening Emmett from “The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow” for my favorite male lead by this author. The way he encouraged her, talked with her, prayed with her (!!), and was her friend which gradually lead into possible more was absolutely lovely and so heartwarming.
I grew up loving to learn about creation science and going to lectures in that field, so many parts of this book reminded me of what I learned then. Despite having very little (more like a small percentage) of interest in dinosaurs and being a little bummed at first this book would have the topic (as I’ve seen it a handful of times before in recent years in the Christian Fiction market), I ended up really enjoying those parts and how it was all connected back into the strong faith themes and conversations. Leo was so passionate about it and the connection to creation—which that was pretty frequently mentioned and discussed which this book have the most about creation science or biblical creationism compared to the other ones I’ve read.
One thing I greatly appreciated about this book was that there were no villains/antagonists in it. No person causing trouble or drama, just characters I could cheer for and hope with. I can’t say I see that much and it was very refreshing.
Often when I’m reading, my mind will jump to predicting what will happen in this book—and usually I’m right. Interestingly enough, though, with this story most of my fears of potential events didn’t happen. I was perhaps waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak, but it didn’t happen. The ending of this book is a bit opened ended—it truly could have a follow-up novella or epilogue at least!—but it was wrapped up beautifully and realistically. Our trials and troubles don’t wrap up within a month or three hundred pages, so it makes sense that everything this family is going through wouldn’t either. That said, I wasn’t upset about how it ended and honestly had to wipe away my tears multiple times while reading.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Waterbrook Multnomah) for this honest review.
About this book:
“Geology student Leo Day has been waiting for a big find to prove his career path is worthy to his father. While riding the train along the Arkansas River in Canon City, Colorado, Leo spots a young woman waving at the passing cars holding something that looks like a piece of fossilized bone. He catches up to the girl after leaping from the slow train and his pulse gallops when he recognizes it as a rib bone from a smaller dinosaur species, most likely a Allosaurus. She confides she’s found several similar bones, and he asks her to show him where.
Whether it was loneliness or boredom that led Jennie Ward to leave the water line and escort this stranger to the place where her daddy’s border collie had unearthed several bones, she couldn’t say, but she enjoys visiting with him. Could he become the friend she’s been praying for? As he leaves, he promises to return soon and asks if she’ll be his guide. She has little time for socializing, given her responsibility to the water works due to her father’s injury and aftermath, but the opportunity to gain a friend is too hard to resist. She agrees.
As the weeks pass, Leo, a man longing for a father’s approval, and Jennie, a girl trapped by her loyalty to a despondent father, become friends and confidantes. And God’s plan for both Leo’s and Jennie’s futures will unfold like an excavation of dinosaur bones.”
Series: As of now, no. Seems to be a stand-alone novel.
Spiritual Content- Psalm 40:1 at the beginning; Scriptures are mentioned, remembered, thought over, quoted, & discussed; Many, many prayers & thanking God; Feeling peace; Church going, sermons, & singing hymns; Many talks about God, prayers/praying, having Hope, & creation; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Jennie has prayed for her father to get better for over a year, but hasn’t lately because she thinks that if God hasn’t answered them by now, He wasn’t going to (adding that her Mama could “waste her time imploring Him”, but Jennie was done); Jennie does a prayer that has a hint of sarcasm to it and thinks that if God was as forgiving as her Mama said, He’s understand “her momentary lapse into bitterness”; Jennie has been taught that Someone was always watching over her and that knowledge has curtailed her yielding to many temptations over the years, but wonders that if God isn’t answering her prayers, if He’s even paying attention to her and if she even has to behave then, but decides she won’t deliberately get up to mischief whether God was watching or not because she doesn’t want to hurt her Mama; Jennie feels as if it would be selfish to pray for her own silly emotions when her parents need the prayers more in her eyes; Leo plans to visit the different churches in town as he hasn’t experienced other denominations’ services and thinks it could be “interesting and enlightening”; Jennie and Leo both have a moment where they don’t pay attention during a prayer or sermon because of other thoughts and feel ashamed; Leo considered skipping church for hunting dinosaur fossils, but ultimately to still go to church; All about many mentions of prayers, praying, answered prayers, thanking God, & blessings over food (including Jennie and Leo praying for and with each other); Many mentions of God, His will, peace, having hope, & not holding on to bitterness; Many mentions of churches (including different denominations like Presbyterian and Baptist & a home-church service), church going, services, worship, hymns, sermons, & ministers; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of Jennie’s family doing a home-church most Sundays with just the three of them; Mentions of faiths & sharing it with others; Mentions of God-given talents; A few mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of the Holy Spirit; A couple mentions of Christians; A couple mentions of blessings & being Blessed;
*Note: Leo hopes to one day help prove that the earth is thousands of years old and not millions like some of his professors teach (when his father asks him what eternal good is Leo doing, Leo wants to respond that he truly believes that he could “do eternal good by disproving scientific theories that discredited creationism”; *Spoiler* ); Leo discusses with Jennie about creationist views and evolution views (including how the Great Flood effected things, how evolution is a theory, and Scripture talking about giant creatures); *Spoiler* ; ‘Heaven only knows’ is said once; Mentions of evolution, eras, & fossils of prehistoric creatures like dinosaurs and trilobites; A mention of Santa Claus.
Negative Content- Pain, Injuries, & Being caught in a hailstorm (barely-above-not-detailed); Jennie, Etta, and Leo all try to avoid lying to each other and others (some half-truths and fibs are said still with guilt and asking God for forgiveness; Leo grapples with his conscience about keeping the Ward family’s secret); Mentions of an accident, injuries, & pain (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of the passing of a beloved dog from old age, finding him, & grief/sobbing (border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed); A few mentions of eavesdropping; A few mentions of mummified remains of cats being used in science; A couple mentions of jealousy; A mention of a cigarette; A mention of hunters;
*Note: After Jennie’s father fell and broke his leg two years prior, he hasn’t been the same and his wife, Etta, is his caretaker while Jennie does his work for their living; Jennie struggles with a “tumble of emotions” like “resentment and worry and sorrow and sympathy” when thinking about her father and how he is now; Jennie feels guilt over her father’s accident (*Spoiler* ); Jennie’s father interrupts, snaps, and is unkind to Jennie and Etta at times because of his “woebegone attitude”; Jennie’s father, Claude, tells Etta that she should have given up on him months ago and that he is worthless and a burden to her (She is hurt by this as she loves him and promised before God to be faithful whether in sickness or death and tells him so); Jennie feels guilt for wanting her father to be hurt (emotionally) like he did to her and asks God to forgive her for the thoughts; Jennie has a fear that she might not have much more time with her father if he doesn’t get better because it seems as if he is withering away; *Spoilers* ; Leo thinks that Claude may have ‘melancholia’ (which the discussion questions at the end of the book call it depression) and shudders when he thinks of the “treatments” available for it (such as being shocked with electricity or removing a portion of the brain; Leo does not share about this with Jennie); *Spoilers, but also a mental illness* ; Leo and his father have a strained relationship because of Leo not following in his father’s footsteps as a minister and his father disapproving of his career choice (Leo thinks often about wanting to be recognized by his father and gain approval from him; *Spoiler* ); Many mentions of mental illnesses (called “mental diseases”, an “imbalance somewhere in the brain”, and an “illness of the mind” throughout the book), psychiatrists, & an insane asylum (Leo is also concerned that Claude could become violent to Jennie and Etta & share with his family in a letter that Claude is emotionally unstable, which could be perceived as “harsh and critical” but he wants his parents to understand the problem so they can specifically pray); Mentions of schoolmates and professors ridiculing Leo for his interest in paleontology and/or having a creationist view; A few mentions of books and fictional characters (Pinocchio & Oliver Twist); A mention of Leo always thinking that dish washing was a duty for girls as his mother and sisters saw to the cooking and cleaning up at home, but washes dishes himself as a job at the hotel.
Sexual Content- A hand kiss, a barely-above-not-detailed kiss, and a border-line barely-above-not-detailed // semi-detailed kiss; Wondering about a possible kiss (barely-above-not-detailed); Etta also kisses Claude on the forehead twice & cuddles into Claude in their bed once (barely-above-not-detailed); A few Touches, a couple Embraces, Flutters, & Nearness (barely-above-not-detailed); A few blushes; Some noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); Claude makes a comment about Jennie and Leo wandering around without supervision (which Leo tries to tell him that nothing like that has happen and Jennie is very hurt by her father’s accusation; *Spoiler* ); Some young men corner Jennie and make her uncomfortable with their “overly friendly advances” (Leo doesn’t think they meant harm, but scares them off anyway); Etta thinks about how Jennie hadn’t reached the age of noticing boys when they moved to town, but that apparently Jennie isn’t indifferent and Etta thinks Jennie is smitten with Leo; A few mentions of flirting; A couple mentions of handsome men; Very light love, falling in love, & the emotions (Jennie tries to guard herself the majority of the book from having more than friendship feelings for Leo because he will only be there for a summer and reminds herself about it a few times; She also makes a vow to herself to not let her “silly emotions” interfere in their budding friendship);
*Note: A mention of Leo looking at the end of a pup to find out the gender.
-Jennie Ward, age 17
-Leo Day
-Etta Ward
P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1915
352 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Full disclaimer: This book made me want to cry at about sixteen different parts. 🥲😭🥹
It almost felt like a YA Historical novel with Jennie being seventeen. The mother-daughter relationship between Etta and Jennie plus their conversations were so good to see. I’ve commented on this before in another book by this author, but it’s so nice to see a parent who is active in their young adult’s life and not only caring for them, but also praying hard for their grown child.
The faith content was outstanding in this book. Incredibly strong and incredibly prevalent throughout it. Despite her father being a bear about different things, Jennie honors and obeys both him and her mother. She’s tempted to not listen to their words like most teens might be, but prays about it and does the right thing. Having been a caretaker to a family member for nearly a year this book went with some emotions I’ve felt, but other emotions I could understood in a way that only one who has walked this path could, despite my family’s situation being different from the Ward family. In a way, it felt a little unnerving to read, like it was almost too raw to read and I was encroaching on their private lives. But in another way, I understood. I understood where they were coming from and how the path to healing isn’t as easily as we hope or pray for.
The romance was very light and definitely not the main focus of the book. You could argue the romance is basically non-existent because of the age difference with Jennie being only 17 and Leo is in college. That age gap doesn’t personally bother me in this historical setting and how they don’t even share a kiss or any romantic feelings in that way until the final chapter which is partially set a year later. He treated her at first very brotherly, but then they became close friends. The ending had me squeeing in delight! 🥹🥹🥹
Leo might be threatening Emmett from “The Librarian of Boone’s Hollow” for my favorite male lead by this author. The way he encouraged her, talked with her, prayed with her (!!), and was her friend which gradually lead into possible more was absolutely lovely and so heartwarming.
I grew up loving to learn about creation science and going to lectures in that field, so many parts of this book reminded me of what I learned then. Despite having very little (more like a small percentage) of interest in dinosaurs and being a little bummed at first this book would have the topic (as I’ve seen it a handful of times before in recent years in the Christian Fiction market), I ended up really enjoying those parts and how it was all connected back into the strong faith themes and conversations. Leo was so passionate about it and the connection to creation—which that was pretty frequently mentioned and discussed which this book have the most about creation science or biblical creationism compared to the other ones I’ve read.
One thing I greatly appreciated about this book was that there were no villains/antagonists in it. No person causing trouble or drama, just characters I could cheer for and hope with. I can’t say I see that much and it was very refreshing.
Often when I’m reading, my mind will jump to predicting what will happen in this book—and usually I’m right. Interestingly enough, though, with this story most of my fears of potential events didn’t happen. I was perhaps waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak, but it didn’t happen. The ending of this book is a bit opened ended—it truly could have a follow-up novella or epilogue at least!—but it was wrapped up beautifully and realistically. Our trials and troubles don’t wrap up within a month or three hundred pages, so it makes sense that everything this family is going through wouldn’t either. That said, I wasn’t upset about how it ended and honestly had to wipe away my tears multiple times while reading.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Waterbrook Multnomah) for this honest review.
March 28, 2025
A fossilized bone may whisper of the past, but faith and hope echo through eternity. Like the line walkers of long ago who traversed the Arkansas River’s water pipelines in Cañon City, Jennie Ward treads a narrow path, balancing duty and longing, faith and weariness, loneliness and the hope of something more. And then there’s Leo Day, searching for evidence—both in the dirt and in his own heart—that his calling is worthy.
This is a novel where faith echoes across generations, much like the fossilized bones buried in the earth. The past whispers to the present, reminding us that our stories are never truly isolated. Leo’s search for paleontological discoveries mirrors a deeper excavation—the digging into faith, identity, and purpose. He stands in the tension between science and belief, yearning to prove that the two are not at odds. The beauty of this novel is that it does not merely present faith as a passive, comfortable thing; instead, it shows how trust in God requires perseverance, just like uncovering fossils layer by layer.
Jennie, a caretaker in every sense, walks the pipeline—literally and figuratively—holding up the world of those she loves. She is the embodiment of sacrificial love, yet she also longs for a friend who sees beyond what she does to who she is. The weight she carries is familiar to anyone who has ever held a burden they did not choose but could not put down. And yet, her hope remains, not in circumstances, but in the God who walks the line with her. “The One to whom she offers the prayers is her source of hope … the prayers are her connection to Him and the hope He gives.” This truth hums through every page of the book like a steady refrain.
Faith in Hope’s Enduring Echo is a lifeline, gripped with weary hands and unwavering resolve. Leo and Jennie wrestle, question, and seek, their lessons not spoon-fed but carved into the marrow of their lives. In the end, they discover what we all must: Hope isn’t found in what we unearth but in the One who holds us steady as we walk the line.
Psalm 40:1 — I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher, WaterBrook, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the excellent writing and the story’s fantastic content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
posted soon, God willing. :)
This is a novel where faith echoes across generations, much like the fossilized bones buried in the earth. The past whispers to the present, reminding us that our stories are never truly isolated. Leo’s search for paleontological discoveries mirrors a deeper excavation—the digging into faith, identity, and purpose. He stands in the tension between science and belief, yearning to prove that the two are not at odds. The beauty of this novel is that it does not merely present faith as a passive, comfortable thing; instead, it shows how trust in God requires perseverance, just like uncovering fossils layer by layer.
Jennie, a caretaker in every sense, walks the pipeline—literally and figuratively—holding up the world of those she loves. She is the embodiment of sacrificial love, yet she also longs for a friend who sees beyond what she does to who she is. The weight she carries is familiar to anyone who has ever held a burden they did not choose but could not put down. And yet, her hope remains, not in circumstances, but in the God who walks the line with her. “The One to whom she offers the prayers is her source of hope … the prayers are her connection to Him and the hope He gives.” This truth hums through every page of the book like a steady refrain.
Faith in Hope’s Enduring Echo is a lifeline, gripped with weary hands and unwavering resolve. Leo and Jennie wrestle, question, and seek, their lessons not spoon-fed but carved into the marrow of their lives. In the end, they discover what we all must: Hope isn’t found in what we unearth but in the One who holds us steady as we walk the line.
Psalm 40:1 — I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher, WaterBrook, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the excellent writing and the story’s fantastic content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
posted soon, God willing. :)
December 8, 2025
This was a great story! Jennie has been helping her family by taking on her father’s job while he can not do it. I thought this showed how strong she was and caring to take on this for her family. She meets Leo after he sees her holding a dinosaur bone, but she doesn’t know that. And he wants to look for more where she found it, or rather her dog found it. Leo was such a great guy, I really liked him. I liked how he was very considerate and respectful of Jennie and her family. I felt bad for Jennie’s dad who couldn’t get out of his melancholy and her mom for having to be strong for both of them. I liked watching Leo and Jennie’s relationship grow. I thought there was good Christian content. Overall a great story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
May 31, 2025
I read this book in bits and pieces over the period of a week, staying up late and getting caught up in the story as I worked on my knitting. My exhaustion from work and my studies all but melted away with the joy I found between its pages. I think it's one of the most beautiful and touching books I have read this year 🥺
I'm so grateful I got to read an ARC copy, but it's a book I desperately want on my shelf, and so I'll be keeping an eye out for it 💕
I'm so grateful I got to read an ARC copy, but it's a book I desperately want on my shelf, and so I'll be keeping an eye out for it 💕
April 11, 2025
Take a trek through the Colorado hills on a hunt for dinosaur bones while also exploring beautiful themes of love, family, and hope.
Well that was beautiful. 😭 There aren't many fictional romances that I can solidly stand behind but this was one of them. It was a historical romance that didn't feel like a romance and I mean that in a good way.
This book covered some really unique themes/ideas, like the main girl is a line-walker (daily walking the water pipes of the town to inspect for damage) and the main guy is a paleontologist and there are themes of mental illnesses like melancholia.
The characters were so amazing! I liked how we got Etta's POV, I thought that added a layer of depth, even though I preferred Jennie and Leo's POV's better.
Jennie was a great main character, she had a good dose of spunk and wit but it was measured with a wholesome sweetness and love of her family and genuine questions about her faith.
Leo, oh Leo, he was so sweet. 🥹 Kind, encouraging, and self-less are the three words that come to mind for him. He encourages Jennie in her faith, always is there for her, goes out of his way to be kind to her and her family, spends so much time with Jennie and her family, prays with and for them... he was amazing. ❤️
The theme of hope was also really well done. 🫶🏻 It was there but not too much to where it slaps you in the face. But as the end you can see the woven echo of hope throughout the whole story. It tackles tough questions like, "How can we have hope is hardship?", "Does God listen to our prayers?", and "Where is God in our struggles?" and handles them so beautifully.
And that epilogue?! Don’t mind me, I’ll just be over here drying my tears. 😭❤️
Overall, I adored this book so much. Can't wait to get my copy and annotate it!
Content: There is a strong theme of mental illness (melancholia and depression) but it didn't feel too heavy or consuming. Therefore, some mentions of insane asylums and shock therapy. A little bit of romance, hand-holding, two kisses, hugs, some noticing/touching. A few boys approach Jennie in town and corner her, not being inappropriate, just too enthusiastic.
✨ 5 Stars ✨
Well that was beautiful. 😭 There aren't many fictional romances that I can solidly stand behind but this was one of them. It was a historical romance that didn't feel like a romance and I mean that in a good way.
This book covered some really unique themes/ideas, like the main girl is a line-walker (daily walking the water pipes of the town to inspect for damage) and the main guy is a paleontologist and there are themes of mental illnesses like melancholia.
The characters were so amazing! I liked how we got Etta's POV, I thought that added a layer of depth, even though I preferred Jennie and Leo's POV's better.
Jennie was a great main character, she had a good dose of spunk and wit but it was measured with a wholesome sweetness and love of her family and genuine questions about her faith.
Leo, oh Leo, he was so sweet. 🥹 Kind, encouraging, and self-less are the three words that come to mind for him. He encourages Jennie in her faith, always is there for her, goes out of his way to be kind to her and her family, spends so much time with Jennie and her family, prays with and for them... he was amazing. ❤️
The theme of hope was also really well done. 🫶🏻 It was there but not too much to where it slaps you in the face. But as the end you can see the woven echo of hope throughout the whole story. It tackles tough questions like, "How can we have hope is hardship?", "Does God listen to our prayers?", and "Where is God in our struggles?" and handles them so beautifully.
And that epilogue?! Don’t mind me, I’ll just be over here drying my tears. 😭❤️
Overall, I adored this book so much. Can't wait to get my copy and annotate it!
Content: There is a strong theme of mental illness (melancholia and depression) but it didn't feel too heavy or consuming. Therefore, some mentions of insane asylums and shock therapy. A little bit of romance, hand-holding, two kisses, hugs, some noticing/touching. A few boys approach Jennie in town and corner her, not being inappropriate, just too enthusiastic.
✨ 5 Stars ✨
March 23, 2025
1915 Colorado
Heartwarming as expected.
Jennie Ward lives in a remote cabin with her parents. Since her father was injured two years ago, she's been handling his job of checking a wooden water pipeline. This involves walking on top of the pipeline for 14 miles every weekday. Jennie is able to keep her father's income and housing intact at the sacrifice of her own education.
Paleontology student Leo Day happens across Jenny and they soon strike up a friendship. Leo's battle is working through conflict with his father who believes Leo should be a minister like the long line of men before him.
There's a lot to love about this novel including historical details about the area, paleontology and the methods for treating mental illness. The novel is told from three points of view: Jennie, Leo and Jennie's mother Etta.
My gratitude to publisher Waterbrook for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Heartwarming as expected.
Jennie Ward lives in a remote cabin with her parents. Since her father was injured two years ago, she's been handling his job of checking a wooden water pipeline. This involves walking on top of the pipeline for 14 miles every weekday. Jennie is able to keep her father's income and housing intact at the sacrifice of her own education.
Paleontology student Leo Day happens across Jenny and they soon strike up a friendship. Leo's battle is working through conflict with his father who believes Leo should be a minister like the long line of men before him.
There's a lot to love about this novel including historical details about the area, paleontology and the methods for treating mental illness. The novel is told from three points of view: Jennie, Leo and Jennie's mother Etta.
My gratitude to publisher Waterbrook for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 18, 2025
Kim Vogel Sawyer is one of my favorite authors when it comes to Christian fiction (I especially love her historicals) and her new release each year instantly becomes one of my most anticipated releases so I was thrilled to receive a copy to read and review early (a big thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley!).
This author’s books always have characters that tug at your heartstrings and this book was no different. Jennie and her mother Etta were both dealing with so much and through it all managed to keep positive attitudes. Etta, in particular, never lost her faith. There was no villain to the story per se, but Jennie’s father is dealing with quite a bit as well, which added some conflict to the story.
I liked both Jennie and Leo (the MMC). Leo, who comes from a long line of pastors, wants to study paleontology instead and feels somewhat ostracized from his family because of that. He was very much a faith filled character as well (despite not wanting to be a pastor) and I liked that he encouraged Jennie in her faith.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well, like Jennie’s aunt and uncle and Leo’s mentor (for lack of a better word). I also loved the puppy as well. I love how the dog came into their lives at just the right time and how devoted they all became to the dog as well. (And for those who are worried, the dog does not die!). As a dog person, I loved everything about that puppy.
My main complaint would be that the book definitely needed an epilogue! There is a segment set one year later, but I would have liked a check in to see how everyone was doing, especially given the changes they all went through. Overall this was a lovely read with an easy writing style and a wonderful, faith based story. I can’t wait to read more of this author’s books!
This author’s books always have characters that tug at your heartstrings and this book was no different. Jennie and her mother Etta were both dealing with so much and through it all managed to keep positive attitudes. Etta, in particular, never lost her faith. There was no villain to the story per se, but Jennie’s father is dealing with quite a bit as well, which added some conflict to the story.
I liked both Jennie and Leo (the MMC). Leo, who comes from a long line of pastors, wants to study paleontology instead and feels somewhat ostracized from his family because of that. He was very much a faith filled character as well (despite not wanting to be a pastor) and I liked that he encouraged Jennie in her faith.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well, like Jennie’s aunt and uncle and Leo’s mentor (for lack of a better word). I also loved the puppy as well. I love how the dog came into their lives at just the right time and how devoted they all became to the dog as well. (And for those who are worried, the dog does not die!). As a dog person, I loved everything about that puppy.
My main complaint would be that the book definitely needed an epilogue! There is a segment set one year later, but I would have liked a check in to see how everyone was doing, especially given the changes they all went through. Overall this was a lovely read with an easy writing style and a wonderful, faith based story. I can’t wait to read more of this author’s books!
May 24, 2025
Hopes Enduring Echo by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Rating: 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Thoughts: This was such a good book! It was a slightly slow start but I loved it. It was honestly mind twisting because I feel like this story is set during the 1800s. But it is actually set in 1915. (I honestly thought for the first but of the book that it was set in the 1980s)
One thing I liked was how main female character, Jenny, how she had normal teenage angst. With emotions boiling over and trouble understanding what she's feeling and the likes. But it felt real. In most books, when you have teenage angst it's overdone. It feels like it's there only for the drama it can bring. But in this book it felt natural, it felt real. And I loved how it was counter balanced with the need for prayer and the need to have hope. How you can't just wallow in despair and uncertainty.
It's so sad it was so sad to see how the father was described before he had the accident and then have the comparison of afterwards. How hopeless and... heavy he'd become.
I also liked how Jenny was thinking about defying her father and was planning different ways how she could meet Leo but she didn't. She chose the right thing to do and she obeyed her parents like the Bible says: children obey your father and mother for this is right.
Jenny's mom's commitment to giving her daughter what she needed; going to school, having friends, not having the burden of supporting her family, her commitment to giving her daughter that was amazing. I loved how she was willing to do something that she had no idea how to do, that was hard, dangerous even in order to give her daughter that opportunity... I really like that
Favorite character, part, quote.
Characters: My favorite characters are Etta; I liked how she had the faith and the strength to live and still love her husband. I also like Leo's complete gentlemanliness. And Jenny; I liked her because she was real. As much as I have never gone through anything that she's gone through I can relate to her far more any other character I can remember as of right now.
Part: My favorite part was when Etta made the decision to take over the line walking for her daughter so Jenny could live her life as 17 year old
Quote: NA
Bible Verse:
Romans 15:13 KJV
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Content List
Language/Profanity: NA
Faith: Praying; Talk of prayer; Talk of Hope and how we need it; Bible verses and talk of the Bible; Talk of the flood; Talk of God.
Romance/Sex: Thinking of a kiss; 'I really like you.'; falling in love.
Violence ect.: Past accedent.
Other: Lies, a few to keep something secret, and another that I don't quite know if it was actually a lie. The mother said she needed the outhouse. And she did, not just in the normal sense. She needed to give herself space and a good place to cry, so she did need it... In my opinion.
Part of a Series: Nope.
Synopsis:
Geology student Leo Day has been waiting for a big find to prove his career path is worthy to his father. While riding the train along the Arkansas River in Canon City, Colorado, Leo spots a young woman waving at the passing cars holding something that looks like a piece of fossilized bone. He catches up to the girl after leaping from the slow train and his pulse gallops when he recognizes it as a rib bone from a smaller dinosaur species, most likely a Allosaurus. She confides she’s found several similar bones, and he asks her to show him where.
Whether it was loneliness or boredom that led Jennie Ward to leave the water line and escort this stranger to the place where her daddy’s border collie had unearthed several bones, she couldn’t say, but she enjoys visiting with him. Could he become the friend she’s been praying for? As he leaves, he promises to return soon and asks if she’ll be his guide. She has little time for socializing, given her responsibility to the water works due to her father’s injury and aftermath, but the opportunity to gain a friend is too hard to resist. She agrees.
As the weeks pass, Leo, a man longing for a father’s approval, and Jennie, a girl trapped by her loyalty to a despondent father, become friends and confidantes. And God’s plan for both Leo’s and Jennie’s futures will unfold like an excavation of dinosaur bones.
Rating: 🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴
Thoughts: This was such a good book! It was a slightly slow start but I loved it. It was honestly mind twisting because I feel like this story is set during the 1800s. But it is actually set in 1915. (I honestly thought for the first but of the book that it was set in the 1980s)
One thing I liked was how main female character, Jenny, how she had normal teenage angst. With emotions boiling over and trouble understanding what she's feeling and the likes. But it felt real. In most books, when you have teenage angst it's overdone. It feels like it's there only for the drama it can bring. But in this book it felt natural, it felt real. And I loved how it was counter balanced with the need for prayer and the need to have hope. How you can't just wallow in despair and uncertainty.
It's so sad it was so sad to see how the father was described before he had the accident and then have the comparison of afterwards. How hopeless and... heavy he'd become.
I also liked how Jenny was thinking about defying her father and was planning different ways how she could meet Leo but she didn't. She chose the right thing to do and she obeyed her parents like the Bible says: children obey your father and mother for this is right.
Jenny's mom's commitment to giving her daughter what she needed; going to school, having friends, not having the burden of supporting her family, her commitment to giving her daughter that was amazing. I loved how she was willing to do something that she had no idea how to do, that was hard, dangerous even in order to give her daughter that opportunity... I really like that
Favorite character, part, quote.
Characters: My favorite characters are Etta; I liked how she had the faith and the strength to live and still love her husband. I also like Leo's complete gentlemanliness. And Jenny; I liked her because she was real. As much as I have never gone through anything that she's gone through I can relate to her far more any other character I can remember as of right now.
Part: My favorite part was when Etta made the decision to take over the line walking for her daughter so Jenny could live her life as 17 year old
Quote: NA
Bible Verse:
Romans 15:13 KJV
[13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Content List
Language/Profanity: NA
Faith: Praying; Talk of prayer; Talk of Hope and how we need it; Bible verses and talk of the Bible; Talk of the flood; Talk of God.
Romance/Sex: Thinking of a kiss; 'I really like you.'; falling in love.
Violence ect.: Past accedent.
Other: Lies, a few to keep something secret, and another that I don't quite know if it was actually a lie. The mother said she needed the outhouse. And she did, not just in the normal sense. She needed to give herself space and a good place to cry, so she did need it... In my opinion.
Part of a Series: Nope.
Synopsis:
Geology student Leo Day has been waiting for a big find to prove his career path is worthy to his father. While riding the train along the Arkansas River in Canon City, Colorado, Leo spots a young woman waving at the passing cars holding something that looks like a piece of fossilized bone. He catches up to the girl after leaping from the slow train and his pulse gallops when he recognizes it as a rib bone from a smaller dinosaur species, most likely a Allosaurus. She confides she’s found several similar bones, and he asks her to show him where.
Whether it was loneliness or boredom that led Jennie Ward to leave the water line and escort this stranger to the place where her daddy’s border collie had unearthed several bones, she couldn’t say, but she enjoys visiting with him. Could he become the friend she’s been praying for? As he leaves, he promises to return soon and asks if she’ll be his guide. She has little time for socializing, given her responsibility to the water works due to her father’s injury and aftermath, but the opportunity to gain a friend is too hard to resist. She agrees.
As the weeks pass, Leo, a man longing for a father’s approval, and Jennie, a girl trapped by her loyalty to a despondent father, become friends and confidantes. And God’s plan for both Leo’s and Jennie’s futures will unfold like an excavation of dinosaur bones.
November 15, 2025
I loved that the theme of this novel encouraged joyfulness in hope, patience in tribulation, and constancy in prayer (see Romans 12:12). I could easily understand Jennie's frustration with her situation . . . her desire for continued education at war with her need to help care for her family. I love that she prayed for a friend. (I've often done so myself!)
I really love that Leo showed up right away and how his curiosity about paleontology, paired with the bone Jennie's dad's dog had dug up a few years earlier combined to create that unexpected friendship. I loved that Leo wasn't just a friend to Jennie, but to the whole Ward family.
Mr. Ward's struggle with 'melancholia' (which today would probably be diagnosed as clinical depression) was treated with such care and concern, and as someone who has many loved ones with similar diagnoses, I appreciated that so much!
4.5 stars
I really love that Leo showed up right away and how his curiosity about paleontology, paired with the bone Jennie's dad's dog had dug up a few years earlier combined to create that unexpected friendship. I loved that Leo wasn't just a friend to Jennie, but to the whole Ward family.
Mr. Ward's struggle with 'melancholia' (which today would probably be diagnosed as clinical depression) was treated with such care and concern, and as someone who has many loved ones with similar diagnoses, I appreciated that so much!
4.5 stars
June 22, 2025
《 four stars 》
⭒˚.⋆ ❝ sometimes the bones we uncover aren't just fossils—they're the pieces of ourselves we thought were buried for good ❞ ⋆.˚⭒
Hope's Enduring Echo is a tender, quietly powerful story about friendship, healing, and the kind of love that grows slowly, like something unearthed with care. Set against the rugged beauty of Colorado's hills in the 1900s, it follows Leo, a geology student desperate for his father's approval, and Jennie, a girl tethered to duty and silence, as they stumble upon a fossil discovery that changes both of their lives.
Their relationship unfolds with patient and grace, rooted in shared wonder and the ache of unspoken hopes. I loved the way their friendship gradually blossomed into something deeper, not rushed, but reverent. The themes of loneliness, loyalty, and God's providence echo through every page like a hymn carried on canyon winds.
Grand gestures and dramatic scenes are far removed from this book, but small kindness, steady faith, and heartfelt themes dot the page instead, making it a beautiful, touching story that I quite fell in love with. It may be my favorite book of Sawyer's yet, in fact. I highly recommend it to my fellow readers of quiet stories! 🦴🌾
⭒˚.⋆ ❝ sometimes the bones we uncover aren't just fossils—they're the pieces of ourselves we thought were buried for good ❞ ⋆.˚⭒
Hope's Enduring Echo is a tender, quietly powerful story about friendship, healing, and the kind of love that grows slowly, like something unearthed with care. Set against the rugged beauty of Colorado's hills in the 1900s, it follows Leo, a geology student desperate for his father's approval, and Jennie, a girl tethered to duty and silence, as they stumble upon a fossil discovery that changes both of their lives.
Their relationship unfolds with patient and grace, rooted in shared wonder and the ache of unspoken hopes. I loved the way their friendship gradually blossomed into something deeper, not rushed, but reverent. The themes of loneliness, loyalty, and God's providence echo through every page like a hymn carried on canyon winds.
Grand gestures and dramatic scenes are far removed from this book, but small kindness, steady faith, and heartfelt themes dot the page instead, making it a beautiful, touching story that I quite fell in love with. It may be my favorite book of Sawyer's yet, in fact. I highly recommend it to my fellow readers of quiet stories! 🦴🌾
November 26, 2024
This author does a great job of portraying hope throughout her stories. I loved how the character was standing in the echo of someone else's hope. I could almost feel the peace in the setting as Jennie walks the line each day.
The mental health struggles that Mr. Ward experiences during the book may be difficult for some readers. The author is able to fully describe the struggles that he is facing which is hard to read about.
It was exciting to delve into the world of paleontology and looking for dinosaur bones. Leo is such an insightful young man and shares Biblical truths easily.
Mrs. Ward is such a picture of grace and loving and respecting your spouse in sickness as well as in health. She was a great character.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
The mental health struggles that Mr. Ward experiences during the book may be difficult for some readers. The author is able to fully describe the struggles that he is facing which is hard to read about.
It was exciting to delve into the world of paleontology and looking for dinosaur bones. Leo is such an insightful young man and shares Biblical truths easily.
Mrs. Ward is such a picture of grace and loving and respecting your spouse in sickness as well as in health. She was a great character.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.
February 10, 2025
Near Canon City, Colorado
1915
Jenny Ward is the main breadwinner since her father had an accident and hasn’t been able to return to work. It’s cut her off from being with people her age and being able to attend school. She prays for a friend and Leo is the answer to this prayer.
Leo Day is a paleontology student who has decided to not follow in his father’s footsteps of being in ministry. He wants to prove to his father that this is the right decision. He wants his approval.
As per usual anything written by Kim Vogel Sawyer goes at its own pace, but it’s endearing to the plot, and the characters, and each word is satisfying to the very end. The themes of family, faithfulness to God, loyalty, and friendship were handled with clarity and a gentleness that felt like a warm welcome each time I went back to this story. Recommended!
My gratitude to Netgalley, WaterBrook and Multnomah. All opinions expressed are mine and honest.
1915
Jenny Ward is the main breadwinner since her father had an accident and hasn’t been able to return to work. It’s cut her off from being with people her age and being able to attend school. She prays for a friend and Leo is the answer to this prayer.
Leo Day is a paleontology student who has decided to not follow in his father’s footsteps of being in ministry. He wants to prove to his father that this is the right decision. He wants his approval.
As per usual anything written by Kim Vogel Sawyer goes at its own pace, but it’s endearing to the plot, and the characters, and each word is satisfying to the very end. The themes of family, faithfulness to God, loyalty, and friendship were handled with clarity and a gentleness that felt like a warm welcome each time I went back to this story. Recommended!
My gratitude to Netgalley, WaterBrook and Multnomah. All opinions expressed are mine and honest.
January 18, 2025
Though I am not much of a dinosaur story person, I really enjoyed this novel!
I had to smile when Jennie’s age (17) was termed “tumultuous” by her mother 😊 boy, that is a hard age with trying to be an adult and working through so many feeling! It was sweet to watch her grow spiritually and as an individual through the story. Her mom’s pov as a praying wife with a struggling husband was such an inspiration. The whole mental/spiritual health aspect was written well (and kept historically accurate also). Leo was also a great character! He wants to honor his Father but also follow God in his call as a young man.
As always with Kim Vogel Sawyer, the spiritual aspect was very uplifting and solid! My one complaint was that the history wasn’t exactly accurate (which I’ve looked into a bit after reading). One side character was a real person who made dinosaur finds. I think crediting that in some sort of note is important. It’s super interesting, so hopefully the author will add that to the final book!
Conclusion: I liked it and recommend this story to those who enjoy faith filled historical fiction.
I received an ARC from Netgally and was not required to give a review. All these thoughts and opinions are my own 🥰
I had to smile when Jennie’s age (17) was termed “tumultuous” by her mother 😊 boy, that is a hard age with trying to be an adult and working through so many feeling! It was sweet to watch her grow spiritually and as an individual through the story. Her mom’s pov as a praying wife with a struggling husband was such an inspiration. The whole mental/spiritual health aspect was written well (and kept historically accurate also). Leo was also a great character! He wants to honor his Father but also follow God in his call as a young man.
As always with Kim Vogel Sawyer, the spiritual aspect was very uplifting and solid! My one complaint was that the history wasn’t exactly accurate (which I’ve looked into a bit after reading). One side character was a real person who made dinosaur finds. I think crediting that in some sort of note is important. It’s super interesting, so hopefully the author will add that to the final book!
Conclusion: I liked it and recommend this story to those who enjoy faith filled historical fiction.
I received an ARC from Netgally and was not required to give a review. All these thoughts and opinions are my own 🥰
November 20, 2024
When I requested to read this book, I wasn't sure what to expect, as I haven't read many of Kim Vogel Sawyer's novels. However the plot really intrigued me, and I was pleasantly surprised when NetGalley approved my request!
As I started reading, though, I realized this book was so much more than it seems!
The growth of the characters, the author's love for God evident on every page, the characters that held steadfast to their faith, even when time's were tough, and our main characters that helped each other so much in their faith and hope were such beautiful elements of the story.
I was really intrigued by the paleontology elements, and the dinosaur hunt.
I felt that the mental health topics were done very well, and in an educating and positive way!
I very much enjoyed this novel, and look forward to reading more from Kim Vogel Sawyer!
*Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
As I started reading, though, I realized this book was so much more than it seems!
The growth of the characters, the author's love for God evident on every page, the characters that held steadfast to their faith, even when time's were tough, and our main characters that helped each other so much in their faith and hope were such beautiful elements of the story.
I was really intrigued by the paleontology elements, and the dinosaur hunt.
I felt that the mental health topics were done very well, and in an educating and positive way!
I very much enjoyed this novel, and look forward to reading more from Kim Vogel Sawyer!
*Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 9, 2025
I love stories about finding dinosaur bones and this one captured my interest from page one. The characters we well developed and the author gave them real challenges.
Jennie Ward and her parents live isolated so her father, Claude, can daily examine a redwood pipeline that feeds to a nearby town and report any damage. That aspect of the story alone was very interesting.
Enter Leo Day, a student of paleontology from Denver, who wants ro search for dinosaur bones on the property near the Wards cabin. Leo is unusual, in that he wants to show the glory of God through excavating ancient bones.
A parallel story focuses on Claude Ward who had an accident and has slumped into depression, placing the bulk of his inspection job on daughter Jennie. New methods of handling depression were introduced in this time period.
Through the whole book there is a theme that God is in control and answers our prayers in His time.
This was a wonderful, historical story with interesting information and a sweet romance between two young people who want to honor their parents and God.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Waterbrook via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
Jennie Ward and her parents live isolated so her father, Claude, can daily examine a redwood pipeline that feeds to a nearby town and report any damage. That aspect of the story alone was very interesting.
Enter Leo Day, a student of paleontology from Denver, who wants ro search for dinosaur bones on the property near the Wards cabin. Leo is unusual, in that he wants to show the glory of God through excavating ancient bones.
A parallel story focuses on Claude Ward who had an accident and has slumped into depression, placing the bulk of his inspection job on daughter Jennie. New methods of handling depression were introduced in this time period.
Through the whole book there is a theme that God is in control and answers our prayers in His time.
This was a wonderful, historical story with interesting information and a sweet romance between two young people who want to honor their parents and God.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Waterbrook via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*
March 30, 2025
Hope's Enduring Echo is a Christian historical fiction novel that explores themes of family, hope, repentance, and redemption. I appreciate this deep, faith-filled journey, featuring interesting characters, and even elements of paleontology. (Unexpected but absorbing.)
I enjoyed witnessing Jennie’s internal growth as the story progresses. She is sweet and easy to like. But my favorite of the story is Leo. I connected with him immediately and admired his dedication and devotion.
While the pacing may be slow in some parts, the story is enriched with historical elements and an inspiring thread of faith, making it a touching read.
First Line: Arms outstretched like a tightrope walker, Jennie placed one foot in front of the other and kept a slow yet steady pace on top of the wooden pipeline running along the edge of the Arkansas River.
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Page Count: 352
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
I enjoyed witnessing Jennie’s internal growth as the story progresses. She is sweet and easy to like. But my favorite of the story is Leo. I connected with him immediately and admired his dedication and devotion.
While the pacing may be slow in some parts, the story is enriched with historical elements and an inspiring thread of faith, making it a touching read.
First Line: Arms outstretched like a tightrope walker, Jennie placed one foot in front of the other and kept a slow yet steady pace on top of the wooden pipeline running along the edge of the Arkansas River.
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Author: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Page Count: 352
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% my own.
December 9, 2024
Another wonderful Christian historical read!
Set in the hills of Canon City, Colorado in 1915, it is a story full of deep spiritual insights, characters who struggle with family issues and keep going through tough situations. This well-written story by a seasoned author will have you rooting for the underdogs and cheering with them in the end.
"Hold onto hope."
Leo and Jennie have a wonderful, caring friendship that is rare these days. Unselfish and hard-working young people who encourage each other and reach for hope, restoring their faith along the way. "Patiently waiting on the Lord is the essence of hope, Jennie."
The topic of biblical creationism that is woven into the storyline is interesting, alongside the theory of evolution that was pushed forward at that time. Also addressing mental health issues when psychology was a newer area of medicine, added even more depth to the story.
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy a solid Christian historical read, with a bit of squeaky clean romance. A good read for teens and up.
(An ebook was provided by the author via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Set in the hills of Canon City, Colorado in 1915, it is a story full of deep spiritual insights, characters who struggle with family issues and keep going through tough situations. This well-written story by a seasoned author will have you rooting for the underdogs and cheering with them in the end.
"Hold onto hope."
Leo and Jennie have a wonderful, caring friendship that is rare these days. Unselfish and hard-working young people who encourage each other and reach for hope, restoring their faith along the way. "Patiently waiting on the Lord is the essence of hope, Jennie."
The topic of biblical creationism that is woven into the storyline is interesting, alongside the theory of evolution that was pushed forward at that time. Also addressing mental health issues when psychology was a newer area of medicine, added even more depth to the story.
Highly recommend for readers who enjoy a solid Christian historical read, with a bit of squeaky clean romance. A good read for teens and up.
(An ebook was provided by the author via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)
November 11, 2024
Kim Vogel Sawyer has a way with creating characters to love and get frustrated with. I also like how she incorporates things that maybe aren't as well known into her stories. Hope's Enduring Echo explores part of the great dinosaur bone hunt of the 1800s, but it also explores how mental illness like depression affected people during that time and how it was treated (for good or bad).
I didn't realize there were wooden water pipes like what was mentioned in the story-or that they had to be checked on by walking the full length.
I enjoyed Jennie's story. I felt she had great growth over the course of the story. Leo was quite the gentleman who supported her and never made her feel less because of her lack of formal education and background.
I felt that the handling of Jennie's father's mental health was done in a very positive light showing the ups and downs and challenges for that time. The worry of being put in an insane asylum was always a concern--
There are great inspirational messages (as usual!) woven into the story about encouragement in the middle of storms and trusting in God for all outcomes.
4 stars
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of this to review. All opinions are 100% my own.
I didn't realize there were wooden water pipes like what was mentioned in the story-or that they had to be checked on by walking the full length.
I enjoyed Jennie's story. I felt she had great growth over the course of the story. Leo was quite the gentleman who supported her and never made her feel less because of her lack of formal education and background.
I felt that the handling of Jennie's father's mental health was done in a very positive light showing the ups and downs and challenges for that time. The worry of being put in an insane asylum was always a concern--
There are great inspirational messages (as usual!) woven into the story about encouragement in the middle of storms and trusting in God for all outcomes.
4 stars
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC of this to review. All opinions are 100% my own.
January 16, 2025
Cañon City, Colorado
June-August 1915
This is told by Etta, Jennie, and Leo. It is mostly a sweet romance, but it is also a story about faith and mental health. I liked the way this book ended. It has a happy ending, and everything is wrapped up.
June-August 1915
This is told by Etta, Jennie, and Leo. It is mostly a sweet romance, but it is also a story about faith and mental health. I liked the way this book ended. It has a happy ending, and everything is wrapped up.
May 29, 2025
4/4.5 stars ✨ I so enjoyed this sweet, beautiful, touching story! Check out all of my thoughts & content notes here: https://boundlessbookshelfreviews.blo...
December 31, 2024
"'I think hope is Mama's domain. I'm pretty well empty.' Leo nodded, that same gentleness glimmering in his eyes. 'Then stand in her echo until you catch some of it.'" - Chapter 10
This was a beautiful Christian historical romance, but it was also so much more. 17 year old Jennie has been through many trials and tribulations, and this was her story of finding God again, finding hope.
I loved the setting of Canon City and picturing the old rustic pipeline and cabin that Jennie's life centered around. Seeing how society worked and the hunger for education and to know more was a beautiful perspective, and Leo's as a paleontologist in training was very interesting to learn more about. Despite the historical setting I felt myself relating to both Jennie and Leo and loved their sweet, pure relationship, a refreshing shift from most YA romances.
Simple writing but a captivating setting and a beautiful mother and daughter relationship that almost had you praying with them for the restoration of their family. I loved seeing their prayers throughout the book and the way they all tied to the ending.
The only thing I would say is this book did a lot more telling than showing and there were a lot of repeated points such as Jennie's feelings being amounted to the fact that 17 was a "tumultuous age". I also think the ending happened quite quickly, but I appreciate Sawyer taking the time to add where they are now, where the progress has led.
I received an early copy from Net Galley and Kim Vogel Sawyer in exchange for an honest review.
This was a beautiful Christian historical romance, but it was also so much more. 17 year old Jennie has been through many trials and tribulations, and this was her story of finding God again, finding hope.
I loved the setting of Canon City and picturing the old rustic pipeline and cabin that Jennie's life centered around. Seeing how society worked and the hunger for education and to know more was a beautiful perspective, and Leo's as a paleontologist in training was very interesting to learn more about. Despite the historical setting I felt myself relating to both Jennie and Leo and loved their sweet, pure relationship, a refreshing shift from most YA romances.
Simple writing but a captivating setting and a beautiful mother and daughter relationship that almost had you praying with them for the restoration of their family. I loved seeing their prayers throughout the book and the way they all tied to the ending.
The only thing I would say is this book did a lot more telling than showing and there were a lot of repeated points such as Jennie's feelings being amounted to the fact that 17 was a "tumultuous age". I also think the ending happened quite quickly, but I appreciate Sawyer taking the time to add where they are now, where the progress has led.
I received an early copy from Net Galley and Kim Vogel Sawyer in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2025
Excellent story!
March 27, 2025
Hope’s Enduring Echo by Kim Vogel Sawyer – A Lovely, Enjoyable and Inspirational Read
Hope’s Enduring Echo is Kim Vogel Sawyer’s new book. I have only read one other book by this author. So glad I found this novel it was a lovely read, even with some weighty issues it addressed.
Hope’s Enduring Echo takes place in Canon City, Colorado in 1915. The story is about the Ward family, Claude, Edda, and their daughter Jennie. Claude’s job was to do a daily inspection of the wooden pipeline that brings water to the town of Canon City. The family live in a remote cabin near the pipeline and they have no neighbors. Other than their monthly trip to town and seeing the train passengers and crew, they do not see too many people. Claude had always taken pride in providing for his family. Thing changed two years ago when he sustained a serious injury to his leg. He was not able to do the inspections since then. His daughter Jennie has taken over the daily inspection of the pipeline. Claude’s leg was not the only wound, daily he seems to be losing the battle to melancholia.
Jennie has been homeschooled since the Wards moved to the cabin. She has missed being in school and having friends. That is why Jennie prayed that God would bring her a friend. Every day when the train passed by Jennie waved to the crew and passengers. One day a college student, Leo Day, got off at their stop. He had seen this girl waving what looked like a bone. Could it be a bone from a dinosaur? As a paleontologist, Leo wanted to take a closer look and find out where it came from. Could this young man be the answer to Jennie’s prayer for a friend?
I absolutely loved reading Hope’s Enduring Echo. It was such a change of pace from so many other books. Instead of being action packed, the story focused on the characters and their relationships and how they develop, grow, and change.
The best part of this book was the characters’ Christian faith. The characters strived to live out their faith, to apply the Scriptures to their daily life, choices, and how they responded to situations. I loved that when characters realized that they had acted unkindly or impatiently they showed repentance and strove to apologize and make amends.
When I think of Christian fiction, Hope’s Enduring Echo is a wonderful example of what I am looking for. The characters’ faith was integrated into who they were and how they lived their lives. Faith was an integral part of the storyline.
I also enjoyed the different characters, especially Jennie, Edda, and Leo. Claude struggled with depression it was painful to see him stuck in that cycle. I appreciate the tender and caring response his wife and daughter displayed. It was nice seeing the relationship between Jennie and Leo develop. I found Leo’s quest to locate dinosaur bones and the study of paleontology interesting.
I enjoyed reading Hope’s Enduring Echo by Kim Vogel Sawyer and I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more of this author’s novels, past and future books. Kim writes in a manner that takes me back to what Christian fiction was like when I was a new believer. Seeing the Christian faith as essential in the characters lives.
I would like to thank Waterbrook Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Hope’s Enduring Echo by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
Hope’s Enduring Echo is Kim Vogel Sawyer’s new book. I have only read one other book by this author. So glad I found this novel it was a lovely read, even with some weighty issues it addressed.
Hope’s Enduring Echo takes place in Canon City, Colorado in 1915. The story is about the Ward family, Claude, Edda, and their daughter Jennie. Claude’s job was to do a daily inspection of the wooden pipeline that brings water to the town of Canon City. The family live in a remote cabin near the pipeline and they have no neighbors. Other than their monthly trip to town and seeing the train passengers and crew, they do not see too many people. Claude had always taken pride in providing for his family. Thing changed two years ago when he sustained a serious injury to his leg. He was not able to do the inspections since then. His daughter Jennie has taken over the daily inspection of the pipeline. Claude’s leg was not the only wound, daily he seems to be losing the battle to melancholia.
Jennie has been homeschooled since the Wards moved to the cabin. She has missed being in school and having friends. That is why Jennie prayed that God would bring her a friend. Every day when the train passed by Jennie waved to the crew and passengers. One day a college student, Leo Day, got off at their stop. He had seen this girl waving what looked like a bone. Could it be a bone from a dinosaur? As a paleontologist, Leo wanted to take a closer look and find out where it came from. Could this young man be the answer to Jennie’s prayer for a friend?
I absolutely loved reading Hope’s Enduring Echo. It was such a change of pace from so many other books. Instead of being action packed, the story focused on the characters and their relationships and how they develop, grow, and change.
The best part of this book was the characters’ Christian faith. The characters strived to live out their faith, to apply the Scriptures to their daily life, choices, and how they responded to situations. I loved that when characters realized that they had acted unkindly or impatiently they showed repentance and strove to apologize and make amends.
When I think of Christian fiction, Hope’s Enduring Echo is a wonderful example of what I am looking for. The characters’ faith was integrated into who they were and how they lived their lives. Faith was an integral part of the storyline.
I also enjoyed the different characters, especially Jennie, Edda, and Leo. Claude struggled with depression it was painful to see him stuck in that cycle. I appreciate the tender and caring response his wife and daughter displayed. It was nice seeing the relationship between Jennie and Leo develop. I found Leo’s quest to locate dinosaur bones and the study of paleontology interesting.
I enjoyed reading Hope’s Enduring Echo by Kim Vogel Sawyer and I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more of this author’s novels, past and future books. Kim writes in a manner that takes me back to what Christian fiction was like when I was a new believer. Seeing the Christian faith as essential in the characters lives.
I would like to thank Waterbrook Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Hope’s Enduring Echo by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
March 26, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for my review copy.
Kim Vogel Sawyer's books are a must read for me. I look forward each year to her new book and again this book didn't disappoint. The book is a historical Fiction with a subtle romance thread. In this book we meet Jennie Ward walking the line checking the water pipe for signs of need for repairs. She is holding a bone her father's previous dog had found when the train goes by. She always waves and is waving the bone. Leo Day is a college student wanting to be a palaeontologist sees the bone from the train. This starts a friendship and search for more bones.
We then meet Etta Ward, Jennie's mother and Claude her father. Jennie is walking the line due to her father's accident that has left him with a limb and despondent. The book is written from Jennie, Etta and Leo's Points of view which gives more insight into the story. The book has a very strong faith element and deals with some serious issues.
Jennie is now 17 and shouldering the responsibility of her family with the Monday - Friday walking the pipeline but longs to study art. While she would love to have friends and study, she also feels the loyalty to her family. Her mother also feels the same burden knowing that life in the valley being so isolated is not good for her daughter and the monthly trip to the town isn't enough. I love the dynamic between mother and daughter and how they are holding on to hope and prayers.
Then we see Leo who has his own issues with his father. Coming from a long line of preachers it is expected Leo will continue the tradition. He thinks he knows best and Leo feels the rejection of his father. Leo is so intent on finding a dinosaur to prove himself to his father.
This book reads well and moves at a good pace. We see growth in the characters and understanding and hope. I love how Kim handles some of the tricky topics and doesn't just wash over them and give the easy way out. She highlights even back in the early 1900's how some problems are not just fixed but have to be sorted through. I did enjoy how it worked out and love the ending. Sorry is I am being vague but I don't give spoilers and so much happens after the first few chapters.
If you like historical fiction with a hint of romance, I am sure you will enjoy this book.
Kim Vogel Sawyer's books are a must read for me. I look forward each year to her new book and again this book didn't disappoint. The book is a historical Fiction with a subtle romance thread. In this book we meet Jennie Ward walking the line checking the water pipe for signs of need for repairs. She is holding a bone her father's previous dog had found when the train goes by. She always waves and is waving the bone. Leo Day is a college student wanting to be a palaeontologist sees the bone from the train. This starts a friendship and search for more bones.
We then meet Etta Ward, Jennie's mother and Claude her father. Jennie is walking the line due to her father's accident that has left him with a limb and despondent. The book is written from Jennie, Etta and Leo's Points of view which gives more insight into the story. The book has a very strong faith element and deals with some serious issues.
Jennie is now 17 and shouldering the responsibility of her family with the Monday - Friday walking the pipeline but longs to study art. While she would love to have friends and study, she also feels the loyalty to her family. Her mother also feels the same burden knowing that life in the valley being so isolated is not good for her daughter and the monthly trip to the town isn't enough. I love the dynamic between mother and daughter and how they are holding on to hope and prayers.
Then we see Leo who has his own issues with his father. Coming from a long line of preachers it is expected Leo will continue the tradition. He thinks he knows best and Leo feels the rejection of his father. Leo is so intent on finding a dinosaur to prove himself to his father.
This book reads well and moves at a good pace. We see growth in the characters and understanding and hope. I love how Kim handles some of the tricky topics and doesn't just wash over them and give the easy way out. She highlights even back in the early 1900's how some problems are not just fixed but have to be sorted through. I did enjoy how it worked out and love the ending. Sorry is I am being vague but I don't give spoilers and so much happens after the first few chapters.
If you like historical fiction with a hint of romance, I am sure you will enjoy this book.
June 14, 2025
If you were to just look at the cover of Hope’s Enduring Echo without reading the back, you would be thrown for a loop with the plot of this book. It appears to be a cozy, mountain romance, but then you find yourself reading about dinosaur bones, walking a pipeline, and mental health.
Jennie Ward secretly walks the town’s water pipeline to check for damage in her dad’s stead after an injury left him unable to physically perform the task. Her dad’s leg is healed, but he still refuses to return to his job, leading to Jennie and her mom Etta constantly praying for the old person to return to them.
At the same time, Jennie prays for a friend because she is lonely living in the country with just her parents. God provides one in Leo, a paleontologist college student who sees Jennie from the train carrying a bone which he believes belonged to a dinosaur. Jennie agrees to be his guide as they search for where her family’s deceased dog found the bone. As Leo gets to know the Ward family, Leo realizes that while Jennie’s dad may be healed physically, he most likely deals with melancholia. Can Leo help the Wards while searching for the bones he hope lead to a dinosaur?
If you’ve read anything by @kim_vogel_sawyer, you know that she has strong messages of faith throughout her novels. This book is no exception. One of the main questions she seeks to discuss is “Does God hear our prayers even when it seems like He’s silent?” Oof. That’s a doozy
We see three POV in Jennie, Leo, and Etta, which it is not overwhelming. Leo struggles with his identity as a paleontologist instead of a pastor like the long line of men before him. Etta and Jennie wrestle with continuing to have hope even when all feels hopeless.
As someone who has dealt with family members with depression and anxiety, I so appreciated how Sawyer deals with these mental health issues. While prayer is always the best option, the Lord also provides doctors and medicine to help in some situations.
The more I think about how Leo encourages Jennie and how Etta remains steadfast, the more I appreciate Hope’s Enduring Echo. Do yourself a favor and read it!!
Jennie Ward secretly walks the town’s water pipeline to check for damage in her dad’s stead after an injury left him unable to physically perform the task. Her dad’s leg is healed, but he still refuses to return to his job, leading to Jennie and her mom Etta constantly praying for the old person to return to them.
At the same time, Jennie prays for a friend because she is lonely living in the country with just her parents. God provides one in Leo, a paleontologist college student who sees Jennie from the train carrying a bone which he believes belonged to a dinosaur. Jennie agrees to be his guide as they search for where her family’s deceased dog found the bone. As Leo gets to know the Ward family, Leo realizes that while Jennie’s dad may be healed physically, he most likely deals with melancholia. Can Leo help the Wards while searching for the bones he hope lead to a dinosaur?
If you’ve read anything by @kim_vogel_sawyer, you know that she has strong messages of faith throughout her novels. This book is no exception. One of the main questions she seeks to discuss is “Does God hear our prayers even when it seems like He’s silent?” Oof. That’s a doozy
We see three POV in Jennie, Leo, and Etta, which it is not overwhelming. Leo struggles with his identity as a paleontologist instead of a pastor like the long line of men before him. Etta and Jennie wrestle with continuing to have hope even when all feels hopeless.
As someone who has dealt with family members with depression and anxiety, I so appreciated how Sawyer deals with these mental health issues. While prayer is always the best option, the Lord also provides doctors and medicine to help in some situations.
The more I think about how Leo encourages Jennie and how Etta remains steadfast, the more I appreciate Hope’s Enduring Echo. Do yourself a favor and read it!!
March 10, 2025
"Hope's Enduring Echo" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is another wonderful book by this author. The author does a great job with this historical novel set in Colorado alongside a water pipeline and train tracks. The history in this book with paleontology and how the water pipeline was inspected was really interesting. I've read a few books with Creation theology and paleontology but this was a first with the water pipeline and how that worked in the early 1900's.
This book focuses on 17 year old Jennie, who walks the 14 miles of pipeline 5 days a week on behalf of her father who is struggling with major mental health issues. Those issues and the emotions Jennie and her mother Etta experience are a large focus in the book. The book also has Leo, who sees Jennie carrying a dinosaur bone from the train one day bringing his love of paleontology into Jennie's life. These two become quickly enamored with one another and Jennie feels that his friendship and the timing of him coming into her life is an answered prayer.
I liked many of the supporting characters, especially the little pup Rags whose entrance in the book provides a heartwarming innocence only a pet can bring to the lives of those struggling.
This book is a Christian Historical Romance book and I really liked how much faith content is in the book. This is incredibly faith-filled and a wonderful book for fans of this genre. Someone not wanting to read a book with Christian faith elements would probably not enjoy the book because of the faith content. The mental health portrayal is done in a caring manner and the struggles seemed very real, though for someone who struggles with depression in their life, this book may be a difficult read for them.
Thank you to Waterbrook & Multnomah and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book focuses on 17 year old Jennie, who walks the 14 miles of pipeline 5 days a week on behalf of her father who is struggling with major mental health issues. Those issues and the emotions Jennie and her mother Etta experience are a large focus in the book. The book also has Leo, who sees Jennie carrying a dinosaur bone from the train one day bringing his love of paleontology into Jennie's life. These two become quickly enamored with one another and Jennie feels that his friendship and the timing of him coming into her life is an answered prayer.
I liked many of the supporting characters, especially the little pup Rags whose entrance in the book provides a heartwarming innocence only a pet can bring to the lives of those struggling.
This book is a Christian Historical Romance book and I really liked how much faith content is in the book. This is incredibly faith-filled and a wonderful book for fans of this genre. Someone not wanting to read a book with Christian faith elements would probably not enjoy the book because of the faith content. The mental health portrayal is done in a caring manner and the struggles seemed very real, though for someone who struggles with depression in their life, this book may be a difficult read for them.
Thank you to Waterbrook & Multnomah and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 12, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. I loved how faith played such an important role in each of the characters' lives. There was the reminder to trust in God, go to Him in prayer, persist in prayer, and hope. Hope even when things continue to look like they aren't going your way. Lean on other's hope if you can't find the strength to hope.
Jennie has taken over walking the water line for her father who had fallen months earlier. Though he should be improving physically, he was declining mentally, leaving his family dependent on Jennie doing his job so the family wouldn't lose their income and home. One day as she's walking the line Leo Day, a paleontology student notices her while looking out the train window. He's interested in discovering more about the bone she is waving around. They set off to find the rest of the skeleton.
Has God answered both of their prayers?
Yet they still have much adversity to go through, events that make them question God and what they thought was His will.
There were times I know I would have resisted submitting the way Jennie did to her parents. And I could see where I would have resented both Jennie's parents and Leo's father. But I appreciated seeing two families who were following biblical teachings and I felt they were good role models.
One thing that really excited me about this book in the first place was knowing that there was going to be a search for dinosaur bones. I wondered how the author would lean, whether young earth or old earth, creationism or evolution. I was pleased to see the characters bringing science and the Bible together.
I loved everything about this book and can't wait to read more by this author.
I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
Jennie has taken over walking the water line for her father who had fallen months earlier. Though he should be improving physically, he was declining mentally, leaving his family dependent on Jennie doing his job so the family wouldn't lose their income and home. One day as she's walking the line Leo Day, a paleontology student notices her while looking out the train window. He's interested in discovering more about the bone she is waving around. They set off to find the rest of the skeleton.
Has God answered both of their prayers?
Yet they still have much adversity to go through, events that make them question God and what they thought was His will.
There were times I know I would have resisted submitting the way Jennie did to her parents. And I could see where I would have resented both Jennie's parents and Leo's father. But I appreciated seeing two families who were following biblical teachings and I felt they were good role models.
One thing that really excited me about this book in the first place was knowing that there was going to be a search for dinosaur bones. I wondered how the author would lean, whether young earth or old earth, creationism or evolution. I was pleased to see the characters bringing science and the Bible together.
I loved everything about this book and can't wait to read more by this author.
I received an e-copy of this book through NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
March 26, 2025
Hope's Enduring Echo takes place in 1915 Colorado. Seventeen-year-old Jennie Ward had taken over her daddy's job of walking and examining the water pipeline that provided water to Cañon City after he fell and broke his leg when she was 15. Her father had slipped into depression after the fall and had never been able to return to his job. It was a heavily guarded secret as her family depended on the income and home that was provided by the Water Works Department. The first person to discover their secret was Leo Day, a young college student aspiring to become a paleontologist and to use that platform to prove the biblical creation story and his belief in young earth creationism. What better place to go on a dinosaur hunt than Colorado, the home of the Bone Wars from 1877 to 1892? Jennie had been without friends since moving to the pipeline. Leo seemed to be an answer to her prayer for a friend. And so began the summer of 1915. Readers will be moved by the many events that occur before that summer draws to a close. The author beautifully illustrates how God moves through prayer and through suffering when one allows oneself to have hope in the Lord and to place themselves and those they love in His care.
Kim Vogel Sawyer consistently writes sweet stories that address difficult themes. This story does not only address the controversial topic of creationism, but also mental illness. It addresses the first with a logically reasoned argument without being argumentative, and the second with great compassion. I highly recommend Hope's Enduring Echo, and all previous works by this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Kim Vogel Sawyer consistently writes sweet stories that address difficult themes. This story does not only address the controversial topic of creationism, but also mental illness. It addresses the first with a logically reasoned argument without being argumentative, and the second with great compassion. I highly recommend Hope's Enduring Echo, and all previous works by this author. I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
March 27, 2025
When Leo Day meets Jennie Ward, he is on a train and spots her from his window walking across the terrain with a large bone in her hand. Leo immediately identifies the bone that Jennie is carrying as an allosaurus bone and hops off the train to scramble toward her. Leo quickly explains that he is a paleontology student and befriends Jennie as he beguiles her to guide him across this land adjacent to her home as he searches for the remainder of the fossilized skeleton-- perhaps one of the most impactful and significant archeological digs of the time!
Readers quickly learn that Jennie has been walking the length of the Waterworks pipe to continually ensure there are no leaks or damage to the pipe-- a job which her father was originally hired to do but Jennie took over after her father had sustained an injury to his leg. We also learn that Jennie is an exceptionally apt and skillful daughter who has great concern for her family, and works dutifully to ensure her father's endeavors for the Waterworks company are satisfactorily carried out so they will be allowed to remain in their home. Throughout the course of the narrative, readers are introduced to a myriad of interactions between Vogel's beloved characters-- and the many emotions written into these interactions.
The narrative itself is written from a variety of character perspectives, which allows each character to more fully offer detailed explanations of their own unique roles. Throughout these perspectives we are offered glimpses into their worlds and their pathways of encountering and overcoming specific challenges posed.
Kim Vogel Sawyer is an excellent author and her novel Hope's Enduring Echo is a worthwhile read for any literature scholar or avid reader.
Readers quickly learn that Jennie has been walking the length of the Waterworks pipe to continually ensure there are no leaks or damage to the pipe-- a job which her father was originally hired to do but Jennie took over after her father had sustained an injury to his leg. We also learn that Jennie is an exceptionally apt and skillful daughter who has great concern for her family, and works dutifully to ensure her father's endeavors for the Waterworks company are satisfactorily carried out so they will be allowed to remain in their home. Throughout the course of the narrative, readers are introduced to a myriad of interactions between Vogel's beloved characters-- and the many emotions written into these interactions.
The narrative itself is written from a variety of character perspectives, which allows each character to more fully offer detailed explanations of their own unique roles. Throughout these perspectives we are offered glimpses into their worlds and their pathways of encountering and overcoming specific challenges posed.
Kim Vogel Sawyer is an excellent author and her novel Hope's Enduring Echo is a worthwhile read for any literature scholar or avid reader.
April 8, 2025
Some hope to forge a new path as they discover the past, some hope to find what they had or who they were, while others long to uncover who they’ll become. In all of this, our certainty and stability is found in the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hope’s Enduring Echo takes a reader on a beautiful and deeply emotional journey. Prepare to feel, prepare for words to drift out of focus as tears fill your eyes, and prepare to pause because there are profound moments worth reflecting on.
Told from three points of view — Jennie’s, Leo’s, and Etta’s, who is Jennie’s mother — this story features many contrasting details, which could be discussed with friends, family members, or a book club. The nuances are filled with spiritual truths, yet it doesn’t feel excessive. I’ve read many stories in which the setting is used skillfully to contribute to a scene, but it’s done exceptionally well in this novel. My attention was captured by the vivid descriptions from the first chapter.
The historical details are fascinating. However, some parts are heartbreaking to read since they deal with depression and isolation. You can’t help but feel for the characters.
Of all the verses that went through my mind as I read this book, these stood out: love in action (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7), shoes of peace (see Ephesians 6:15), and there’s a time for mourning and dancing (see Ecclesiastes 3:4).
Hope’s Enduring Echo is an incredible story about perseverance, holding on to faith, hope, trust, and gratitude when we’re tempted to give up.
Themes: Depression; isolation; loneliness; friendship; love; faithfulness; hope against hope
*Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Hope’s Enduring Echo takes a reader on a beautiful and deeply emotional journey. Prepare to feel, prepare for words to drift out of focus as tears fill your eyes, and prepare to pause because there are profound moments worth reflecting on.
Told from three points of view — Jennie’s, Leo’s, and Etta’s, who is Jennie’s mother — this story features many contrasting details, which could be discussed with friends, family members, or a book club. The nuances are filled with spiritual truths, yet it doesn’t feel excessive. I’ve read many stories in which the setting is used skillfully to contribute to a scene, but it’s done exceptionally well in this novel. My attention was captured by the vivid descriptions from the first chapter.
The historical details are fascinating. However, some parts are heartbreaking to read since they deal with depression and isolation. You can’t help but feel for the characters.
Of all the verses that went through my mind as I read this book, these stood out: love in action (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7), shoes of peace (see Ephesians 6:15), and there’s a time for mourning and dancing (see Ecclesiastes 3:4).
Hope’s Enduring Echo is an incredible story about perseverance, holding on to faith, hope, trust, and gratitude when we’re tempted to give up.
Themes: Depression; isolation; loneliness; friendship; love; faithfulness; hope against hope
*Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah for providing an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
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