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In Leisha Kelly's well-received novel, Julia's Hope, Samuel and Julia Wortham and their two children charmed readers as they found shelter in the home-and heart-of a grandmotherly woman named Emma Graham.

Now, in Emma's Gift, the Wortham family is struck down by the deaths of two close friends, including their neighbor Wilametta Hammond, just days before Christmas 1931. Wila is the mother of ten children and the glue that holds the family together. In his grief, her husband, George, ignores the children and has no will to live. Sam and Julia step in to help, but how can they manage ten extra children when they barely have enough for themselves? Can George overcome his grief and become the father his children need? And if Emma's nephew takes ownership of her land, will the Worthams be allowed to stay?

Masterfully told from the perspective of both Samuel and Julia, Emma's Gift is an unforgettable story of God's faithfulness and peace and of the seasons of life that shape each of us.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

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About the author

Leisha Kelly

16 books73 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Shari Larsen.
436 reviews61 followers
January 1, 2015
This second book of The Wortham Family Series picks up a few months after the first book, Julia's Hope, left off. It's December in 1931, and their neighbor Wilametta Hammond has just died, leaving behind 10 children. On that same day, the loss of another loved one leaves Julia and Samuel reeling, but before they mourn their own loss, they are left to pick up the pieces when Wilametta's grieving husband George just gives up, and it's up to the Wortham's to care for the Hammond children the best that they can, even though they can barely provide for their own two children. But even amidst their grief, both families discover an unexpected gift of hope.


As sad as the premise of this book was, I still really enjoyed the story. It was hard to put down once I started reading it. It was a very touching story, without being sappy or overly sentimental, a very authentic look at how so many people during the Great Depression had to struggle and make do with what they had.


You can read this as a stand alone story, but it will be a much more meaningful story if you read Julia's Hope first, especially so that you can get the background story of how the two families became neighbors, then later friends.
Profile Image for Stacy.
1,361 reviews8 followers
October 2, 2008
Second in the Wortham family series of Christian fiction books by Leisha Kelly. I hesitate to "only" rate it 4 stars, as I rated the first one ("Julia's Hope") 5 starts. I'd give this one 4.5 if GoodReads would let me. I liked it very much, but not quite as much as the first one. Still a very good read, with wonderful examples of faith and love. I'm almost dreading reading the last in the series, because I don't want these to end. I'm really enjoying these books and am hoping the next series by Kelly will pick up on some of these characters. I like the time frame (the Great Depression), the details about daily life and the characters very much.

Great read if you like good, old-fashioned, homespun Christian fiction.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
891 reviews23 followers
June 15, 2025
I enjoyed spending more time with these characters but the grief and sorrow made for a heavy read. This story begins with two sad losses and then the rest of the book (excepting the last 30 or so pages) we watch the Wortham and Hammond families survive the first few days of grief over those losses. This is a good story that ends on a helpful note, and real growth is shown in the characters as we come to know and care about them more– but the heavy and sorrowful tone of the book made it tough to read at times.
2,286 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2016
I was saddened by the loss of Emma and Wilametta (characters in the book) but admired how several of the characters did what had to be done despite their grief and how the community pulled together to embrace the Worthams right after Emma's death. I also liked how Julia stood up for the Hammonds to Emma's nephew because she'd promised Emma she would, and I liked seeing how the Wortham and Hammond families ended up working together to make it through the tough times of the Great Depression.
Profile Image for Barbara Harper.
860 reviews44 followers
October 15, 2018
Emma’s Gift is the sequel to Julia’s Hope by Leisha Kelly. I think you could read and understand the second book without the first one, but you’d get much more out of the story with both of them. Plus, since Julia’s Hope will probably be one of my favorite books read this year, I encourage you to read it, too.

In Julia’s Hope, Julia and her husband, Samuel Wortham, and their two children lost everything during the Depression. They were hitchhiking east to get a job with Samuel’s cousin when they got word that the job fell through. Totally alone and with no hopes, they find shelter in an abandoned farmhouse. Then Julia gets the idea that perhaps the owner would let them stay in return for fixing up the place. They find the owner, Emma, who is an elderly amputee who can no longer live alone. She agrees to the arrangement, much to the consternation of some of her friends who think the Worthams are taking advantage of her. Before long the Worthams suggest that Emma come back to the farmhouse and stay with them, which she agrees to do, and they become something of an adopted family for each other.

Emma’s Gift picks up the story several months later. Emma was not in good health in the last book and knew her time was soon coming to an end. She passes away near the beginning of this story. It’s not unexpected, yet it’s still a blow to the family. But then their neighbor, a mother of ten children, passes away the same night, totally unexpectedly. The Worthams take in the children while the woman’s husband, George, deals with his grief. While glad to help, and, really, having no choice, an addition of ten children, one a newborn, weighs heavily. Helping the children through their grief while dealing with their own is a challenge.

Uncertainty also weighs on both families as their houses and land were owned by Emma. Emma had tried to give the Worthams the deed to the house they were in, but Samuel refused at the time. George has been unable to make any payments for months, if not years, and Emma wanted to forgive the debt. But now her affairs are in the hands of her nephew, so everyone has to wait to see whether he’ll abide by Emma’s wishes or take the property as his own.

Some of the townspeople bring food out and stay to help with the children, which helps Julia to feel that they are finally accepted. Some of the men help Samuel deal with George, who is on the verge of doing something stupid.

Even though the first part of the book is heavy with grief, please don’t let that deter you. The light does break through in the end, and it’s heartwarming to see the progression.

The point of view switches back and forth between Julia and Samuel. Two themes emerged for me: that everyone has something to give to help others no matter how much or little they have, and when you’re weighed down almost to the breaking point, God’s grace sufficient.

A few favorite quotes:

It made me feel good inside to love her right over top all the rough edges.

Kissing cheeks, passing plates, even listening to George pour out his woes one more time over a late cup of root coffee—it was all the work of God. Because people need each other. And sometimes we don’t realize how much we have to give until we’ve started giving it.

It doesn’t take away the pain of this world. But just knowing the outcome can stop the ache that comes in the middle of some lonely night, or can give you words to make a crying child smile again. God is faithful. Our shelter in the time of trouble. Our refuge in the time of storm. We don’t always know what he’s given us. When we’re deep in the hurt of some awful moment, we don’t always know what good things God has prepared for the days ahead. But we do know so much of himself has been given to our hands. To cherish. To rest in. And especially to share.


These two books are all I have ok Kelly's books so far, but there is another sequel, and then another three-book series with some of the same characters as well as a Christmas story. I’d like to get to the rest of them some day. In looking up Leisha Kelly after reading the last book, I was sad to discover that she and her teenage son had died in a car accident some years ago. But I am glad she left this legacy behind.
Profile Image for Tiffany Murphy.
827 reviews84 followers
November 30, 2017
Emma’s Gift continues the story of the Wortham Family, that we were introduced to in Julia’s Hope. Several months have passed since the end of book one and we find this sweet family has become more comfortable and used to living on a farm. But, shortly into the story, we find both their family and the neighboring Hammond family struck by tragedy. The Worthams are dealing with the deaths of two close friends, one of which is Wilametta Hammond, the mother of the family next door. In the midst of their own grief, Sam and Julia are trying to help the ten Hammond children through the devastating loss of their mother, only days before Christmas. Their father, in his grief, is ignoring his children and has no will to live at all, so they have taken the Hammond children in. Sam and Julia want desperately to help all they can, but how can they manage ten additional children when they barely have enough for themselves? How can George overcome his heartbreak and become the father his children need? Meanwhile, both families also have to face the very real possibility that Emma’s nephew may not respect her wishes about the two farms after he takes ownership. Will he allow the two families to stay in their homes, as Emma wanted? And, if he doesn’t, where will they go?

I really enjoyed reading what has been happening with this sweet family. I loved how Sam and Julia have grown in their faith and are now able to trust in God’s provision, in all circumstances. Because of this, they’re both able to rise to the very difficult circumstances in front of them and find comfort in their faith, the people that God has placed in their lives, and each other. The characters in this amazing series are so well written that you can’t help but to fall in love with them. I’m glad this isn’t the end because I’m looking forward to reading more and continuing with this family’s journey.
Profile Image for Bethany Swafford.
Author 48 books90 followers
April 12, 2019
Winter has come to Illinois. Julia and Samuel are hit hard by the death of their closest neighbor's wife, Wilametta Hammond, and that of the woman who had taken them in, Emma. Can they manage to keep themselves going and help their grieving neighbor?

When I read the first book, I'd thought the story had ended so I was surprised when I realized there were other books. This picks up several months after the first book, and within a few pages, the tragedy hits. Julia's grief and how she struggles to keep things together made me sympathize with her.

The chapters alternate between Julia and Samuel, showing the struggles of the times and the faith they have shaken by what they have experienced. This time, there is a houseful of children that need guidance, but each one manages to be distinctive in their own way.

The ending was my favorite part and now I'm curious what the third book could possibly have to offer in the series.
Profile Image for Kristie Leaphart.
480 reviews
December 3, 2025
This was a really beautiful story but was slow to get into. I didn't know when I started it that it was the 2nd book in the series, and maybe if I had read the 1st one, I would have been more invested from the beginning.
Told from Julia and Samuel Wortham's POV and takes place in 1931.
Days before Christmas, their family suffers a double loss that effects not only them but their neighbors as well. Wilametta Hammond, mother of 10, dies and her husband George doesn't know how to cope. Julia's faith wavers in this tragedy while trying to care for the 10 children (plus her two) and mourn her friends.

This is a faith based historical fiction novel
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Susan Hylton.
309 reviews11 followers
December 17, 2022
There was something about this book, the writing was smooth. It fit, the story didn’t strain to make sense of what doesn’t make sense, death and loss but is instead filled with acceptance, even as the characters swirled in mistakes and misunderstandings and sadness and fear, the underlying thread of faith and provision could still be traced. A lovely, thoughtful Christmas read.
Profile Image for Janet.
636 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2023
Although I did enjoy this one, I didn't feel it was as good as the first one. Maybe because of the subject matter maybe.
I did love though, the fact that people rallied round when things were really hard. There is so much I'd like to say, but don't really want to spoil it for anyone. Just to say, it is best to read the first book first, to really get the most out of this one.
I own this on my kindle.
Profile Image for Robin.
47 reviews
October 18, 2025
The second in her series and again sweet. I am not sure what I thought of the character development this time as part of me didn't think that the characters lined up with their character development from the first book but then I thought how sometimes that is true enough to really life when we go through a hard trial, so I let that be. I'm on to the next in the series so that says something!
Profile Image for K.
167 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2017
Amazing story!

Wow what a beautiful story. Through all the good times and bad times our God will be by our side along with our savior Jesus Christ. It's amazing what prayer can bring to you. Thank you again and can't wait to read more of your books
Profile Image for Penny.
16 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2017
Awesome read

Love it. So many emotions and good lessons of life. I love a book that has good Christian values in it .
Profile Image for A Busscher.
805 reviews
February 21, 2018
Bit slower than the first one, great skimmer. the last page was my favorite part
Profile Image for Stephanie.
86 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2018
I liked the continuation of the story, but this second installment was a little slower-paced and pretty depressing. Still liked finding out how everything ended up, though.
1,141 reviews
April 30, 2019
This story takes place in 1931 during the Great Depression. It is a story of heartbreak (a mother of ten dies), healing, and love shown through church friends and the community.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
226 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2019
Leisha's books always help me love God a little bit more.
15 reviews
March 10, 2022
real life.

This book had every emotion in it. More than anything it had the Love of God and His mercy and Grace all through it.
Profile Image for Dee.
83 reviews
June 12, 2022
Christian Fiction. Quick read and a good message.
Profile Image for Connie.
256 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2023
This is the second in a series. Very good storytelling with time period accuracy in the reading. The love of this family is very unselfish. I especially like Lizbeth. She needs her own book.
Profile Image for Lisa Pisa.
3 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2023
So ein ermutigendes Buch!
Die erste Hälfte des Buches ist nicht so leicht zu lesen, aber alles danach ist es wert das durchzuhalten.
Wie eine der Protagonistinnen immer sagte und damit die Bibel zitierte: “Alles hat seine Zeit, eine Zeit zum Weinen und eine Zeit zum Lachen, eine Zeit zum Klagen und eine Zeit zum Tanzen.”
Ich liebe diese Buchreihe und die tollen Personen darin.
1 review
May 21, 2018
Heartwarming, real, inspiringly Christian.

The characters are so realistic and believable. I fell in love with Emma. I relate so much with Julia--her self-doubt and strength without knowing it. A wonderful 3 book set.
Profile Image for Debbie Phillips.
730 reviews48 followers
May 21, 2014
I loved this book. It was as good as the first in the series – Julia's Hope

This book does start with loss. Terrible Loss. Sadness. Pain. It was hard to read at times.

But there is hope. With God there is always hope. Hope for restoration and help to deal with the hard things in life. Help to go on even when we don't feel like it. Even when life is hard. Help for ourselves and help to serve others even when we are feeling pain ourselves. This is a very hard thing to do.

There are many many GREAT points in this book. I could quote so many things. I will try and give you just a few so you see how wonderful this book is.

“We could at least show them that when you're down and out, there's no reason to expect to stay that way. That what you do with the little details of your life really matters, not only in the way others perceive you, but even more in the way you perceive yourself. Because people generally live out the picture they have of themselves, good or bad.” (pg 189)

“...'You're a lucky gent, you are.'
'Wasn't luck, Samuel told him. 'Providence. We've had God's help this whole day.' He looked at George. There wasn't a word between them, but somehow there didn't need to be.
'The Almighty has a way a' showin' his hand,' George said in agreement. 'Even when we's too dull to wanna look.'
I saw Mr. Post swallow hard and look down at his boots. He didn't say anything, not until the doctor was done and gone out the door.
'Mama said once...' he started, and then hesitated. 'Mama said when things is hard, that's when God does his miracles, 'cause there ain't nobody standin' in the way thinkin' they can do better.'” (pg 291)

“It made me think of how God does the same thing. When we have nothing left, he hands us something new, something beautiful, that we could never have managed on our own.” (pg 312)

“We don't always know what he's given us. When we're deep in the hurt of some awful moment, we don't always know what good things God has prepared for the days ahead. But we do know so much of himself has been given to our hands. To cherish. To rest in. And especially to share.
To everything there is a season. To dance. To laugh. To rejoice again. To pick up a child and go swirling around the room the way George did when he got swept up in the music. Life goes on. And on. For eternity. And just gets better, if we have each other. If we have God.” (pg 314)


I highly recommend reading Julia's Hope and Emma's Gift, especially if you are going through hard times yourself right now. If you look up Julia's Hope by Leisha Kelly you should see my review of that one... if you are interested.

I just went to her Goodreads page to see if there were more books in this series and noticed that she died in a car accident in 2011 with her son. She was 2 years younger than me. So sad to hear that. There is one more book in the series, I don't own it, I do own books 1 and 2 thanks to the Holman's... I just ordered book 3 Katie's Dream from the library. Hope it comes in soon.
1,535 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2016
Well, if I complained that in the last book everything working out seemed a little contrived, then in this second book, everything going wrong also seemed contrived - except for the fact that I have had times myself when multiple people I loved died close in time for unrelated reasons. It was an interesting read, to see how the survivors all coped differently with death and grief. I could relate to Julia entertaining the children by getting them to help with cooking and baking, because I've done the same thing. I thought the conversations between people were believable. One of the other reviewers called this series "adult versions of The Little House on the Prairie series" and I can see that.

My favorite quotes:
"Bad as we hurt, and even though I'd been handling it all so poorly, God was trying extra hard just to let us know He was here with us. I hoped the kids noticed, especially Lizbeth."
"And that would help the same faith grow solid in them. Because nothing helps you gain something more truly than having to teach it."
"Mama said when things is hard, that's when God does His miracles, 'cause there ain't nobody standin' in the way thinkin' they can do better."
"It made me feel good inside to love her right over top all the rough edges."

SPOILER -

When I read about Julia being upset over Emma dying away from home, instead of at home like she'd hoped, I could just envision Emma being so awed and astonished with Heaven, that she wouldn't care how she got there anymore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews

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