Rachel's Prayer

Country Road Chronicles #2

by Leisha Kelly

The Wortham family has been tested through hard times of injury, illness, and loss. But with the world on the brink of war, they are about to be tested again. And this time, they'll face the ultimate one of courage and survival. Just days after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Robert Wortham and Willy Hammond enlist. As they head off to fight, their families are left behind to deal with fears of what lies ahead for their beloved brothers and sons. Armed with their faith in God and a bold prayer from Robert's girlfriend, Rachel, the Worthams and Hammonds can only hope for peace, strength, and a greater understanding of God amidst this cruel conflict that could forever change the future of both families. The continuing story of the Wortham family and book 2 in the Country Road Chronicles, Rachel's Prayer is a powerful saga of courage and faith during the Second World War.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, World War II, Romance, Christian Historical Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2006

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

[Beverly Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could read these books all day. I am so sorry that the author is not with us anymore.

[Shari Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this 2nd book of The Country Chronicles series, the Worthams and the Hammonds are tested once again with the world on the brink of war. After the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Robert Wortham and the three oldest Hammond boys head off to fight, and the families are left behind to deal with their fears, and can only pray for peace, strength, and a greater understanding of God in this conflict that could forever change the future of both families.


I enjoyed this story; although it had its share of heartbreak, it's a story of hope also. More character driven than plot driven, it's a nice "slice of life" story about how the families of those in the military coped during WW2.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth in a series about the Worthen family. You have to be fond of the people to stay with it. I'm impressed with their faith, frugality, and ingenuity. They have a great love for God and their fellow men.

[Tamra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars better than previous books in the series but not as good as Julia's Hope. This would have been 4 stars but George Hammonds antics made me want to throw the book against the wall. Enough was enough..... I still enjoyed seeing the characters grow and change.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Rachel’s Prayer, WWII is in full force. Several young men from the Worthams’ Southern Illinois area enlisted, including Robert, the Worthams’ only son, and three of the next-door Hammond boys. Frank Hammond desperately wanted to, but his limp and inability to read kept him out of the service.

The Hammond’s father, George, handles his sons’ leaving like he handles everything else: by not handling it and withdrawing. He has not handled life well since the first books, but he took a downward turn when his wife died, leaving him with ten children. Throughout this book the family begins to think it’s not just drinking and laziness that affect George. There’s something fundamentally wrong with his thinking. He would probably be diagnosed with depression today.

Rachel is Robert’s girlfriend, and his sister and parents are getting used to the idea that he’s grown up and will probably propose once he gets back home.

With that many young men going off to war, it’s inevitable that some won’t come back and some will come back changed. The folks at home deal with uncertainty and sorrow not only across the sea, but in their own neighborhoods.

But even though there are sad parts to this book, God works through the sadness to strengthen and draw people closer to Himself. Ultimately Sarah finds it good to “to let my future, my heart, and his, rest where he said they belonged: in the hands of God. No other hands could be so capable. None could be more generous, more able to give peace in trials, strength in despair, and understanding in the midst of a confusing world.”

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Country Road Chronicles series. I didn’t know that when I picked it up at the bookstore. It was hard to get into the book at the beginning. Mainly keeping the characters straight. This book is of the teamwork of neighbors coming together during the war. It’s of heavily relying on God to get through hard times. I would like to read more of this authors books! I see her and her son were tragically killed in an accident. How sad!

[DustBunniesAndBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th of seven books, and I think it's my favorite so far. I'm sad that I only have more left. Love the characters...they are so real and relatable. This particular story hits some hard topics. The characters doubt, have fears, have a hard time seeing God in their pain. And yet they make the choice to praise God anyway.

[Kitty Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

I enjoyed reading about their struggles and faith. The families took care of each other. It was interesting to hear from the characters.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

characters are realistic. Book reads a little slow for me.

[Bethany Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good book! Through loss the families came together to help one another. Only thing I didn't like was we needed more of Rachel in the story after l her name was the title of the book

[jimtown · Rating 3 out of 5]

After waiting three weeks for Crow's Lake at the library, I realized I'd already read it, so I looked for something else to take my mind away and chose the next two books by Leisha Kelly, giving her a second chance.

I like reading her books but the last one I'd read, Rorey's Secret started to get monotonous with the worrying so I hadn't planned to continue reading the series but since I didn't have another title in mind and these were handy, I started Rachel's Prayer and it starts out as WWI begins. It seems to be recapturing my interest. I hope it holds!

Rachel's Prayer had a good message that I don't often see. It tried to explain why there are hard times, death, war and other tragedies in the world. It was something I'd not really thought about much and it made me think anyway.

This is the fourth out of five books by Leisha Kelly that I've read and I have the fifth book, Sarah's Promise here and read the first chapter last night.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my new favorite series of books. Oh how I came to love these two families who eventually merged into one. Each book in this series teaches strong Christian principles without becoming preachy. I love the lesson of learning to trust in the Lord regardless of the circumstances or how hard life is treating you. Not only did I love the lessons but I came to love each of these characters with all their flaws. I am only saddened that there will be no more stories of the Wortham family. Now all these years after this book was first published it still stands strong and for me it's as good as any of the "great American novels". I am sure that the Lord met Leisha and said "Well done my child!"

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book much better than the previous one in the series. Now that I've gotten all the characters straight, I can identify with them more closely & want to know what happens next. It gave me much insight into the feelings of ordinary people during WWII when so many young men were going off to fight, many not returning. I was surprised at how resourceful rural women were such a short time ago when medical treatment wasn't readily available or was too expensive.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy read Leisha Kelly's books. This one is the 2nd in the Country Road Chronicles. It is set right after the attack of Pearl Harbor. The book deals with how people are coping with WWII and their love ones going off to fight.

[Cws]

YA Kel

[Elaine]

424
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[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this, very simple honest characters. Part of a series, I would like to read the other books too.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best yet, at least in terms of spiritual issues. This book addresses some of the most often asked questions about God. Aside from that, the story itself is a good one. Well worth your time.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a feel good series, but an uplifting one of God's faithfulness to our needs and our faith in Him. Good Christian fiction.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fine work by Leisha Kelly. This book has a somber tone since it deals with the World War II time period. Ms. Kelly's strong Christian faith is also very clear in this title.

[Abigail Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the Country Roads Chronicles by Leisha Kelly.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been recommending Leisha Kelly books to a lot of friends--what better review than that?

[Lu]

Family saga; christian; WWII

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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