Julia's Hope

Wortham Family #1

by Leisha Kelly

Like countless others in 1931, Samuel Wortham lost his job. And he lost his wife's inheritance, their home, and much of his self-respect. Samuel, his wife, Julia, and their two young children hitchhike from Pennsylvania to Illinois in hope of work. Caught on the road by a sudden storm, the Worthams take shelter in an abandoned farmhouse out of desperation.

Feeling oddly at home, Julia insists on finding the owner of the property, despite Samuel's objections, and asks for permission to stay. The owner is Emma Graham, a woman in her eighties who longs for home but can no longer live by herself. Emma and the Worthams work out a plan to live there together and restore the farm. Samuel struggles with not being able to provide for his family, and Julia and the kids confront unpleasant surprises when a busybody neighbor turns against them.

Julia's Hope is an endearing story of faith and faithfulness as Emma teaches the Worthams to live fully, give generously, and love unconditionally. She insists that the family grow where they are planted, like the garden they tend, and each member of the family is forever changed by her wisdom.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Adult Fiction, Adult

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2001

About the author

aka L.A. Kelly

A resident of Clayton, Ill., Kelly authored 11 books, including the best-selling historical fiction series centered around the Wortham and Hammond families—published by Revell/Baker Publishing Group. Her most recent book, The House on Malcolm Street, was published by Revell in September 2010.

Kelly, who home-schooled her two children, served as children's ministry director and youth minister at her family's church.

On January 25, 2011, Leisha and her son, Justice, were killed in a traffic accident.

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5-star rating is more for the spiritual backdrop and development of this book than for great writing skill or a well-conceived plot. It's a light read with a solid foundation.

I don't know if I can explain this very well -- I so admired the true Christian spirit embodied in these characters, and how they realistically lived out their faith amid life's challenges and hopes. That perspective was absolutely refreshing to me. No misguided theologies here, such as Pollyanna sunshiny everything-is-so-very-good faith, or your amount of blessing depends directly on your amount of blind faith, or God lets every little thing happen without much rhyme nor reason, or if you show a lack of faith in your words God will turn His back on you, or since God is good you better not spend any time in suffering or grief...well, I guess you get the idea!

Yes, there are a few "coincidences" turning a bad situation into good. I've seen God do the same for my family, just not as quickly as in the case of the Wortham family. For me, this was a story of the real God working in real ways in the lives of ordinary people. Recommended!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #1 This whole series (Wortham Family Series) remains one of my favorites. The order after this book is Emma's Gift, Katie's Dream. There is another series by Leisha Kelly that has these same characters--also very good, called the Country Road Chronicles: Rachel's Prayer, Rorie's Secret and Sarah's Promise (haven't read the last one yet). I love Leisha Kelly's style. She makes you really feel like you know the characters!

[Shari Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the spring of 1931, Samuel and Julia Wortham leave Pennsylvania with their two children, all of their belongings in three bags, and only $8. Samuel has lost his job, his wife's inheritance, and their home. They hitchhike to Illinois on the promise of a job, only to find out there is no job available.


When they are caught out on the road by a sudden storm, the Worthams take shelter in an abandoned farmhouse. Julia feels a sense of belonging, and longing for a place to stay, insists on finding the owner to ask for permission to stay.


That is when they meet Emma Graham, the 84 year old owner of the house, who left it because she could no longer manage to live on her own. She works out an agreement with the Worthams to live there together and restore the farm. Samuel struggles with not being able to work to provide for his family, and the family has more problems when Emma's neighbor turns against them, and that neighbor has his own secrets that he does not want the Worthams to discover.


I really enjoyed this story; it was sweet without being sentimental, and a realistic look at the struggles families had when there was no work to be found. The ending left me wanting more, but that is ok, as there are two more books in this series, Emma's Gift and Katie's Dream.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me of an adult version of Little House on the Prairie. With the hard times of the Depression, their reliance on the land, friends and God. Love the way the characters come to life and feeling like you know them. Enjoyed this first book so much, got the second book of Emma's Gift, as soon as I was done with this one.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet heart-warming story set in the "dirty thirties". I wonder how modern society would handle such a time? This story has no suspense, action, or other forces driving the story, it is simply a beautiful example of "love your neighbor as yourself". I look forward to more installments from this series.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! This is a wonderful series by a great author.

[Molly Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet plot line, but the characters lacked depth somehow. It was hard to invest in their story completely.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one I read many years ago when it was new – I remember picking it up at the library because I liked the cover and time period. I remembered very little detail about the story.

I appreciated the way the characters lived out an authentic faith. It’s always nice to read Christian fiction that isn’t a conversion story (though of course there’s a place for those). This had short chapters alternating POV’s between the husband and the wife which kept the story moving quickly. This was very much a story of faith and God‘s provision but it never felt hackneyed or as if this family was any more deserving than any other or received their blessings due to extraordinary obedience or sacrifice. They were simply blessed by God and by another’s faithfulness and did their part to pass on the blessing.

Of course I enjoyed all the details about fixing up the farmhouse - fixing up old homes/making a home from a hovel is one of my absolute favorite ultra specific niches dating back to my Boxcar Children days.

Emma’s country vernacular took a little deciphering at times to read (reminiscent of Janette Oke) but I appreciated that the Wortham children were not overly precocious (always an easy trap to fall into with children in inspirational fiction).

I look forward to continuing on with this author’s books about these characters

[Donna Pfeiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about a young family that lost everything because of the Depression. They are on their way on foot to take advantage of a job offer several states away from a family member. Close to their destination they find out there is no longer an employment opportunity and they find themselves in a small town, overwrought with others in the town facing the same plight. While seeking refuge from a storm, they find an old barn and then a deserted home. Feeling guilty as trespassers they end up staying in the empty house for several days. Guilt does then convict them to try and find the owner, hoping that since the house is deserted they will be allowed to stay, with the promise of fixing what they can. These are people of character and integrity, in spite of their dire circumstances. God "plants" them in this location, in this home, with a plan in mind to provide for their needs. A heart warming story to remind us God always has us in His hands and that no matter what we are going through we also need to be mindful of the needs of others.

[Stephanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the Mitford books meets the first book of the Boxcar Children, with echos of A Girl of the Limberlost. Some of my favorite books are those in which our main characters find a new place to live and settle in, making it their own. That is a central focus of Julia's Hope.

The writing impressed me. The characters' motivations and emotions were clear, rational, and real, without feeling overblown or caricature-ish.

Julia's passion for gardening and her knowledge of the edible wild plants inspired me. I want to be able to survive in the wilderness!

Definitely looking forward to the next book.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly, this book is set close to my hometown. I was shocked to read the name of the small town I live in. The writing was decent and I thought of writing Ms. Kelley and letting her know that I enjoyed a story about this area during the depression. After Googling her name, I was sad to find out she died in 2011 with her young son.

[Beverly Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I can't wait to read the second book in the series.

[Michelle Tollefson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read so far...hard to put down.

[Deborah Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story about how God can work in people's lives.

This is a wonderful story about how God works in the lives of his people. This family was struck by the hardships of the depression and how God brought them to the perfect place to not only bless them but the people around them.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

It's been a while since I've enjoyed a book as much as this one. It's nearly 2 AM, and I finally finished it. I just didn't want it to end.
I am reading the afterword. I see that this is Miss Kelly's first book. I'm really surprised. I enjoyed her writing so much, I felt as though somebody was actually telling the story rather than trying to make something up.
This is a story about a sweet family, very down on their luck, who lost absolutely everything. It was also a story about an elderly woman with a heart of gold. Somewhere along the way, between trying to find a place to live and just surviving, God put this sweet family and older widow together.
Emma, the older woman, had basically abandoned her home because she couldn't keep up with it any longer. She went to town to live with some people. But Emma always missed her home.
Along comes a family, who ends up at her home, more or less by accident. The rest is just a lovely story of how this all worked out for everybody.
I love this book and I totally recommend it.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book!

So realistic! Excellent character development! This family leaves home during the depression, after the father's job shut down; they lost everything, but were promised a potential job by a relative in another state, which then did not materialize. In a bad storm they shelter in an abandoned farmhouse. From there, despite fears, shame at their great need, judgements made about them; the Lord slowly opens a door of hope. No "perfect" characters here, but much grace brings each to a new place in their relationships within a small community where some learn how to care, share, change previous judgements and love one another.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this is good comfort reading, about people helping each other. Maybe things fall into place a little too often, and maybe Miss Hazel was almost too cranky to be believable, but then again, some people can really be that way. My favorite quotes: "At that moment, I found a lot to respect in an old lady set on enjoying life, no matter what." "I never met nobody happy, neither, that didn't give 'way more than they oughta. An' let folks take 'vantage of 'em now and again too. You leave it all in God's hands and you come out far better. I learned that a long time ago."

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Julia’s Hope by Leisha Kelly, Samuel Wortham is out of a job, like so many others in the early 1930s. Not only did his business close, but the investment he financed with money from his wife’s inheritance failed. The family has just a few dollars. Sam’s cousin says there’s work for Sam in Illinois, so the family is going to hitchhike from Pennsylvania.

Julia, Sam’s wife, is understandably angry with Sam over the lost investment, but she tries to keep a brave face for the children and make the trip an adventure.

It occurred to me then that I ought to pray for help in getting over the anger I felt towards Sam. But I didn’t do it. I guess it was easier to think that I’d forgiven him already and was just entitled to my feelings beyond that.

A few days into the trip, with money gone and the family eating in soup kitchens and sleeping wherever they can, Sam calls his cousin to tell him where they are. He’s told the job fell through and the cousin himself is looking for work.

But when Samuel stepped out of that office, looking like a stormy wind had dashed him against a wall of stone, the clouds descended over me and I turned away. I knew by his face. Dewey wouldn’t be coming. Dewey couldn’t carry all the hopes we’d pinned on him. We were alone.

One day, caught by a sudden downpour, the family takes refuge in an abandoned farm house. Something about it appeals to Julia and the children, so she proposes they find the owner and see if they might be allowed to stay in return for working on the place. Sam thinks the idea is crazy, but Julia is so set, he humors her.

They discover the homeowner is an elderly lady named Emma. She loves the house, but due to a heart condition and the loss of leg, she can’t live there alone any more, so she has been living in a boarding house in town. Though what the Worthams propose is unconventional, she agrees to let them stay at her house so that it doesn’t deteriorate further.

The Worthams feel like they are taking unfair advantage, though. So within a few days they propose a new situation: that Emma come out and live with them at the house. She agrees.

Emma and Julia both know how to live off the land – what greens are good for food or tea, how to plant seeds and cultivate vegetables etc. But Sam is totally out of his element. He has never farmed and he’s worried about Emma’s care. But there doesn’t seem to be anything else he can do, so he puts forth his best effort.

Emma is a town treasure, so many of her friends check on her and the Worthams. Some of her friends, however, suspect the Worthams have “sweet-talked” her and are out to milk her out of her property, and they make no end of trouble despite Emma’s assurances. One in particular “was a difficult sort, one who was pleased to be displeased.”

My thoughts:

I loved this story. Its main appeal to me is how clearly Leisha communicates the character’s feelings. I ached along with Sam in his financial predicament, his guilty feelings, and his loss of self-respect. I understood Julia’s struggle to put aside her anger, forgive, and attend to her children in a way that kept them hopeful, rather than afraid. I felt Emma’s joy at being home again.

But I also enjoyed reading about this time era, not one that I can remember seeing much in fiction. I enjoyed the gelling of a new family group. And I appreciate the way the people in the community helped each other though most of them didn’t have a lot themselves.

We all need each other, and that’s how the good Lord intended things to be.

“You think when that boy come bringin’ the Lord bread and fish, that the Lord shoulda just sat an’ ate it all his own self?”

“Well, no, he couldn’t. He fed the five thousand.”

“That’s right,” she said with a smile. “Didn’t look like it, but God’s got plenty for ever’body. So it don’t hurt me none to share.”

The point of view switches between Sam, Julia, and Emma, so we see their different perspectives. The faith element is woven in naturally.

This is the first book in a long time that I stayed up too late to read and had a hard time putting down. I immediately started reading the sequel, and I am looking forward to more with the Wortham family.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story--I was surprised at all the good turns of events showering upon the Wortham family, and near the beginning it almost became boring. But it surely wasn't a happy-go-lucky time for anyone, despite the loads of blessings Kelly incorporated into the struggles of the Depression. The external struggles--no money, no job, no means at all--combined well with the internal struggles of both Sam, whose despairing sense of failure was realistic and heart-breaking, and Julia, who is a picture of a fantastic female character. It's not often I read of a heroine in today's Christian fiction whom I genuinely admire. Julia achieved that. Their children were likewise heart-captivating (I couldn't blame Emma), and Robert ... oh, he didn't even have the strongest, most unique personality, and yet he did, and it shone through.

The irritating nature of the townspeople was also done wonderfully, and Emma showed a fantastic example of loving people without an expectation of receiving anything in return. Wonderful presentation of what I love most about the Depression era.

The Posts were also a fantastic representation of people we often know in real life--"good" people, yet missing something. Ooh, I bet their story is continued in the series, and I want to know how it goes.

The plot doesn't have the standard aspects of conflict and progress that many books do, though conflict certainly exists and the events of the story are certainly tied together. But for a debut novel, as I discovered Julia's Hope was, I thought it really quite good. The character list is what really made this book strong, and the rural Illinois setting--specifically farms--also came out extremely strong and vivid. Kelly included so much about foraging and edible plants and aspects of struggling farm life; this wasn't just a pleasant mind-numbing easy read. I could learn a thing or two from rereading.

And, of course, I won't complain about a book that shows the value of owning land and running a farm. Money is good and all, but when it comes down to it, food is what you need to get from day to day. We would do well to remember that before the financial system collapses.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia chooses to sing, to hope, to work at what’s at hand, using whatever skills and lessons her old grandma had given her. It’s a good thing, too, because she and Samuel are down to their last 60 cents, and there is no job, nor home, to amend that, and not many people are offering rides west.

Sure, she was furious at her husband for investing her inheritance, but it wasn’t his fault that the Great Depression had destroyed both the investments and the company he’d worked for. All over the country mines, factories and businesses were closing their door—banks, too.

She tries to hide from their two kids the desperate situation they are in, but when the family shelters from a raging storm in an abandoned farmhouse, the children agree with her that they want to make it their home. Poor Samuel! The city man looks about the farm, clueless how he’d do anything to meet all its needs. Besides, he argues, it’s against the law to move into someone else’s property!

But God.

This is a story of redemption, of forgiveness, of the power of Christian charity in its truest meaning to overcome darkness, depression and enmity. It is a lovely story, and I stayed up half the night to read it! It touched my heart with its model of caring for others without judgment.

[Maryann Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story, written in an old fashioned tone of voice. After the stock market crash of 1929, the Wortham family lose their income, their home, just about everything. With their two young children, they start to hitchhike to a family member's home, but discover enroute that the relative has also lost his job and cannot help them. After nights spent on the floors of churches and meager food, they stand by the side of the road when a terrific storm hits. They run for shelter to a barn across the field, which is so rickety it isn't much help. They notice a farmhouse across the field from the barn that appears abandoned. The house is in darkness and the door is banging against the porch. The family takes shelter for the night and Julia, the mother, falls in love with the home. They walk into town and discover that the home is owned by an elderly lady, Emma, who is living in a boarding house. When they visit her, miracles unfold both for the young family and for Emma. This is a very sweet story and I would like to give it 3 1/2 stars. It is the first in a series and I have the 2nd one on hold at the library.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julia and Samuel have traveled across the country with their two children, looking for a place to call home. When they come across an abandoned farm, Julia hopes they may have found it. While the owner is generous and kind, but the neighbors have other ideas.

This is told in the first person, alternating between Julia and Samuel, with occasional chapters from Emma. The emotions from all the characters came through and made it easier to relate with them all. They rely on each other and their faith to face the difficult circumstances in front of them.

The plot is slow, but not unbearably so. It takes its time in developing character and atmosphere. The cast is delightful, and every person is memorable in their own way.

For readers who enjoy Depression-era stories, this is a perfect read.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new Author to me. I really enjoyed this story. I love stories that focus on families. This is definately that. The Wortham family had lost almost everything. They end up sheltering at a farm and after a few days, meet up with the owner.........
I don't want to spoil this for anyone, so just saying read this. It is faith based too. They certainly had lots of trials to overcome, and sometimes their faith wavered, but that is true to life. This book hasn't really got romance or suspense or anything, but a good Christian family saga. I guess the main points would be treat people as you would like to be treated, give generously and trust God to supply your needs. I read this via Kindle Unlimited. Now onto the 2nd book in the series.

[Joan R. Craven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Lived This Book!!!!!

I can't wait to tell my friends about this book! Leisha Kelly is such a good writer! The book was so good that it was hard to turn the light off at night!! The story takes place during the depression. The main characters in the story have lost their jobs and there are none to be had. They have had to leave their home and start out on foot traveling to a family member's home. But circumstances come along and God has a different path in store for them.

You will encounter several different personalities that see things differently than they are. It is so worth reading.....it is a beautiful story!!!

[Deirdre · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick and enjoyable read. I’m not normally a reader of Christian literature but I picked this up at a little free library and was interested in the era of the dust bowl and the depression. It wasn’t clear from the cover that it was a Christian story.

It was told from the point of view of three of the main characters. Compared to Grapes of Wrath, this is more of a parable with a happy ending for those wonderful Christians who look after each other. That’s a bit of sarcasm) I loved many of the protagonist generosity but I didn’t find it necessary or realistic story, just a happy one. Maybe that’s my problem with some Christian literature.

[Gretchen Vandeneynden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found the opening parts of the book long and not too interesting. The novel picked up and was quite touching in the latter half. The novel is told in the views of three people: Julia, Sam, and Emma. Sometimes Julia talks about her views and the same with the others. The person I liked best was Emma. She was kind of an angel on earth. She seemed to be there for everyone when they needed a place to stay, a garden, a baby delivered, or food. Would read the follow up books. A very kind, Christian type of story..

[Lynne Tagawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first this book seemed a bit depressing. The setting is the Great Depression, and the story opens with a man thrown out of work and he and his family on the road. Their destination? A possible job. But it's a gritty story, and well-crafted, and soon the reader is drawn in to a fascinating tale of faith and hope against a backdrop of need and nagging doubt. It's the first of a trilogy, and the characters are well-drawn. It's a clean story too, despite some of the ugliness that real life brings--something a teen could read.

[Mrskron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I found myself immersed in this book from the first pages, and simply had to force myself to put it down. As I continued to read, I found myself more aware of God's goodness to me and his many mercies. I found myself praying more, longing for the faith that the character, Julia, exemplifies. For me, that is what I want from a Christian book. Such a great encouragement and example of what following Jesus can be like. I loved this book! I will be reading all I can of this author.

[Kari Rimbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Family lost everything in the crash of 1929. The beginning of the book is the high point, though tension is maintained throughout the story.

Great dialogue. Finished this book before realizing it was a debut novel. Written in first-person, which isn't my usual preference. Only one oops to mention - In one scene, the foraging-wise main character makes a meal for her family out of potato sprouts. Those are toxic. Overall, a great reminder to consider the needs of others and be slow to judge intensions.

[DustBunniesAndBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the realistic characters and the truths in this story. The Depression was indeed a hard time. However, as portrayed in this story, those who lived in rural areas and who had livestock and food from the land fared a little better. Not many books give me food for thought, but those that do--such as this one--are the ones I give five stars. I've already reserved the next book in the series from my library.